Author's Note: Wow. I NEVER write things back to back. I think I'm on some
sort of writing kick. Ah, well I hope it lasts for a while. Forgive me if
the song quote seems out of place, but it kinda goes with the developing
theme, and I couldn't think of anything else. Anyway, I hope you readers
like where this is going, because I'm kind of thinking it up as I go along.
If you don't, go write your own fic. I'm tired. If I keep writing in the
middle of the night I'm going to start hallucinating. Ah . . . sleep . . .
. oh I almost forgot: Happy reading! ~ Sharys ~
Disclaimer: Don't own. Don't sue. We all go home happy.
CHAPTER TWO
*"Am I too lost to be saved?" - Tourniquet - Evanescence*
Mokuba sat at his usual seat nursing a large cup of iced mocha. It was routine by now. Every Sunday morning he came to the same little café and ordered the same thing week after week. His seat was located in a nice corner with a perfect view through a large window that faced the street. He would sit in silence for a half an hour or so before going about his business.
However, today was different.
Mokuba checked his watch again. They should be here any time now.
As if on cue, the door of the café chimed announcing the arrival of two new-comers.
Mokuba smiled.
Two men stood at the entrance, both with the same violet eyes, and both with the same black hair. Mokuba noted that both had kept the red streaks and blonde bangs. However, as similarly as they looked, each apparently had his own sense of style. Despite the heat of August, one wore mostly black leather, with a matching black muscle shirt and a pair of studded armlets. His eyes were intense and piercing with an aura that demanded respect. The other was slightly shorter than his companion with a less expensive taste in clothing. He wore common black jeans and dark blue T-shirt that was slightly faded. This one looked much more approachable, with his kind expression and calm demeanor. Despite the differences one could easily mistake the two for brothers. Mokuba knew better.
He waved them over and within a few moments they had settled across from him. "Hello Yugi. Yami," he greeted. "Do you guys want anything to drink?"
Yugi smiled back at the teen. "No, we're fine."
"Alright. Well, sorry for dragging you guys out here on such short notice. I really appreciate this."
"Your call was quite unexpected," said Yami. "After all, it has been a while. I take it that this isn't a pleasure call."
Mokuba sighed. "Right to the chase then." He looked at them both in turn. "I was actually hoping that you two could help me with something."
"What about your brother? Wouldn't you normally go to him for help?" Yugi asked.
He toyed with his straw before answering. "Actually . . . it's regarding Seto."
Yami snapped to attention. "What's wrong with Kaiba?"
"I don't know!" Mokuba growled, running a hand through his hair. "He won't really talk to me anymore. Something's wrong with him, I just know it. But I can't do anything about it because he absolutely refuses that there is anything wrong with him. He's being stubborn."
"Isn't he always?"
"Yami!" Yugi elbowed him before returning to the matter at hand. "How is he acting differently than usual?"
"It's hard to explain." The black-haired teen thought for a moment. "Its almost like he's . . . fading. He works like he always does, but it's hallow. No one else but me would even notice it, but it's like he's distancing himself from his surroundings. I'm worried. My fear is that it's worse than I think it is, and that he'll do something drastic."
Yugi looked stricken. "Do . . . do you really think it might be that bad?"
"I'm hoping it's not."
Yami crossed his arms over his chest. "Why ask us for help? Tea is better with dealing with and identifying emotions than either of us. And I'm sure there are doctors that specialize in this sort of thing."
"Seto hates doctors. He wont let one within fifty feet of him unless he's on his deathbed. And Tea . . . well, lets just say that its in her best interest if she stays out of this. I trust you two. You always came through before and I was hoping you would again. Please. There is no one else who I would trust with this."
Yami and Yugi stared at each other intently. A minute later Yami sat back in his chair, sighing in resignation. "I think I'll take you up on that coffee," he muttered while Yugi gave Mokuba a reassuring smile.
"How can we help?"
* * *
"Are you sure about this, Yugi?"
It was later that same day and the two had just returned to their apartment. Yami had started pacing the moment they had arrived while Yugi simply went into the kitchen to fix himself something to eat.
"I mean, I can understand why Mokuba would be worried, but are you sure-"
"Yami."
Yami stopped for a moment to look at Yugi, who was currently making himself a tuna sandwich.
"I know that your cautious of these sort of things, but stressing over it won't get you anywhere." Yugi smiled. "Relax."
"But if it's as bad as Mokuba thinks it might be then how exactly do you plan to help?" Yami resumed his pacing. "And what makes you think that Kaiba will even let you help? His pride tends to cloud his judgment."
"Like you at times?"
Yami glared. "I'm not the one in question right now am I?"
"People can change," Yugi said softly. "You should know that better than most."
Yami took a seat at the kitchen table, resting his arms on the wooden surface. "I do," he admitted. "However I am also aware that some people don't. I just don't want to see you hurt."
"I know Yami."
There was a long silence.
"How long has it been?"
Yugi glanced up from his work. "How long since what, Yami?"
"Since you solved the puzzle," he replied calmly. "Since I've been free."
Yugi took his place across from Yami, sliding a plate towards his companion. "Oh, I don't know . . . about five years, maybe six. Why?"
"If it wasn't for you I would still be in that nothingness. When I emerged you were my friend even when I did things you didn't approve of. I owe you so much . . ." he gave Yugi a serious look. "You do realize that if something bad should happen I am going to take any measure necessary to keep you safe, don't you?"
"I'm counting on it."
* * *
Seto rubbed the back of his neck as his computer shut down. He had been working since early that morning and was more than ready for some well deserved sleep. He sat still for a moment, enjoying the quiet.
Nights like this were rare these days. The feeling of falling had subsided for the moment, but he knew that tomorrow the feeling would be back. It always came back.
He opened his office door and stared at the person standing outside it. Seto looked at his brother blearily. Confused, he looked down at his watch. "It's almost eleven, Mokuba," he said. "What are you still doing up?"
Mokuba eyed his brother suspiciously. "Are you working late again?" he asked in a dangerously low voice.
Seto sighed. "Actually I was just finishing up. And you still haven't answered my question."
"How about that." Mokuba gave Seto his most winning smile.
Here it comes, Seto thought.
"How about we do something tomorrow?"
"What?" Please say he's joking.
"You. Me. Fun. Tomorrow." He poked his brother's chest. "Remember fun Seto?"
"What brought this on?"
Mokuba grinned like a cat. "Do this one thing with me and I'll forget about your all nighter the other day. Deal?"
Seto groaned inwardly.
* * *
At least see him, he had said. Make your own observation.
Damn Mokuba.
Now he was stuck in the middle of a mall packed with people at eight in the morning. People shopping, people eating, people laughing, people shouting to friends across the hall. Noise. Lots of noise, and no more than two feet of personal space at any given time.
//How did you talk me into this?//
Yugi laughed through the link. /You insisted on coming with me. Don't blame me for your self-induced torture sessions, Yami. Besides, it shouldn't be much longer./
The two of them were lounging at a free table on the outskirts of the food court. Due to the noise level they found it easier, and not to mention quieter, to use their link to talk.
//But why would Mokuba want us to meet here? Why not some place less crowded?// Yami asked irritably. //It would certainly be more comfortable.//
/It would, and I have no clue why he wanted us here/
//I thought you knew what you were doing// Yami said smugly.
/Keep that up and you'll find yourself locked back in the puzzle for a week/
Yami glared, with an innocent smile as his only reply.
/Here they come/
Yami turned in his chair. Sure enough, there was Mokuba, all bright eyed and bushy tailed, as if the café conversation had never happened. Trailing a few steps behind him was Seto Kaiba himself.
Only . . .
Yami remembered Seto back when he and Yugi shared the same body. A cold, arrogant youth who's only concern besides himself was for his little brother's well being. He was someone who refused to admit defeat, driven by the blue fire that raged in his eyes. That was the Seto he knew.
But this was not him.
This man had eyes that were iced over. Frozen. That presence that had always demanded respect was gone. It was almost like he was-
/Empty/ Yugi's voice was hushed in disbelief.
//So you see it too//
/How could I not?/ His light looked at him. /Will you help me?/
He nodded. //Until the finish line//
Author's Note : Hello again. Like? Don't like? Review if you want, but if not that's alright too. Creative criticism is always welcome, because I know there is always room for improvement. I'm about halfway done with the third chapter, so it shouldn't be too long before my next update. Be Warned : I am a habitually forgetful person so don't expect too much. Well until next time . . . . ~ Sharys ~
Disclaimer: Don't own. Don't sue. We all go home happy.
CHAPTER TWO
*"Am I too lost to be saved?" - Tourniquet - Evanescence*
Mokuba sat at his usual seat nursing a large cup of iced mocha. It was routine by now. Every Sunday morning he came to the same little café and ordered the same thing week after week. His seat was located in a nice corner with a perfect view through a large window that faced the street. He would sit in silence for a half an hour or so before going about his business.
However, today was different.
Mokuba checked his watch again. They should be here any time now.
As if on cue, the door of the café chimed announcing the arrival of two new-comers.
Mokuba smiled.
Two men stood at the entrance, both with the same violet eyes, and both with the same black hair. Mokuba noted that both had kept the red streaks and blonde bangs. However, as similarly as they looked, each apparently had his own sense of style. Despite the heat of August, one wore mostly black leather, with a matching black muscle shirt and a pair of studded armlets. His eyes were intense and piercing with an aura that demanded respect. The other was slightly shorter than his companion with a less expensive taste in clothing. He wore common black jeans and dark blue T-shirt that was slightly faded. This one looked much more approachable, with his kind expression and calm demeanor. Despite the differences one could easily mistake the two for brothers. Mokuba knew better.
He waved them over and within a few moments they had settled across from him. "Hello Yugi. Yami," he greeted. "Do you guys want anything to drink?"
Yugi smiled back at the teen. "No, we're fine."
"Alright. Well, sorry for dragging you guys out here on such short notice. I really appreciate this."
"Your call was quite unexpected," said Yami. "After all, it has been a while. I take it that this isn't a pleasure call."
Mokuba sighed. "Right to the chase then." He looked at them both in turn. "I was actually hoping that you two could help me with something."
"What about your brother? Wouldn't you normally go to him for help?" Yugi asked.
He toyed with his straw before answering. "Actually . . . it's regarding Seto."
Yami snapped to attention. "What's wrong with Kaiba?"
"I don't know!" Mokuba growled, running a hand through his hair. "He won't really talk to me anymore. Something's wrong with him, I just know it. But I can't do anything about it because he absolutely refuses that there is anything wrong with him. He's being stubborn."
"Isn't he always?"
"Yami!" Yugi elbowed him before returning to the matter at hand. "How is he acting differently than usual?"
"It's hard to explain." The black-haired teen thought for a moment. "Its almost like he's . . . fading. He works like he always does, but it's hallow. No one else but me would even notice it, but it's like he's distancing himself from his surroundings. I'm worried. My fear is that it's worse than I think it is, and that he'll do something drastic."
Yugi looked stricken. "Do . . . do you really think it might be that bad?"
"I'm hoping it's not."
Yami crossed his arms over his chest. "Why ask us for help? Tea is better with dealing with and identifying emotions than either of us. And I'm sure there are doctors that specialize in this sort of thing."
"Seto hates doctors. He wont let one within fifty feet of him unless he's on his deathbed. And Tea . . . well, lets just say that its in her best interest if she stays out of this. I trust you two. You always came through before and I was hoping you would again. Please. There is no one else who I would trust with this."
Yami and Yugi stared at each other intently. A minute later Yami sat back in his chair, sighing in resignation. "I think I'll take you up on that coffee," he muttered while Yugi gave Mokuba a reassuring smile.
"How can we help?"
* * *
"Are you sure about this, Yugi?"
It was later that same day and the two had just returned to their apartment. Yami had started pacing the moment they had arrived while Yugi simply went into the kitchen to fix himself something to eat.
"I mean, I can understand why Mokuba would be worried, but are you sure-"
"Yami."
Yami stopped for a moment to look at Yugi, who was currently making himself a tuna sandwich.
"I know that your cautious of these sort of things, but stressing over it won't get you anywhere." Yugi smiled. "Relax."
"But if it's as bad as Mokuba thinks it might be then how exactly do you plan to help?" Yami resumed his pacing. "And what makes you think that Kaiba will even let you help? His pride tends to cloud his judgment."
"Like you at times?"
Yami glared. "I'm not the one in question right now am I?"
"People can change," Yugi said softly. "You should know that better than most."
Yami took a seat at the kitchen table, resting his arms on the wooden surface. "I do," he admitted. "However I am also aware that some people don't. I just don't want to see you hurt."
"I know Yami."
There was a long silence.
"How long has it been?"
Yugi glanced up from his work. "How long since what, Yami?"
"Since you solved the puzzle," he replied calmly. "Since I've been free."
Yugi took his place across from Yami, sliding a plate towards his companion. "Oh, I don't know . . . about five years, maybe six. Why?"
"If it wasn't for you I would still be in that nothingness. When I emerged you were my friend even when I did things you didn't approve of. I owe you so much . . ." he gave Yugi a serious look. "You do realize that if something bad should happen I am going to take any measure necessary to keep you safe, don't you?"
"I'm counting on it."
* * *
Seto rubbed the back of his neck as his computer shut down. He had been working since early that morning and was more than ready for some well deserved sleep. He sat still for a moment, enjoying the quiet.
Nights like this were rare these days. The feeling of falling had subsided for the moment, but he knew that tomorrow the feeling would be back. It always came back.
He opened his office door and stared at the person standing outside it. Seto looked at his brother blearily. Confused, he looked down at his watch. "It's almost eleven, Mokuba," he said. "What are you still doing up?"
Mokuba eyed his brother suspiciously. "Are you working late again?" he asked in a dangerously low voice.
Seto sighed. "Actually I was just finishing up. And you still haven't answered my question."
"How about that." Mokuba gave Seto his most winning smile.
Here it comes, Seto thought.
"How about we do something tomorrow?"
"What?" Please say he's joking.
"You. Me. Fun. Tomorrow." He poked his brother's chest. "Remember fun Seto?"
"What brought this on?"
Mokuba grinned like a cat. "Do this one thing with me and I'll forget about your all nighter the other day. Deal?"
Seto groaned inwardly.
* * *
At least see him, he had said. Make your own observation.
Damn Mokuba.
Now he was stuck in the middle of a mall packed with people at eight in the morning. People shopping, people eating, people laughing, people shouting to friends across the hall. Noise. Lots of noise, and no more than two feet of personal space at any given time.
//How did you talk me into this?//
Yugi laughed through the link. /You insisted on coming with me. Don't blame me for your self-induced torture sessions, Yami. Besides, it shouldn't be much longer./
The two of them were lounging at a free table on the outskirts of the food court. Due to the noise level they found it easier, and not to mention quieter, to use their link to talk.
//But why would Mokuba want us to meet here? Why not some place less crowded?// Yami asked irritably. //It would certainly be more comfortable.//
/It would, and I have no clue why he wanted us here/
//I thought you knew what you were doing// Yami said smugly.
/Keep that up and you'll find yourself locked back in the puzzle for a week/
Yami glared, with an innocent smile as his only reply.
/Here they come/
Yami turned in his chair. Sure enough, there was Mokuba, all bright eyed and bushy tailed, as if the café conversation had never happened. Trailing a few steps behind him was Seto Kaiba himself.
Only . . .
Yami remembered Seto back when he and Yugi shared the same body. A cold, arrogant youth who's only concern besides himself was for his little brother's well being. He was someone who refused to admit defeat, driven by the blue fire that raged in his eyes. That was the Seto he knew.
But this was not him.
This man had eyes that were iced over. Frozen. That presence that had always demanded respect was gone. It was almost like he was-
/Empty/ Yugi's voice was hushed in disbelief.
//So you see it too//
/How could I not?/ His light looked at him. /Will you help me?/
He nodded. //Until the finish line//
Author's Note : Hello again. Like? Don't like? Review if you want, but if not that's alright too. Creative criticism is always welcome, because I know there is always room for improvement. I'm about halfway done with the third chapter, so it shouldn't be too long before my next update. Be Warned : I am a habitually forgetful person so don't expect too much. Well until next time . . . . ~ Sharys ~