Can't Make You Want Me, Chapter 2
by Moonchild DJ and Sukino
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Sukino: *stumbles in sleeply mumbling*. . .new chappie. . .yay. . .*yawns*
Moonchild DJ: *quirks a brow* What's up with you, 'kino-chan, run off of your sugar high? *giggles*
Sukino: Oh hush. . . .just a little tired from. . .umm I don't know Staying up with you every night all night! *smiles*
Moonchild DJ: *sweatdrops* I didn't tell you to RP till the wee hours of the morning, ya know...
Sukino: demo. . .we were on a roll. . .I just couldn't go. . .
Moonchild DJ: *giggles and huggles* You mean YOU were on a roll, you were inspired by your RP-muse, ne?
Sukino: I suppose so. . . *huggles back* wanna who it is?
Moonchild DJ: *blinks* Who?
Sukino: *huggles again* YOU!!!
Moonchild DJ: *blushes* Awwww! Little ol' me? I didn't do anything..it was all you! *smiles*
Sukino: *shakes head* Nope. . . you are too!! We always do the bestest work together just like this fic. . .
Moonchild DJ: *nods* Hai! We DO do great work...this fic being one of them! Hopefully everyone likes this chappie..
Sukino: *nods* yeah I hope so. . .suppose we should go work onone of the other fics ne?
Moonchild DJ: *sighs* Yes..think we bit off more than we can chew?
Sukino: well we just love our Jou and Seto and we have lots of fics to express that love. . . . too bad we don't own the Yugioh cast. . .*sighs*
Moonchild DJ: Or our favorite couple..but we DO own the story and its plot, ne? That's something...
Sukino: *nods* better than nothing! *smiles*
Moonchild DJ: *giggles* Enjoy the chappie, minna-chan!
Sukino: Bai Bai!! *waves* And don't forget to review!!
Moonchild DJ: *nods enthusiastically* Reviews make us happy!! Ish better than sugar! *bounces happily onward*
SailorS84: Sukino: Hey I never said that!!! *runs after her*
**********
Seto was in a fine mood the next morning at school, the storm cloud hanging over his head enough to make everyone skirt him, plus the scowl marring his face as he walked down the hallway. His hand was clenched angrily around his briefcase, the other tightened in a fist at his side. If he had been able, he would have made thunder crack, it would have fit his attitude.
Jou stood at his locker, still practically walking on air from last night's kiss. He spotted Seto's approach, feeling all giggly just at the sight of the brunette. 'He kissed me!!'
Seto, however, was in less of a good mood. He growled and banged open the locker door, dumping all the books in, then slamming it after him, teeth clenched as he glared daggers at the locker abesently.
Jou blinked in surprise, wondering at his mood. "What's wrong, Seto?" he asked softly, staring at him.
Seto just grumbled under his breath and handed him a newspaper clipping silently. The clipping showed a picture of a stunned Seto and a triumphant Shinae in a liplock with the caption and article, "SETO KAIBA OFFICIALLY OFF THE MARKET".
Jou's eyes practically bugged out of his head as he glanced at the clipping. "WHAT THE HELL?!!!!!!!" the blond nearly shrieked.
Seto snarled. "Exactly. The little $^#@%@%@$##$& set me up..." He crossed his arms over his chest angrily.
Jou hissed, his eyes narrowing. "I'll kill her!!!!!!!!!" he growled.
Startled blue eyes blinked at him in confusion. "Why should you care?" His question was interrupted from answering as he heard a familiar whiny feminine voice. He winced and growled, wondering if he would be able to restrain himself from hitting the girl.
"Oh, Seeeeeeeeeeeeeeetttttoooooooooooooooooo...."
Jou hissed again at the voice, glancing around for the owner. Was it possible to hate the girl more than he already did?
The older boy beside him yelped as he was pounced on by a blond cling-on out of nowhere, glaring at her and trying to shake her off. "Would you get off, you've caused enough trouble!" he hissed at Shinae, his eyes narrowed.
Shinae just pouted. "Now...is that any way for a boyfriend to greet his girlfriend?" she said with a smirk to her tone. She had Seto Kaiba just where she wanted him.
"You're NOT my--Mmph!!" Seto's eyes widened in fury as Shinae leaned close and planted a whopper of a kiss on his lips. The audacity of this girl...had she lost her mind?!
Jou couldn't take any more. He snapped, snatching her away from Seto with a snarl. "YOU ARE NOT HIS GIRLFRIEND!!!!!" he bellowed angrily. His fists clenched as he glared at the blond girl.
Shinae smirked and glared back. "I guess you don't read the papers, hm?" she replied coolly.
Jou saw red at the mention of the article. "That is Bullshit and you fucking know it!!!!!!"
"It's like they say, Jou...a picture is worth a thousand words...and I've got a whopper at this piccie! And no one can believe it's NOT true, 'cause it's there, plain as day...the popularity I'll get out of this...Seto Kaiba's girlfriend..."
Jou clenched his fist, desperately trying to remain calm and restrain his notorious temper. This girl was seriously trying his patience and stretching it thinly. 'She is a girl I can't hit her....'
"Would you--" Seto growled, prying Shinae's hands off his arm. "--Let GO of me?! Where did your mind go?! I'm NOT your--!!" He growled in frustration as his words were kissed off again, getting sick of her machinations as he tried to push her away, but she was like a leech.
Jou snapped again, snatching the blond off and slapping her face hard. "STOP IT, YOU LITLLE CONIVING BITCH!!!!!!" he roared furiously, placing himself in front of Seto.
Shinae winced, massaging her cheek as she glared at Jou. "My....such language...is the little puppy defending his master? Or...could it be? The little puppy's jealous? That's so pathetic it's almost quaint!" she spat angrily.
"SHUT UP!! YOU DON'T FUCKING CALL ME THAT!!!!" The blond boy trembled in fury as he slapped her again, having lost all patience with her schemes.
"Jou..!" Seto pulled him off, pushing her back away from them. "Easy, easy, you don't want to get suspended for fighting do you?"
"Iie. . ." Jou growled reluctantly, glaring at Shinae. "Stupid bitch. . ."
"Pathetic moron."
Jou growled, charging at her again as his hair flopped into his face with the action, his eyes narrowed to slits. "You want your ass kicked don't you?!!!"
"Jou...!" Seto hauled him back from slugging her, wrapping his arms tightly around the smaller boy's waist. "Ignore her, she's only trying to goad you!"
Jou hissed angrily, pulling against him.
Shinae smirked and wiggled her fingers at them, sashaying off down the hall with a gloating attitude. "Ja, boytoy and his puppy!" she taunted as she left.
A growl rumbled from the angry blond as his eyes glared murderously at her. "She is just a nasty bitch!!!!" he spat furiously.
"Yes. This has probably been her plan all along, to get what she wanted out of me and just hang me along for the ride.."
" . .She makes me sick. .Gods, did it feel good to slap her!!!"
Seto quirked a brow at him, cocking his head. "Since when did you get so protective, Jounouchi? Not too long ago, you would've hung me out to dry with her...!" he pointed out dryly as he glanced down at him.
Jou flushed, glancing down at the ground. Would he have the courage to say it this time? "Umm. . .well. . ." he stammered softly. He shuddered when the brunette removed his hands from around his waist, where they were still locked, the fingers brushing against his stomach and sides as they left.
"Hm?" Seto murmured, blinking at him.
"Well. . .I-I. . ."
As if to mock the moment, the bell rang, signalling the start of the school day. Seto sighed in aggravation. "Ah, kuso....later, Jounouchi?" he asked, glancing at him in apology.
Jou nodded, sighing as he struggled to not turn around and bang his head against the lockers.
Seto nodded back, grabbing up his books and his laptop before dashing off to class before he was late. Jou sighed and followed soon after.
'I'm never going to get to tell him...'
********
A loud shouting match was heard echoing from the lunchroom as lunch rolled around, and students gathered around, watching with wide eyes. Even Yugi was standing on a chair to better see the action, his violet eyes huge.
Jou walked in, blinking at the commotion. 'What in th--?' He set his books down and moved closer in confusion, gasping as he recognized the shouting voices.
Seto growled as he faced off yet again with Shinae, glaring at her. "For the thousandth and LAST time, we're NOT boyfriend and girlfriend!!!" he hissed as his fists clenched at his sides. He was REALLY getting tired of these tricks...
Shinae pouted and cried crocodile tears, acting the part of the diva for all she was worth. "Seto, I'm hurt, you didn't say that last night...!" she whined.
Jou groaned and ran over to the fight. She was up to her tricks again. "YOU LIE, BITCH, HE WAS WITH ME LAST NIGHT!!!!!"
Shinae's eyes widened at the suggestive words in that sentence, before smirking as Seto blushed furiously. Jou flushed himself as he realized how that sounded and went to correct himself.
"He helped me with my homework to get the fuck away from you!!!!" he snarled at her.
The blond girl smirked. "Right...Seto Kaiba...the most eligable bachelor in our class...hanging out with trash like you? In your dreams, mutt..."
Seto growled, seeing red at her words. "That's IT!!!" Hands still fisted, the brunette strode foward quickly to Shinae. Fists clenched more as he hauled back and slugged her one with a growl of fury.
Jou gasped, eyes widening. "Seto!!"
Seto snorted and smacked his hands together in finality as Shinae dropped like a lead weight to the floor. "She deserved that."
The younger boy looked on in awe of him. "What if you get in trouble?"
"Rather get in trouble than put up with her mouth any longer. She's been going non-stop for three hours, either she goes or I go."
Jou blinked and just nodded silently, wondering at him. 'Did he do it to protect me as well...?' .
Seto turned and stared back at the staring crowd, his intense blue eyes narrowing. "What are you all looking at? Go on, get outta my face, already!" He snorted as the crowd dispersed, going back to their business.
Jou glanced at him, sighing softly. 'If it is even possible I love him more...' He struggled not to blush when Seto glanced back.
"Sorry about that, apparantly no one is safe from that tramp's mouth..."
Jou shook his head. "It's ok...I know what most people think about me...." He glanced down, tying his hands in front of him nervously.
Seto frowned. "Hey..." He reached out and tilted his chin back up. "It doesn't matter what everyone else thinks, it's what YOU think that counts.."
"Arigato..." Jou replied, smiling at him somewhat shyly.
The brunette smiled back, nodding. He drew his hand back from his chin, glancing down at the bruised knuckles.
Jou gasped as he saw the damage to his hand, not even thinking as he took Seto's hand in his. "You got hurt...!"
"Iie...I hurt myself...my temper got the best of me, and I bashed my locker door in...it's...well...dented, now..."
"Still.." The blond ran his fingers over them gently. "Be more careful!" he scolded softly.
Seto blinked in surprise, flushing slightly at his touch. He glanced down. "It's nothing, just bruised..." he protested.
"Still..." He rubbed them again. "Please be more careful..."
Seto glanced back at him hesitantly, his gaze thoughtful. "....Why would you care?"
"...I-I...."
Seto groaned as the bell went off, signalling the start of the lunch hour, more students rushing in. "What is this?! Every time I go to talk to you, something....always.....happens...!" He growled as people rushed through the area between them, stepping on the still-unconscious Shinae, most not- so-accidentally.
Jou sighed in frustration as he got lost in the sea of people. 'Fate is just plain mean!!!'
"Argh!! Jounouchi! If you can hear me, meet me outside!" Seto growled, wading through the people to head to the exit doors.
Jou luckily heard him and managed to get out faster, waiting by the doors for him. He restrained himself from bouncing happily as he saw the brunette heading toward him.
Seto staggered his way out, smirking slightly when he reached his side. "You think fate's trying to tell us something?" he murmured to him.
Jou sighed, rolling his eyes. "I'm guessing yes..." he grumbled.
Seto shrugged and shook his head. "Ah, screw fate, let's get outside before something else happens..." he suggested, jerking a thumb to the doors.
Jou nodded, following him outside quietly, hoping that nothing else interrupted them.
Seto glanced around at the quiet surroundings, the light breeze picking up his bangs and tossing them boyishly around his face. He glanced back at Jou, cocking his head slightly. "So...I ask again, Jounouchi. Why would you care about what happens to me?"
Jou turned to mush at the picture the wind was creating with Seto's hair, barely able to say anything. "I. . .I. . ." he stammered again, swallowing. He sighed mentally. Why was it he could yabber his head off with everyone and everything else, but not with Seto?
Seto smirked slightly as he heard Jou's stammering. "Hurry up, before something else happens...." he teased lightly, shoving a hand over his hair to push the tousled hair from his eyes.
The blond sighed, fidgeting nervously. Could he possibly get the words out this time? "Seto...I love you...very much...." He glanced away, a pink tinge spreading along his cheeks.
Seto's eyes widened. "You....what?"
Jou glanced at him again, taking a calming breath. "I...I love you, Seto...."
Surprised blue eyes widened still more. "M....me?" Seto nearly squeaked.
"H-hai...." Jou turned away again. 'My heart is breaking all over again...'
Seto stood there for a few seconds, astonished, hardly daring to believe what he just heard.
'Isn't he going to say anything...I know he doesn't feel the same, demo he could say something. Anything...'. "Well that's it...I'll just go...." Jou muttered, on the verge of tears. His shoulders sagged as he moved to leave.
"Jou....wait..."
Jou turned back to him, tears in his eyes. "Hai....?"
"I....I don't know what to say....you've struck me speechless..." .
"Y-you don't have t-to say anything...i-it's ok..." Jou moved to leave again.
"Jou, wait a sec, would you?" The brunette grabbed his arm lightly to stop him from leaving. "It's not like I-I'm rejecting you....I just don't know what to say....I've never had anyone say they've loved me before..." His mind nearly spun at the words now.
"Demo....I understand if y-you don't feel the s-same...."
"I don't know WHAT I feel...Jou, I've never been in love, I don't know anything ABOUT love...."
"W-well, I love you...I care for you so very much...."
"You...you do? What...what does it feel like to love?" He must've sounded awfully naive..
But Jou didn't notice, only answered the question truthfully. "Y-you feel happy and warm around the person you love....you want to take care of them and protect them...."
Seto frowned thoughtfully. "...Kind of like what I feel for Mokuba, but.....more?"
Jou smiled, nodding. "Hai...just like that..." he replied softly.
The older boy gnawed on his lip for a moment, eyes half-closing. "....When...Shinae was calling you all those names...even though I'd done it myself...I wanted to bash her face in for daring to use those words...I was so angry..."
"T-that is..well, it is the start of love....I felt the same way when she was kissing you...
Seto blushed, putting the pieces together as he glanced at the blond. "Is...that why you were so protective, taking her on yourself when she started her shenanigans this morning?"
"Yes...I didn't want her to hurt you and shame you like that..."
Seto quirked a brow. "Why did you blow up when she called you a puppy?"
Jou blushed at the question. "I kinda think of it as a....special name you call me..." he admitted softly.
The brunette chuckled softly. "Like a nickname...or an endearment?"
"Hai...." came the soft reply, turning even more red.
Seto smiled at the cute little blush covering the blond's face. "Kawaii... "
"'M not...." Jou protested.
"You are..." Seto insisted, kissing his cheek gently.
"S-Seto...can I ask you something....?"
"Sure..."
"W-will you go to p-prom with me...?"
Seto's eyes widened in surprise before blushing.
Jou glanced down, fiddling with the buttons on his school uniform. "I-I wanted t-to ask y-you earlier....demo you s-said you h-hated it so much..."
"I do....I mean...all that pomp and circumstance....it's not my style...demo....if it means that much to you....I....I'd be honored...."
Jou glanced back up, his own honey-brown eyes widening in surprise. "Honto?!!" he squeaked.
Seto nodded, rubbing his neck awkwardly. "Sure...as long as you don't mind me fidgeting in that penguin suit..." he murmured dryly.
"You'll look adorable....!...wait....I can't...." Jou glanced down, away from Seto as he realized. "I promised to take Anzu...."
Seto blinked in surprise, then masked the hurt away from sight. "Oh....that's okay....she's your friend, you promised her first...." he muttered softly.
Jou's heart and soul screamed in fury. 'But I want to go with you!!!!!!!! ' "...Yeah..." was all he could say out loud.
The brunette gave a little smile, mentally kicking the anguished little wail inside at Jou not taking him-the little voice wondered what Jou would look like in a tux-and nodded. "It's okay...another time...." He struggled to not sound miserable, but was failing.
Jou glanced at him sadly. 'Demo...I wanna go with you!!!!!!' "....Yeah."
"Yeah...um...s'pose we'd better go back, ne?"
Jou nodded. 'I don't want hurt Anzu....but I really want to go with Seto!'
Seto smiled faintly at him, a sliver of disappointment cutting into him as he moved away, back to the doors.
Jou sighed, following him back and walking back into the school.
**********
~End Chapter 2~
***********
Sukino: *groans picking herself up off the floor* Remind me never to try and fly again. . . .
Moonchild DJ: *shakes her head and helps her* What happened to you, did you find the candy cane stash?
Sukino: No I was trying to fly. . . I thought with my Reindeer antler I could well. . .fly. . .
Moonchild DJ: Oh dear....Sukino no baka..you only have the antlers, you're not a full reindeer..*sweatdops* Unless you had some pixie dust or something..
Sukino: Well. . it was worth a try. . . .*shrugs* owie. . . .
Moonchild DJ: *huggles* Well, minna? Did you like the chappie? At least it's not a cliffie this time...much..
Sukino: For once in our life. . .NO RUNNING!!!!
Moonchild DJ: *giggles* I don't have to fear for my life..
Sukino: well at lease not for this one. . .what about Lookie and To Make the Season Bright. . not to mention all those other fics under your name. . .
Moonchild DJ: *blushes and ducks her head* Don't remind me..
Sukino: Oops. . .Sorry. . .well lets get you otta here so you can work on them, ne?
Moonchild DJ: Hai! *smiles at the reviewers* Hope you enjoyed the chappie! Let us know what you think, ne?
Sukino: YAY!! I want lots of reviews!! Moonchild DJ: *bounces happily* Lots and lots and lots and and lots and lots and lots and lots--
Sukino: *bounces right along with her* and lots and lots and lots and lots and lot and lots and lots!!
Moonchild DJ: *giggles* As you can see...reviews make us happy...so review! Keep us alive and happy!
Sukino: *is still chanting* and lots and lots and lots and lots and lot and lots and lots!!
Moonchild DJ: *grins and pulls her into RP-land* And lots and lots and lots and lots and lots...!
by Moonchild DJ and Sukino
********
Sukino: *stumbles in sleeply mumbling*. . .new chappie. . .yay. . .*yawns*
Moonchild DJ: *quirks a brow* What's up with you, 'kino-chan, run off of your sugar high? *giggles*
Sukino: Oh hush. . . .just a little tired from. . .umm I don't know Staying up with you every night all night! *smiles*
Moonchild DJ: *sweatdrops* I didn't tell you to RP till the wee hours of the morning, ya know...
Sukino: demo. . .we were on a roll. . .I just couldn't go. . .
Moonchild DJ: *giggles and huggles* You mean YOU were on a roll, you were inspired by your RP-muse, ne?
Sukino: I suppose so. . . *huggles back* wanna who it is?
Moonchild DJ: *blinks* Who?
Sukino: *huggles again* YOU!!!
Moonchild DJ: *blushes* Awwww! Little ol' me? I didn't do anything..it was all you! *smiles*
Sukino: *shakes head* Nope. . . you are too!! We always do the bestest work together just like this fic. . .
Moonchild DJ: *nods* Hai! We DO do great work...this fic being one of them! Hopefully everyone likes this chappie..
Sukino: *nods* yeah I hope so. . .suppose we should go work onone of the other fics ne?
Moonchild DJ: *sighs* Yes..think we bit off more than we can chew?
Sukino: well we just love our Jou and Seto and we have lots of fics to express that love. . . . too bad we don't own the Yugioh cast. . .*sighs*
Moonchild DJ: Or our favorite couple..but we DO own the story and its plot, ne? That's something...
Sukino: *nods* better than nothing! *smiles*
Moonchild DJ: *giggles* Enjoy the chappie, minna-chan!
Sukino: Bai Bai!! *waves* And don't forget to review!!
Moonchild DJ: *nods enthusiastically* Reviews make us happy!! Ish better than sugar! *bounces happily onward*
SailorS84: Sukino: Hey I never said that!!! *runs after her*
**********
Seto was in a fine mood the next morning at school, the storm cloud hanging over his head enough to make everyone skirt him, plus the scowl marring his face as he walked down the hallway. His hand was clenched angrily around his briefcase, the other tightened in a fist at his side. If he had been able, he would have made thunder crack, it would have fit his attitude.
Jou stood at his locker, still practically walking on air from last night's kiss. He spotted Seto's approach, feeling all giggly just at the sight of the brunette. 'He kissed me!!'
Seto, however, was in less of a good mood. He growled and banged open the locker door, dumping all the books in, then slamming it after him, teeth clenched as he glared daggers at the locker abesently.
Jou blinked in surprise, wondering at his mood. "What's wrong, Seto?" he asked softly, staring at him.
Seto just grumbled under his breath and handed him a newspaper clipping silently. The clipping showed a picture of a stunned Seto and a triumphant Shinae in a liplock with the caption and article, "SETO KAIBA OFFICIALLY OFF THE MARKET".
Jou's eyes practically bugged out of his head as he glanced at the clipping. "WHAT THE HELL?!!!!!!!" the blond nearly shrieked.
Seto snarled. "Exactly. The little $^#@%@%@$##$& set me up..." He crossed his arms over his chest angrily.
Jou hissed, his eyes narrowing. "I'll kill her!!!!!!!!!" he growled.
Startled blue eyes blinked at him in confusion. "Why should you care?" His question was interrupted from answering as he heard a familiar whiny feminine voice. He winced and growled, wondering if he would be able to restrain himself from hitting the girl.
"Oh, Seeeeeeeeeeeeeeetttttoooooooooooooooooo...."
Jou hissed again at the voice, glancing around for the owner. Was it possible to hate the girl more than he already did?
The older boy beside him yelped as he was pounced on by a blond cling-on out of nowhere, glaring at her and trying to shake her off. "Would you get off, you've caused enough trouble!" he hissed at Shinae, his eyes narrowed.
Shinae just pouted. "Now...is that any way for a boyfriend to greet his girlfriend?" she said with a smirk to her tone. She had Seto Kaiba just where she wanted him.
"You're NOT my--Mmph!!" Seto's eyes widened in fury as Shinae leaned close and planted a whopper of a kiss on his lips. The audacity of this girl...had she lost her mind?!
Jou couldn't take any more. He snapped, snatching her away from Seto with a snarl. "YOU ARE NOT HIS GIRLFRIEND!!!!!" he bellowed angrily. His fists clenched as he glared at the blond girl.
Shinae smirked and glared back. "I guess you don't read the papers, hm?" she replied coolly.
Jou saw red at the mention of the article. "That is Bullshit and you fucking know it!!!!!!"
"It's like they say, Jou...a picture is worth a thousand words...and I've got a whopper at this piccie! And no one can believe it's NOT true, 'cause it's there, plain as day...the popularity I'll get out of this...Seto Kaiba's girlfriend..."
Jou clenched his fist, desperately trying to remain calm and restrain his notorious temper. This girl was seriously trying his patience and stretching it thinly. 'She is a girl I can't hit her....'
"Would you--" Seto growled, prying Shinae's hands off his arm. "--Let GO of me?! Where did your mind go?! I'm NOT your--!!" He growled in frustration as his words were kissed off again, getting sick of her machinations as he tried to push her away, but she was like a leech.
Jou snapped again, snatching the blond off and slapping her face hard. "STOP IT, YOU LITLLE CONIVING BITCH!!!!!!" he roared furiously, placing himself in front of Seto.
Shinae winced, massaging her cheek as she glared at Jou. "My....such language...is the little puppy defending his master? Or...could it be? The little puppy's jealous? That's so pathetic it's almost quaint!" she spat angrily.
"SHUT UP!! YOU DON'T FUCKING CALL ME THAT!!!!" The blond boy trembled in fury as he slapped her again, having lost all patience with her schemes.
"Jou..!" Seto pulled him off, pushing her back away from them. "Easy, easy, you don't want to get suspended for fighting do you?"
"Iie. . ." Jou growled reluctantly, glaring at Shinae. "Stupid bitch. . ."
"Pathetic moron."
Jou growled, charging at her again as his hair flopped into his face with the action, his eyes narrowed to slits. "You want your ass kicked don't you?!!!"
"Jou...!" Seto hauled him back from slugging her, wrapping his arms tightly around the smaller boy's waist. "Ignore her, she's only trying to goad you!"
Jou hissed angrily, pulling against him.
Shinae smirked and wiggled her fingers at them, sashaying off down the hall with a gloating attitude. "Ja, boytoy and his puppy!" she taunted as she left.
A growl rumbled from the angry blond as his eyes glared murderously at her. "She is just a nasty bitch!!!!" he spat furiously.
"Yes. This has probably been her plan all along, to get what she wanted out of me and just hang me along for the ride.."
" . .She makes me sick. .Gods, did it feel good to slap her!!!"
Seto quirked a brow at him, cocking his head. "Since when did you get so protective, Jounouchi? Not too long ago, you would've hung me out to dry with her...!" he pointed out dryly as he glanced down at him.
Jou flushed, glancing down at the ground. Would he have the courage to say it this time? "Umm. . .well. . ." he stammered softly. He shuddered when the brunette removed his hands from around his waist, where they were still locked, the fingers brushing against his stomach and sides as they left.
"Hm?" Seto murmured, blinking at him.
"Well. . .I-I. . ."
As if to mock the moment, the bell rang, signalling the start of the school day. Seto sighed in aggravation. "Ah, kuso....later, Jounouchi?" he asked, glancing at him in apology.
Jou nodded, sighing as he struggled to not turn around and bang his head against the lockers.
Seto nodded back, grabbing up his books and his laptop before dashing off to class before he was late. Jou sighed and followed soon after.
'I'm never going to get to tell him...'
********
A loud shouting match was heard echoing from the lunchroom as lunch rolled around, and students gathered around, watching with wide eyes. Even Yugi was standing on a chair to better see the action, his violet eyes huge.
Jou walked in, blinking at the commotion. 'What in th--?' He set his books down and moved closer in confusion, gasping as he recognized the shouting voices.
Seto growled as he faced off yet again with Shinae, glaring at her. "For the thousandth and LAST time, we're NOT boyfriend and girlfriend!!!" he hissed as his fists clenched at his sides. He was REALLY getting tired of these tricks...
Shinae pouted and cried crocodile tears, acting the part of the diva for all she was worth. "Seto, I'm hurt, you didn't say that last night...!" she whined.
Jou groaned and ran over to the fight. She was up to her tricks again. "YOU LIE, BITCH, HE WAS WITH ME LAST NIGHT!!!!!"
Shinae's eyes widened at the suggestive words in that sentence, before smirking as Seto blushed furiously. Jou flushed himself as he realized how that sounded and went to correct himself.
"He helped me with my homework to get the fuck away from you!!!!" he snarled at her.
The blond girl smirked. "Right...Seto Kaiba...the most eligable bachelor in our class...hanging out with trash like you? In your dreams, mutt..."
Seto growled, seeing red at her words. "That's IT!!!" Hands still fisted, the brunette strode foward quickly to Shinae. Fists clenched more as he hauled back and slugged her one with a growl of fury.
Jou gasped, eyes widening. "Seto!!"
Seto snorted and smacked his hands together in finality as Shinae dropped like a lead weight to the floor. "She deserved that."
The younger boy looked on in awe of him. "What if you get in trouble?"
"Rather get in trouble than put up with her mouth any longer. She's been going non-stop for three hours, either she goes or I go."
Jou blinked and just nodded silently, wondering at him. 'Did he do it to protect me as well...?' .
Seto turned and stared back at the staring crowd, his intense blue eyes narrowing. "What are you all looking at? Go on, get outta my face, already!" He snorted as the crowd dispersed, going back to their business.
Jou glanced at him, sighing softly. 'If it is even possible I love him more...' He struggled not to blush when Seto glanced back.
"Sorry about that, apparantly no one is safe from that tramp's mouth..."
Jou shook his head. "It's ok...I know what most people think about me...." He glanced down, tying his hands in front of him nervously.
Seto frowned. "Hey..." He reached out and tilted his chin back up. "It doesn't matter what everyone else thinks, it's what YOU think that counts.."
"Arigato..." Jou replied, smiling at him somewhat shyly.
The brunette smiled back, nodding. He drew his hand back from his chin, glancing down at the bruised knuckles.
Jou gasped as he saw the damage to his hand, not even thinking as he took Seto's hand in his. "You got hurt...!"
"Iie...I hurt myself...my temper got the best of me, and I bashed my locker door in...it's...well...dented, now..."
"Still.." The blond ran his fingers over them gently. "Be more careful!" he scolded softly.
Seto blinked in surprise, flushing slightly at his touch. He glanced down. "It's nothing, just bruised..." he protested.
"Still..." He rubbed them again. "Please be more careful..."
Seto glanced back at him hesitantly, his gaze thoughtful. "....Why would you care?"
"...I-I...."
Seto groaned as the bell went off, signalling the start of the lunch hour, more students rushing in. "What is this?! Every time I go to talk to you, something....always.....happens...!" He growled as people rushed through the area between them, stepping on the still-unconscious Shinae, most not- so-accidentally.
Jou sighed in frustration as he got lost in the sea of people. 'Fate is just plain mean!!!'
"Argh!! Jounouchi! If you can hear me, meet me outside!" Seto growled, wading through the people to head to the exit doors.
Jou luckily heard him and managed to get out faster, waiting by the doors for him. He restrained himself from bouncing happily as he saw the brunette heading toward him.
Seto staggered his way out, smirking slightly when he reached his side. "You think fate's trying to tell us something?" he murmured to him.
Jou sighed, rolling his eyes. "I'm guessing yes..." he grumbled.
Seto shrugged and shook his head. "Ah, screw fate, let's get outside before something else happens..." he suggested, jerking a thumb to the doors.
Jou nodded, following him outside quietly, hoping that nothing else interrupted them.
Seto glanced around at the quiet surroundings, the light breeze picking up his bangs and tossing them boyishly around his face. He glanced back at Jou, cocking his head slightly. "So...I ask again, Jounouchi. Why would you care about what happens to me?"
Jou turned to mush at the picture the wind was creating with Seto's hair, barely able to say anything. "I. . .I. . ." he stammered again, swallowing. He sighed mentally. Why was it he could yabber his head off with everyone and everything else, but not with Seto?
Seto smirked slightly as he heard Jou's stammering. "Hurry up, before something else happens...." he teased lightly, shoving a hand over his hair to push the tousled hair from his eyes.
The blond sighed, fidgeting nervously. Could he possibly get the words out this time? "Seto...I love you...very much...." He glanced away, a pink tinge spreading along his cheeks.
Seto's eyes widened. "You....what?"
Jou glanced at him again, taking a calming breath. "I...I love you, Seto...."
Surprised blue eyes widened still more. "M....me?" Seto nearly squeaked.
"H-hai...." Jou turned away again. 'My heart is breaking all over again...'
Seto stood there for a few seconds, astonished, hardly daring to believe what he just heard.
'Isn't he going to say anything...I know he doesn't feel the same, demo he could say something. Anything...'. "Well that's it...I'll just go...." Jou muttered, on the verge of tears. His shoulders sagged as he moved to leave.
"Jou....wait..."
Jou turned back to him, tears in his eyes. "Hai....?"
"I....I don't know what to say....you've struck me speechless..." .
"Y-you don't have t-to say anything...i-it's ok..." Jou moved to leave again.
"Jou, wait a sec, would you?" The brunette grabbed his arm lightly to stop him from leaving. "It's not like I-I'm rejecting you....I just don't know what to say....I've never had anyone say they've loved me before..." His mind nearly spun at the words now.
"Demo....I understand if y-you don't feel the s-same...."
"I don't know WHAT I feel...Jou, I've never been in love, I don't know anything ABOUT love...."
"W-well, I love you...I care for you so very much...."
"You...you do? What...what does it feel like to love?" He must've sounded awfully naive..
But Jou didn't notice, only answered the question truthfully. "Y-you feel happy and warm around the person you love....you want to take care of them and protect them...."
Seto frowned thoughtfully. "...Kind of like what I feel for Mokuba, but.....more?"
Jou smiled, nodding. "Hai...just like that..." he replied softly.
The older boy gnawed on his lip for a moment, eyes half-closing. "....When...Shinae was calling you all those names...even though I'd done it myself...I wanted to bash her face in for daring to use those words...I was so angry..."
"T-that is..well, it is the start of love....I felt the same way when she was kissing you...
Seto blushed, putting the pieces together as he glanced at the blond. "Is...that why you were so protective, taking her on yourself when she started her shenanigans this morning?"
"Yes...I didn't want her to hurt you and shame you like that..."
Seto quirked a brow. "Why did you blow up when she called you a puppy?"
Jou blushed at the question. "I kinda think of it as a....special name you call me..." he admitted softly.
The brunette chuckled softly. "Like a nickname...or an endearment?"
"Hai...." came the soft reply, turning even more red.
Seto smiled at the cute little blush covering the blond's face. "Kawaii... "
"'M not...." Jou protested.
"You are..." Seto insisted, kissing his cheek gently.
"S-Seto...can I ask you something....?"
"Sure..."
"W-will you go to p-prom with me...?"
Seto's eyes widened in surprise before blushing.
Jou glanced down, fiddling with the buttons on his school uniform. "I-I wanted t-to ask y-you earlier....demo you s-said you h-hated it so much..."
"I do....I mean...all that pomp and circumstance....it's not my style...demo....if it means that much to you....I....I'd be honored...."
Jou glanced back up, his own honey-brown eyes widening in surprise. "Honto?!!" he squeaked.
Seto nodded, rubbing his neck awkwardly. "Sure...as long as you don't mind me fidgeting in that penguin suit..." he murmured dryly.
"You'll look adorable....!...wait....I can't...." Jou glanced down, away from Seto as he realized. "I promised to take Anzu...."
Seto blinked in surprise, then masked the hurt away from sight. "Oh....that's okay....she's your friend, you promised her first...." he muttered softly.
Jou's heart and soul screamed in fury. 'But I want to go with you!!!!!!!! ' "...Yeah..." was all he could say out loud.
The brunette gave a little smile, mentally kicking the anguished little wail inside at Jou not taking him-the little voice wondered what Jou would look like in a tux-and nodded. "It's okay...another time...." He struggled to not sound miserable, but was failing.
Jou glanced at him sadly. 'Demo...I wanna go with you!!!!!!' "....Yeah."
"Yeah...um...s'pose we'd better go back, ne?"
Jou nodded. 'I don't want hurt Anzu....but I really want to go with Seto!'
Seto smiled faintly at him, a sliver of disappointment cutting into him as he moved away, back to the doors.
Jou sighed, following him back and walking back into the school.
**********
~End Chapter 2~
***********
Sukino: *groans picking herself up off the floor* Remind me never to try and fly again. . . .
Moonchild DJ: *shakes her head and helps her* What happened to you, did you find the candy cane stash?
Sukino: No I was trying to fly. . . I thought with my Reindeer antler I could well. . .fly. . .
Moonchild DJ: Oh dear....Sukino no baka..you only have the antlers, you're not a full reindeer..*sweatdops* Unless you had some pixie dust or something..
Sukino: Well. . it was worth a try. . . .*shrugs* owie. . . .
Moonchild DJ: *huggles* Well, minna? Did you like the chappie? At least it's not a cliffie this time...much..
Sukino: For once in our life. . .NO RUNNING!!!!
Moonchild DJ: *giggles* I don't have to fear for my life..
Sukino: well at lease not for this one. . .what about Lookie and To Make the Season Bright. . not to mention all those other fics under your name. . .
Moonchild DJ: *blushes and ducks her head* Don't remind me..
Sukino: Oops. . .Sorry. . .well lets get you otta here so you can work on them, ne?
Moonchild DJ: Hai! *smiles at the reviewers* Hope you enjoyed the chappie! Let us know what you think, ne?
Sukino: YAY!! I want lots of reviews!! Moonchild DJ: *bounces happily* Lots and lots and lots and and lots and lots and lots and lots--
Sukino: *bounces right along with her* and lots and lots and lots and lots and lot and lots and lots!!
Moonchild DJ: *giggles* As you can see...reviews make us happy...so review! Keep us alive and happy!
Sukino: *is still chanting* and lots and lots and lots and lots and lot and lots and lots!!
Moonchild DJ: *grins and pulls her into RP-land* And lots and lots and lots and lots and lots...!