DAY 02 - (10:00)

I was writing on my own will, with pen and paper when there were computers in the house other than the broken one in my room, and in a spoken language, not some programming code nobody understood. I was going insane in the attempt to maintain my sanity.

Things and People of Importance

Mokuba

Kaiba Corporation

Duel Monsters

Could I think of nothing else? Did my sad life honestly revolve only around these three? I reread the list. Kaiba Corporation? Kaiba Corporation wasn't as important as my brother, which meant that it could go to hell. The same went with Duel Monsters. But something else had came to mind while I was writing the list, someone I didn't want to admit I cared about. Perhaps 'importance' doesn't imply love.

I hesitated before adding Yuugi's name to the bottom of the list.

- - -

DAY 03 - (07:50)

You'll be back, Mokuba, but I wouldn't blame you if you never forgave me after these two weeks. You should have began hating me years ago, yet you trusted me. I don't deserve you, little brother. I don't deserve your love and respect. I've let you down too many times. If it means anything at all now, I'm sorry.

I glanced at the clock and realized I've been lying awake on my bed for nearly two hours. The snow outside was only a blur of white. I reached over for the cellular phone on the bedside table, the one that had remained untouched for what seemed like years. I double-checked the number before pressing the send button.

"This is Kaiba Seto speaking," I said, surprised at how raspy my voice had become. "Shut down every Kaiba Corporation facility for today. Any workers who arrived at work have my permission to leave." Just as I was about to end the phone-call, I caught a last few words from the employee.

"Have a nice day, sir."

A few seconds later, when I finally opened my mouth to say, "You, too," he had already hung up.

Too bad.

It took another moment for me to realize someone was ringing the bell at the gate. Part of me was curious to see who it was. The other part of me suspected a certain person, but couldn't decide whether or not to answer. I closed my eyes and leaned back on the bed, grinding my head into the pillow. The air inside was becoming stuffy and the heater only made it worse.

Someone knocked on the bedroom door. Could Yuugi have somehow gotten past the security systems? Not likely. Besides, it was Monday and school was still in session.

I glanced down at my pajamas and a Blue-Eyes White Dragon stared back at me, confirming my choice of not opening the door to answer. "Who is it?" I called. "What do you want?"

A woman answered, "Thank goodness you're all right, sir. Shouldn't you have left for school an hour ago? And where's the little Kaiba?"

How moronic of me to think an intruder could have snuck in. I felt my anger rising. What right did a simple-minded maid have to scold me about school or remind me of Mokuba? "My schedule should not be of your concern," I growled. "And neither should my brother."

"I'm sorry, sir." She began to walk away, her footsteps fading down the hall. Suddenly, they stopped, and the heels began clicking back in my direction. She knocked again. "Oh, one more thing. I almost forgot."

"Yes?" I muttered impatiently, idly tracing a figure of the Blue-Eyes on my pant leg with my pinky.

"There's a sweet little boy waiting outside the gate. He says he has something for you."

So it is Yuugi.

"Tell him to take whatever he has for me and get off my property."

I could almost see the startled expression on the maid's face. "Oh!" she gasped. "Well, I… But, sir, I can't tell him that! He… You'd have to see him to understand. Can I at least accept the little gift for you?"

My eyes fell upon the scarf draped over the bedpost.

"Actually, let him in. Warm some milk for him or something. I'll be down in a minute."

"Yes, sir," she answered, sounding somewhat delighted, before finally leaving me to my short-lived peace.

I peeled off my pajamas and pulled a turtleneck over my head. As I did this, I felt something cold press itself against my chest. Reaching down, I tugged the locket out of my shirt and carefully folded the collar around the string that held it.

A light buzz sounded as the front door was opened. I hastily grabbed a random pair of pants from the closet and threw them on. White? I never wear white pants. The thick corduroy felt cool against my fingers and I realized it was the pair Mokuba bought for me around two months ago on my birthday. I began to take them off but decided against it, fastening the last button.

When I arrived at the kitchen door, I heard an eruption of giggles coming from inside. "Oh, no!" a maid was saying. "I couldn't do that if they're for Mr. Kaiba, but thank you for offering."

"Take one," I heard Yuugi say. "I ate one myself before I came."

"But if it's for Mr. Kaiba…" another maid whispered before trailing off. I recognized her voice as the one I spoke to earlier.

"I'm sure he wouldn't mind," Yuugi said gently.

Feeling disgusted, I stepped into the kitchen. "Wouldn't mind what?" I asked, interrupting their senseless little conversation. I watched as the two maids stared in horror before giving a little curtsy and running off.

"Good morning, Kaiba," Yuugi greeted, eyeing my pants with an expression that was somewhat knowing and suspicious at the same time. He was sitting in the same seat as he did two days ago, wearing the same jacket and a different scarf. In his hands was a plastic box the size of a textbook with a blue lid.

I frowned and sat down next to him. "Why are you here?"

When he looked up, I noticed for the first time how young he seemed for his age. If I hadn't known better, I would probably have thought he was around the same age as Mokuba. There was so much trust in his eyes.

"Well, school is closed today and I happened to wake up early so I baked some cookies for you."

"…I baked some cookies for you."

What was I supposed to say now? Thank him? Refuse the offer? Think of some smart remark and send him off in tears? Thankfully, he spoke again before I had the chance to answer.

"Have one," he said, removing the lid for me. "They're still warm."

"What makes you think I'll take one of your cookies?" That wasn't supposed to come out, but it had already slipped.

He opened his mouth to say something and closed it, staring at me with the most pain-flooded eyes I had ever seen. Then, he shakily lidded the box and placed it on the table as if the cookies inside were poisoned. I watched as his fingers reached for the Millennium Puzzle that hung around his neck.

Oh, yes. Call the five-thousand year old spirit to help you.

To my surprise, the hand dropped, and Yuugi was still Yuugi. "I'm sorry," he said casually. "I guess it did sound as if I were forcing you to take one. You didn't have to."

I peered at him closely. His eyes were still round and innocent. Perhaps he wasn't as helpless as I thought.

"Well, now that you've… offered your cookies—"

"Oh," he cut in. "That's actually not all I came here for."

I shot daggers at him. "What?" I snapped. My patience was running low. All I wanted was to bury myself back in bed and flip through old photographs of Mokuba.

"I know this is difficult for you, Kaiba—"

"Don't give me this bull-shit," I hissed. I was so close to the edge. "I don't want to hear another word from you concerning my well-being."

He sighed weakly. "Well, all right. Let's talk about something you like."

"I'd rather not," I replied, adding a touch of iciness to my voice.

"Duel Monsters?" he asked hopefully.

I shook my head. "I don't need another lecture about the 'heart of the cards.'"

He gave me a sugary look, tilting his head as his small pink lips curving into a sheepish smile. His cheek caught a dim ray of light from the window and steadily, he ran his fingers through his outlandish mass of hair. He didn't seem to be offended at all. Damn him…

"Let's play a game, Kaiba," he stated simply. For a brief moment, I caught a flicker of crimson in those large violet eyes.

It was an offer I simply could not refuse. I nodded tersely, waiting for him to continue.

He didn't. Instead, he silently fixed his eyes onto my own until I couldn't tell whether they were red or purple or indigo. I could clearly picture the thick raven hair, just asking to be ruffled, the innocent yet somewhat aware expression. The contents in my chest sank as I stared into those mesmerizing eyes. I need you, Mokuba. Without you, I'm helpless, even around Yuugi…

- - -

(09:55)

I slowly shifted my weight on the mattress and felt the warm touch against my arm disappear. What the hell happened? The truth hit me as I opened my eyes to see Yuugi's concerned face hovering over my own. I sat up, trying to contain my trembling shoulders, and found myself on one of the living room couches.

"How are you feeling?" he whispered softly, standing up from where he was kneeling so he could face me.

I shook my head, unable to speak.

He took my hand and gave it a little squeeze. "Have you been eating enough lately?"

"Yes," I croaked. 'Go away,' I wanted to say. 'I never want to see you again. I never want to see anyone again.' My throat felt dry and scratchy and my tongue was nothing more than a sticky lump in my mouth.

"Mo—" He began to say something, but stopped himself. "You don't look it," he corrected.

My health does not concern you.

I looked away, secretly hoping for him to disappear. Moments later, a hand holding the same plastic cookie box from this morning appeared under my nose. I lightly pushed it away.

"Have a cookie," he said, ignoring my action and opening the lid as he did earlier. "It'll make you feel better."

I couldn't refuse now. Gingerly, I slipped my hand into the box and purposely chose a small one. "Thanks," I muttered, not exactly sure of what to do with the chocolate-chip cookie that was now slipping between my clammy fingers.

Yuugi gave a childish giggle. "Eat it," he urged, sinking his teeth into his own cookie. "It's still chewy."

I took a bite. 'Chewy' wasn't exactly the right word to describe it, more like 'glutinous' to be precise. It would have been pleasant if I hadn't been so thirsty, but for now, it only succeeded in gluing my jaws together. I pinched my nose and with much effort, swallowed the sweet clod in my mouth.

"Thirsty?" he asked, reaching over for the pitcher on the glass table that was normally used for guests. Grabbing a disposable plastic cup, he smoothly poured the water in and handed it to me.

With a few mouthfuls, the cup was empty. I placed the cup on the table and leaned back into the couch. Not surprisingly, Yuugi plopped himself down next to me. For a long peaceful while, we sat in silence, watching the snowfall from the full-length windows. I suddenly remembered how Mokuba loved to wrap himself behind the velvet blue curtains and look out the window with his nose pressed against the glass on rainy days. Sometimes, he would be sitting on the floor, scribbling on his notepad. Other times, he would be reading a book or doing his homework. But mainly, he just stared, almost as if he were deep in thought about something or someone…

"Kaiba?"

I blinked, withdrawing from my daze. "I'm fine," I replied automatically. I wasn't about to pass out again, not in front of Yuugi.

He looked doubtful, but nonetheless, gave a kind and satisfied smile. "The police called my house the other day to confirm Mokuba's location," he said. "He's about fifty miles away at the Abu— local children's home in the area. They said he'll be back in two weeks."

He'd better.

"Thank you for informing me," I murmured sarcastically.

Yuugi shrugged. "Just thought you might have hung up on the police, too."

I growled under my breath. Was he making fun of me? Well, I wasn't about to let him. "At least the phone-call from the police was important," I sneered. "You, on the other hand, are only butting into my business."

He lowered his eyes, bottom lip quivering. When he looked up again, I was positive the spirit of his puzzle had taken over. A new display of confidence could be seen across his young experienced face. "No, Kaiba," he said, his voice considerably richer. "You need my help. As much as you love your brother, simple affection will not bring him closer."

"Don't reason with me, Yuugi," I growled, making sure I spat the name with the same comtempt I felt at the moment. "I don't need your advice. My brother is my brother, so I'd suggest you stay out of this."

His eyes hardened. "You're right," he responded in a mock tone, giving me his signature glare. "With an attitude like that, I simply have no choice, and neither do you."

This was my true rival, the one I loathed yet couldn't help but admire so much. Strange, how the real Yuugi could put up with him. They seemed to come from separate dimensions. In a way, they did. Then again, Yuugi could tolerate anyone.

"Good," I said. "Then I will continue to leave you with no choice. You are welcome to leave anytime."

He stood, a few good inches taller than usual, and looked down at me. "True, but my aibou is worried, which means in a sense, so am I." Suddenly, his tone softened, sympathetic and imploring. "Please, Kaiba. You must listen to me— my other half. He will know how to help you."

I was about to say 'I don't need anything of yours' when his puzzle gave the faintest glow and he fell back down on the couch, back to being Yuugi again. "I'm sorry," Yuugi apologized as if he had just gravely insulted me. "My other self can be a bit harsh sometimes."

"Mm."

I wasn't looking at him, but I knew he was watching me.

"Honestly, Kaiba," he said, "you can't just keep pushing help aside when you need it. You gone so far to even push Mokuba away when he tried to help you. He was so worried…" His voice trailed off and it took me a few seconds for the words to register in my mind.

"You've been talking to him," I finally hissed, unable to seal the jealously out of my voice. "You kept him away from me. If it hadn't been for you, he would still be here and you'd be somewhere else."

But I knew it wasn't true. I knew I was lying to myself… again.

"Yes," he admitted. "I have. Mokuba is quite a character."

For a second, I was seething. Quite a character? I raised a shaky finger. "You," I whispered. "I hate… no, I despise you, yet my brother… he would choose to… he would leave me for… for you." I gulped and lowered my hand, entirely aware that my little display had made no sense whatsoever.

"You shouldn't say that. He loves you more than anything else. Maybe… maybe if you had given him a chance—"

"W-What did he tell you?" I stammered, mostly out of curiousity.

Yuugi tilted his head slightly. "Mostly how he feels about you," he responded without hesitation. "He told me how you never ate anything and he was so scared that you would work yourself to death. He…" He paused, as if deciding whether or not he should continue. "He told me that he cried every night for you, hoping it was all a bad dream." I shut my eyes tight, praying that he was done speaking, but he wasn't. "He would die for you, Kaiba."

Oh, Mokuba…

I heard a blue sigh escape Yuugi's lips. "I'm sorry," he said timidly. "I wasn't supposed to tell you all of that, but I thought it was for the best. Maybe I should leave now… so you know, you can… think about it." He rose from the couch.

"Wait," I said, standing up myself. The tips of his hair barely reached my shoulders. "Your scarf is still in my room." The moment those words came out, I realized how it sounded as if I had purposely kept his scarf in my room, but he didn't seem to have noticed.

"It's all right." He shrugged naturally and rearranged the new scarf that dangled around his neck. "You can keep it… as a gift."

"I'm not poor," I stated simply, too tired to offer anything more offensive. "And a used scarf isn't exactly a gift."

He gave me a look that was both sad and full of content. "True, but how can you say that the warmth you received from the scarf that day wasn't? A gift is something that comes from the heart."

I shook my head, unwilling to argue further, and silently walked him to the front door. He gave me one last smile before walking toward the gate and disappearing into the unstained snow.

- - -

(19:30)

I reached for another cookie before dragging my legs up the stairs to the bedroom hall. My throat throbbed from the unaccustomed amount of sugar I had consumed the entire day, but I finished my eighth cookie nonetheless.

I paused to examine Mokuba's door as I passed by, noting the little sign that hung from the doorknob that read: KEEP OUT! Below that, in a messy scrawl of red ink I recognized to be his handwriting, was: (Not you, Seto. You're welcome anytime.) My lips twitched and I hesitated before slowly pushing the door open.

A poster of the Blue-Eyes White Dragon taped above the bed post caught my eye, the one I had given him a few years ago when I had decided I was too old for posters. Various articles of clothing were scattered around the bed, including a pair of plaid boxers that I didn't remember buying for him. It was a wonder how someone related to my neat self could be so disorganized.

Smiling and nearly in tears, I bent over and began picking up his dirty socks, tossing them one by one into the laundry bin, matching the colors in my head. Unable to find one of the white socks, I checked around the bed one more time. But this time, something else captured my attention.

There was a little shoe-box hidden carefully at the corner of his bed, its brown color blending in almost perfectly with the wood of the bedstead. I gingerly took it out of its hiding place and placed it on the mattress. After examining it, I noticed it wasn't dusty at all. Before I could stop myself, I reached for the lid and gently lifted it aside.

Inside was a stack of torn envelopes, each one the same size and neatly filed against one another. Post-it notes had been carefully used as date tabs, arranged in perfect chronological order, the more recent ones in the front. Unable to contain my curiousity, I reached inside and pulled out the first envelope, nearly dropping it when I read the return address.

It was from Yuugi.

- - -

Note: Hey! I'm really fourteen now! I'm so happy. ahem Anyway, sorry for all you shounen-ai fans. I've decided to have no romance in this fic. It ruins the plot and mood way too much. (Of course, it sounds hinted because I'm so used to writing it.) Besides, both Yuugi and Kaiba are reserved for Yami only, not each other. Mwahaha. (No, actually, Kaiba and Yuugi is my favorite couple, but Yami's the sexy one.)

Kaiba: You freak…

Yuugi: Don't worry. Yami's all mine. =D

Yami: whispering to himself Yes! He likes me!

Hey, Vappa! I'm so glad to hear from you! Are you planning on going into Yu-Gi-Oh fandom, too? Eep! I hope you do. I really love your writing style and it's so hard to find good fanfics these days. Kaiba fans unite! Yeah! ;;

Kaiba: Noooooo! oO

Raven: Hi.

Kaiba: Who are you?

Raven: It doesn't matter, but it seems like everyone has a thing for cold and heartless people like us.

Fans: You boys are only pretending because of your tragic pasts!

Kaiba/Raven: sweatdrop

(By the way, has anyone read the Yu-Gi-Oh mangas? If you haven't, buying them is really worth it because it looks a lot better than the anime. If you can read it, you should buy them in an asian language because it's just that much more accurate. I'm currently reading book 33 in Chinese, so yeah. Pharaoh Yami is mad HOT. He has sexy legs, and I know that should convince you, right?)

Please review, people! If there's something about the fic you don't like, or you just want to point out some stupid mistake (spelling and grammar count, too) I made, I'm begging you to tell me. I don't bite! Honestly! Also, if you have time, check out my Yami shrine (soon to be a personal Yu-Gi-Oh fanart site): yuugiou.pineapple.nu. Or you can check out the prequel to this story: Go Fish (one-sided Mokuba/Yuugi).