Disclaimer: Would the JouKai couple still be unoffical if I was in charge? Honestly!
Warning: Seto is gay -hears gasps from random yaoi haters-, bad writing, continued emotional torture on the behalf of our favourite CEO, a moody Jounouchi, bad words, OOC tendencies and cliché meetings.
Note: I think you readers might enjoy this chapter, as Seto decided to approach his problem differently. And just so you all know, in this story Jounouchi will not, I repeat, he will not be abused emotionally, sexually or anything at all by his father. Just in case you all wanted Seto to save him or some other similar thing. (It's Seto who needs to be saved here actually... ack, poor thing.)
Unheard Love
Chapter 10
by Growing Pain
It was the break before the last period. For some reason he could not have wished more than he already had to go home, Jounouchis looks made him feel uneasy. Guilty. But he had stood his ground so far, and he would continue. They could be enemies again. Those are much easier to have. He knows how to deal with those properly.
Love was another thing. Or was it just a crush? He did not know… He had no experience in that matter. When most people started to experience their first crushes he looked after Mokuba. And later he studied to endless hours.
Was he free now? From the chains of his past? Was that why he had fallen in love now?
That could not be. He still felt the same resentment every time he thought of Gozaburo, the same pain every time he remembered Mokuba crying, not wanting to be at the orphanage any longer.
Inner demons… that's what people call it. Not an appropriate phrase according to him. After all, it gave the impression that it was someone inside, controlling what you think about, blaming the pain on others. We all know that's a lie. The past is the past, nothing more. Yet there were times he just couldn't let it go. He was always analysing what he could do different, why he had acted wrong sometimes, why he couldn't keep that smile on Mokubas lips late at nights when nightmares plagued his brother…
He slowly blinked once, fading away from his memories and awakening, sitting on the same bench he had sat down at five minutes ago. But he didn't just wake up by himself. Someone else was there.
It was Yuugi standing in front of him.
"Hello Kaiba." What did he want? Kaiba looked around, but couldn't see the rest of the midgets' gang. His blue eyes looked down on the purple ones instead. They were abnormally big. It looked ridiculous.
"What now?" A deep sigh, giving the impression he was forced to do a tedious activity for the next few hours.
"Um… There is something I want to talk to you about…" Yuugi started off, seemingly uneasy. Seto scoffed mentally. Well, the shrimp should very well fear to talk to him. But… it was probably something else bothering him.
"But I don't want it to come out the wrong way." Yuugi continued, looking up at the brunet with big, soft eyes. He hated those eyes.
"You're wasting my time." The CEO stated. Little emotion could be traced in it, the same with his face. He acted stone-cold now.
"I have noticed that you and Jounouchi have spent a lot of time together lately…" Still a little nervous. Seto started to feel that emotion too, fearing what Yuugi might have figured out.
"And I think that it's great you're starting to befriend him-" Enthusiastic. Happy. Like a kindergarden teacher showing overwhelmingly emotion to make sure the smaller kids understand when they like something. Though he felt a 'but' would come in soon enough…
"Because we all need friends, Kaiba." Smiling softly, understanding eyes. What are they trying to understand? They can't understand, because they don't know the first thing about him.
"But -" Ah, there it came. Seto raised an eyebrow, finally something half-interesting entered this one-sided conversation.
"I don't want Jou to get hurt." Not angry nor threatening. Just pleading. Disgracing. Is this really the only one worthy enough to be his opponent? …This is a sad, sad world.
His blue eyes still looked down at those purple ones, expecting him to continue his rant while keeping quiet himself. After all, it was not he who wanted to have this talk. But Yuugi seemed to have stopped, awaiting his answer instead. They must have been quiet for about fifteen seconds.
"Did he send you?" Seto finally asks, suspicious. He does not really believe it himself, but it's always good to make sure.
"No. I came on my own." Good.
"Now… how is it that I… "hurt" him, as you put it?"
"You may have good intentions Kaiba, but sometimes the things you say can be hurtful for others to hear." Seto rolled his eyes, having minimum care if he hurt anyone's feelings to begin with.
"I really don't care."
"I think you do."
"Then you are wrong."
"…Maybe you should be nicer to him. He deserves it."
"I don't want his, yours, or anyone else's friendship. Can you get that through your thick, spiky head?"
"No Kaiba." Firm voice now. Still not angry. "I have seen the two of you together. And I know you two got a rough start -" You can say that again.
"But you can really be good friends… if you just let him in." The CEO still looked emotionless. Not one trace of a single emotion, besides indifference perhaps.
"I don't want any friends. And despite all that your loud-mouthed friend might have told you, I -"
"He hasn't told me much Kaiba." Yuugi defended. Seto smirked.
"Really now? Your best friend start spending time with your enemy, and you and the rest of the nerds don't ask anything about it? I am not stupid, Yuugi."
"Of course we have asked him about it." A smile. He did not like it very much. "It's just that he keeps most things to himself."
"How dreadful. You are all probably heartbroken inside." Sarcastic, cold. Can't he go away?
"I don't really know what the two of you have argued about…but, if you let him be your friend, he'll never let you down, Kaiba."
"What is this? Advertisement!" Yuugi sighed, realizing his efforts had gone by without effect.
"Fine Kaiba. But just remember, it's hard to be lonely all the time." Seto did not see that as even worthy of a reply, and glared down. It was not in his business to meddle. Both Jou and him could take care of themselves just fine in this matter.
"Goodbye then."
"Hn."
He was left alone once more, sitting on the bench in peace. One last glance at the retreating short teenager, then up with the laptop, trying to work in order to forget Jounouchi. Not a perfect plan, but it was all he was willing to do at the time.
For some reason, just a few minutes after Yuugi had came and left, people started to enter the hallway. It was almost as if they didn't dare enter before, in fear of what he might do when the silence of the hall was robbed from him. Hopefully he was wrong about that. Of course he appreciated when people gave him space, but that would just be outright ridiculous.
Deciding it was uncomfortable to have the laptop in his lap instead of on a table, he swiftly packed his belongings into his briefcase and started to walk to the classroom he would have his next lesson in.
Knowing the schedule by heart he needn't check it beforehand, but just headed there immediately.
As he walked through the school halls, he made a discovery. He was growing paranoid. From time to time he could actually hear Jounouchis voice, talking, making conversation with his friends. But he was not in any of the halls he entered or exited. Who would have thought his own mind would even go as far as playing tricks on him. If he couldn't trust himself, then who?
It could not have gone any faster when he finally entered the room, closing it carefully behind him. The lights were off, and it was all half-dark inside. He smiled inwardly. These kinds of settings were always appreciated. It felt more… comfortable. When he worked at home he always turned off the lights. At the tops his desk lamp were on.
Not really wanting to waste any precious time, he sat down and placed the briefcase on the desk and opened in. He did this in a routine manner. Over the years he had started to stick to a special way of opening, picking something out, and closing it.
But habits did not matter now, he decided. Working is what is important. But just as he was about to type he looked at his hand. Peculiar activity for the outside eye, but all he was thinking about was the fact that Jounouchi had actually held it. Twice.
Not even bothering to think about silly things such as how they both seemed to fit into each others hands, that he wouldn't mind it to happen again and other similar thoughts, he instead remembered how it felt. Warm. Secure. And a disgracing emotion in his stomach that he wouldn't admit having.
Maybe that was how it was? All he wanted was physical contact? Not love or companionship. He snorted mentally. He could only wish! Of course it wasn't, as sad as it was. Many things he wanted to do with Jou had nothing to do physical activities… Why couldn't it all go away?
XxxX
"That's all for today. Have a nice afternoon!" The teacher exclaimed, happy to have the lesson over with. Finally, Seto could leave the school and go to his office. He was sure that he would not have any imaginary voices of Jounouchi there for the blond never went there to begin with.
During the day they had ignored each other, looked away whenever they came close. Ignore your problem, and it won't go away. But at least it won't be in your face the entire time. And that was enough to keep it up. He won't take contact. He shouldn't. But what if Jou did?
…What was he thinking! Who cares if that imbecile takes contact with him! There is absolutely no problem with pushing him away and tell him off.
He did not appreciate this emotional change he was going through. At all.
In a matter of second he was ready to go and exited the classroom, alongside with many other students filing out. As soon as everyone was allowed to go home their energy level seemed to increase rapidly. His own however remained the same. What was there to be exited about in the first place? Absolutely nothing. All days were the same. Tedious. Boring. Never-ending.
But he could not stop. Mokuba came first. Keeping the company meant keeping power. With power and money, he could give him anything. It was with that kind of thinking that he endured everything. Of course he had himself grown used to the finer things in life. But in the end it always came down to the raven-haired sibling.
He walked in a calm manner, keeping his posture, aware that he looked stone-cold. Opening the front door he came in contact with the outside weather. Hot. And almost no wind. Good thing his limousine had air-condition. How else could you survive on such warm days?
But the black, long vehicle was not there yet. Irritated, he called his chauffeur on his cell-phone.
"Why is there a delay?" Changes in his routine did never go appreciated.
"Sorry sir. There is much traffic today, so I decided to take another route."
"How long will I have to wait?" Frustrated. He paid him good money, which meant he shouldn't be late. Ever.
"Fifteen minutes at the most, sir." Kaiba snorted, not impressed. And then he shut his cell-phone and placed it back in his jacket. His eyes widened slightly.
A few meters away stood Jou. But he was not looking at him yet. Probably undiscovered. Good, then he could -
Damn. Too late. He saw him…
Neither of them moved. The stare only continued. They did this too often, Kaiba thought. But he kept as to where he was standing. He would not move. He would never give in.
Brown eyes did the same, refusing to look away. It was a good thing they weren't standing close, Seto mused. He was not in a mood for a fight or being lectured. But the other man didn't seem that angry. Of course, maybe he masked his feelings, but the brunet knew very well about his inability to hide his emotions. Not even in duelling could he keep a straight face on to mislead his opponents.
His honesty seemed to always be there. Did that make Seto a liar? Because he wasn't like Jounouchi, who was in fact sincere.
A light breeze, laughing students passing, one on a bicycle. The eye contact remained firm, yet neither of them showed much emotion in their face. Still… completely mesmerized. Transfixed. He never wanted to let go. But the other would never feel the same, too occupied with friendship to even bother to look for something else.
Was he blaming Jounouchi now? It's not as if the blond could just chose to love him too. Feelings were complicated, that much he knew.
The blond hair swayed with the newfound wind, getting in front of those dark brown eyes that looked so deep. For some reason, his own hair kept mostly in place, even if the wind tried to take control. They were so different. Perhaps too different…
How long had they been standing like this? Like fools, to dumb to move away.
A deep inhale could be seen, as the shorter teenagers chest went up noticeably And with hands in pockets, he started to walk towards the brunet.
What should he do?
He was unable to move, mostly because he really didn't want to. Seconds seemed like hours, but it still went in slow-motion. It made absolutely no sense.
Can't it go back, to how it used to be? To have no longing. To be empty and not knowing why…
Take it away, he did not want it anymore.
"Jounouchi!" A cheery voice called out, and the blond turned his head to the left, smiling when noticing who is was. Yuugi…
His friends circled around him, talking happily. It seemed they hadn't noticed that he was standing there too, even if it was seemingly far away. Probably for the better. For once he appreciated that they were around.
Still looking at him for lack of other entertainment, he was not watched back. This is how it is meant to be. He belonged on the outside of everything, outside of Jounouchis life. A bitter, almost inaudible sigh, escaped from him and he turned and looked away.
His posture, straight and powerful as always, did never reflect how he felt. Not when he was in public. You never show your weakness to people. Never trip. Be flawless. Perfect. Never admit you have a weakness. People… feeling for them, that is weak. He can't have friends. No one. As a child it bothered him, but now he felt no yearning anymore. It died down. All his dreams seemed to do that.
What was his dreams exactly? What did he want when he was younger?
Narrowed eyes were spaced out, not really looking at anything in particular. Despite that, he was in deep thought, trying to remember.
But he could not remember. And that is what bothered him. Had he repressed them, or deliberately forgotten? Perhaps he simply didn't recall any of them because they weren't important. That had to be it.
Shame, really. But he shouldn't waste his time trying to remember such useless things only because he had nothing else to do. It was all the chauffeurs fault. If he was in his limo he could work and think useful things instead.
But… what could Mokuba be dreaming of? Could he fulfill them for him? Were his dreams impossible? Silly? Noble?
Perhaps… he should ask him. Fulfilling dreams was supposed to bring joy to the people who had them. And he would not back away if he had a chance to make his brother happy. It's necessary and the only right thing to do, seeing as how much Mokuba had given him, just by staying by his side.
Mokuba was all he needed. And Jounouchi was what he wanted. But you can't always have what you want, even if that was contradicting to how he handled things. So used to getting everything handed to him, not being able to have what he wanted was… depriving.
But emotions were beneath him, and he would surpass. At least… he could aim for that goal. Who knew what would happen. Things seemed to be working against him lately, even if it sounded paranoid to think.
He looked at his watch, a little close to four. The raven-haired boy should be home by now. Deciding to be kind, he picked up his cell phone once more this day, and speed dialled.
"Kaiba Mokuba speaking."
"Good afternoon." Courteous and formal, as usual. It's not as if he could lower his guard, people could hear him.
"Oh hi Seto!" The opposite of the older one, not as formal, but warm. "Wait, has something happened?" Wondering, with a bit of worry. The older brother didn't usually call home unless something important came up.
"No. I was just wondering…"
"Yeah?"
A deep inhale, trying to appear relaxed. "Do you want to have take-out to eat?"
"Huh?"
"I could bring home food." He said, trying to clear out the question mark that must be on the younger ones face. He could practically hear the smile over the phone, and in returned a very small one appeared on his.
"Really?" A hopeful voice, which really wasn't necessary because he had already stated that he could do it.
"Yes."
"Awesome! Then I want a pizza!"
"What kind?"
"No make that two!" Mokuba kept on going, in his own world of junk food circling around him.
"What kind?" The CEO repeated, more firmer than the first time so he would be acknowledged.
"Maybe even some burgers…" The younger one contemplated blissfully, not really hearing his brother on the other line.
"…" Refusing to try and talk when it was so obviously impossible, he decided to keep quiet until further notice.
"And some milkshakes!"
"…"
"Noodles would taste good too I suppose. But they are too ordinary…"
"…"
"Okay, I've made up my mind!"
"Hm?"
"A large pizza with pepperoni. And when I say large, I mean large. Enormous in fact! The biggest size possible."
"Isn't it easier to just take two normal sized instead?"
"Seto! That's not the same!" Mokuba defended.
"Fine."
"So when are you going home from the office?"
"After seven some time."
"Okay, good."
"Don't forget to do your homework." Seto reminded.
His sibling grunted at the mention of the tedious work he had to face. "Sure thing. Bye!"
"Good bye."
Possibly the only person Seto ever says goodbye to in all phone calls. Usually he considers it to be a waste of precious time. But everything he knew was always an exception when it came to Mokuba. Yet he had no problem with that.
He made a mental sigh.
The weather was killing him, it was too hot for his own liking. The wind from before had mysteriously died out. He briefly considered the option to unbutton his jacket, but dismissed it as he thought it would only prove to everyone else he was just like them. Surely he could endure a couple of more minutes under the sun.
Blue eyes found their way to where they were looking before the conversation with his brother took place.
To his revelation he found that the group was gone now. Including Jounouchi. A silent gratitude took place inside him as allowed his eyes to rest on the grass, while waiting for his delayed transport.
XxxX
He was working on a school project, despite how early in the morning it was. It was due to Thursday, which happened to be today, and he had completely disregarded it, eventually forgetting about it.
A quick glance at the clock hanging on the wall took place. Blue eyes widened slightly, he had to go to school soon. The writing speed increased. He would get this ready before school. If he didn't he would be a failure. He had to win. Of course, this was no real competition, but whenever he had an assignment he challenged himself on how fast he could do it.
And he hated to lose.
After about ten more minutes his hand stopped writing. Finally done. He smirked, allowing himself some narcissistic thinking, proud that he hadn't lost his touch. Knowing that he had to get ready, he packed his material in his briefcase and went downstairs to greet Mokuba and take off.
His first destination was the hall, and he quickly got on his leather shoes and waited patiently for his younger brother to get out of the kitchen. But… there was no sound from that room. Suspicion, curiosity and worry took over as he, with shoes still on, walked gracefully to the kitchen.
No one there. There wasn't even a sign on anyone having eaten there either. His blue eyes narrowed, wondering what was going on. He exclaimed a loud call for his brother.
"Mokuba!" It was still quiet. "We're going to be late!" Still nothing.
Fearing the worst he climbed up the stairs and rushed through the hall, entering his brothers room after some time. And what he suspected was true… Everything was confirmed as soon as he looked inside the younger ones room.
There Mokuba was, on his bed, sleeping.
Seto grunted and went to the side of his brothers bed, cleared his throat and said "Wake up." No movement or other visual or audible response was made. Being controlled by the limited timeline, he shook his brother safely with his left hand. Mokuba kept snoring on.
"Wake up…"
"…"
"Wake up."
"…"
"Wake up!"
"…"
"Mokuba!" He finally roared, making his brother shoot out of bed, alarmed. His eyes scanned the room worriedly, relaxing when seeing his older brothers calm face.
"Get dressed. We are late." Mokuba nodded, and Seto exited his room closing the door behind him. Instead he went downstairs to the kitchen, once more, to prepare some sort of food for the growing boy to have for breakfast. Mokuba could buy lunch later, there was no time making that now.
Having restricted knowledge in the area of cooking he decided a couple of sandwiches would do perfectly fine, and he started preparing about four, with absolute order and perfection. Approximately eight minutes later the shorter boy ran down the stair to the hall to get on his shoes, where his older brother already waited, holding a plastic bag for him, containing today's breakfast. It could be eaten in the limousine, he decided.
With closed eyes Seto leaned against the wall, one hand in his blue school uniforms pocket, and the other loosely hanging by his side, holding the bag. He could hear apologies from the stressed boy as he fervently tried to get his shoes on. However he himself remained quiet, resting his eyes, dreading the long day he had to look forward to.
"Okay! Ready!" Mokuba exclaimed with an apologising smile on his lips. Seto opened his eyes and looked down to see if that was the fact. Seeing as that was the truth, except the fact that the black hair was extremely out of place, he nodded down with his usual emotionless face and opened the door allowing his brother to exit first.
Said teenager immediately rushed to the black vehicle as fast as he could, while Seto took his time, not stressing or losing control in front of his employee. When reaching the car it took off with a screeching sound, obviously not wanting to get yelled at for running late once more. However, the late factor was a fact.
Seto leaned his long body over to the chauffeur to talk, his eyes cold and voice demanding and firm.
"Drive us to Mokubas school first."
"Yes sir."
"And don't excel the speed limit."
"O-of course not."
"Good." The brunet sat down in his seat once more and looked over at Mokuba. The young boy must not have seen the breakfast bag. And wanting to not keep his brothers stomach empty he decided to point it out.
"Your breakfast." He said, while handing over the bag. Mokuba was surprised at first, but smiled and nodded, starting to eat after a few seconds. Seto closed his eyes and tried to collect energy from within, wishing it was Friday afternoon instead.
Anymore words were not spoken and eventually they reached the school. As the younger brother intended to open the door the older one of the two spoke.
"If your teacher gives you any trouble…" The raven-haired boy turned around, listening to what Seto had to say. "- tell her to call me, and I'll clear it all out." Seto stated with no emotion, but his brother understood that the brunet would probably be giving the teacher herself a lesson while defending him one the phone.
"Sure thing." He replied with a grin, and opened the door and rushed to the inside of the building.
He watched him until he got inside, just to make sure, before he order the driver to take off. After all, it was his job to look over Mokuba, which he gladly did.
Morning traffic was always rushed on weekdays, everyone wanting to come to work on time. He would be doing that too, soon enough. When school was over…
After a short period of time he arrived at the school parking lot. As he sighed quietly, not allowing his employee to hear, as he opened the door and walked out with his normal expression and briefcase in his hand. This is the Seto Kaiba the world is allowed to see.
No one was outside, which was understandable. Classes had started about half an hour ago, and he made no attempt to quicken his pace but walked as if he had all the time in the world. Like he would even want to get to the classroom faster. No, he was already late anyway. Who cares if it got a bit more delayed?
It was a warm day today too. Yet the wind kept his body cool, and the clouds blocked the sun momentarily. These kind of days were more appreciated, they were comfortable to be in.
There wasn't much colour at the school ground, mostly the grey asphalt and green grass took up most of the space. A few trees and benches here and there, but otherwise rather empty. Students had complained about it for years, wanting change, but for Seto there was no real need. He appreciated the simplicity. After all, it was only school. No need to start decorating the whole thing. Besides, seeing as how the girl uniforms were pink of all colours, the result this school could come up with would probably be awful.
He stopped abruptly, and stared.
It's fascinating how you can always spot what you yearn, even when your mind is elsewhere, going on autopilot. But he did not care about those things right now, for all he focused on was the slouched body on a bench that was mostly hidden behind trees and bushes. Usually couples sat down there to get some alone time, but this man was alone.
Was he crying?
The blond man had his face resting in his hands, leaned forward. It looked like he seemed upset. But he could not tell, for he was too far away to see if his shoulders were shaking or not, and the face with those honest brown eyes were covered.
His friends were not with him.
Go away, go inside the building, he kept telling himself hoping his body would listen. It responded in no way at all, remaining still with a blank stare. He was undiscovered so far, so he should go. But what if he needed comfort? He snorted mentally at himself. Even if Katsuya was in need of encouraging words, who was he, of all people, to say them? He was never good with being warm to begin with…
But his blue eyes were too transfixed to allow his body to walk away.
This was flat out ridiculous. How many times had he tried to deny the company of the other, only to be plagued by it afterwards? How many times had he thought about what he 'should' and 'could' do? Why couldn't they both be one single thing? …This game he played was draining him out.
So the mind obeyed the heart.
Quiet footsteps, walking carefully as if on glass. But neither face, body nor eyes showed his inner doubts, fears or concern. He could fool everyone, everyone but himself. And that was enough to do this. He locked his gaze at the body bent forward on a lonely bench. His heart stung, and his stomach tied knots. Ignoring that however, he kept on going. Luckily, still unnoticed.
The wind danced and caressed the blond hair.
He was close now, only a few footsteps away. Deciding it was near enough, he stopped. But the blond didn't seem to cry, for no sound escaped him and he didn't shake. Perhaps this was all a mistake…
No, he had come too long to just give up. He never gave up. Therefore, he would take contact. Because this pushing away did obviously not work to get him off his mind and leave him at inner peace. Maybe this new tactic would make it possible. If he spent time with him… maybe he could get tired of him, and his feelings would perish.
Agreeing with himself inwardly, he decided it was plausible that his feelings might end due to that, because he was no people person, and got annoyed with them quickly. This tactic just had to work.
Good thing he found a new strategy. If you keep holding onto your old one with no result, you might sink in deeper. And that was not what he wanted. So, if he attacked this problem like any other, trying different approaches, perhaps he would succeed in the end.
He smirked at his own genius, looking longingly at the blond.
Not really knowing how to greet his love interest without making him angry, he simply cleared his throat to let the other know about his presence. That did his task quite well, as Jounouchis head shot up, appearing surprised and frightened by the new presence. But that all went away as soon as the brown eyes recognized the figure in front of him.
"Kaiba?" Seeing as how this question didn't really need an answer, said person simply gave a slight nod to confirm that Jounouchi was not hallucinating.
"What do you want!" Contempt and anger shine through his words. Well… his reaction was not without reason, he had been rather cold the previous day. Not that he was going to apologise or anything similar. Still, why was he so emotional all the time?
"Nothing." Seto stated, his eyes piercing into Katsuyas brown ones. The blond frowned and threw daggers with his eyes.
"I don't need your selfish behaviour right now! Leave me alone! Go to class or something."
Something else must be bothering him, Seto thought. And it would most likely be more interesting to find that out than going in to school and have meaningless lessons.
"No." Had they switched roles now? Ha, how ironic, Seto mused with a smirk. Katsuya raised an eyebrow, slightly gaping.
"What do you mean no?"
"There is only one definition of the word no. And I do hope you already know what it is." Katsuya sighed and leaned back on the bench, relaxing a bit more. His gaze was directed elsewhere, on a tree. Seto took this as a sign of defeat and figured that it might take a while, so he seated himself on the bench beside the blond, who practically jumped out of his seat.
"What are you doing!"
"Sitting. Have you gone blind not to notice?" Seto asked with a smirk, hoping the blonds temperament would descend and be more friendly soon enough.
"Stop being such a smart-ass! You know what I meant!" Katsuya appeared frustrated and growled. "Go to class!"
"Who are you to order me around? I do what I please." Seto said with a carefree tone as he crossed his legs and seemed to get more comfortable on the bench by the second. Katsuya sighed.
"Look, I just have stuff to think about right now, and -"
"Where is your cheerleading unit?"
"What?"
"Your friends." Seto said, keeping his normal tone.
"In class I hope." Katsuya answered with a half-smile.
"Hm… fascinating." Katsuya blinked.
"Why is that so 'fascinating'?"
"Do they even know you are here?" Seto asked, turning his head and looking into Katsuyas eyes.
"Um… no."
"Then you are obviously in some sort of trouble." The CEO concluded, but the blond frowned.
"I am not!"
"What is it then?"
"Like I would tell you!"
"Why not?"
"Why should I?"
"Because that is the way you function."
"Huh?"
"You always say what's on your mind… sooner or later anyway."
"That is still no reason to why I should tell you, Mr I-rock-and-you-suck, who also have no sympathy at all!"
"Hmpf." The CEO looked away with folded arms, disappointed with how it all turned out. The shorter one of the two did the same, and looked away. Though after a minute or two a sigh was heard.
"Why do you always do this, Kaiba?" His voice was low and serious, and his eyes were still looking away from the man he addressed.
"Do what?" The brunet wondered, his body frozen in the same position as before with folded arms, and his eyes looking away.
"Act so… I don't know, maturely immature." Seto raised an eyebrow, and turned his head.
"What?"
"Well… you get mad for no reason! Or for little reason." Seto snorted and glared.
"Same thing about you."
"Nu-uh! Trust me Kaiba, you give a guy enough reasons to pissed off at for a whole year!"
"I refuse to discuss this furthermore, as you are clearly exaggerating." The brunet brushed of.
"I am not exaggerating! You can be a pain in the ass!"
"You're not like a dance on roses either…!" He muttered back, silently wondering how the hell their conversation had taken this turn.
"Well…! Argh… who cares!" Jounouchi spat out while growling and rubbing his temples. Seto merely observed.
"You do know that with that kind of temper your chances of getting a heart attack increases?" Seto asked to scare the blond a little, just to get him out of that angry mood.
"Whatever. You'll probably dance on my grave anyway." Katsuya muttered back, still angry.
"I don't dance."
"Yes you do, I danced with you!"
"I mean otherwise, you idiot!"
"See! See what I mean! You're always a jerk to me!" The blond pointed out animatedly.
"And you're always so damn sensitive!" Seto complained in a angry tone.
"Better than not caring about other people!"
"Who said I do or don't? And what does that have to do with anything?!"
"It has to do with everything, Kaiba!"
"No it doesn't."
"Yes it does."
"No."
"Yes!"
Seto sighed and turned his head away from the other man and looked right in front of him instead, just because.
"This is useless…" Why did it never work out? Everything was against him so much lately…
"…"
"…"
"Why are you here anyway?" Katsuya asked after turning his soft eyes to face Kaiba beside him, with an equally soft voice. Perhaps his throat had gone sore after all his shouting…
"I was late."
"…"
"…"
"And?"
"What else is there to know?"
"Oh I don't know… maybe just why you decided to go over here instead of in to the school?"
"It's not productive enough for me anyway."
"I see."
"…"
"…"
"Now it's your turn. Why are you here?" Seto asked, appearing as uncaring as ever. Katsuya looked into his eyes, debating whether or not he should tell.
"Oh to hell with it. Sure, why not, I can tell." Seto raised an eyebrow, showing that he should go on.
"Well… I suppose you would kind of understand, right? I mean, you have a younger sibling too…" The blond stated, more so in trying to convince himself in telling the CEO.
"Okay, so do you want to hear it from the beginning then?"
"That would make the most sense." Seto confirmed.
"Alright then. So, yesterday my battery died -"
"What battery?"
"To my cell phone. And don't interrupt me when I'm talking."
"Hmpf, make yourself more clear the next time."
"Shut up!" The blond bellowed, but calmed himself pretty quickly. "Anyway, so my battery… to my cell phone by the way, died down. So I loaded it during the night. Are you following?" He teased, but Kaiba only glared back.
"So this morning when I woke up, I noticed I got a message yesterday. It was from my sister. You know, Shizuka?" Seto nodded, and the blond kept on going.
"Obviously she had tried to call me, but I wasn't home, because I was out with Yuugi and Honda, so she messaged me instead and -"
"Can you get to the point?"
"Don't stress me! And I already told you to shut up!"
"…" The CEO obliged, more so in trying to not have him more mad than he already was.
"So anyway…" Katsuya continued, his face darkening. "It said that she had found… it said that… that…" He paused and inhaled a deep breath. "She has a boyfriend. Can you believe it!" He finally blurted out, unable to control his rage. Seto decided to keep quiet and merely watch.
"I mean, she said he was nice and all, and that I would like him if I met him, but still! And what if he wants to have sex with her! Oh my God! He will rape her if she says no!"
"I think you might be jumping to conclusions…" Seto said, doubting the sanity of the other.
"What if he forces her to do it then! And if he makes her do stuff for him, like do his laundry? What if he is a total sexist? Oh my poor innocent sister!" He wailed.
"Perhaps you should -"
"You're right Kaiba! I should do something! Like go and kick that guys ass!" He stated heroically while standing up, determination appearing permanent on his face.
"What?"
"That's right! I'll just go and find some money laying around, and then I'll take the first plane there and then, then I'll kick his sorry ass!" He stated with a huge grin on his face, appearing proud of himself.
"Not to spoil your wishful thinking, but you do realise this is the wrong approach to the problem?"
"You saying I should just let them be!" Katsuya asked upset and looked accusingly at the brunet, who despite all this, remained his calm.
"No."
"What? Really?" Jounouchi asked surprised, obviously thinking he would get the opposite respond.
"Physical violence is something a man goes to when he has no other option left. Which is also a sign of weakness and defeat."
"But… but… he will not be able to walk for like a month afterwards! That's not a sign of weakness from my side!" He defended, trying to justify his noble cause.
"Yes. It is. Be rational."
"I don't want to like him!"
"Who said you have to?"
"Huh?"
Seto sighed in annoyance, he desperately wished he could have taken back his question as to why Jounouchi was here in the first place. Only bad things happen when you follow your heart.
"Just… think it all over." Katsuya looked down on the sitting CEO, and nodded slightly. His face was more serious than before, but his fist was clenched.
"But… what if those stuff actually do happen?" The shorter one asked, his voice a bit broken.
"Then you may murder him if you wish." Seto half-joked, making the blond smile.
"Sounds good to me." Jounouchi agreed. Seto nodded, not as annoyed anymore.
"Just don't turn me in to the cops." Katsuya said warningly in a joking tone. Seto only smirked.
"Why not?"
"Weeeell, I might go and kill you too then." He said with a chuckle.
"Only in your dreams, Jounouchi." Said person kept on smiling until his face froze a bit dramatically.
"Oh shit! We have class now!"
"Well aren't you the clever one?" Seto asked sarcastically, though it went by unnoticed since Katsuya was too busy panicking.
"Fuck! I'll get a detention again! I already had one yesterday, and I skipped that too!" Seto sighed, his arms still folded.
"Just make up a lie then."
"But they don't believe my lies!"
"Lie better then."
"…" An idea seemed to grow in the standing boys mind, and a smug smile got visible on Katsuyas lips.
"…"
"Can I say you forced me?"
"What!"
"Yeah, they'll believe me then, because you will be late too!"
"Why would I force you to be with me!"
"Because… you… you… need a teenage opinion on a new product you're making!" Seto only snorted.
"So?"
"So then you could use me for it. That way, we both have an excuse and I don't get detention!"
"No."
"Come on Kaiba! It's only fair after all I told you about my sister!" Kaiba directed his blue eyes up on the brown ones, contemplating.
"…"
"Please. Come on, Kaiba…!" Said person smirked.
"Ha, you're asking me for help now?" Katsuya frowned.
"Shut up! I am asking you to return a favour, which is only fair!"
"You have done me no favour."
"Yes I have. I told you about my sister, because you asked me to. Now you can give me an alibi, because I asked you to."
"Hmpf."
"So it's a yes then?"
"Whatever. Like the teachers will believe you anyway."
"Yes! Awesome!" Katsuya cheered with a smile. Inwardly Seto smiled back, but on the outside he appeared unfazed.
"You're behaving immaturely." He simply stated.
"We're going to start that argument all over again?" Jou asked teasingly.
"Hmpf."
"Good! Let's go then." He said, waiting for the brunet to get up from the bench before walking in to the school with him.
This wasn't so bad, Seto thought, as they walked on the asphalt together, just like in his fantasy from the previous day. He almost felt like smiling. Almost.
He could live like this for a while longer, just until his feelings disappeared. Besides, how long could that take anyway?
Pleased with the situation, Seto smirked slightly, confusing the blond a little, but receiving a smile nevertheless.
To Be Continued...
Words: 7042
Damn...! I dissapeard for over one week and look how much I write!
Fantastic or dreadful? It's all decided in your own heads.
Yeah, Seto finally decided to not push Katsuya away! There is a God afterall! I hope it was enjoyable and not too OOC of any of them. And Yuugi even got a little spot in this fic.
At least my previous chapter seemed well-liked, all your reviews are so kind I have to wonder if you people are getting paid to write nice things to me or something -laughs- So anyhow, here is my special section for the fantastic people with the ability to review! Yeah, you guys are kick ass. So, onward with the thank-you list:
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And that was all, folks! -plays Bugs Bunny theme music-