(Seto)
Seto – so far, so good. Mokuba is okay, but he still has nightmares. 8 o'clock tomorrow.
Miyuki's notes were always like that –concise and almost illegible. I didn't care; I didn't want her opinions or scoldings… She saved those for when we met face to face.
I looked at the note again. I could sympathize with Mokuba.
April.
The months had passed too quickly, but no matter how long the time actually was, I still couldn't bring myself to trust my 'partners'. It seemed like they'd never be ready – I was almost sure they shouldn't have been involved at all. It's what I get for trusting Malik's judgment in people, I guess.
Malik. He was entirely too flippant about the whole ordeal. The only 'support' he offered was to give me some tips on how to survive once I was out of the country. On the plus side, I knew he was capable, even he wouldn't say anything personal about himself. I never pressed the issue, though; once I was in the States with Mokuba, I'd probably tell people the same thing… assuming that I told them anything at all.
Jounouchi was hotheaded, arrogant, impulsive, and a complete pain in my ass – all the wrong traits for a calculated kidnapper, and Mokuba's fate was in his hands. We were always going head-to-head when we spent more than half an hour together and we disagreed of everything but the kidnapping – it was the only thing we seemed to have the same thoughts on.
As far as I could tell, Yuugi and Ryou were harmless at best, which meant that they were completely incompetent; they were the least useful in my plan. At least Yuugi seemed kind, the good guy to be a babysitter, and Ryou wouldn't do anything stupid, as his chief concern seemed to be keeping Bakura and Malik safe.
"We're done," Yami said, interrupting my thoughts. "No one's said anything in fifteen minutes." I glared at him as people started getting up, filtering out – I hated when he took charge; even if I had been spacing out it was still my place, not his. At his best, Yami was arrogant – at his worst, he was just plain irritating.
Otogi passed my chair, throwing some rude comment back to Bakura. I reevaluated my thoughts; he was the most useless player. All he was there for was a house – important, I suppose, but he didn't really DO anything. I watched the rest of them leave, and noticed with some relief that Bakura went upstairs… and after a second Jounouchi followed. Maybe I'd be able to stay home that night. I didn't want to go out; I never wanted to go out, I didn't want to waste the time "adding credibility to my alibi," as Yami so eloquently phrased it whenever I tried to get out of whatever mundane activity he or Bakura would plan.
"Have you been eating?" Yami asked suddenly, and it took all my composure and self-control not to jump in surprise. I hadn't even realized that he was still there, let alone looking down at me.
"What?"
"You. Have you been eating enough?" he repeated. "I don't remember you being so thin and you look like you haven't seen the light of day in weeks."
I shrugged. "Well, you and Bakura like to go out at night. It's none of your concern – do what you're here to do and leave me to me."
Yami sat on the couch; internally, I swore. Sitting meant he had something to say and he planned to stay long enough to say it. "I'm here to be your alibi, to appear as your friend; in a convoluted way, it's my place to worry about you." He placed his feet up on the coffee table and I looked around for Ryou; if Ryou came back and saw Yami doing that, then this whole conversation would end, and I could sneak out while Yami was getting chewed out… "You don't talk much about how you feel about all this," he continued. "You give a lot of plans, but there's no emotion in it. I wonder, what are you thinking when you tell us what needs to be done?"
I shrugged again. Yami didn't need to know how I felt about this; we'd only know each other for a few more months. After that we'd be strangers again. I didn't pour my heart out to strangers.
Yami didn't relent. Stern eyes locked with mine, matching his tone as he said, "We'll need your strength if this is going to succeed, Seto. If you haven't been taking care of yourself, then you need to start."
He was baiting me for a response… but I couldn't resist. "Why is my strength needed – all I do is talk and watch when it all does down," I spat.
"Does that bother you?"
"Of course," I snapped, quickly losing track of my vow not to tell more than necessary. "This is my younger brother, and I've got hand him over to people I hardly trust!"
"It must kill you." It might have been my imagination, but for a second, I swear that Yami looked a little hurt… but before I could look further into it, he had stood and moved to me, holding out his hand. "Come on."
"I don't want to go out. Besides, if I'm not mistaken, Bakura is busy."
"Just me and you," Yami said. "I think it'll be worth your while."
I eyed the hand warily, and that tri-haired bastard just grinned at me. I hated that; I hated that he acted like he understood me, and how when it came to these little mind games, he always seemed to win. If the circumstances were different, I never would have voluntarily worked with him.
"Believe me," he persisted.
Hesitantly I nodded and stood, but I refused his hand – I wasn't going to be helped up. "Where are we going?" I asked as Yami led me to the door. I followed him to the driveway, got into his car, without a reply. Either I was getting really trusting, or I was off my game. I was leaning towards the latter.
"You'll see," Yami replied as he started the engine and buckled himself in. I didn't follow suit. "What's so bad about this orphanage, anyway?"
"The other kids."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah – they picked on him all the time."
"Why?" Yami persisted, and if he hadn't been driving, I might have told him to shut up and leave me alone. What was so interesting about my childhood anyway? "Is he a little demon or something?"
"There's nothing wrong with him," I huffed. "He was a kid, and easy target – when boys get bored, they get mean."
"Ah."
I sighed and turned to look out my window, and nearly hit the glass in surprise.
We were approaching the orphanage.
"What are you doing?" I hissed, overcome with the urge to duck down in my seat. Yami grinned and switched off the headlights. "Are you out of your fucking mind?"
"I'm doing you a favor," Yami replied. He drove just a little past the orphanage, stopping the car in some random parking lot. "It'll do you good to see your brother."
"Shut up," I growled, clenching my fists at my side. "You're a sick fuck to –"
"Calm down," Yami replied suavely; it only served to piss me off more. "I need to know the room he's in." Yami got out of the car, and I followed – I didn't see what choice I had. We were approaching the wall that surrounded the orphanage's property, and Yami prompted, "Well?"
"When you get caught, I'm not going to help you," I warned him. "I won't put all my plans on the line for you."
"That's fine," Yami smirked. "I won't get caught. Where is he?"
With a sigh I grumbled, "At the right wing of the building there's a couple bedrooms; he's in the second to last one, in the bed against the furthest wall, unless they moved him. You won't make it to him without being seen."
"Okay – go wait by the front gate."
"No."
"This is an orphanage, not a prison; I don't think they have guards. Now go." With that Yami started to climb the wall, grunting softly as he found stones to hoist himself up. I just rolled my eyes.
"Moron." Still, I went to the gate like told, trailing my hand over the uneven stone surface of the wall. I wanted Yami to succeed; it was exciting to see Mokuba again, even under the circumstances. In a way, though, I wanted him to fail. I wanted that proof that he could fail, that his stupidity was subject to the laws of logic…
Then I'd have the proof I needed to get away from my 'companions'.
Near the gate I found myself staring at one part of the wall that didn't match the rest, a battle scar on an otherwise unmarred surface. I remembered when it had been repaired nearly a decade ago, remembered the car that had totaled it. Remembered the opportunity that had died with the passengers…
"Niisama!" came the urgent whisper from the edge of the gate. I ran forward to see Mokuba hiding down where the gate and the wall met; Yami was leaning with his back against the metal, tilted at an angle so Mokuba was squeezed between his legs and the bars.
"I don't want to be mean," Yami murmured, "but let's keep this short – I can't stand like this too long without being seen."
"'kay," Mokuba said sleepily. I knelt down to his level and smiled. "What's happening, Niisama? Who is this?"
"Never mind him – we can talk about him later. You're going on the trip in July, to the zoo, right?"
Mokuba nodded eagerly. "Uh-huh; I wasn't planning to, but Miyuki signed me up and told me that I needed to – I guessed that it was your plan. I'm even in her group. Do we really have to wait until July?"
I nodded, and leaned in to whisper, "If you can, you should look into learning some English. Covertly."
"English? Are we going to –"
"Shh," I interrupted, reaching through the bars to touch his cheek. Next time I'd see him probably wouldn't be until after July… "Have you been sleeping better?"
"Kinda."
I smiled at him, pulling my hand back. "Make sure you do that, okay, kid?" He nodded. "Okay – you should go back to bed now." Yami stood straight as soon as the words left my mouth, and Mokuba leaned a little tighter against the bars, as though he was still trying to hide.
"Can we trust him?"
I hesitated. I didn't want to tell him that half the reason I had anyone in on this plan was because I really hadn't felt like there was another choice; it wouldn't reassure him. I nodded. "Goodnight."
"Night, Niisama." Mokuba stood, and I stared up at him. He was getting older, taller than when he was a child. In no time he'd be a man – it'd happen too soon, but at least for a few years, for some time, I would be the one to see him through that part of his life. Not a stranger, not a bunch of bitter brats, and not any adopted parents, but me. His brother. His blood.
"Head back to the car," Yami said under his breath, and I sighed. I guess I owed him one – while I was listing all the ways that I hated him, I hated that too. I stood and went to the car, only pausing for a moment to look at the battle scar that I remembered so well. I got in on the passenger side, sitting and taking a moment to breathe. It wasn't a welcome thing to see that wall again; if anything, it mocked me simply by existing. I could still hear it – the squeal of tires, and Mokuba, demanding to know what was happening, why everyone was so excited…
I still remembered every word of the obituary that had said nothing to me except 'wasted opportunity'.
Another opportunity had never come along, and now… Now I had to put Mokuba in danger just to be with him. I cursed softly to myself, pounding a fist down on the dashboard.
"See, out without a trace," Yami said as he opened the driver's side door. "Feel better?"
No. I wanted to shout that it disgusted me to that I had to sneak around to see my own brother… but I just nodded. If nothing else, I owed him my gratitude. I guess I owed all his damn friends my gratitude.
I couldn't stand that.
"Good – now we're going out," Yami said sternly, starting up the car and speeding out of the parking lot. "You look tense – did seeing your brother make you that nervous?"
"Something like that."
I didn't say anything else during the drive.
(Yami)
"Where's Seto?" Ryou asked, looking up from his book. Bakura was somewhere in the house, shouting about his boots.
"In the car," I told Ryou, ignoring Bakura's ranting.
"Ah. Is he going out tonight then?"
"Yes. You?"
Ryou shook his head. "I don't like clubs, remember? Isn't there somewhere else to go?"
For once, alcohol was a necessity – Seto was so wound up when I left the car, I expected to him to snap when I closed the door. Any normal person could've been calmed down by words, but Seto… I had a feeling he was going to need chemical help. Nothing else had gotten him to talk about what was bothering him.
"No," Bakura answered for me, stomping down the stairs. "Are you going to sit around all night and read?"
"That is the plan, yes," Ryou answered coldly, looking down at his book. If I had to guess, I'd say they'd fought again.
"Whatever," Bakura said, headed for the door. I nodded goodbye to Ryou, and followed. "Where were you guys?" Bakura asked once we were outside.
I kept my tone casual as I said, "I took him to see his brother."
"What?" Bakura bellowed, too close to my ear for my pleasure. "Are you out of your fucking mind? Your whole purpose is to be an alibi, not to risk this whole operation before it's begun! Moron! Idiot!"
"Calm down," I snapped as I opened the car door; Bakura got in the back, slamming his door so hard, I swore the car shook. "I didn't get caught – just because we all didn't grow up to be liars and criminals doesn't mean we can't hold our own." I closed my door and started the car; Seto was just watching us. He didn't look calm, but he didn't look like he felt any better either.
Bakura grumbled something under his breath and replied, "If you were anyone else, I assure you I'd have killed you long ago."
"Likewise."
The drive was silent after that – Seto didn't seem too eager to contribute to conversation, and Bakura was still sulking in the backseat. It wasn't a very comfortable drive, and I was relieved to announce, "We're here," as I pulled into the parking lot.
"Good. I'll see you later," Bakura snapped, rushing out of the car and into the building. I sighed and waited for Seto; we got in without a hitch… Unless Seto's sulking counted as a hitch.
"Go find somewhere to sit," I told him. "I… Just a second, I'm going to go get a drink. Want anything?"
"Whatever – your call."
I grinned and teased, "I think that's the most you've ever trusted me, Seto." I was quick to get our drinks, and I went in search of Seto; I found him in a booth. He was enthralled with the dance floor that was just to the left of our table, eyes darting from different people and couples. I guess it was an interesting sight. Some people bobbed and swayed awkwardly, while others giggled and blushed, evading others that tried to pull them out onto the floor. Then there were those that flowed and twisted with the music as though it was a part of them.
"A lot on your mind?" I asked, trying to get his attention as I sat down.
"Sort of," he said, eyes not leaving the crowd.
I paused, pushing a bottle across the table to him. "Are you –"
"It doesn't matter," he interrupted, waving a hand at me and reaching for his drink; he didn't open it. "What's your story? You told me that you're worried about Yuugi; I assumed you're brothers."
"We're not," I said. Maybe I should've lied and said we were; it'd be easier to explain, and maybe he'd be a little more open if he thought we had some sort of common bond – but I couldn't bring myself to be dishonest with him. Besides, we did have a common bond… in an uncommon way.
"If you aren't related, then why bother caring at all?"
"Why not?" I replied. He didn't say anything; maybe he didn't have an answer. "You dance?" I asked, changing the topic.
"No."
"Ah. I've never done it, but Yuugi loves to, when no one else is around. I'm still trying to get him to go out and just do it."
Seto shrugged, and finally looked over to face me, opening his beer and taking a drink. "You really give a damn about this Yuugi kid, huh?"
"Yes. It's like with your brother – I couldn't care any more than I already do, even if we did share blood."
"Why?" He seemed genuinely curious, and I wanted to be able to explain it to him; I wanted to be able to give him a definite, concrete answer… but it wasn't one that I had.
"I'm driven to protect him," I said dismissively, taking a swig of my beer. Seto didn't look like he appreciated my answer, and he had gone back to staring at the dance floor. "Why are you so tense right now?"
He didn't respond, and I took another drink, still trying to come up with the right thing to say to get him to calm down, to open up. After a second I cleared my throat. "I don't know my parents either. In your situation, I'd cling to any family I had left too. We're not going to fail." I smiled at him, but he just snorted.
"You're very cocky. Do you think that highly of these people?"
"I've known them for years and good or bad as they may be, the entire group is capable. So you can trust us, okay? I heard you tell your brother to get some sleep, and I want you to the same."
"But I'm his older brother, I can tell him to do that. You're just –"
"A friend," I finished.
"Don't be mistaken, Yami – you're playing the role of a friend." Even as he said it, he didn't sound as convinced as usual, and despite the harshness of his words, the tone made me feel better.
Maybe in a way, he was relaxing, little by little.
"Oh, okay," I said, trying not to smile. "In any case, you should heed my advice. It's going to be July before you know it, and you need to be ready."
He looked at me again, and his eyes were determined. "I'll be ready for it," he said firmly, and I smiled then.
I hoped he was right.
notes
hardkore thanks to purkledragon, for being an awesome beta once again, and also to Kagemihari, for pointing out that there needed to be a REASON Seto & Mokuba had never been adopted, then helping me work it out. Thanks!
Please forgive the wait; we moved, and I was in bad mood, and internet was down for 2 weeks, and... lots of shit. But I am back, we're settling well, and all should be well from here on out. :)
Funnily, after writing this, I looked back, and the in the manga Mokuba says that Seto cheated – he knew. It would have been more logical for him to have made some request… but I don't like Gozaburo much, so I enjoyed this a little more. shame lol
Did you know that Word says "scoldings" isn't a word? And the dictionary agrees. Pity, that – I liked the word. So I kept it.
Another random note: random dude I know on AIM through somewhat strange circumstances IMs me one day, as he tends to do, and we're talkin', and he tells me that the grammar of the title is wrong. Now, this is very possible – I don't know Latin, and I copied it down from "the Canterbury Tales," so I could've copied it wrong (or even copied it right, but got dyslexic, started saying it wrong, and never bothered to double check). I jut find it amusing, because I can't conceive actually changing the title. Does that make me bad? Lol. Anyway, so ends random story.