Mokuba's Plan

By Pearl of the Dark Age

Disclaimer: I do not possess any rights to Yu-Gi-Oh. Chi-chi is my original character. Do not use without permission.

Chapter 23

Whenever Seto returned home from his morning jog, he always found Amelda still asleep in bed. The pacifist was not too hard to wake, but he only wanted to get up when it suited him. The first time Seto had woken him up to ask if he wanted to go jogging with him, Amelda had snarled at him and told him to jog to Hell. There was no second time.

They had been living together for a week now. Seto suffered from an internal struggle. His lover's habits were really getting under Seto's skin. He could not stand the messiness more than any of the other annoying quirks combined. He took quick actions to correct this. He had servants clear out the room that was between his bedroom and Mokuba's, and told Amelda to move all his stuff into there. The dancer's computer, furniture, porcelain pineapple, vast amounts of books, Statue of David, Care Bears, TV, porn collection, and everything else went except Amelda's wardrobe and prayer table, which stayed in the bedroom. Amelda had put his foot down on the latter. The fireball had complained loudly about having to move a second time and muttered dark, dire threats under his breath. It rolled off Seto's back like water on a duck. He knew that if Amelda really wanted to hurt him, he would have.

The aforementioned room was not Amelda's own bedroom, but a sort of den. The armoire had to go into Amelda's den, too. In spite of the fact that the CEO had cleared out half his closet to share, the dancer's wardrobe was so large it would not fit. So, the remainder was put into the armoire, which was stashed in the den.

In traditional Japanese homes, the getabako (7) is right by the front door; but since the Kaiba manor was more Western style, Seto kept his getabako by the bedroom door. There was one in every bedroom, including the guest rooms. Amelda had so many shoes, they would not all fit onto the getabako. And to prevent the redhead from littering the floor with the remainder of his footwear, Seto had bought a second getabako. Amelda had to laugh at himself for this, "I'm worse than a woman!"

The redhead liked having his own private space where he could hang his chili-lights, and Seto enjoyed having a neat, spacious, and tidy bedroom again. He hardly bothered to visit Amelda's den for the sake of his own mental health. The new hot pink carpet that Amelda had installed (with Seto's money) could barely be seen within two days. Seto warned Amelda that he could not violate any health or fire codes. "I'm not that bad!" the redhead had protested.

"How you fitted all your stuff into that hole you called an apartment is a mystery," Seto remarked once his boyfriend had unpacked the last box. They never actually got into real fights. There was some banter and snark between work, eating, sleeping, blow jobs, and normal conversations, but they both mellowed out a bit as they each became accustomed to the other's presence. Seto was too fascinated by Amelda to really be bothered with the redhead's razor-edged tongue, and Amelda was too in love with Seto to take his caustic remarks seriously.

One week had turned into two. Mokuba put Onii-chan through his paces by asking him to cook every night for dinner. Except on Mondays, Amelda would usually comply. Seto now understood why Mokuba ranted and raved so much about the food. He, too, became a follower of the Kitchen Rules. It was much easier for Seto to adjust because he rarely went into the kitchen except to get something to drink. Also, there was the fact that he usually did not come home in time for dinner, which greatly aggravated Amelda.

"I don't understand what takes you so long at work," Amelda commented. It was almost midnight as Amelda sat up in bed, having waited for his lover to come home. Seto stood by the door, taking off his shoes, and placing them neatly on the getabako. He tried straightening the other pairs of shoes (Amelda's), but he gave up. He made no comment as he undressed, taking everything out of his pockets, putting it all away neatly, and placing his clothes in the hamper. "Aren't you going to answer me?"

"It wasn't a question," Seto replied. He changed into his pajamas. He got into bed and turned to Amelda. "I'm surprised you wear pajamas. I would have thought that someone who walks around naked would sleep naked, too."

Amelda pinched his own skin. "I don't have any fat; I get too cold at night," he answered. He plucked at Seto's blue silk pajamas. "You're modest even asleep," he remarked while unfastening the top buttons. "Why don't you come home a little earlier from now on," he said playfully. "I'll make it worth your while."

"My job is much more demanding than yours," Seto said. "I can't procrastinate unfinished work just to gratify you. I have to stay ahead of the competition. That's why I'm the best."

There was a sickly sweet taste of blood in Amelda's mouth as he bit his tongue to keep from lashing out. He swallowed, trying to control the anger that was flaring up. "My job is not undemanding!" he hissed. "I work every day, too! Bishonen-ai isn't open during the week but things have to be taken care of."

Seto gave the redhead a sideways look of skepticism. "It's still easier than mine."

"This is not a damn competition!" Amelda yelled. "If you think you can handle my job, then let's switch for a week!"

"No way!"

"A day then," Amelda scorned, "if you think you can handle it, Seto!"

And against the CEO's better judgment, he agreed.

"What's going on?" Mokuba inquired, sensing something was up. He walked into the master bedroom while the two were getting dressed. "I heard yelling last night."

"You really need to learn to knock, kiddo," Amelda remarked. He pulled on his pants. "Your brother and I are switching jobs for the day."

"Are you ready for school, yet?" Seto asked.

Mokuba was in uniform with his book bag under his arm. He was ready to walk out the door. "Yes," he muttered.

"Don't use that tone with me," Seto returned. He surveyed the redhead's attire. "You are not representing me dressed like that!"

"If you want me to dress like you, then you have to dress like me," Amelda replied suavely, putting his hands on his hips. Seto gazed at the bare stomach. He loved how Amelda dressed, but it would not be appropriate as Acting CEO. He wished he could pull Mokuba out of school to keep an eye on the pacifist so that nothing went horribly wrong.

"There is no way I would dress like you," Seto replied. "But that doesn't mean you should be so unprofessional."

"You like my yummy tummy - admit it!" Amelda teased.

And why is he not bottom again? Seto wondered. He failed to realize that Amelda was controlling in his own way… and untrusting. "Okay, I will dress down, but you must wear something decent!"

A cheshire cat smile flashed suddenly. Seto knew instantly that whichever bulb brightened in Amelda's head he was not going to like it. He groaned as Amelda stripped himself of his present outfit and started to put on CEO's clothes. Soon, the redhead was wearing the exact same outfit that Seto had worn when he dueled the swordsman on top of the plane - complete with metal gauntlets and the KC insignia belt.

Mokuba laughed so hard he fell to the floor. Seto bit his lip to keep himself from smiling. He could not deny that he was aroused by this, but he was extremely annoyed that Amelda would dare to wear his signature look out in public. "I don't think so, Amelda," he said. "Try something else."

"It's either this, or I go naked," the pacifist threatened.

He was dead serious, and Mokuba knew it. Seto on the other hand could not believe that anyone could be so crass. His younger brother came to his rescue. "Onii-chan, please be reasonable!" he pleaded. "If you go like that, everyone is going to know that you and Nii-sama are lovers!"

"So? I've got nothing to hide."

"Nii-sama needs to maintain a certain image to the public," Mokuba explained. "You can't bring down his reputation."

Ouch! Amelda wanted to cry. He was too taken aback to be furious. He looked at Seto with wet, silvery eyes. "Is that how you feel? I'm something to be ashamed of?"

"No," Seto murmured. "You have the wrong idea, Amelda. I do have to maintain a certain image-"

"If you never get married to a woman, people will suspect," Amelda interrupted. "So does that mean you'll hold a fake marriage, too? You'll leave me for some female you don't even love? Where is your conviction, Seto?"

Seto Kaiba had conviction in spades. He rarely ever doubted himself, but he never before had to deal with his private life mingling with his professional life. "You and Mokuba are the ones I'm concerned about," Seto elaborated. "The media is like the circling vulture. They will tear you apart with their pens. Mokuba could be harassed at school because of my sexual orientation. Do you wish that?"

Both Amelda and Mokuba looked uncomfortable. Neither wanted to admit to it that Seto had a point, but they did not like keeping this secret in the closet. Both felt strongly that Seto should not worry so much about them but himself. Mokuba spoke up, "Nii-sama, we both were prepared to face adversity before you even knew you were gay. We will stand by you if you chose to go public. We would rather you did, because we feel that love is a light that you should not keep under a basket." He was rather pleased with himself for remembering the metaphor he once heard Onii-chan use.

The steely look in Amelda's eyes told Seto that he agreed with Mokuba. The CEO knew he could not argue with either of them as their minds were set. The truth is, he admitted to himself, that I am not ready. I am not ready for Mokuba to face the adversity. I know that Amelda would be fine. But I don't have his conviction when it comes to being homosexual. He blinked a few times, trying to sort his thoughts. Resigned for a compromise, he said, "Wait here, I'll go call my secretary to distribute a memo. I'm going to tell her to tell my employees that I'm conducting an 'experiment.' You are to play along. Do not admit that you are romantically involved with me, that you live with me, and do not talk to the media if they should come."

"Is that your solution?" Amelda asked ruefully. "Seto-"

"This is my compromise," Seto cut him off. "I am not ready to come out of the closet just yet."

At that moment, Isono showed up at the door of the bedroom. He had keys to the house, and he hung back upon hearing that last statement. Mokuba could see him since he was nearest the door. He exchanged a look of understanding with Isono and hurriedly said, "I have to go to school now! Good luck you two!" And he left without further ado.

Seto removed his white suit and put on the T-shirt that Amelda had given him. He put on some black slacks and the long, blue coat (from Duelist Kingdom). "Is this casual enough for you?" he asked.

Amelda gulped back the remaining tears. "Yeah," he conceded as he dried his face with a hand. "Does this mean we're going through with the switch?"

"Just for today," Seto replied. "Is there anything I should know before I leave?"

"Uh…" Amelda left the room with the white, sleeveless, leather jacket billowing behind him. Seto followed him out of the bedroom and into the den. He clenched his jaw to keep himself from making a nasty comment about organization skills or lack thereof. He watched as Amelda rummaged through junk on his desk, looking for something. "Atta! Here." The redhead handed the brunette a ring of keys, some compact discs, and a memory stick. "You'll need these. Talk to Chi-chi; he'll help you. I'm expecting some costumes that I've ordered to come in. I've been having problems with the delivery service. If there in today, have them distributed. Also, make sure that Array 14 is fixed. You can even do that yourself." He searched through a drawer in his armoire. "Here, make sure this gets mended." He handed Seto a sequined butterfly thong.

Seto's face flushed crimson as his throat tightened with embarrassment. "Anything else?" he asked, praying that this was the worst of it.

"No, that'll do," Amelda replied. "Is there anything I should know?"

It took several seconds for the wheels to turn again in Seto's brain as he stared at the glittery thong. "Uh… everything you need is in my briefcase."

"Good, that'll make things easier. Shall we go now?"

Seto drove around to the back of Bishonen-ai to a secluded parking lot marked Employee Parking Only. He took a deep breath, I hope Amelda called Chu-chu or whatever his name was. He forced himself not to think of what Amelda might be doing while sitting behind his office desk at Kaiba Corp. He sincerely hoped that whatever happened today, he would be able to look back on it in the future and laugh. He grabbed the bag full of the stuff he needed, got out of his BMW, and went to the door marked "Employees Only Beyond This Point."

Using the master key, he unlocked it, and stepped inside. A bare, undecorated hallway was before him. It looked as if it might belong in a hospital or a factory. The florescent lights spluttered and buzzed, there was a creaking noise, and an ominous cloud descended upon the elite CEO.

Closing the door behind him and making sure it was locked, he proceeded down the hall. There were many doors, all unmarked. He tried the third one he came to. He walked into a carpeted hallway hung with portraits. To Seto, it resembled a corridor in a hotel. This was encouraging, and he emboldened himself to move further. Coming to an open door that led into a lounge, he noticed a few young men watching sumo wrestling on TV. One of the bishonen looked over to him. "Are you lost?"

"I'm Seto Kaiba. Amelda sent me to cover him for today."

One bishonen said to the other as if Seto was not there, "Isn't he the president of Kaiba Corp? Man, Zen-sama really does have connections!" He turned to Seto. "Who's Amelda?" he asked.

"His stage name is Zen," Seto explained, surprised that Amelda's employees did not even know his name.

"That's right," another bishonen spoke up. "We're used to calling each other by our stage names. We forget the real names."

"Can we help you?" a third bishonen asked.

Behind Seto, the bishonen who had volunteered to drive Amelda's moving van stood behind him, wanting to get into the lounge. "Excuse me," he said politely. He jumped back when Seto turned around. "What are you doing here?"

Seto was about to explain himself when yet another bishonen came running down the hall towards him. "There you are!" the bleached, spiky haired bishonen yelled. "I've been looking all over for you!" He grabbed Seto by the arm. "This way."

"Who are you?" Seto asked, following the young man dressed ridiculously in very short, velvet, turquoise shorts. He freed himself from his grip.

"I'm Chi-chi," he replied. "I'm the one Zen-chan usually leaves in charge when he's not here."

Seto sized Chi-chi up. He had to be the most feminine guy Seto had ever come across - including Siegfried Von Schroeder. The glossy white go-go boots and matching mini-top depicting Tinkerbell (1) did not impress Seto in the least. A multitude of bracelets jingled upon Chi-chi's wrist as he gestured for Seto to keep up. They arrived at the back room to the stage, where all the bishonen assembled before the show.

It seemed that no one was in costume. Then again, it's the middle of the week, Seto reminded himself. They don't need to get dressed up now. He opened up the bag and handed Chi-chi the cd's and memory stick. "Here," he said. "I don't know what to do with these. And Amelda said something about getting Array something fixed. What's that?"

"Amelda? You mean Zen-chan?" Chi-chi looked at him wide-eyed. "It's so cute that you call him by his real name!" One glare from Seto wiped the smile from Chi-chi's face. "Array 14 is the lighting fixture that's part of a complex light system for the stage. They're all labeled. That door there leads to the catwalk."

Seto handed Chi-chi the bag and took off. He climbed the stairs up to the catwalk to have a look. Technology was something he could handle. As he reached Array 14 he knew immediately what was wrong with it. "What's so hard about this job?" he asked himself aloud as he descended the stairs in search for the appropriate tools to fix Array 14. Amelda is going to be sorry when he comes home from Kaiba Corp today! He'll be on his knees begging me for forgiveness!

to be continued...

A cliffie! Hee hee hee! Next chapter: Seto finds out what work really is like at Bishonen-ai, and Amelda is the CEO of Kaiba Corp for the day! Not that you have long to wait...