Disclaimer: I'm waiting for the letter where it says I'm the owner of the show to come by any day now... -watches mailbox- Yes... any day now. Soon... Just wait, and you'll see... It'll happen. For sure. Yuuuupp... -falls asleep while waiting-
Warning: Bad writing, OOC-tendencies (all over the place -sigh- I want to hit myself!), bad words, boring descriptions, too long dialogues, a mushy Kaiba and a weird Jounouchi.
Note: Well... This chapter is... weird. I don't really know if I dislike it or like it. I'm still indecisive. Oh, if you're wondering why it's so damn long; it's because I wanted to get Thursday over with so I can start on Friday in the next chapter. I hope you are all fine with that.
Unheard Love
Chapter 12
by Growing Pain
Brown eyes stared with intensity, in deep thought and with a brood look. Blue eyes stared back, more unsure, but not letting it show, and with a slight frown. The world around seemed to have frozen, but he did not care for he was wondering why the blond was staring so much. But he didn't want to end this comfortable silence. Besides, Jounouchi would talk soon enough. He could see it.
Katsuya tilted his head to the left, still staring, appearing very absorbed in his thinking and staring. The brunets frown increased, but the other held no facial expression but that of a normal one.
"Why can't I make you smile?" The blond suddenly asked out of the blue. The CEO was bewildered with the question.
"The staring isn't that amusing." He replied drawly, wondering how the blond could even expect anyone to smile when someone stares.
"Huh? The staring?" The blond asked, looking confused. "No, no Kaiba! I meant otherwise. I wasn't trying to make you smile now." He explained doing, according to the CEO, unnecessary hand gestures.
"Hn."
"So? Why can't I make you smile?" Katsuya asked seriously.
"Why do you want me to smile to begin with?" Seto replied with a question, folding his arms, thinking it was a stupid topic. He just never smiled with people, except for his brother, end of story.
"People smile when they are happy." He said matter-of-factly. Connecting the dots, the CEO widened his eyes slightly, and silence was cast over their conversation uncomfortably long.
"…You want to make me happy?" Kaiba asked, still unsure if that is what the blond really meant. The reply he was given was a nod, confirming he was right. Annoyingly enough his heart pumped faster, and all sort of thoughts raced through his head. Pathetic. All this because he wanted to make him happy. Why can't his body be as numb as his facial expression!
"There is no need for that." Kaiba said in a lower voice, avoiding to look at the man in front of him.
"I asked you once "How's life?". Do you remember?" Katsuya asked, looking for a nod or other acknowledgement, but the CEO refused to give one, staring at all the books in the library instead. "When we danced. Don't you remember?" The blond tried to clear out.
"…Yes."
"And you answered "Bearable"…" Katsuya said, waiting for the CEO to remember, which he already had. How could he forget to begin with? They had been too close to just let it slip his mind.
"Yes."
"Well, I want that you one day at least answer "Good", and truthfully too." The blond declared with a small smile.
"Just because you want it doesn't mean it's going to happen." He replied, thinking bitterly of how true the statement fitted with his situation as well.
"I know. That's why I want to know why I can't make you smile."
"Hmpf. Leave me alone." The CEO said, frowning and leaning back in his chair. The blond was getting too emotional for his liking. This gesture was met a growl.
"What! Here I am, being nice and all, and you just get pissed off at me!" He bellowed out, keeping a firm glare.
"I just think that you talk too much about smiling." He answered nonchalantly.
"I talk about what the hell I want!" He defended.
"Not if I can help it."
"Oooo, I'm shaking in my boots. What will the big, bad Kaiba do?" He said with a fake tone of fear. The CEO frowned and snorted, only to rise up.
"I refuse to be ridiculed." He said shortly as he walked past the blond, briefcase in his hand, exiting the doors of the library. A faint growl was heard as he walked off, but he paid little attention.
"Kaiba you bastard! Get back here!" Jounouchi bellowed, as angry as before. The brunet turned around in the hall to look.
"No."
"What! You scared or something!" Jounouchi asked with a grin. Students in the hall stopped to look at the two of them, though the blond attracted more attention to him. But to his sentence Seto only snorted.
"Of course not."
"Then why did you walk out of our argument? Afraid you might lose?"
"Don't make me laugh."
"I was aiming for smiling, but whatever."
"Hmpf. I don't have time for this." The CEO shrugged off and turned around. Jounouchi was getting too close…
"Like hell you do!" The blond shouted, and started to sprint to where Kaiba was, only to jump on him, making the two of them fall down. But that was all intentional. Katsuya turned the other around swiftly, holding his collar.
"What the hell is your problem!" Katsuya demanded to know.
"Get off me. Now!" The brunet warned, and the blond obliged, standing up. Right after the brunet stood up, glaring fiercely. The shorter one of the two only knit his brows, angry too, but in deep thought.
"If you do that again, I assure you, I will hurt you." Kaiba hissed out at the shorter man in front of him. But the other seemed to be elsewhere, and grabbed his wrist.
"What are you -"
"Come." Katsuya interrupted, picking up the CEOs briefcase and dragging Kaiba with the other hand, leading him to God knows where. His blue eyes glared a hole on the blonds head, but made no other refusal towards this taken action. It was better just to get over with it.
The blond walked with a straight walk, apparently knowing exactly where to take them both. But seeing as the wrist holding was too much of physical contact, the brunet snatched his hand back. This made the blond stop his walking, causing the brunet to do so as well. Those brown eyes looked at him with confusion, seeking answers.
"Well, are you going to stare all day, or actually take us to whatever place you have in mind?" Seto asked coldly, giving permission for Katsuya to lead him. The blond nodded with a small smile, and continued walking, still holding the briefcase, but not his wrist.
It's for the best after all.
They moved beside each other, entering and exiting halls, all done in silence. After a while Seto had a guess of where he was taking them, as this was the same route to the class they would have the next period. Figures. It should be empty anyhow.
And his theory was confirmed when Jounouchi opened the door for Kaiba, still looking slightly upset. The CEO held his head up high, ignoring Jounouchis facial expression, and walked inside, seating himself in his normal seat. Knowing the brunet was inside, the blond closed the door behind him, walking quietly to the CEO.
"What is it that you want?" Seto asked, taking his briefcase from the hands of the other, checking it to make sure it was still whole.
"To talk. About you." Jounouchi replied shortly, his eyes hidden by his blond hair.
"Then talk." The taller one commanded.
"It's just… I don't really know how to say this…" The blond started off, still wondering what he should say. Kaiba folded his arms, waiting.
"You are… You… Something's bothering you." Katsuya stated, looking into his blue eyes to seek confirmation.
"Hmpf. You're imagining things." Seto shrugged off.
"No I'm not!"
"Are you saying I don't know if something is bothering me or not? Because if anyone would know, it's me."
"I'm just saying you're lying." Seto frowned.
"First, you attack me. Then you drag me in here, without any explanation, only to call me a liar!"
"Yes."
"Ha. It's you who have problems. Not me."
"Maybe I do. But at least I talk about them to people. You don't."
"Your point being?"
"It's not good to hold it all inside."
"Who said I am holding anything at all inside? And who are you to tell me what to do!"
"Damn it Kaiba!" Katsuya shouted out angrily, kicking Setos table, causing it to move a few centimetres. His hand was clenched, shaking. The brunet watched quietly, seeing the standing blond turn around, only making him able to face his back. He wasn't sure what to do, emotional situations weren't really his thing. So for now, all he did was stare.
"I'm tired of this, Kaiba…" Katsuya breathed out, his back still turned to the other.
"Of what?" Kaiba asked, appearing indifferent. But the truth could not be anymore inaccurate.
"Of you, pushing me away." The blond answered, turning around slowly. Kaiba locked his eyes with his, absorbing his words.
"Then… don't try to get close." Seto said, turning his head away. He had rejected him now. Katsuyas eyes widened slightly, and he spoke through clenched teeth.
"Great. Just fucking great. You know what, Kaiba? Screw you! I'm done with this!" He said, and walked out the door, slamming it behind him. Seto sighed quietly to himself, regretting his choice of words. Regretting he even spoke at all. Perhaps he shouldn't push him away so much. Not that his train of thought mattered anymore, Jounouchi was already gone.
He fought away an urge to run out the door, and drag Jounouchi back. So he sat there, immobilized, trying to convince himself that this was a good step on the way. This is just what he needed. This… was perfect. But it hurt his heart. And he had grown all too tired of it all. Tired of this game he played, tired of having to see what he could have, but knowing he could never be with him. It was wearing him out. And it was not helping him at all. His feelings had only grown, much to his dismay.
Would they be there forever?
The door handle went down, and he watched it with intensity. Had Katsuya returned to him? The door opened, but a couple of girls stepped inside, chattering about all the homework they had been assigned, paying no attention to the disappointed brunet.
This was not like him. He was not supposed to be this way, feel this way. Romantic interests were for girly girls and happy boys. Not for him. Something needed to be done. But what? He had tried to ignore it, push it away. Was the only option left… to embrace it?
Ha, of course not! Over his dead body. There were always other options. Always. He just had to discover them first. After all, the best answer is often the easiest one. And he had probably been thinking in too complicated ways to find it.
So… simple thinking… Should be easy. Let's start then…
He concentrated, but still saw no obvious answer to all this. So he concentrated even more, but the result was still the same. And he kept going, because he could not live like this, with these feelings so open inside.
To his dismay, everything was still as clear as mud. Yet he did not give up, but enclosed himself in his own world, searching for a way to survive this awful love.
"Alright class, have you understood your assignment?" A familiar voice called out, dragging him out from his trance. His eyes widened slightly since the classroom was now full of students, and his English teacher stood at the front, having written some sort of exercise on the blackboard.
"Yes." The class replied in one voice.
"Then I suggest you start now." She said before seating herself down to correct some papers. Students rose from their seats and paired up, two and two. Great… she had given out an oral assignment… again! The brunet was not too happy about it, seeing as it was all just a waste of time. Not to mention he had no one he wanted to work with.
Well… that was a lie.
Unconsciously he turned his head to Jounouchis seat. But he did not find the blond there. Immediately he began to scan the area, trying to find his familiar face without looking so obvious that he was searching. Yet in all the faces he could see, none belonged to him. His friends were there, but Jounouchi was not. And it was peculiar.
Had he been that upset by his words?
Having nothing to do, he started to ponder. About why the blond wasn't there, where he could be, and what he should do about it all. If he should do anything to begin with, that is. But… he can't be weak, he persisted to think. Yet he had already fallen. All these contradictions made him want to scream inside to chase them away. Such childish thoughts…
"Mr Kaiba? Do you need me to pair you up with someone?" The teacher asked, standing in front of him. He made no visual reaction, and appeared to be thinking.
"No…" He said in a low voice. "I have to go. Business meeting." He lied as he rose up. The teacher looked as if she didn't believe him, but could not refuse anyhow. So she gave a slight nod, and then he walked out, briefcase in his hand.
He closed the door carefully behind him as he entered the empty hall. He was alone this time. Jounouchi had been with him before. But he pushed his thoughts aside and walked to his locker instead, and put his briefcase inside. It would only be in the way, he had concluded.
His face remained calm and unfazed. No one could see his inner battles.
With hands in his blue jackets' pockets he walked with a straight back, looking down on anyone who came too close. After having opened the front door, he felt the wind brush against his face and the rest of his body. It was cooling on a day like this, and he appreciated it. But it did not really matter, for he had a plan in mind. At least somewhat of a plan.
Continuing his walk, his feet led him to the same place he had previously been this morning, over the grass and into a area with more vegetation. To his luck, the same person as before was lying on the bench, his face up to the sky and hands under his head. Worry over what the blond might do and think suddenly grew inside, but he shoved the feelings away.
And just as before he walked up to the bench, hands in pockets, hiding his feelings by wearing a mask of indifference. Coming closer he saw that the shorter of the two had his eyes closed. Could he be sleeping?
He stood still a couple of seconds, just to look at him. So serene and peaceful. Perhaps he wasn't upset at all. Maybe he didn't even care… He should just go, Kaiba finally decided with a barely audible sigh.
How could he be so stupid to believe the other would actually care to begin with? Honestly, why did he think anyone would care at all! His anger towards himself grew, and he turned around, scowling himself mentally at his weak action.
"Kaiba?" An unsure voice asked. He could hear that Jounouchi was moving, sitting up straight on the bench. The brunet half-turned, just to see him. The blonds facial expression was that of a confused sort.
"Mhm…" He answered, not really sure of what to say at the time being.
"What are you doing here?" The other asked with no emotion. The CEO found that it didn't suit him.
"I… You weren't in class." The CEO stated, still not sure of what to say.
"So you noticed…" Jounouchi said absentminded, looking at the grass close to his feet. Seto himself watched the blond, waiting for him to make a move. He had hoped the other would stand for the talking.
But Katsuya uttered no more words. So he just had to talk himself then.
"Why weren't you there?" Well… that was a stupid question, he thought to himself, regretting he even asked it to begin with. Katsuya slowly turned his gaze away from the green and to the brunet.
"I'll give you three guesses." He replied coldly. This was not working well.
"…You shouldn't care so much." Kaiba advised, knowing feelings only made you hurt.
"Like I can help it." Jounouchi said, now looking at a tree with a frown. The situation was extremely difficult for the CEO, not really sure of how to solve all this. He scoffed at himself mentally, why did he need to solve it to begin with! Stupid emotions, clouding his judgement.
"You should have known that I'm not a friendly person." He said, excusing away his incapability to keep a firm relationship with the other. His hands in his pockets were clenched, but why he didn't know. It just felt good at the given moment.
"I did know that." The other kept his words few. It seemed he was avoiding speaking, which was unusual in itself.
"Then… why do you… Forget it." The brunet uttered. Emotions were a really complicated matter. If it had not been for the aspirin, he was sure a headache would take place.
"…" The blond continued to look dully at the tree, like it was the most interesting thing out there at the given time.
"Say something!" Kaiba demanded, tired of this stiff atmosphere.
"Something…" Jounouchi answered, his face was still seemingly indifferent. The brunet narrowed his eyes. The other appeared to be elsewhere, and it annoyed the hell out of him. As stated before, he was still incapable of handling emotional situations, so he did what came naturally. In a matter of seconds he grabbed the other mans collar, forcing him to stand up and look at him.
"Let go of me!" The blond shouted, struggling.
"Get a grip of yourself!" The CEO responded before shoving the other away, but not hard enough so he would fall. Jounouchi glared up into his blue eyes, his fists appeared ready to punch him. At least that was some sort of reaction.
"You can't tell me what to do! It's not like you even care to begin with!"
"Stop being such a idiot!" Kaiba yelled back, hoping the other would understand what it meant.
"No! You stop calling me stupid all the time!" The other said. Apparently he had not caught his drift. Seto groaned inwardly. What the hell should he do! So he sighed, scolding himself in his mind.
"I don't know why I even bothered…" He muttered to himself.
"Bothered with what Kaiba! Coming here and starting an argument? Well, I think that worked quite well, didn't it!" The shorter yelled at the brunet who only glared back.
"Do you honestly think I came here to do that?" He asked with a venomous voice.
"Why else!" The blond did clearly not understand anything it seemed.
"Because… Because I…" The CEO struggled with his words.
"Yeah, I thought so." Jounouchi said while folding his arms.
He was losing him. Slipping away right between his fingers. And he couldn't stop it. The thought pained his heart. There must be something, within reasonable grounds, that he could do. Besides, why did the blond stop being so damn happy anyway! Everything is always against him. Typical.
"You have it all wrong." He managed to say, once again hoping the other would understand the meaning of the words he spoke.
"Then give me the real reason." The blond demanded, still uncaring.
"…" He couldn't bare to reveal his need for the other. He just didn't work that way. So the brunet kept quiet, looking away.
"Fine. Goodbye, bastard." Jounouchi said with the cold voice the brunet had started to hate, and began walking away past Kaiba.
So close to losing him. How would he endure these feelings if he could not even speak to him? It would be even harder.
Two steps away from him. He should say something. Anything.
The glare the brown eyes had were hard to look at, especially when he was coming so close.
One step away. He shouldn't let him walk past him. Why was everything going in slow-motion anyway! Speak. Utter words. Any words.
"…"
Gone…
The brunet stood still, face turned to the bench, staring at it in disbelief. The blond was walking away, several metres for him and only increasing the distance. For some reason he didn't even think about how strong it was for him to let the other slip away. All he focused on was that if he wouldn't do anything he might be lost forever.
Say something…
Slowly, too slowly, he turned around. He saw the moving teenager walk over the grass, hands in his pockets like him. A deep breath was inhaled as he tried to convince himself in doing this.
"Jounouchi!" He bellowed out, his voice firm and not as broken as he had thought it would be. The said teenager stopped dead in his tracks, turning around, waiting for some sort of explanation for all this.
Another breath. Mustered courage and shoving away the pessimistic thoughts.
He placed his right feet in front of him, and started to walk to the blond. It took forever in his mind, but the other waited, their eye contact locked. Still… he felt ridiculous, and probably was too. He mentally kicked himself, among other things.
He stopped when he was a step away from the blond. How he wanted to just take him in his arms…
"Jounouchi…" He voiced the others name again, just because he didn't know what else to say. Why didn't his mind work with him anymore!
"Kaiba…" The blond said back in a low voice, looking into his blue eyes. Those browns eyes looked caring once more. Perhaps this wasn't the end.
"You said… that you wouldn't let me down." Kaiba stated, referring to a previous conversation. The blond had a hint of a smile on his lips. Perhaps he finally understood.
"I can't let you down if you don't care, because then there's nothing to disappoint." Katsuya said, bitterness still inside him. The CEO was silent, trying to find a way to make the other understand he did care without having to actually say it. Because he just wasn't the type of person to say such sentimental things. Honestly, all this was even overboard. Stupid blond, making him go soft… Yet he loved it all when he looked into his eyes.
"But… that isn't the case here." The brunet said, sincerity covering every word. The blonds brown eyes widened slightly, his lips parting, half gaping. But that soon turned into a smile, making the brunet feel at ease.
He hadn't lost him.
A pair of arms flung around his neck, and the body of the other was against his own. The brunet was taken by surprise and didn't really know how to react. His immediate respond was to slightly gape with widened eyes.
He could feel Jounouchi breathing on his neck, smiling. And he stood still, his arms hanging by his side for several seconds. This could not be happening… A mental snort at himself, then he slowly moved his arms, placing them carefully around the blonds waist. This felt so good… so right. He didn't ever want to let it go. A hint of a smile dared to appear on his lips as he enjoyed the gesture. Nirvana for the common man.
To have to taste of what a life with him would be made him want more. One bite was not enough. He felt secure with being embraced. He felt relaxed, feeling the others steady breath on him. The day had indeed been warm, but feeling the others body heat made him think that he was cold before. His golden hair, just a few centimetres away. Yet he didn't dare roam his fingers through it, like he wished for. Keeping his hands at the others waist was enough for now.
He could feel Jounouchis heart, pumping. There was no way he would ever get tired of this. Never had he been hugged by anyone beside a family member his whole life. Not that he wanted that either. Only Jounouchi. That was enough.
But far too soon, the blond partially got out of their hug, increasing the distance with his face and the CEOs neck. Otherwise their bodies were as close as before. Those brown eyes looked into the blue ones. The brunet could see that they were watered, but not crying. Honestly, he was too sentimental at times. Not that he was going to comment.
They were so close… Teasingly close. Did the other know what this did to him? If he would just lean down a little their lips would meet… But no, the CEO decided. His feelings should never be revealed. This love was not meant to be seen.
"Hey… I made you smile!" The blond said, with a triumphant smile on his lips. The CEO immediately got aware of the situation and wiped away the hint of a smile from his lips.
"No, you didn't. You're imagining things." He said embarrassed, but hiding it well, pushing the blond gently away. He folded his arms, as if to try to appear more convincing. However the blond remained smiling.
"Yes I did!"
"Hmpf."
"Ha! Now I have a secret weapon!" Damn… Was he planning on hugging him even more? What if he started doing it in public…! Not good. Definitely not good.
"No you don't."
"…" The blond didn't even try to defend his opinion but smiled a knowing smile at the brunet. It made the CEO feel at unease.
"I have somewhere to be…" Kaiba said, trying to get out of the situation, and started to walk.
"No you don't." Katsuya said, still smiling, tagging along.
"How would you know?" The CEO said after a snort.
"Because… you came looking for me. And you don't even have your briefcase with you! Plus we had class, which you totally skipped, might I add… "
"Same goes for you." Katsuya started to chuckle.
"You know what? We're starting to spend a lot of time together because we're ditching classes. Man, this is not good for my grades!"
"Nothing you do is good for your grades."
"Watch it Kaiba, or I'll make sure you regret your words!" Katsuya said, trying to be threatening but failed due to his smile that seemed hard to wipe away.
"And exactly how do you plan on doing that?" Seto said with arrogance, looking down at the blond through the corner of his eye as they walked inside the school building.
"I can't tell you my secret plan!"
"You probably don't even have one…"
"Of course I do!"
"Prove me wrong then."
"No."
"Then you have no plan."
"Believe what you want."
"…"
"So what are we going to do now?" Katsuya asked with curiosity.
"I was planning on working. You should get to class." The CEO replied, glancing at his watch on his wrist to see how much time he had.
"What? Without you?" The blond asked, surprised.
"Yes."
"No, don't think so. Besides, this is a perfect opportunity to get your eyes off that damned computer of yours!" Katsuya declared enthusiastically.
"Stop getting useless ideas in your head, and go do something productive." Kaiba shrugged off.
"Hell no! And my ideas are not useless! Fucking bastard…!"
"…" Seto glanced at him with a smirk, heading towards his locker with the other walking along.
"Anyway, I thought we could do something fun!" The enthusiastic teenager declared.
"Define "fun"." Seto asked dryly.
"Err… something that makes you have fun?" Jounouchi tried, not really sure what kind of answer the brunet wanted.
"I know that, you moron!" The CEO said, making a sigh afterwards. The blond glared, but kept his cool. "But what is it that you have in mind?" The blond smiled a surprised smile.
"You actually want to know? Wow, awesome!" Seto snorted.
"Only so I can say no." Jounouchi growled at the brunets reply.
"Try to be nice just once, dammit!"
"Why? What's in it for me?" He said as he stopped at in front of his locker, turning to face the blond.
"Um… a happy me?" Katsuya tried, unsure of what he would say.
"You have to do better than that. Think, even if it's hard for someone like you. Persuade me now, before I get out my briefcase and start to work." Seto said cockily, smirking.
"Err…" The blond managed to say, scratching his head while trying to figure out a good enough answer.
"Think faster. I'm about to open my locker." The CEO teased, watching the blond with interest.
"You'll… you… I know! I'll… wait no." The blond was indecisive to say the least, and the brunet frowned. He had actually hoped some sort of good reason would escape from his lips, freeing him from his work.
"Faster." He said, placing his hand on the locker, opening it. Katsuya appeared stressed.
"Um… I…"
"…" The CEO took his hand over the briefcase, grabbing a hold of it, but not taking it out just yet.
"I don't know!" The blond blurted out. "I just want to hang with you! And I have no idea what it could be in for you!" Kaibas eyes pierced into the brown ones, an emotionless expression forced on his face. Slowly he let go of the briefcase, shutting his locker door.
"Fine then." He said nonchalantly, placing his hands in his pockets. "But if you do anything too annoying or unbearable, I'll leave."
"Sounds good to me." Jounouchi agreed, grinning. "Now… where will I take you?" He wondered aloud to himself, placing his index finger on his chin. This only made the brunet frown.
"You mean you have no plan? Why did I even agree on this!" He said, frustrated, reaching out for his locker once more, planning on doing some work.
"No, no Kaiba." Jounouchi said, standing in front of his locker, blocking it. "I have an idea now. Come." He said with a smug smile, his eyes with a mischievous hint. A challenge, Kaiba thought. Well, whatever he might have in mind, he could bear it.
Katsuya started to walk, heading towards the exit door where they just entered. Kaiba followed with interest, a smirk on his lips.
"Just so we have it all clear, you are aware that I will leave if I don't like it?" Seto asked, feeling confident.
"Yes." Jounouchi replied, turning his head so he could face the brunet as they walked.
"Good."
"Don't worry about it Kaiba. You'll like it. Or at least… you'll live through it." Katsuya said, trying to be comforting.
"Who said I was worried?"
"Fine then. You're not worried." The blond shrugged off, not really caring what the other said.
The shorter of the two led them over the schoolyard, and to the road, showing school grounds were officially ending. The brunet raised an eyebrow, but Jounouchi smiled reassuringly, crossing the road. Seto did the same, with an interest growing. But words were not spoken, increasing the mystic atmosphere.
Many people were outside, walking. Yet not as much as there usually is when it's on the afternoon. Then rush-hour was a fact. It was more peaceful this way, when not that many were outside, yet not so few that it felt deserted. That was the only downfall with it all, people were always everywhere.
They passed by several small stores, selling jewellery, pets and candy. Finally Jounouchi came to a halt, showing they had arrived. Seto looked at the door and looked in through the large windows. It was a café, and not a big one either. He raised his eyebrow, wondering if this was really what he had in mind. The blond nodded and walked in through the door, followed by the CEO.
"I hang here sometimes with Yuugi and the others. It's a nice, quiet little place, and I figured you'd like that too." Jounouchi explained to Seto who observed everything with a critical eye, yet holding in on the comments.
"I see."
"So let's order something!" Katsuya said with excitement, probably fantasizing about all the food he wished to have. Seto gave a small nod, too busy observing. It was a small place, only having about eight tables. And it didn't seem that fancy either, the chairs looked old, as did the tables. Why did the blond settle for such a low class lifestyle?
Jounouchi walked up to the counter, greeting the middle-aged lady behind it.
"Let's see… I'd like a cupcake. No make that two. Both chocolate. And a coke. And throw in a little of those things on the side too." He said, pointing at small pastries, circular and dipped in chocolate.
"Alright. And you sir?" The lady turned to the CEO, who was once again observing the decorations and such. Still… nothing had impressed him that greatly.
"Just one black coffee." He said, not trusting this place.
"What! Only that?" The blond asked, bewildered.
"Yes."
"But it's nothing! You have to eat something too!" Katsuya persisted.
"I'm fine."
"Alright then Kaiba. But I'll make you eat when lunch comes!"
"Not necessary."
"Yes it is."
"Are you done with the order?" The middle-aged lady asked carefully. Seto nodded and frowned at her. He wasn't too fond of this place. A tray filled with their orders appeared and Jounouchi grabbed it, paying his part of the bill while Seto did the same, glaring at the woman extra long. The blond took no notice, sniffing his cupcake.
"So where do you want to sit?" He asked.
"Anywhere's fine." Seto lied. He would much rather prefer sitting on a park bench than here. Who knew what kind of dirt was still on the chairs? Perhaps he was just being overly paranoid…
"Let's sit here then!" Katsuya said as he sat down at the closest table, attacking the food as soon as the tray was on the table. Seto approached it all more carefully, checking to see if there were any stains on his chair before seating himself. Elegantly he crossed his legs, sitting straight, feeling uncomfortable. These kinds of places wasn't what he was used to.
Deciding the liquid could wait, he slightly turned in his seat, looking out the large window. That was some sort of entertainment at least. He really didn't like this place. What if they didn't clean up their machines properly, and germs were spreading in his coffee right now? No, this could not be trusted.
"Aren't you going to drink your coffee?" Jounouchi asked after having started his second cupcake, finally noticing his surroundings.
"Not now." Seto replied coldly, staring out the window. The blonds face dropped.
"You don't like it, do you?"
"I haven't tasted it yet."
"I meant this place." The CEO turned his gaze to the other, looking emotionless.
"No, I don't." He answered truthfully. Why hide from the truth when it was only such a trifle thing as this. Jounouchi nodded, appearing disappointed, and started to throw everything down his throat in a very hasty manner. In the range of 30 seconds all he ordered had gone down his stomach, leaving the CEO with narrowed eyes, hiding his confusion.
"Let's go then. No need to be here if you don't like it." The blond stated. Kaiba agreed by nodding, happy to leave the cheap café.
The worlds they both lived in were so different. What if they couldn't be mixed? Feh… who cares. Not like he was going to spend any time with the other outside school anyway.
With that conclusion he let the thoughts go, returning to school with the other beside him, the sun warming their backs.
XxxX
"Come on Kaiba! Hurry!" The blond yelled, excited.
"Will you calm down!" The CEO demanded, glaring at the other a few metres in front of him.
"But my stomach can't take it any longer! I will die soon!" Seto snorted at Jous antics.
"If I could be so lucky." He stated bitterly, but with no real sincerity behind the words.
"Shut up! And don't be so damn slow!" The now angry blond said, hitting the brunet on his arm for insulting him.
"Hmpf. I move in whatever pace I'd like."
"But I'm really hungry!" Jounouchi pleaded.
No, Kaiba found out, eating a couple of hours before lunchtime did not still the other ones hunger. How the hell Jounouchi wasn't starting to get fat was still a mystery however.
"We'll get there. Stop complaining."
"Gah! You're driving me crazy!" He said in a frustrated voice, only wanting to taste the sweet food waiting for him.
"You're not that easy to be with either." Seto replied coldly. His hand reached out to open the door, leading into the school cafeteria. Finally. The blonds complaining was hard to live with. Why didn't he just walk around with a snack pack stuffed in his pockets anyhow? Would be much easier, he figured.
"Finally! Took you some time." Katsuya mumbled when entering, standing in line. Kaiba, who had not had the time to get any lunch packed down, reluctantly stood there as well. He folded his arms and glared at anyone who dared to look his way, surprised he was eating the school food to begin with. After all, he always brought food with him. He never really trusted others with what he put down his throat.
"Can you look anymore grumpy?" Jounouchi asked, sounding annoyed. But when the CEO turned his head to the other he saw a small smile on the other. He was too contradicting at times…
"…"
"The food isn't that awful. Actually it can be quite tasty at times." He consulted, trying to make the CEO feel at ease. Seto sighed. He wasn't really hungry to begin with, strangely enough.
"And don't even think about leaving the line!" Katsuya said in a firm voice. Seto looked at him with a raised eyebrow.
"Oh I saw the look on your face. Could you scream "I don't want to be here" any louder?" Jounouchi joked.
"I'm not that hungry to begin with…" The brunet defended.
"What the fuck! You're never hungry! There's something wrong with you!"
"You're making stuff up."
"Maybe you're a robot…" Jounouchi speculated seriously to himself. Seto only rolled his eyes inwardly, taking a plate and filling it with food. All seemed to be giant lump. Who ate this stuff anyway!
"Yes! It's good food today!" Jounouchi beamed beside him. Seto took a piece of the unknown substance, feeling a great need to yell at the food supplier. Reluctantly he took the plate and seated himself at a table, glaring at the food. Soon Jounouchi joined, eating as if he had been starved for days.
As if to try and prove a point, the CEO took his fork and gently poked his food. The pile fell down all over the plate, disgusting the brunet. With a frown he pushed the plate away, refusing to eat that sort of common food.
This action did not go by unnoticed by the blond.
"Hell no, Kaiba! You're eating that!" He said angrily, pushing the plate back to the CEO. In return Seto glared.
"I don't think so. This food is obviously made out of garbage." He said, exaggerating.
"You're like a big baby!" Katsuya complained. "Come on, eat it, it won't bite!" He encouraged, eating some himself to show it wasn't deadly.
"You have grown up with this sort of… substance… in your life. I on the other hand might get poisoned." Seto said, his word a bit overdramatic, but he believed them nevertheless.
"It's not dangerous. God! Just eat the damned thing!"
"No."
"But you haven't eaten anything today!"
"How would you know?"
"Just a guess." Katsuya said with a shrug. Seto narrowed his eyes. The blond probably understood he had no time for that this morning, since he was late. Crap.
"Still not eating it." He said defiantly. Katsuya growled.
"Yes you are!"
"What does it take for you to understand a simple no?"
"What does it take for you to understand you need to eat!"
"I'll eat when I get home. There's some real food there." Seto said, wondering if his younger brother would cook again. He seemed very interested in that activity lately.
"How will I know that you'll actually eat anything?"
"You won't." Seto simply stated.
"Then you're eating that!"
"I have already made myself perfectly clear that I won't!" The brunet hissed out, tired of having to defend himself.
"Eat it or else!" The blond threatened. Seto scoffed.
"Or else what? You'll scream at me?" He asked with a smirk, thinking lowly of what the other could do.
"Eat the food, or be covered with it!" Katsuya threatened, rising up from his chair and lifting his plate, which still contained food.
"You wouldn't dare…!" Seto breathed out, glaring.
"Oh yes, I would dare!" Jounouchi said, having a serious expression on his face. Kaiba narrowed his eyes while preparing himself to jump out of the seat at any given time to escape the food.
"I won't eat it." He said coldly. Katsuya glared.
"On three, and if you haven't started to chew you're getting this all over you!"
"Not going to do it."
"1!" The blond said, continuing to glare ferociously. The CEO was still in his chair, but his muscles prepared for an attack.
"…"
"2!" Jounouchi hissed, clenching his jaw. He was only met by a pair of determined blue eyes.
"…"
"3!" The blond lifted his plate even higher, allowing it to get more speed. Kaiba quickly got up and jumped at the standing blond, taking a hold on his wrist and pushing it as far away as he could to ensure that the plate would not come in contact with him. At the same time his body weight combined with the speed hitting the blond made them both fall, Jounouchi backwards and Kaiba over him. The plate was slung to their left side, luckily away from both of them. And with a loud thud they landed, and the CEO quickly took a hold of the others wrists and pinned him down, sitting over the blonds belly.
"Aouch. Dammit, Kaiba! I hit my head!" Katsuya complained.
"I'll let you go if you promise not to do another of those childish attempts one more time. Are we clear?" He said, not paying attention to the blonds previous comment.
"Clear as water. But I can't make a promise." Jounouchi said, grinning, even though he was in the submissive position. Kaiba pressed his hands harder around the other ones wrists, glaring.
"Now get fucking off me…!" He ordered, struggling under the brunet. The CEO only tightened his grip.
"If you promise to behave." Kaiba said, his blue eyes keeping a firm contact with the brown ones.
"I'll do whatever I want!" Jounouchi defended, struggling even more.
"Look, if I were suffering from being undernourished, do you really think I would have the strength to pin anyone down!" He asked, knowing the other only attempted to throw food at him for not eating. So if that was where the problem started, he simply had to go back to the core of it. Sometimes Jounouchi was too stupid to be true…
"…" Brown eyes looked into blue ones while appearing to take in what the brunet had just said. He stopped struggling, obviously realizing his mistake.
Of course, such a action like this did not go by unnoticed by the students. Several were looking, but few dared to actually walk up to the scene, telling the CEO to let the blond go. Though a handful of students rushed away to get a teacher, unbeknownst to Kaiba.
"This is useless…!" Seto muttered out, loud enough for the blond to hear. And he let go of the others wrists and stood up, and took a few steps back, waiting to see what the other would do. With ease Jounouchi pushed himself up, rubbing the back of his head slightly. They stared at each other in silence, not really knowing what to speak about.
"Kaiba! Jounouchi!" A strict voice called out. The said teenagers turned their gaze to the teacher who walked up to them in a rushing manner. They said no word, asked no question, but let the adult make the first move once he had joined them.
"What happened now!" He bellowed, his voice echoed in the silent room, pointing at the tray on the floor. "You will have to clean this up, do you hear!" They gave no reply, no nod, but simply stared at him. They just weren't in the mood.
"To the principal! Now!" He said harshly, pointing with his index finger at the exit door. Both teenagers started moving, and the teacher followed, breathing down their necks. Jounouchi hung his head low, making his brown eyes covered for others to see and his hands in his pockets. Kaiba also had his hands in his pockets, but walked with a straight back, and an emotionless expression on his face.
During the walk that seemed to go on forever, the adult behind them lectured and scolded them. Aside from a few snorts from the CEO and an occasional growl from the blond, nothing else escaped their throats. Once they actually reached the principals office, the teacher left them, glaring at them one last time. Slowly Jounouchi walked in, probably dreading a detention. The CEO, knowing the man in front of him never gave out punishments to him, wasn't in any sort of unease.
"Now… what is it that you did?" The fifty year old man asked. His reading glasses were on, and he scanned his tired eyes through some files. It smelled coffee in his room, but no source of that could be found.
"We sort of had a fight…" Jounouchi said, looking at the man in front of him.
"Sort of?" He asked, still not taking his eyes of from his papers.
"Well… we didn't actually punch each other or anything…" Jounouchi said, still looking at the principal.
"Well that's a good thing." The man complimented, taking the blond by surprise.
"Uh… I guess…" Jounouchi replied, looking at the CEO for some answers to why this was all weird. Kaiba on the other hand remained quiet, standing straight and looking out through the window behind the sitting man.
"So no one got hurt then?"
"No…" The blond said, probably wondering when the scolding would start. The principal finally took eyes off from his paper and looked at the CEO.
"Well Kaiba, do you say that this was a mistake and that it will never happen again?" Kaiba nodded.
"And I take it Jounouchi feels the same way?" He said, looking at the blond who appeared even more confused.
"…Yeah…?" He replied with a quizzical look.
"Good. Then I will let you off with a warning. Take the rest of the day off to think over this." He said, reading his papers once more, signalling he wanted both of them out of his room. Jounouchi blinked several times at the principal in disbelief, but went back to reality when he noticed the brunet walking out. Seto on the other hand was absolutely unfazed with the situation, knowing this would happen. He could hear the blond walking after him out of the room. The smell of coffee was still there.
"Shit, that was weird wasn't it?" Jounouchi asked after closing the door behind him. Kaiba only looked back at him with uncaring eyes, wondering why he was so fascinated by all this anyway.
"Hello? You alive in there?" Katsuya asked, waving his hand in front of the blue eyes. Kaiba felt uncomfortable with that gesture and turned away from him, starting to walk to his locker several halls away. They were silent for a long time, but Katsuya broke it, as usual.
"You're mad aren't you? Well can you blame me! I mean I've never really seen you eat that much, and when you pushed the plate away I thought… I thought -"
"Who cares. Let's just forget about it." Seto finally uttered, opening his locker. The blond stood still beside him, watching him.
"…"
"…"
"So… I guess… I'll see you tomorrow. Right?" Katsuya asked, his brown eyes watching the other with curiosity.
"Hn." Kaiba answered, picking out his cell phone, attempting to call his chauffeur. The blond made a small sigh, over what he did not know, and walked away. Probably heading home. Now that he had his back turned against him, the CEO turned around, watching the blond go away. His blue eyes masked, cold as usual. Snorting at himself, he snapped out of it, dialling the familiar number and ordering his employee to pick him up.
XxxX
It wasn't until early evening that he managed to come home. There was too much work lately. Or was it just him doing tasks that he usually didn't, not trusting those he worked with to do the job properly? Yes, that was probably the reason.
Silently he unlocked the front door, entering without making any noise. His tired eyes scanned the hall to see if Mokubas shoes were too. And they were, as usual. Meaning he was home. He put down his briefcase and walked inside after having closed the door, searching for his brother. That boy was found in the living room, sitting on the couch while reading a comic.
"Oh, hi Seto!" He greeted with a smile, his eyes held nothing but pure affection towards the older.
"Hi…" The older brother replied, a small smile on his lips.
"I made a different dish today! Wanna try it?" Mokuba asked, hopeful to say the least. The standing brunet gave a nod.
"Of course." The younger one shot of the couch with a grin, taking his brother by the hand and leading him to the kitchen.
"This one was really hard to make, but it tasted okay anyway." He explained while Seto seated himself on a chair, watching his brother take out the food from the fridge and putting it in the microwave.
"Any second now…" The raven-haired brother said, waiting impatiently for it to be ready. He glared at the microwave for taking so long, tapping his foot. When the machine eventually made it's loud noise he smiled, immediately taking out the content and placing it on the table before his brother.
"Thank you." Seto said, speaking in a lower tone. Then he picked up his knife and fork, slicing the meat only to eat it. Meanwhile his brother sat on the chair opposed to him, watching intensely. The CEO was a bit bothered by it, but decided not to comment or act out. He made sure he ate precisely everything on the plate, not letting one bit be left behind to show his brother he appreciated it.
"So? Did you like it? Did you? Or was it awful? It was disgusting, wasn't it? I burned the meat I think-"
"It was very good." Seto assured, looking straight into his brothers eyes. "Is there anymore left?" He asked in his normal voice, and Mokubas face lit up and nodded.
"Yeah of course! Just wait there brother and I'll scoop some more up!" He said eagerly as he took his plate and rushed to the fridge once more, repeating the previous process. Seto observed with fond eyes.
Mokuba didn't have to do all this for him, and he certainly did not need to go and refill his plate. He was the older of the two, he could take care of that fine by himself. But he let it slip, knowing his brother loved to take care of him sometimes, doing things for him. It wasn't necessary, the brunet knew he was loved back anyhow. But he supposed his brother always wanted to take care of him, just as he wanted to do the same back. Seto always wanted the best for his brother, and the younger shared that train of thought.
Growing up, they only had each other to rely on. When one fell, the other was there to pick him up and vice versa. They fought the world together, and still did.
"Here you go!" Mokuba said happily, placing the plate on the table. Seto nodded in gratitude, and started eating as before.
"Have you eaten today?" He asked Mokuba in-between chews.
"Yes; breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner." He answered.
"And your homework?"
"Done."
"Good." Seto said, picking up another piece of meat and rice. He took for granted that his brother didn't lie to him. He wasn't the type to do that. Mokuba was too good of a man to do such dishonest deeds to him.
"So did you do anything fun today?" Mokuba asked while tilting his head.
"Fun is such a relative word…"
"Then what did you do today?" Seto stopped slicing the meat, thinking of the blond. Should he tell him? That he associated with his former enemy? With someone he used to despise? What if Mokuba understood he had fallen in love? What would he do then?
"Seto?" Mokuba asked, raising his eyebrow.
"I… You see Mokuba. Lately I have started to…" How the hell would he explain all this! It was outright impossible.
"Has something bad happened?"
"No. There's nothing to worry about."
"So what is it?"
"…Nothing." Seto said, eating the final piece of meat and rice. Then he got up and walked over to the dishwasher, knowing he was observed by his brother.
"Come on Seto! You can tell me." The raven haired boy urged. Seto had his back turned to him, considering.
"I… have started to…" He started off, same as before. He heard footsteps walking towards him, stopping by his side. A feeling of warmth occurred right after, his hand was being held by the shorter boy.
"Seto?" Mokuba looked up, worry was evident in his grey-blue eyes. The CEO looked down, noticing the distress he caused his brother. The smaller hands squeezed his left one a bit more, wanting an explanation.
"It's nothing bad…" Seto explained, wanting to take away his brothers worry.
"Then why won't you tell me?" Mokuba got him, and with a reluctant sigh he gave in.
"I… think I have…a friend now." He said, hoping that would still his brothers curiosity. Of course, it didn't.
"Huh? Who?" How on earth would he be able to explain this!
"…Jounouchi." The younger one appeared confused, tilting his head.
"You mean, Yuugi's friend? That Jounouchi?" He asked to make sure he had his facts straight.
"Yes. That Jounouchi." Seto replied, a hint of bitterness covering his words. Why did he have to go and fall in love with him to begin with!
"Whoa… That's weird." Mokuba said, scratching his head, trying to figure out of he had seen any pigs fly lately.
"Yes."
"So, you hang with Yuugi and them now? That's good! I'm happy you have opened up a bit!" A proud smile covered his face, looking up at his brother.
"No. Not the others." Once again, he had confused his brother.
"So… only Jounouchi?" Mokuba asked and Seto nodded. Those grey-blue eyes appeared saddened.
"I'm happy for you brother, but… Why didn't you tell me before?" He asked, feeling left-out from his brothers life.
"I… didn't think it was important."
"How could it not be important? Is there anything else you haven't told me? First this whole thing with the fake girlfriend, and now this!" He said in a harsh voice. Setos eyes widened at the hurt he had caused his brother.
"Have you totally forgotten me?" Mokuba asked, his eyes watered as he looked up at his older brother.
"Never…"
"Then why do you keep me out of your life!" He asked with a sad voice, a single tear falling from his eye. If anyone could make him cry, it was his own older brother. Seto slowly kneeled down and wiped away the tear from his cheek.
"Because… my life is not important." He answered with his hands on his brothers shoulders. He had a small, sad smile on his lips, wanting to take away his brothers pain.
"Yes it is!" Mokuba yelled at him, his fists clenched.
"Don't be so sad…" Seto said. He wasn't sure of how to comfort him, he had never really been that much of a comforter to begin with.
"Don't forget me." Mokuba said, embracing his brother hard and burying his face in his chest. At least he wasn't crying, the brunet noticed. In response, Seto held his body protectively, the only comfort he was able to give.
"Never." He said, his voice strong. Regret poisoned his mind, for he had hurt the only person he swore to take care of.
Why did he have to be such a failure?
To Be Continued...
Words: 9506
So very sorry! But like I said in the 'Note' section, I wanted to get Thursday over with. Forgive me.
Yeah... Personally I thought this chapter came out kind of forced. Especially towards the end -sighs at myself- Perhaps I just sort of lost my writing ability overnight or something. Though I am kinda happy that I made Jounouchi mad at Kaiba in the beginnig. After all, he is only human, and it's hard to live with being pushed away all the time. Plus I included a hug (probably because I was listening to mushy music... ack, it affects me too much), but it was OOC.
So... the principal was weird, wasn't he? I hope the food fight didn't come out as bad as I think it did. One minute I was writing, the next a sudden idea of Jounouchi doing something radical popped into my head (honestly, he is that type of person to not think before he acts...). And I am glad Kaiba behaved himself when he was ontop of him (I don't want him to give up his control just yet. Plus, lots of students were watching! Big no no for Kaiba).
And the whole thing with Mokuba; I know he loves his brother, but lately Seto just seems to have forgotten him, so Mokubas feelings came out in this chapter (you honestly think he wouldn't care when Seto is all over the tabloids, kissing a stranger, and he didn't tell him anything? Sheesh, he loves Seto, sure, but he wants him to confide in him too).
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Well that was all! Now all is left is for you to review! Please, if you have any sort of comment of how you think I could improve; tell me. I won't bite your head off!