Chapter 9

Seto Kaiba was not a deeply religious man. Sunday was another workday for him. He did not attend church. It was not that he didn't want to. He just didn't see attending necessary. He did not believe in heaven. Or in hell. He did not believe in life after death. He thinks that is a fairytale. He did not believe in Satan. He believed there were people like that though. They were called lawyers. He wasn't sure whether or not to believe there was a god. It felt wrong if he said he didn't. But it felt odd if he said he did. His father, he remembered, was not a very religious person either. His mother was though. She had bibles in every corner of their tables. His father got very mad at that. Funny, he had never recalled that until now. He hardly remembered his parents. He and Mokuba had been orphans at a young age. Their parents had left them. And he and Mokuba had to live at an orphanage, until a man named Gozoboro Kaiba adopted them. He hated him. He really hated him. But that was how he got to be where he was today. By taking over Gozoboro's company. Kaiba Corp. It was his stepfathers before he took it over. Gozoboro died soon after. Kaiba was glad. He had been tortured by that man day and night for years. Beaten. His childhood gone because of Gozoboro Kaiba. He'd rather not get into details. His mind had blocked most of the memories out anyway. But he did hope that if there were a hell, Gozoboro would plummet into it. And burn for hurting him and his brother.

Chapter 10

Seto Kaiba stretched back in his chair. He tapped the side of the table. He took a sip of coffee. Black. That was how he liked it. Sunday. He chose not to work today. He was tired. He wanted a break. He wondered where Mokuba was. Maybe watching cartoons again. He sighed.

Mokuba was watching cartoons. Not that he was particularly interested in them. It helped keep his mind off things. Things that 10-year-olds should not be worrying about. His big brother. Oops. He thought about it. Back to the drawing board. Maybe video games would help. Or maybe better, talking to his brother. He'd never listen. He never listens to Mokuba when it comes to things like that. He does not want a social life and that was that. Did that include Mokuba too? Because lately, it seemed like he was mad at Mokuba about something. Did Mokuba do something wrong? He thought back over the last few days. No, he didn't think he did. Besides the beach incident and the whole laughing thing. Did he bother his brother? Was his brother upset with him? It didn't make sense. He was afraid to bring it up though. He should ask. He really should. He bit his lip. He stood up, switching the TV off. He dusted his pants off. Not that they were dusty. He straightened his shirt. Not that it needed straightening. He remade his bed. Not that it needed to be remade. He looked at the clock. He sat on his bed. He decided he would ask his brother a very important question.

" Do you hate me?"

Seto Kaiba looked up from his newspaper.

" What?" That was a weird question. Whatever happened to 'good morning' or 'how are you today?'

" Do you hate me Seto?"

" Why would you think something like that?"

" Do you?"

" Of course not."

" Then why do you act like you do?"

He didn't recall ever acting like he did toward Mokuba. Was it something he said? He thought back about the past few days. No. He didn't remember saying anything that would cause Mokuba to think that. And he had a pretty good memory.

" I don't." Was all he could say.

" Well you do."

" Why are you asking me if I hate you? What could possibly make you think that? And no, I don't."

" Because…I just get the feeling that you're mad at me. And yes, you do." Mokuba answered a little more firm.

" I don't hate you Mokuba. I don't know where you got such an idea. And no, I don't."
" Stop acting like it then. Yes, you do." Mokuba said, more firm than ever.

" Look Mokuba, all I can tell you is that I don't hate you, and if that's not enough for you to believe me than fine. Think what you want. I don't hate you. I may sometimes have to work late or even all day, but that doesn't mean I don't care about you." Kaiba answered, getting irritated. He got up starting to leave the room, obviously choosing to end the discussion.

" Why won't you see anyone? Why do you lock yourself up in your office all day? You keep yourself from having relationships! And worst of all," Mokuba started to break out into sobs. " worst of all…you, you keep yourself from me!" He sobbed softly. He turned away from his big brother not wanting him to see him so weak. He wiped his face. He turned back to face his brother.

Both Kaiba brothers faced each other. For once, Seto Kaiba held his tongue. He felt numb. Weak. Weak. He soaked in everything. He felt his chest go tight. And worst of all, he knew. He knew. That everything Mokuba had said was right. Absolutely right. And it hurt. A lot. He looked down.

" You know it's true Seto." Mokuba said softly.

Yes. He knew it was true.

" Look. You have no idea what you're saying. How could you possibly know what I want? I go through hell every day at work supporting you. I do everything for you Mokuba. I could care less about anyone else. I don't give a damn about anyone else. And neither should you. You can't trust anyone in this world Mokuba. You've seen that. You know that." He was rationalizing. Trying to cover the truth again.

" Not everyone is like our parents Seto. Or our step father. A lot of people out there are good. I just… want you to be happy." Mokuba said quietly.

" I don't need anyone. Or want anyone. Just you. That's all I need to make me happy. Everyone else…could burn in hell for all I care. You make me happy Mokuba."

" But that's your problem Seto. You think everyone is out to get you. You judge people before you know them."

Kaiba was amazed at how his brother spoke. When did he get to be so…so…knowing?

Mokuba was surprised himself. He couldn't believe that he was lecturing his big brother. This wasn't turning out the way he expected at all.

Kaiba was at loss for words. He was shocked. He couldn't answer his brother. Him. Seto Kaiba. President of a major corporation. He couldn't talk to his own little brother. This can't be happening.

" I…I think you should go upstairs Mokuba…" Kaiba answered, seemingly short of breath.

" Seto?" Mokuba asked.

Kaiba regained his composure again.

" Go upstairs Mokuba. Now."

" Seto? Are you alright?"

" I said go Mokuba! Now!" Kaiba yelled sending echoes down the hall.

Mokuba walked up the stairs. He walked down the hall. He walked to his bedroom door. He stared at it. He stared at his door for a long time. He broke down. He fell against the door. And cried all his worth.

Author's Note: Weird chapter I know. I didn't have any time to edit. Sorry!1