"You've done a lot for yourself, Mokuba. I'm really proud." I try to manage a smile, but it all seems so useless for me. So cheap... So fake. This is not Seto Kaiba.

I managed to get him out of the office. He hasn't said much since.... since I arrived.

The clinking of the forks and spoons around us, the quiet music creeping under the calm talk of delicate voices, spoken in low tones. Whispers of secrets, love, pasts, futures. All coming together. All wrapped in their own business to notice how it all clashes together, or apart.

The only thing I do want to hear, refuses to make a noise.

I watch him stare down at his plate. The only thing that has touched his food is his eyes. He does not even respond to the statement I have just made. Still this music of oblivious tones.

"Aren't you going to eat?" I ask, setting my fork down, letting it hit the plate so slightly, letting it all becomes part of the atmosphere.

He doesn't move, and I feel my patience being squeezed through a fist at my side. I take a breath instead and lean over the table some, bringing the hand over to his side.

"I'd really appreciate if you'd talk to me, Mokuba. I know it's been a long time but-" I say, just as I go to put my hand on his.

"Has it been a long time?" he jerks his hand out from under mine. His neck is bent, so his hair falls over his expressions.

The voices seem even further away as I stare at the person sitting across from me, who seems as distant as them. Unheard.

"I didn't really notice you've been gone for so long. I mean, it's only been what? 8 years? 10?" He looks up at me now, his hair might as well still be in his face, because there is no expression. "Why did you come back, Seto? Did you think I'd be happy to see you? Did you think I'd consume all the bullshit you're giving me?- and I'm not just talking about this food. -Did you think I wanted to see you? Is that it, Seto? Did you think I wanted to see your sorry, useless-"

It's funny how one noise can silence all others. Even if it is for less than a second, or even if it is just in your head.

His face remains the same, even after the hand that has silenced his mouth has found its way across it.

"Mokuba..." my hand does not know to comfort or pull away. Even though I'm sure if it wanted to comfort, the one it wanted to, would not allow it.

"Is everything all right here?" my hand decides to set back to my side, at the sound of the other voice. A waiter bends over some, and I see others looking to see. These curious ears that look to see what can be heard.

"Everything's fine." I utter, and Mokuba stands from his chair, causing the waiter to straighten his back some.

"You're pathetic." He says to me, plainly, as if it was a common goodbye, with that same, impassive face.

And I watch. I watch as Seto Kaiba leaves the room, and wonder who is this, watching himself leave, sitting at this table being stared at by an irritated and curious few, with these guilty thoughts, and culpable hands. And then it hits me.

That's where Seto Kaiba went.

to be continued.

i have tasted a few reviews, and i crave for more.

dont be shy. review, you lurker.

oh... please-

tell all your friends, friends.

:B