Disclaimer: Dark-Angel302 doesn't own Yu-Gi-Oh!

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I'm Just a Kid

Chapter 3

"Wow," Ryou was in awe at how advance and huge the kitchen was. Of course, it was Kaiba's, but it sure beat the hell out of his small kitchen back at his house. But it actually looked more . . . normal than what Ryou had expected. Sure it was big, but Ryou had been expecting it to be completely made out of chrome, with every sort of technology you could imagine crammed into it. The kitchen he stood in now sure had a lot of advanced technology in it, but the cabinets were made with wood, and the counter tops were a smooth blue granite. The floors were white tiled and an island with two barstools were on one side opposite of the stove and one of the two ovens below it.

"Not what you were expecting, huh?" Ryou blinked out of his sudden daze to see Kaiba right next to him. The tall, blue-eyed brunette had an amused sort of look on his face, but not one of mockery, he actually looked like his face would break into a smile at any moment. Ryou smiled sheepishly.

"Less technology and machinery than expected, yes," Ryou smiled widely as he heard Kaiba kind-of chuckle at that comment.

"Yeah, I guess most people would get that impression." Kaiba walked into the kitchen, searching through cabinets. "What would you like, we have just about anything you'd ever want."

"I'd imagine," Ryou said, laughing a little. Looking down at his watch, it read 6:07 a.m. "Mokuba should be waking up sooner or later, right?"

"Yeah, but I don't even think he was asleep when I put him in his bed," Kaiba said. "If so, then just barely. You want breakfast? I'm sure Mokuba will want some when he gets up."

"Sure," the white-haired teen said, sitting down on one of the bar stools, across from where Kaiba was standing. Suddenly realizing how casual this was coming to him, Ryou looked down at the blue granite counter top, tracing his fingers along an invisible pattern. Why did this seem so natural?

"What do you want? I can fix pancakes or something." Ryou looked up at the older teen, a bewildered look on his face.

"You can cook?" Luckily Kaiba wasn't looking up at him, he was searching for a skillet.

"Yeah, we use to have a chief, but he retired about three months ago, I never got around to hiring a new one," Kaiba kept talking as he took out ingredients and such from the many cabinets while Ryou just kept staring at him. "Mokuba says he thinks I cook better anyway."

Ryou watched as Kaiba gathered everything and started in on the pancake batter. "You make it all yourself?"

"It doesn't taste right if I use the mix." Ryou was amazed that Kaiba was acting so . . . normal. And he was cooking! From scratch! Flour, eggs, sugar, the works. Mixing it all swiftly and smoothly like he did this every morning. "Besides, this is how my mom use to make it when I was little." Ryou felt a pain in his chest as Kaiba said that, he said it so casually, like she was just upstairs doing something else at the moment, or that he was the one that made breakfast for her now. But she was gone, Ryou knew Kaiba and Mokuba were orphans, he himself felt like one everyday.

"Yeah, only my dad was the one making breakfast instead of my mom," Ryou suddenly heard himself say. Ryou's breath caught in his throat, what had possessed him to even mention that! Ryou suddenly found his hands very interesting to look at.

"Was?" Ryou looked up only to see Kaiba still mixing the batter, not looking up at him either.

"Well, he's never home any more," Rou said softly, looking back down at his hands. Somehow, he felt he should say more. 'Kaiba won't tell anyone', he thought to himself. 'He really isn't one for gossip.' Taking a deep breath he continued, and found that speaking of this was easier than he thought. "He's usually in Egypt or one of his other archeological jobs, for months at a time too. When he does come home, it's either for a day or two before his next dig or Christmas. Sometimes my Birthday, but he always seems to be busy."

Kaiba had been listening closely, nodding a little as the white-haired teen talked. And suddenly a billion questions rushed through his head, Ryou Bakura's life seemed very interesting all of a sudden. "What about your mom."

"She's dead." Kaiba felt his stomach lurch, and sudden guilt filled it.

"I'm sorry-"

"It's okay," Ryou interrupted, leaning his head to the side with a dazed look in his eyes; of remembrance. "I was only five, but I can still remember her though." He closed his eyes for a minute, remembering a woman with a slight tan complexion and pure white hair that fell down to her waist in smooth waves. With bright green eyes that, sadly, he didn't inherit. She had the most wonderful laugh, and a smooth silky voice; he could remember, she use to sing him to sleep every night.

Soft, yet quick, footsteps coming down the hallway brought him out of his train of thought. Ryou looked over is shoulder just as Mokuba bounded through the door. "ONIISAN!" The elder teen winced at his younger brother's high-pitched voice. You'd think he'd be use to it by now, but I guess it is kind-of a shock so early in the morning.

"Ohayou Mokuba," Ryou said, mentally giggling at Kaiba's reactions. Moukba sat down next to the white-haired teen, smiling up at him.

"Ohayou Ryou-kun! Why are you up so early? Couldn't you sleep? Why'd you take your bandages off?" Ryou laughed mentally, forgetting how fast Mokuba changes subjects.

"Ano..."

"Are you feeling better?" Mokuba said before Ryou could even answer.

"Okagesamade, arigatou," Ryou laughed, he couldn't believe the 11-year-old was hyper this early in the day. How did Kaiba stay sane? Ryou didn't have to deal with it every day, so he just laughed at the child's naïve-ess; while Kaiba sighed as he continued making breakfast.

"Mokuba, why don't you go get ready for school," Kaiba suggested. "Breakfast should be done by the time you get back down here." Mokuba groaned, and headed back upstairs reluctantly. "One of these days," Kaiba started, but ended up just sighing deeply, cutting himself off. Ryou giggled a little, but suddenly choked on it.

Kaiba looked up to see him staring wide-eyed, twitching a little. "Ryou, what's wrong."

"S-S-School!" Kaiba raised an eyebrow.

"What?"

"I-I-I can't go to school like this!" he stuttered. Ryou's hand went up to his black eye, still twitching a little. 'I have cuts everywhere, and my leg is still pretty bad. Oh god . . . I have P.E today. Oh, Kami-sama, WHY DO YOU HATE ME!' he mentally yelled. All was silent for a moment, almost intensifying, making Ryou's nerves worse.

"Care to tell me what happened?" Kaiba was looking down, flipping the pancakes, a dazed look in his eyes.

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you," Ryou said softly, feeling his eyes start to sting. "You don't believe in the magic of the Millennium Items."

Kaiba faltered. 'Magic? What's he talking about? I-It's not real . . .' Yet somehow, he doubted his own thoughts. His proof was sitting in front of him, Ryou had been hurt really badly, he wouldn't lie about something like this. Kaiba slowly took the pancakes off the skillet. There had to be another explanation. Kaiba looked up at the white-haired teen and froze, crystal-clear tears brimmed Ryou's chocolate brown eyes, watching as his finger traced a cut on his hand back and forth. Deep thought drowning all his senses.

"Ryou?" One lone tear fell down his face, he bowed his head a little so his white bangs covered his eyes, but more tears fell down his cheek. Kaiba slowly walked around the island, watching Ryou, who wouldn't look up from the floor. Even when Kaiba was standing right in front of him he didn't look up. "Ryou?" Kaiba's voice was lowered, soft almost. When Ryou started to shake in silent sobs, Kaiba couldn't resist anymore.

He could feel Ryou catch his breath as Kaiba tilted his head up with a careful hand, gentle fingers lifting up his chin. Crystal-tears still streamed down the white-haired teen's face. He was closer than Ryou had thought, barley inches away. Kaiba had his head tilted to the side, sympathy for the white-haired boy in his eyes. "What happened?"

Ryou was startled; he had never seen him like this, Kaiba was being so caring, comforting, it was like . . . he really wanted to help him. 'No one ever wants to help me.' "You won't believe me." His own words brought more tears to his eyes, falling freely down his face, he couldn't stop them now. But Ryou suddenly felt his gaze locked on Kaiba's eyes, why couldn't he look away? The brunette slowly wiped away the tears from his unbruised eye, Ryou breathed in deeply, closing his eyes, Kaiba's touch was so soft, and more comforting than anything he could imagine right now. Yet doubt still hung in the back of his mind. "You won't believe . . ."

"Try me," Ryou could feel Kaiba's breath on his face he was so close, sending shivers down his spine. 'Why does he care?' Ryou questioned. ' No one cared before, why him?' His own thoughts sounding in his head, Ryou felt more tears building up behind his eyes.

'Why does he care?'

He cried. Started sobbing right into Kaiba's chest. No one cared before, and yet here he was, in Kaiba's house, in Kaiba's arms. Indeed, the first reaction Kaiba had was to comfort the white-haired teen. Softly insuring him in comforting words, slowly rubbing his back, just as he did with Mokuba years ago.

"It's okay," Kaiba repeated the phrase often, telling him he would be alright. Gently brushing white bangs out of blurred chocolate brown eyes, Ryou continued to sob, shaking his head while muttering to himself.

"I can't go, I can't go-" Kaiba hugged him closer, trying to get him to settle down. 'He really should stay out of school today,' the brunette thought to himself. After a while Ryou's sobs stopped, he whimpered slightly, tears starting to dry. He felt safe, he felt like he could stay right where he was forever. Kaiba still held him close, eyes closed, leaving his own mind and senses in a numb trance. He couldn't think, everything seemed so right, so perfect. He didn't move, he just enjoyed the blissful moment of having someone in his arms. Till he opened his eyes, and reality snapped back to him.

He drew back a little, almost hesitantly, looking Ryou in the eye. "You okay now?" The white-haired teen nodded, sniffing a little.

"I'm sorry-"

"Don't worry about it," Kaiba interrupted. "If you don't want to tell me, that's fine." Suddenly, a spark lit up in Kaiba's eyes. "I've got a idea, how about you stay home from school, here." Ryou looked up at him, confused. "And I'll stay with you." Ryou's eyes widened.

"Oh, I couldn't possibly- you, or me, shouldn't miss school-we'll have so much work to do and-" he was silenced as a finger was placed to his lips.

"We'll be fine, I was going to miss school today anyway because of a meeting, but I canceled it yesterday. And you-" Kaiba was cut short as quick foot-steps were yet again coming down the hall. Ryou suddenly blushed as he realized what position he and Kaiba were in; Kaiba still had his finger on Ryou's lips, and the two of them were way too close for anyone not to think-

"Oniisan? Is breakfast-" Mokuba stopped as he saw both Ryou and his older brother break away quickly, Ryou's face was flushed red, and even Kaiba's face had a slight tinge of pink. "-ready. . ." Ryou rubbed his right arm nervously, while Kaiba had his hands shoved in his pockets; both were staring at the ground.

"Uh, yeah. Right over there," Kaiba nodded towards a stack of pancakes that he had taken off the skillet before Ryou's break-down. "Ano... I better go get changed . . . and. . ." He didn't even finish his statement before he quickly walked down the hall and up the stairs. Ryou watched him leave. 'That was. . . different.' He had never seen Kaiba act like that; neither caring, nor as flustered as he just was.

"You want some?" Ryou blinked out of his daze, looking over at Mokuba who had already started eating.

"Hai." The two ate in silence for a moment, but it was kind-of . . . normal. Almost dazed, like any school morning should be. And Kaiba's cooking was really good.

"Do you get it now?" Ryou blinked at the sudden question, and one that made no sense.

"Get what?"

Mokuba dragged his last bite of pancake around his plate. "Why I tell everyone Seto's not as bad as they think he is." Ryou blinked again. Kaiba did act completely different than what Ryou had seen during school, or when he was dueling.

"Is he normally like this?" Mokuba nodded.

"He just tries to act tough, but he will change really fast sometimes. Like if I have a bad dream, or I start crying; he tries to make me feel better." Ryou had a glazed over look as Mokuba spoke. The raven-haired boy smiled to himself, "He takes care of me."

Ryou smiled as well. "You love your brother a lot, don't you?"

Mokuba nodded, grinning widely. "He's my best friend, he looks out for me." Mokuba's face dropped a little, "But he works really hard. He wants both of us to live happy, but sometimes he's too busy with Kaiba Corp. to do anything fun."

"Sometimes?" Ryou asked, smiling.

"Yeah." Mokuba said, not catching Ryou's sarcasm. "Some nights, when he doesn't have meetings, we just . . .you know, hang out. Watch movies, play video games, just normal stuff." Mokuba smiled to himself again as he spoke.

"You two have a lot of fun then."

Mokuba nodded enthusiastically. "Yep. During the winter we play outside in the snow a lot, and we have a lake house that we go to in the summer." Ryou smiled, 'Kaiba's more normal than anyone gives him credit for. I always wondered how he could act like a machine 24/7, it seemed like he never sleeps. He gets everything done for his company AND for school, he keeps straight A's, and he manages to find time for Mokuba. Plus he puts up with all of those rumors, gossip, and the press too. He can stand to have to the whole world hate him, just as long as his brother is happy. It's like his only goal in life. Keeping Mokuba happy.' Ryou smiled sheepishly, tilting his head to side while he stayed dazed out in his own thoughts. 'He's really admirable.'

Suddenly, Seto Kaiba's life became very interesting.

TBC...

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Japanese words

Oniisan – big brother

Ohayou – Good morning

Okagesamade Arigatou – I'm fine thank you

Kami-sama – equivalent to Oh God

Ano – Um....

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Angel: Yeah! Fluffy chapter! XD

Meiko: -.- Whatever...

Angel: Hey! I told you I'd update faster! Didn't I Didn't I Didn't I Didn't I –

Meiko: YES! YOU DID! NOW SHUT UP ALREADY!!!

Angel: ::Backs away:: Sorry, just making a point.

Meiko: ::Sulking and grumbling incoherent phrases::

Angel: Thanks to all of my wonderful reviewers!

ragdollsally13 – Favorites of all time? ::blushes madly:: I-It's not that good. There are a lot better writers out there than me (::cough::Shori Musei::cough::Lady Yami Bakura::cough::Pork Steak the Grande::cough::you::cough::) And once again, this chapter is mostly for you, best SetoxRyou writer ever (no, I'm not exaggerating, and don't you dare say I am. Tis true!) Hope you liked the chapter!

kurayami ryou-sama - Kaiba is too tall. ::shooting kid-ofevil glares over at Kaiba:: I don't think anyone's ever going to get over it. And the long review was nice! XD And you know how long it took me to update the second chapter? Well, I thought about quitting because I felt so sorry for Ryou as well. But I didn't, too many nice (and threatening) reviews. XD Hope you enjoyed the chapter.

Kyuu – Wow. o.O You were right.

Relinquished – hmm.... Mini-dancing-Seto-chibis huh? And yes, Seto and Ryou are perfect for each other! (would add little happy face but won't let me) o.O you know what, that happened to me too. Only I got out of school for three days my teachers were so convinced I'd kill myself. But then I founded anime club and I've been happy ever since!

Wildwolf - ::poke:: I hope your on now. Yes, kinda sad, kinda happy, bad Yami no Bakura ::throws computer mouse at Bakura's head:: oh, and PLEASE DON'T SEND THE MINIONS ANYMORE! I NEED MY SLEEP, TESTING STARTS NEXT WEEK!!! ::shivering:: no more chibi eyes, no more chibi eyes . . .

hershey-kiss – yes sad, so was this one. ::sweatdrop:: Hope you liked the chapter.

Isaac's Girlfriend – 0.0 ooooooh, shiney weapons.

Meiko: -.- feel free to maul her

Angel: OW! ::just cut self on weaponry:: Shiney, but THAT HURT!!! ::starts crying::

Meiko: oh god, help me. . .

Krista123 – Keeping it up! XD Hope you like the chapter!

fani90 – uh... right now? Well, the chapter 4 won't be till . . . at least a week and a half 'cause I'm going to England with my dad for a week, my flight's on Sunday night . . . so . . . yeah, a week and a half for chapter 4.

Elle-Fate2x1-2 – Well, let your imagination run wild, you will never guess what happens next! Hope you liked the chapter!

Amarin Rose – too true, we need more SetoxRyou fics. . . .

Yes, well, as I told fani90, I'm going to England with my dad, so I'll be gone for a while. My next update should be in at least a week and a half.

Sorry for the shortness and–

Meiko: – it sucked, right?

Angel: Wow, you're catching on.

Meiko: You're suggesting you have a routine?

Angel: uh . . . no . . .uh . . . I always do my best on my stories! But my writing sucks!

Meiko: -.- how did you think of that?

Angel: ::blink:: I thought you told me my job wasn't to think, it was to write. . .

Meiko: o.O . . .

I TAUGHT HER SOMETHING!!!!

::halleluiah chorus::

Angel: 0.0 Well, please review. And no flames please.

Meiko: ::halleluiah chorus::

Angel: 0.0

Meiko: ::halleluiah chorus::

Angel: . . .

Meiko: ::halleluiah chorus::

Angel: . . .

Meiko: ::halleluiah chorus::

Everyone: WILL YOU SHUT UP!!!!