Jou saw no end in sight. It seemed as if the two boys would never get along, no matter how much they respected each other. Logically, Jounouchi and Kaiba would have been good friends. Both had suffered through a difficult childhood and could provide some type of comfort or mental support. Both were familiar with hiding their feelings for the greater good-- Jou acting tough so as not to worry his friends, and Kaiba being emotionless so as to be a better businessman. Most importantly, both had younger siblings who they would give anything to protect, though Kaiba's mind had to be "fixed" by Yugi before he realized his brother's significance.
Such similarities are sure signs of a compatible relationship; however, another factor has to be calculated into the equation: pride. Jounouchi and Kaiba were both so arrogant that neither would ever yield to the other. This pride was a commonality, a simple fact of life. As long as they valued themselves and their reputations, friendship was impossible.
So what about this chance Jou was willing to take? What could possibly possess him to suppress his pride and try to start a platonic relationship with Kaiba?
That damn high paying job at Kaiba Corp.
Everyone knew that Jou was always broke. Yet as the summer months approached, so did summer vacation. Jou's friends thought a camping trip would be a perfect opening to the freedom of summer. However, Jou could not afford to pay the log cabin fee. So, he was forced to find a temporary job, one that paid high and was easily expendable.
Thus it came to be that Jou refused to fight Kaiba at all. Needless to say, both were extremely annoyed at the situation. Jou could hardly maintain his temper as he had to endure Kaiba's demeaning comments and offer a peaceful smile in return. Kaiba barely held back a frustrated snarl every time, upset that he could no longer irritate and fluster Jou.
They became unnerved and began to avoid each other. Kaiba was seriously disturbed by Jou's smile. No matter what was said, Jou would simply grin and say, "I don't wanna argue, Kaiba. I think you're a really good person inside, and I don't wanna fight with someone who might become my friend." Then he'd walk off, leaving a stunned and silently fuming Kaiba. Who knew that phony ignorance and mock innocence was Kaiba's weak point? Clearly, the young CEO obtained everything he wanted by outsmarting his opponent; but how do you outdo someone who refuses to accept the challenge?
Jou, too, faced difficulties with his actions. He often remembered his words from his fight with his old gang leader Hirutani.
"You done?" Jou sneered after Hirutani's men paused in his beating. The pain wasn't his main concern; revenge was far more important. "Lemme tell you, I've got a good memory. You know I hold a grudge. I'm gonna pay you back double!"
What was he to do? He had a reputation for vengeance, but since his time in that gang, he had made some great friends. They had taught him to calm his temper and lessened his need to be so vindictive. So which was more essential to him, his friends or his social status?
Each boy fought his own personal demons, warring with himself to find answers that did not come easily. Had they stayed on this path, it is certain that one would have snapped and killed the other. Fortunately— or perhaps unfortunately—Jou made the first move.
Author's Notes: Once again, I have to thank my wonderful beta readers.
SnarkyMonkey (aka Sora-sama): You're so wonderful. Even a few corrections are better than nothing!
DeepsenseRemix (aka ThePopTartSpirits): I hope you feel better soon. Don't worry about this beta job, your health is more important.
Chibichula (aka Chibichula): You formatted the entire Round Robin for The Lair? No wonder you didn't have time! Go on and work for REM; she needs you more than I do.
And I have some people to thank as well!
Satanic Mechanic: Yes, Kaiba is really insane in the manga, and Mokuba isn't a nice little boy either. That whole "chain-saw weilding serial killer" thing will pop up about Chapter Five.
Aftertaste of a Razorblade: I like your name. And yes, the third-person POV is difficult, but it's fun to write.
Sarasusamiga: The title is quite a funny thing. The story is actually named after the song Vector by Maaya Sakamoto (it's in English, if you want to look it up). However, I don't know if I'll still be following the plotline she laid down in her song. So I was going to say that my genius brain had another reason for the title. You see, a "vector" is something that has both magnitude and direction. Love is the "magnitude" and Kaiba is the "direction." Then I realized that explanation made no sense, so I'm back to the song.
Okay, I know you all will kill me for the short chapter, but fear not! Chapters Three and Four have already been written. Soon, I will get off my lazy ass and type them! Thanks for reading, and please review!