Author's note: I don't know a lot of the personal facts about Jou's character, so if some of this is wrong, then just bare with me. I also do not know how addresses, phone numbers, and achievement tests work in Japan so I just use the American system.
Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh. I never have and I never will. I am just a fan writer having fun. So don't sue me. All you would get is a few bucks.
Enjoy!
This chapter rated PG
Tell Me about Your Partner
Chapter 3
TigerSerenity
Normal P.O.V.
Seto arrived home unusually early from the office. His usual arrival time wasn't until 9:30. Mokuba looked at him oddly, when he walked in at 7:15.
"You're home early, big brother."
"After that meeting there wasn't that much to do. I wanted to test that game, but since you and the mutt are going to do that for me, I didn't have to."
"Really, Seto. Is it necessary to call him a mutt?" Mokuba sighed. He had also noticed the tension that was increasingly growing between the two males. He had a suspicion as to the cause, but he would never ask his brother. He valued his skin too much. "You know he doesn't like to be called that. He hates it as much as his nickname, Moneybags, for you."
Seto just stared at Mokuba before sighing. "You wouldn't understand, Mokuba. You might want to let Mary know an extra person is going to be here for dinner. I'm going upstairs to get changed."
"Okay, Seto." What wouldn't I understand…hmm…Maybe Yugi and Yami have some insight. I'll have to call them later.
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Seto changed into a simple pair of jeans and dark red t-shirt. He looked at himself in the triple mirror in his room. The jeans fit like a glove down his legs. He wasn't happy with the shirt, however. Digging through his closet he threw shirts onto his bed.
"What are you doing, big brother?"
Seto jerked around to see Mokuba holding out a white t-shirt that had landed on his head after Seto tossed it backwards without looking. He raised his eyebrows at the amount of clothes on the bed.
"Just looking for something comfortable to wear."
"Isn't what you're wearing comfortable?"
"Yes, it is but…" Seto cut the statement off, flushed, and then whirled around to dig back through the walk-in closet.
Since when are you so worried about your appearance after work? Wait….ah ha! I'm not dumb, Seto. I share your genes, remember? I'm beginning to get the picture, big brother… Mokuba smirked. You like Jounouchi. I was right.
Mokuba smirked."Mokuba, what do I have in here that's good?"
"Grab the black shirt right there by your left hand." The smirk grew wider. "I think Jounouchi will like you in that."
"You think so? Wait! What!? How?!" Seto gaped at his brother as he again pivoted toward his brother. It was a look that very few people were allowed to see on his face.
"You're trying to impress Jounouchi. I've guessed for a while that you like him, Seto."
Seto tinted pink. "Is it too obvious?"
"Not really. Only the people that know you really well, like me or Mary will realize it."
"Thank god."
"Come here. I have an idea." The smirk turned into an evil grin.
Seto's face turned scared.
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He stared at himself in the mirror for minutes after Mokuba left the room. He was amazed at what a little eyeliner and moisturized lip gloss could do.
I wonder what Jounouchi will think. Man, Seto…when did you get this bad? Damn it, why does he have to hate me so much? Everyone seems to hate me, except Mokuba. Am I doomed to really be alone? If there really is Egyptian gods, and I really am the reincarnated Seth, please let me find the courage to talk to Jounouchi.
He sighed and left his room after shutting off the lights. People may think I can pay for anything, but even I have an electric bill.
Thinking to get some more research done he went into his study, turning on the laptop computer perched on his mahogany desk. He paused to look around the serene office. The leather black couch looked inviting next to the book filled shelves, but he ignored its gentle pull of invitation. Paintings and freshly watered plants were placed in strategic places around the room to add color. His maid had bustled in right after him to light the aromatherapy candles lining the low table. Their sweet smell soon filled the room. He sat down at the computer and stared at the screen.
And stared.
And stared. Seto growled softly when a face began to form in front of his eyes. Damn mutt! Stay out of my mind. I'm envisioning you in the day now. You already occupy my dreams...my fantasies. This project…I'm supposed to get to know you. Now that I think about it…I really don't know all that much about you.
Curiosity finally got the better of him. "Damn it!" He glanced at the clock. He still have ten minutes before Jou was scheduled to arrive.
Fingers finally flew over the keyboard. In less than a minute he had hacked into the school's database. Enter Student Name flashed across the screen.
Jounouchi, Katsuya
Records appeared on the screen. A bright smiling face was in the corner, with the blonde hair appearing semi-tamed. His eyes seemed to sparkle like clear polished amber. Seto's eyes widened in shock as he read over parts of the information.
Personal Info:
Name: Jounouchi, Katsuya
DOB: June 19, 1986
Address: 108 S. Hanna St. Apt. 3A
Telephone: unknown
Parents/Guardians: Both deceased, no guardian
Siblings: Jounouchi, Serenity
Doctor: Hwang
Dentist: Sagara
Emergency contact: Mutou, Sugoroku Turtle Game Shop (767)-132-9756
Medical history:
No allergies. Several broken bones, strains, and cuts over the years. No known operations.
Severe trauma at 13 from unknown source led to extended stay in Domino hospital. He blamed it on a fall down apartment stairwell, but injuries and mental trauma were inconsistent with this statement. Further police investigation found no evidence. Occasion pain with back if under long amounts of stress or exercise as a result.
Academic history:
Status: Senior
Advisor: Batto
Previous semester GPA: 3.7 of 4.0
Cumulative GPA: 3.87 of 4.0
Class status: 19 of 157
Achievement Score: 1750 of 1900
Fall 2004 - Will be attending Domino University
Principal's Notes:
High risk. After death of father two years ago his grades have improved dramatically. Our belief of paternal abuse was never confirmed, even after private police investigation. Many staff members blame this for most of his past severe bruises and lacerations, although he stated they were from street fights or accidents. This abuse is believed to be the case of the severe emotional and physical trauma at age 13.
A failed suicide attempt two years ago was confirmed by Mutou, Yugi. He apparently took an overdose of some medicated drug belonging to his father, but was rushed to the hospital in time. He stayed in the hospital under observation for two weeks.
Support from staff and counselors must be given to ensure Jounouchi's continued improvement. His friendships seem to have helped with his attitude and behavior. His success as a Duel Monsters duelist also seems to be helping.
He is still a troublemaking jokester that occasionally gets into fights - mainly with one Kaiba, Seto. The reason for this is unknown.
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Seto reread several lines. Belief of paternal abuse…police investigation…severe emotional and physical trauma at age 13...A failed suicide attempt …What really happened to him!? Katsuya…what have you been going through? Oh, my puppy…
I've just been adding to all of his problems and pain… "Katsuya." Your not as stupid as I say you are either. You have a 3.87 GPA. You sure don't act like it though. I see you did get into the university. You were worried about that. Is your stupidity just an act that you put on for the others? Are you doing to opposite of me? You show happiness while I show nothing.
Seto was brought out of his thoughts by a black head sticking itself around the corner. "Hey, Seto. Jou's here. He's coming up the drive now."
"Thanks, Mokuba. I will wait a few minutes before coming down."
"You look good, Seto."
"You really think so?" Seto shifted uncomfortably in his chair.
"Yeah. Do you doubt the skill of your own brother?"
"No."
"Then let's get this party rolling. When you come down, we should be in the game room getting ready to start."
"See you there."
The door bell rang.
"I'll get it Mary!" Mokuba hollered as he ran down the hallways and the stairs to the front door. He was gasping for air when he pulled open the door. "Wow."
Jou shifted. "All I did was change clothes."
"And change clothes you did. You look great, Jou!"
The blond hand changed into a dark blue t-shirt that fit snuggly to his torso. The black pants looked painted onto his legs. His hair was shiny, freshly washed. His bangs still hung in his eyes. "Ready to get walloped, kid?"
"Ha. We'll see who gets creamed." Mokuba snorted at his internal joke. Seto just might…
"Which was is the game room, again? I always get lost in this place."
"Yea…it is a little big. I still get lost occasionally in the room we don't go in a lot."
"You're kidding?"
"Nope. Here we are."
"Whoa! There's even more stuff here that I remember."
"We got some new stuff a few months ago. I was getting sick of a tan couch, so I asked Seto if I could redocorate the room. He agreed. This was the result."
"I bet you he flipped. A black couch. Black and white tile. Red rug and recliner. Huge flat screen TV. Every game created to date. Every game system created to date. It that a Nintendo? Like the first ever Nintendo? Man, I haven't seen one of those in ages." He bent over to get a closer look at the game.
He didn't hear the great intake of breath as a tall brunet turned into the room. Eyes instantly went to the bent over rear swinging in the air. Mokuba stifled a giggle behind his hand at the look of shock on his brother's face.
"Speaking of your brother…where is he? Still at Kaiba Corp?"
"Right…" The voice cracked, causing Seto to flush…"here."
Jounouchi whirled around, not remembering that he was bent over from the waist. He feet caught together, sending him to the floor on his rear. "Ow! Mokuba couldn't you have bought softer tile?" He rubbed at his abused tush, not noticing the eyes focused on following the movement.
Mokuba stifled another giggle. He was having too much fun, and the visit had only started.
Jou looked up for a second time. His eyes widened at the sight of the brunet standing in front of him. "Hi…"
"Good evening."
Damn…why does he have to be dressed like that? The black brings out the sapphire in his eyes. Is that eyeliner…that just adds to the effect. I could fall into those eyes.
"Jou. Jou. Jounouchi!" Mokuba poked the blond in the side to get his attention. Really all he wanted to do was bust out laughing. The two idiots like each other but are too stubborn to do anything about it. "Seto told me that you are doing a project together. If you need any real secrets, just ask me. I know a few good ones."
Jou smiled. Even Mokuba was impressed at how the look changed his face. "Thanks, Mokuba."
He is handsome. Nice choice, Seto. "You're welcome. Ready to get beaten?"
"Bring it on."