Unheard Love

by Growing Pain

[Seto x Jou] Seto does not know what to do when love conquers his heart, and to his enemy nevertheless. The fact that Jou seems to be everywhere only makes it worse.

17. Modify your facade

Disclaimer: I don't own. Never have, never will. But, if I would, Kaiba would be officially gay. And Jou would drool whenever he saw him (the other way around as well)

Warning: Sentimental and degrading Seto, manodepressive Mokuba, clingy Arisu, self-loathing author, bad writing, cursings, OOC personalities etc

Note: God. I hate this chapter. It seemed so perfect in my head, but when I compare it with what I accomplished it's nothing! -.-' Anyhow, this chapter is long. Really. Not kidding here. If you're tired, return later. This'll take a lot of your energy. You have been warned!

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Unheard Love

Chapter 17

by Growing Pain

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The steps over the school ground's asphalt felt heavy. His legs almost giving in to a stronger form of gravity. Blue eyes focused on his target, the limousine, as his heart panged. Though his face showed nothing. Proven by his lips that laid in a flat, lifeless line.

A desperate feeling took over, hoping the blond would come running out of the school and just force him to stay, even if violence would be included. For some reason, he wouldn't mind. The constant thoughts in his mind almost wished for it desperately as he carried himself to a life where Jounouchi wouldn't exist.

His chauffeur awaited by the door, wearing a polite smile to his employer. Seto didn't return it. He never did.

For some reason he felt angry. Not with himself, strangely enough. No, his anger was directed to the object of his worthless love. Jounouchi. Why didn't the blond make him stay? If he wanted him there, shouldn't he then make that point clear, instead of simply letting go? What kind of man was he, to just let go like that!

He made a bitter sigh for his childish thinking. He should be grateful. No major complication had been in his way. He was free now. Free like the wind, or whatever people used to say. Useless poetical wordings. They never served any purpose.

His feet stopped in front of the open door, contemplating. The chauffeur looked quizzically at the CEO, wondering why he didn't step inside. Seto wondered as well, but unable to do anything about it, frozen to the spot. He really wanted to go back…

Damn those hormones for making his mind dazed all this time! He knew what he should do; he should hate, loathe, Katsuya. He should leave him while laughing coldly. He should break him even more, just to simply prove he didn't give a damn.

He really hated that he loved.

And he shouldn't give in to such a useless, disgracing, and horribly irritating emotion. The world could survive without it. He surely could. Or maybe he… No, he stopped himself. He could. Definitely. Seto Kaiba, growing weak for that loser? Hmpf.

But that was the truth, even if he didn't care to admit so. Even if he still hoped he could despise that man again.

He felt remote from his surroundings while his body was drowning in nothing. Choking. Something was squeezing his heart, hurting him.

The CEO snorted loudly at his worthless thoughts and got inside the vehicle with a frown. A few moments afterwards the limousine left the school ground, taking him away from his deepest desire.

Giving in to penetrating, absurd cravings to still his nagging curiosity he turned his gaze to the window. Blue eyes fixated on the entrance. But it looked just as he left it. Unmoved. Alone. Not a single sign of the other man was visible to him as the graceful vehicle quietly drove away, leaving bitter blue eyes with no further vision of the school building.

It was all over now.

Despite telling himself multiple times that this was the best decision he had possibly ever made concerning his relationship with Jounouchi, a feeling of absolute harsh and painful throbbing continued to plague him. Hurting him. So slender fingers, if a bit pale, searched for the headache pills, feeling positive the foreign feelings would stop by then. Using the limousine's minibar, he poured himself a glass of water to ease the swallowing.

There, soon he'd be alright again.

Yet he was aware he was fooling himself, trying to mislead him from what was in fact reality. A new one, manufactured by his own wishes, instead came about, making him nearly convinced there existed no such strong emotion as love inside him. Especially not directed to the other.

The pale, brood face stared with tortured eyes at the floor. This separation anxiety would surely only be a temporary way for his mind to adjust. It had too. Living like this would otherwise take a toll on him.

Nothing lasts forever. Neither should this grief. Those words were repeated in his mind, faking security to himself. But something else entered his hidden thoughts. A spiteful, cold laugh rang inside of him, holding a familiarity he wished didn't exist. Gozaburo. That man's laugh was forced upon him, now of all times. How ironic. Dead, yet still there to taunt. He should've expected nothing less.

He'd surely laugh at him, seeing him like this. Broken down. And by what? A measly little boy, who did nothing than offer him loyalty. Friendship. Hmpf. This was as low as he could get.

The malicious laugh never seemed to stop, even if it must be him himself that subconsciously played it up from memory. The brunet felt disconnected to the small environment surrounding him. Was this all he'd become? A failure? Even in this, his ability to ignore emotions? He'd changed too much for his own liking. If hate could simply breed in his heart once more, spreading like cancer, he would never complain again.

Blue eyes blinked, snapping partially out of his thoughts. There was something wrong with him. Was love really supposed to work this way? It was a mystery why people so often praised the emotion. It should be banned. Someone else could have it, he'd give it away in a heartbeat.

His brow knitted, wondering if this pathetic man was really him. It was illogical to have fallen this much, to want the other so much that it hurt. This wasn't love. It was torture. Figures. Karma must've caught up to him.

He who used to be so merciless, now turned into a vulnerable man. The difference almost made him join in on Gozaburo's continued laughter. Yes. He was weak now. Tremendously so. It disgusted him. Damn that Jounouchi for making him turn into this useless creature.

A finger of his pushed a button, allowing a speaker to be turned on. With a tired voice did he order his driver to take him home instead of to his work. Of course, his employee complied, and the direction was changed. It wasn't likely that he'd get much work done today. Plus, the movers would also be rummaging through his house, dissecting it of every piece of furniture. This was no time to leave Mokuba alone.

…Mokuba. If he would know about this, would his opinion of him shatter into a million pieces, leaving only a faded trace of the admiration he held for the older one? Probably. What was there to admire now? Nothing. He couldn't even manage to handle a simple departure. He had really sunk that low, hadn't he…?

His jaw clenched at the mere thought of being viewed as worthless in his younger brother's eyes. That would definitely be a nightmare. This agony concerning Jounouchi and that one concerning his brother could not even compare. So he had to do this. Because it was worth losing the blond over.

Yes, it certainly was.

But what if his brother wouldn't mind? No, he quickly scolded himself. He shouldn't even explore that area. What's done is done. The past is the past. He couldn't change it. Not now.

And he wouldn't.

XxxX

His thoughts, still the same, and still drifting in his mind, refused to leave the man at peace. His firm footsteps over to the entrance of his soon-to-be previous home were easily heard. He was walking hard, angry. Over the simplest and most complex emotion a person could ever feel. Love.

The door swung open with a frown and was thrown back almost immediately. The expensive shoes were removed a bit carelessly, not even bothering to place them together on the floor. Blue eyes quickly noted all the furniture missing in the room. There was noise as well, signalling the movers still were here and weren't finished.

"Seto? You're home already?" Mokuba asked, appearing to come out of nowhere. Perhaps he had heard him slam the door. Didn't matter. He wanted nothing more than the comforts of his room. To sleep. Ease his overworked mind. So he walked past his brother, aiming for the stairs. His brother's question didn't need to be answered anyhow.

Emotionless features graced him as he walked, this time not appearing angry. Only numb. The way he currently wished to be inside.

"So how was school?" Mokuba asked as he followed his brother. The question, asked so innocently, only hinted at the thing he tried to forget. Blue-grey eyes watched the brunet with curiosity, hoping to get some information leaked out. Seto knew this. But the brunet didn't feel like talking at the current moment. Solitude was the only thing he craved at the time being.

Well, maybe that was a lie. What he truly craved was Jounouchi, but seeing as how that was very unlikely to happen, he pushed that desire away as much as his tired mind could.

"Hmpf." Was all he was ready to share with his brother.

"Oh. …You told him, didn't you?" The black-haired boy asked, his voice having turned more solemn, sharing his brother's grief.

"…Yes." Seto replied with afterthought, having debated whether or not to answer. They were already at his room, but the younger one seemed to have something to say. "I don't have all day." He told Mokuba coldly, staring into the room with frozen eyes. The shorter boy looked at the elder with slight chock over the behaviour acted towards him, but held it to himself.

"You shouldn't have pushed him away." He said with a calm, low voice.

"I do whatever I deem right."

"I just want you to be happy, Seto."

"Who said I'm not?" The older Kaiba asked, looking down at his sibling. The younger one's face seemed a bit melancholic at his reply. A small hand reached up for his, holding it carefully. Seto's gaze still remained on his brother's eyes.

"But you're not." Mokuba defied in a serious tone, holding eye contact soon to be broken. Blue eyes broke away first, isolating himself. As always. His hand freed itself and was pushed down his pocket. Right now he didn't want to speak about Jounouchi and the consequences the man brought with him.

"…I'm going to rest for awhile. Then possibly work. Don't expect my company today." Kaiba told his brother flatly. Mokuba made a small nod. His heart hurt him once more, aware that he had hurt his brother. Once again. Despite that, he couldn't bring himself to socialize at this time.

"Alright." Mokuba said in a quiet voice, yet it was clear as crystal to his ears. The shorter one walked away and closed the door behind him, leaving the seemingly unfazed CEO to stand tall in the middle of the room. Staring into space while in deep thought.

He was alone once more. The solitude he yearned for, finally achieved. Yet the ache still came on as strong, his desire remaining as infuriatingly persistent and the only solution that screamed in his mind was to go back. But no, he didn't listen. Didn't want to listen.

Calm eyes scanned the room. It was empty. Only his bed remained now after the moving company had taken most of their possessions. So, that being his only choice, he walked to it and sat down. The briefcase was gently put down on the floor next to his feet.

Jounouchi had been in this bed…

The brunet scolded himself mentally. No more thoughts of that idiot would enter his mind! This was no time to wallow in his own sorrow. He had things to do. Important business to take care of, a company to run. He was needed elsewhere.

So with a frown did he reach down to his briefcase, opening it and taking out his laptop. Perhaps doing some work would be the perfect escape.

Inside he knew it wouldn't help. It never did, and most likely never would. But maybe this time it'd be different, this time he could be free.

Foolish thinking. He should take the pain like a man, accepting it and quit complaining. What was he, weak? No, that he wasn't. For Seto Kaiba could not be associated with those kind of words. He should be synonymous to 'powerful', 'strong' and 'independent'. So pale fingers focused on his work, trying to concentrate on the various numbers and codes his eyes were shown. It worked. Somewhat, at least. Sometimes the blond would enter his mind, but he was easily pushed aside after a minute or two. The CEO was far too used to pay full concentration while working, it almost came naturally. Even in this situation.

Hours passed, unbeknownst to the lonesome man. His curtains had been taken away, letting the descending light alert him it was getting late. But clock on his computer was paid no attention to, and his surroundings weren't either. All that mattered were the words. His work. Nothing else.

A soft knock was heard, barely managing to break away his full concentration. The man paid no attention to it and continued to read and type. If it were the movers they could go home for all he cared. If it was Mokuba he could always open the door himself. The younger boy knew he was in there.

The door was slightly opened, a head peaking inside. It was his brother. No words were spoken as he made his way to his older brother, a tray in his hands. Cold, blue eyes glanced ever so shortly at the black-haired boy before turning back to his computer screen.

"I brought you some food. You should eat while it's warm." The shorter one urged, looking at the CEO with caring eyes. Otherwise his facial expression was stoic. Too much like himself, the brunet thought warily. The tray was placed next to his sitting form, the scent of cooked meat and rice greeting his nostrils.

"Later." His reply came out as bothered, and his brother lowered his head, staring at the ground. A small sigh escaped from him, showing Seto that his brother was not pleased with him.

"Why not now? You've worked all day anyway."

"Mokuba, you know the company needs me."

"I need you." The younger one protested with a frown, his voice containing traces of anger. Blue eyes stopped staring at the computer, facing his sibling. Silence entered their conversation, even if it had been rather one-sided. The brunet wondered why Mokuba would say that. Was it because he was simply distracted today? He shouldn't be upset over such a thing. Surely he'd be normal in no time again. Then again, it was pathetic of him to let his feelings for his "loss" of Jounouchi affect his behaviour, and indirectly, Mokuba.

"What are you talking about?" Seto asked, narrowing his eyes, hoping to understand.

"Just eat." The younger Kaiba said with yet another sigh, avoiding eye contact as he pushed the tray to his brother. Seto contemplated a while before giving his brother a curt nod, accepting. He saved the changes on his laptop and put it away, bringing the food closer to him. Mokuba's facial expression was still the same however, even as he started to eat.

"Sit." The elder ordered, gesturing for the other to sit beside him on the bed. The boy did as told, staring on the ground, playing with his sleeve. Apparently he was bored. Well, he'd just have to wait anyway.

Warm food was chewed down, his brother sitting faithfully by his side, not questioning why. Perhaps he already knew what he had in mind. Perhaps he didn't even care. As the plate had been emptied, the tray was pushed away. The male next to him spoke once more, the bored tone of his voice inescapable to his ears.

"Can I go now?"

"No." Seto said firmly, adjusting his seating better. Mokuba folded his arms, staring at the wall. The older one held his gaze at his brother for a while, but seeing as eye contact would probably not be likely at the given moment, he turned away and stared right in front of him instead.

"Are you going to tell me what's bothering you?"

"It doesn't matter." The younger one said with a shrug.

"Of course it does." Seto assured, but in a more emotionless tone than one would use.

"…"

"Well?" He asked, anticipating an answer.

"It's you." Mokuba said flatly, turning his head, looking at his brother. Blue eyes looked back, not even a small reaction showing on his face at the reply he was given. Inside, he worried however.

"What about me?"

"You're being unreasonable."

"Excuse me?"

"I've seen it before Seto. When something goes wrong, you bury yourself in work. Especially when it has to do with emotions. And you're doing it now as well." Mokuba said with a frown. Seto gave one back.

"It's only temporary." He explained.

"Yeah, that's what you say." Mokuba said disbelievingly.

"…"

"Just accept Jounouchi and get it over with."

"…"

"You're just going to drift away from the world otherwise." He mumbled to the older one, who took this as a way for Mokuba to speak out his concern that he might 'drift away' from the younger one as well.

"Mokuba, you know that no matter how distant I may seem, I'd never leave you."

"Not physically, no." The younger one said, his tone hinting at bitterness. Seto knitted his brow.

"Let's do something then." He suggested, breaking eye contact as he reached for his laptop. Shutting it down. Blue-grey eyes widened at the gesture.

"What?"

"An activity. Your choice. I'll agree to almost anything."

"Really?" Mokuba asked hopefully, not daring to smile just yet.

"Why would I lie?" A smile on his brother's lips. Finally. The brunet looked contently at his sibling. A faint curve at the ends of his lips showing.

"Can we play games in my room then? For the last time before we move?"

"Of course." Kaiba agreed. His hand was soon taken by the shorter, dragging him away from his room. The tray on his bed was soon forgotten as they played games together. The rest of the world escaping their thoughts. The blond hardly entered the brunet's mind.

Yet he did, if even for brief moments. Stupid things were remembered, like his constant grin or his hair. Ridiculous. Luckily, those interruptions lasted shortly and he was able to give his brother full concentration.

Tomorrow they'd be gone from here. To their new home.

XxxX

The package had arrived. A brown carton, containing his new school uniform. He stared at it with indifference, appearing to contemplate something. However, his troubling dilemma with Jounouchi was pushed away as he opened it. The clothes were grey. Both jacket and pants. It reminded him of how he used to dress.

Deciding this was no good time to reminiscence, he picked up the clothes to see if they were an appropriate size, measuring them quickly against his height. A match, they seemed to fit. Good.

There was a letter inside the carton, addressed to him specifically. Of course, he picked it up and began to read. It turned out it contained directions for his first class, amongst other destinations the school had. He memorized it, taking a minute or two to do so, before picking up the now empty carton, attempting to throw it away.

He hadn't quite gotten to know his new house, if that would be the proper way to say it. Like his other one, this was a mansion as well. All he had been in more than once so far was the hall, living room, kitchen, and the two main bedrooms. He was aware of the large number of guestrooms they had, but he was sure he could find some other use for them. Perhaps if he broke a wall between two or three rooms connected to each other, he could have himself a new laboratory. A smaller one of course, but it would still be efficient for him to have one.

Everything seemed dead. There was no noise, at all. Beside the sound of his footsteps, trying to get to the kitchen to throw away the carton, all was silent. Mokuba was currently in school, as he should be. He on the other hand had gotten Tuesday as a free day off. So far he had spent it trying to work, with an emphasis on the word trying. For some reason he was still, unconsciously of course, persisting to think back to the blond. And also of yesterday, and how angry Katsuya appeared to be.

Finally entering the kitchen, he put the brown object in his hand amongst other ones, similar to this one, that had been used when they moved here. They were all going to be picked up later today.

He should get back to his room and work, he thought. But he knew as well that he wasn't able to. It annoyed him. Because he always managed to do at least some work, even if he was bothered or not. However, today he found that possibility to only be a strong memory. No matter how hard he tried, the codes on the computer screen meant nothing to him. All blurred together, confused him. At first he convinced himself he was just lacking energy, so he ate. The problem still wouldn't disappear, so he only found it logical he was being dehydrated. So he drank. To no avail. He took headache pills, they didn't work. He rested his eyes, and it made no difference. Nothing did. Frustration mixed with desperation growing inside him. Because he knew very well why he wasn't able to do anything properly.

It was all Jounouchi's fault.

For some reason, he still felt remorse. For some reason, he still wished to go back. It had only been a day, but inside it felt like so much more. He hated himself for it. Many times had he contemplated to simply go back to his old school and take Jounouchi with him. For he knew he'd be able to focus then, if he had the knowledge that the other one was still with him.

However, Mokuba hadn't complained about him being distant. The boy was very pleased they had had some quality time yesterday. Unfortunately it bordered over to almost midnight, leaving his brother tired today. He frowned at himself, he should've known better. He should've simply forced his brother to bed as soon as he first yawned. Even as a brother he managed to fail.

But the younger one still hadn't fully rested his case on the blond, claiming it was better if he returned to Jounouchi. He in turn explained that friendships were a waste of time. That made his brother stop advising him, even if his eyes still showed he didn't agree.

A part of him really wanted to follow his brother's advise. That side of him wanted to never let go of the blond. But the other part of him, the one had listened to for so long in his life, told him not to. And that was that.

Why should he listen to the weak side of him anyhow? He saw no logic behind it, being as stubborn as before when it came to independency. He didn't need anyone. Especially not Jounouchi. He just wanted him. That was different.

Deciding he might as well learn the complete layout of his new mansion by heart, the brunet started to wander around, taking in all the turns and rooms he met. Still, it didn't help. His concentration level was very low.

He sighed. A loud, bitter one to himself as he stood in a hall. His lonesome figure the only thing alive in the otherwise abandoned building. Blue eyes stared at the wooden floor, but his mind was elsewhere, hardly even acknowledging there was a wooden floor.

His chest hurt again.

XxxX

"Seto, I'm home!" A cheerful voice called out from downstairs after a door had been slammed. The brunet returned to reality when hearing it, having been completely absorbed in his reveries. He still hadn't managed to work, the computer screen before him was as blank as ever. Quickly, he shut it down in case his brother would see, and walked out of the room to greet his sibling.

The taller man was tired, physically and emotionally. It drained him to know the blond would no longer be in his life, and it took a toll on him, even if he'd never admit such a thing.

"How was school?" The brunet asked as soon as he managed to find his brother, who was currently stretching out on the couch in front of a TV.

"Alright I guess." The boy replied absentminded. Seto nodded.

"So what did you do today?" Mokuba asked, turning his gaze to his brother. The brunet was silent for a few seconds before answering.

"Nothing in particular."

"Have you eaten?"

"Yes." Very much so, simply hoping food could give him energy enough to focus. Too bad it didn't.

"Well, I'm hungry. I'm going to make some food." He said, turning off the television and walking towards the kitchen. The CEO remained still, but spoke with a smirk.

"No junk food." He said, and the boy sighed.

"Why not? I'm having the biggest crave ever for some burgers!"

"Doesn't matter. Make yourself something nutritious." He ordered, only making his brother groan.

"Fine, fine!" He reluctantly agreed, pouting. The brunet was not affected, still not changing his point. His brother should grow up strong, and not eat unhealthy, useless food. Those were a waste of time.

The smaller figure eventually disappeared into another room, leaving the CEO by himself. Thoughts of Jounouchi haunted his mind, and he scolded himself for being weak. It was the blond's fault he was so in the first place. He truly wished they had never met. Then this torment would never happen, and all would be normal.

How was it even possible for his heart to ache, when no physical injury had happened to him? It didn't make sense, nor did this craving for the other. It was just there. Inescapable. Persistent. And deeply irritating.

Still…he loved him, didn't he?

Yes. That he did.

XxxX

He had barely slept throughout the night. A few hours at the tops. Because of that had the brunet tried to work, but it was still as hard as before. Eventually he had decided he was useless That he would only type wrong things if he forced himself to work in this state. So he rested, trying to force slumber upon him. No such luck had been given to the man. No way to ease the suffering.

When breakfast had come, he'd been silent. It didn't matter much, Mokuba was chatting happily about how his grades were at the top of every class and that everyone else could only wish they were as good as him. He had smirked at this, he remembered. Surely his brother had been joking a bit when complimenting himself, but still. The attitude was still there. He was glad his brother didn't see himself as inferior to his peers. Because he wasn't, and never would be.

He found he didn't quite like his new school uniform as much as the previous one. The colour grey wasn't his favourite. Not that any colour in particular was. Perhaps he simply needed to get used to it. It wasn't long before graduation anyhow.

The limousine drive had been rather quiet. His brother listened to some music through headphones. To his dismay, he found the volume to be so loud he had heard it as well. Instantly, he had forced his brother to turn it down. The brunet certainly didn't wish for his only sibling to suffer from bad hearing.

But as soon as his brother was out of the limousine, and he was left alone to himself, thoughts and solutions appeared in his mind about his dilemma with the blond. Solutions he wished had never entered his mind. But he was weak. So very, very weak.

It was a simple thing, really. Go in the limousine, drop off his brother, and continue to his own, new school. But no, he just complicated this very easy task as well. Such a failure he was. Could he ever do anything right?

Well, that was a question he'd find the answer to shortly.

The limousine pulled up in front of the school, a massive building greeting him. After the door had been opened for him did he step out, taking a minute to simply stare at it. Somewhere inside of it was Jounouchi.

It was foolish of him to even come back, to instruct his driver to take him here instead. He had a new school to go to. His first day. Damn the blond, he screwed with his mind too much, even when he wasn't there.

"Go back to the car. I'll call for you soon." The CEO ordered the chauffeur, not even looking at him. The building held all his interest. Just the thought of having the blond so close right now made him feel a sense of excitement. Yet anticipating the worst.

Expensive shoes guided themselves over the concrete ground the school had, coming to a halt when the man was at the centre of it. Blue eyes stared at all the windows, but could not see in to them. He knew what Jounouchi was having right now, the schedule still memorised. Math. And that lesson had been going on for the past fifteen minutes. Which also meant he was fifteen minutes late for his own first class. The brunet snorted mentally at this, the new school could live with it. Who cares.

As much as he wished to do anything, he couldn't. Frozen to the spot, unable to move. The summer breeze was very weak today, forcing his body to feel the heat. He didn't like it. Which should be a good enough reason for him to go inside, open the door to the classroom and demand the blond to come to him.

Such wishful thinking. As if Jounouchi would even want to be with him. He had made the blond too upset, he feared.

Deciding he couldn't just keep staring like an idiot, he moved. But not to the inside of the school, no. Because he was unable to, fearing all his little pride would vanish as soon as he did. Instead, he led himself to the solitary bench in the hidden, remote area. Yearning that he'd be so lucky that Jounouchi would be there as well.

Over the grass he went, not caring if he'd meet a couple making out there or not. He'd force them away. There was a need to think right now. Over what he should do. After all, this plan, this surprise visit, hadn't been perfected by him. It was only as soon as he almost reached his own new school that he forced the chauffeur to turn around and drive him here.

He need time to think things through. What should he say to the other? Perhaps he should wait until after lunch. Maybe he'd be in a better mood then.

The area, excluded from the rest of the school ground, was found empty. Jounouchi wasn't there. He sighed bitterly in his mind. It'd be easier if he had been there. Of course, things never did go his way.

Briefcase in hand, he sat himself down on the bench, placing the object in his hand beside him. Contemplating. What would he do now? Was there even anything he could do, within reasonable ground that is, to make the blond want to be with him again? There had to be. Something. He'd just have to figure it out first.

Minutes passed. No result apparent. Maybe all this was a mistake. He'd never be able to fully have Jounouchi the way he wanted to anyway.

The wind picked up a stronger force, some strands of his hair responding to the new, more powerful movement. Blue eyes closed, enjoying the temporary relief from the warm weather. Leaves rustled, and a serene atmosphere was felt. He liked it. If he could just have Jounouchi in his arms as well, he'd like it even more.

Pathetic thoughts. He should learn to control himself.

Slowly did the man's eyes open, only finding nothing new in his surroundings. He should work, he thought, seeing as how he'd been unable to the last few days. And maybe because the blond wasn't that far away anymore, it'd work.

Trying to see if the newly made theory was true or not, the laptop was swiftly taken out from the briefcase and slender fingers began to type. Yes, Seto stated mentally with a smirk, it did work now. Of course, he was not as efficient as he usually was at it, but this was improvement. Perhaps he didn't have to befriend Jounouchi again, but simply be close to him without Jounouchi knowing. Though that behaviour bordered over to being referred to as a stalker…

Not that the brunet elaborated in further ways to be able to work without the blond present. No, instead Kaiba began working as much as he could, taking advantage of the moment. He had some things to catch up on. So he typed, faster and faster, going back to his old self. The smirk grew.

A sound was heard, a very quiet one that is. Resembling something like footsteps. Instantly, his head shot up from the screen, looking up to see who it was. And blue eyes met brown, just the way it was supposed to be.

His eyes were widened, not expecting Jounouchi to come. The math class was still not over. Yet there he was, standing approximately ten meters in front of him. Neither of them spoke, only staring at one another. Blue eyes were surprised, brown eyes were debating. The wind picked up again, stronger than before, playing with the blond hair Jounouchi had.

His fingers were paralysed, having stopped where they had been left on the keyboard. Was he even breathing anymore? The brunet wasn't so sure. He didn't even dare to blink, afraid the blond might disappear then. Was this an illusion? Jounouchi still hadn't said anything. But neither had he.

Brown eyes looked to the ground as he clenched his fist and jaw. Then the blond turned away, attempting to leave. Seto realised this, and instantly acted on feeling. His hands grabbed his laptop, putting it down on the bench instead of in his lap. He rose up and walked half the distance to the other, not sure what on earth he was doing. Desperation must be what controlled his feeble mind.

"Stay." He ordered, his voice calm and firm. The sound of it even surprised himself, as he had been sure it would come out as weak and needy. Katsuya stopped, his back turned towards him. Blue eyes observed, waiting to see what his next move would be. The silence killed him, as well as the tense atmosphere. He hated it. But he decided his patience should not run out now, so he continued to wait. Suddenly, the other man spoke, his voice venomous, yet calm.

"Why? You didn't." Katsuya asked, obviously bitter over his departure two days ago. His head turned to face the brunet, and the eye contact was back once more. Kaiba looked at him with as much indifference as he could, giving him nothing but cold eyes. Jounouchi didn't seem affected by that. The brunet knew he should speak, that the question should be answered. But he had none, couldn't give Katsuya a reason not to go. So he remained quiet, staring at the other. Eventually, after a long silence, Katsuya fully turned and narrowed his eyes.

"What? Is that it? You've got nothing more to say!" He asked angrily and seemed upset. Seto still remained unfazed, though hurting inside. Slowly did he start to walk up to the blond, showing he meant no harm. If he averted from his calm behaviour, all could be lost. The blond glared as he approached, but did nor said nothing. So Kaiba stopped right in front of him, seeing as how it would be alright to do so. He made a small, inward smile, since Jounouchi hadn't turned away. But this problem was far from being solved. Katsuya still glared up at him, fists clenched. Seto merely watched him. For some reason it bothered him that the other was suffering. So his hand slowly raised itself, as he held eye contact, unaware his eyes held affection and warmth. Fingers aimed to be placed on Jounouchi's cheek, but just as he was about to put them there, Katsuya's head jerked away. Just like last time. Breaking their eye contact.

The brunet took the hint and retreated his hand, putting it in his pocket with disappointment. As if Katsuya would go easy on him, he thought bitterly. After his hand was gone, Jounouchi turned his eyes back. They continued to hold anger, even if he was unusually calm.

"What are you doing here?" Katsuya asked with an unfriendly mutter. The brunet made a very small smirk as he looked at the blond.

"I think I must've lost my mind." He answered simply, not taking his eyes off the other. Brown eyes narrowed at this, not appearing all too pleased with the reply. Seto scolded himself then, realizing he could not afford to complicate things further. That was not his intention. However, neither spoke, staring at one another continuously. Time didn't matter. The brunet's hands craved to touch the man in front of him, but knew he'd only be denied. The last thing he wanted was to force himself on the other Then they'd surely never speak to each other ever again. Unless Katsuya would sue him for sexual assault that is…

The shorter man broke the gaze once more and folded his arms as brown eyes stared at something to his left side. Then he proceeded to walk a few steps away, giving Kaiba the view of his back. Was he being rejected?

Seto looked at the blond with cold blue eyes, wondering if this was the end. The blond continued to keep silent, and the brunet feared that if he spoke the other would leave. As much as he'd like to see himself as dominant, he couldn't force Jounouchi to be with him. That was something the man had to decide for himself.

"You should leave." The blond stated bitterly, staring at the ground. That was at least what the brunet assumed since his head was tilted downwards. The words that were spoken killed his last shred of hope. But he stood still, not wanting to leave.

"No." He stated firmly. It wasn't over until Katsuya clearly said he never wanted to see him again.

"You've got no reason to be here. I mean nothing to you, remember?" Jounouchi spat out angrily as he turned around, glaring fiercely into blue eyes. They softened at this, but Katsuya snorted and turned so he wouldn't see the brunet anymore. Perhaps there was a way to make it better… With calm footsteps did he walk up to the other, stopping right behind Jounouchi. He stood still like this for a while, trying to see if this was okay for the other. Since no protest was made, he lowered his head as he smirked, whispering into Jounouchi's ear. Meanwhile, making sure he didn't touch the other.

"Words can't even begin to describe how very little you mean to me." He said calmly, having a different meaning behind those words. A meaning he hoped Jounouchi would pick up. Instead, the blond froze for a second before turning around angrily.

"What!" He asked, fuming. Disappointed, Seto resented the fact that Jounouchi never seemed to understand things that weren't laid out flatly to him. But he continued, hoping he'd catch the drift. Eventually. Therefore, the smirk remained, as he looked down almost lovingly at the other. Of course, he wasn't aware of this.

"Yes. So little in fact, that I came all the way here. Just to see you." He replied, speaking slowly with a calm, low voice. Brown eyes narrowed, and it appeared he was starting to think how contradicting this was. Perhaps he'd understand soon enough. Because this was about as sentimental as he could be.

Dumbfounded, Jounouchi stared up at the taller man with a confused expression. Hopefully he understood. The CEO's hands really wanted to seek out to other, to roam his body, to hold. But he forced himself not to. Not when things seemed to start to be alright.

With one last smirk given to the blond did he turn around and walked to the bench, leaving the blond to stare in even deeper confusion. He sat down gracefully, staring at the blond as he did.

"Sit." Seto ordered, gesturing towards the bench. Brown eyes glared, but approached him nevertheless. Though Jounouchi was still quiet. The CEO worried that he was maybe using the wrong approach. As the shorter of the two was about to sit down, he contemplated how far away from the CEO he would sit. That much showed. To Seto's luck, the other chose to be fairly close, not even an arm length away. Silence still roamed the scene, the wind being the only thing that assured the brunet he hadn't turned deaf.

Jounouchi seemed uncomfortable, staring firmly at the ground in front of his shoes. In turn, Seto stared firmly at the blond, hoping he'd say something soon enough. But he didn't. And he already felt he'd said enough. So, he came to the conclusion that maybe he should do something instead. Tentatively did his right hand rise up, slowly drawing itself closer to the man beside him. His heart pounded, afraid he might lose everything if Jounouchi disapproved of the action. Yet he was unable to retreat. Once he decided, it was no question of turning back. Not this time.

As he was about to gently put his hand on Jounouchi's shoulder, did the blond chose to turn his head around to face the brunet. But the approaching hand caught his eye instead and stared at it, surprised. In turn, Kaiba froze, and his hand stopped mid-air. Brown eyes looked up into blue eyes instead, staring for unknowns reasons. The CEO found himself unable to take back his hand. If only the blond would say what he thought of the situation everything would be much easier! But it wasn't as if he had asked either. After hours it seemed did the other one's gaze turn back to stare at the ground under his feet as if the hand beside him didn't exist. And that did Seto take as a sign, showing he didn't mind. So the hand was dropped, having a gentle hold on the man he craved. The brunet found that his hand fitted quite perfectly on Jounouchi's shoulder.

The two teenagers stayed like this for a while, no one uttering words or even moving. But that soon changed. Warmth brushed against Kaiba's fingers that were located on Jounouchi's shoulder. Since he had vision over his whole hand did he see that it was the blond's hand brushing against his. And he could just about smile because of this. But he didn't, watching the foreign hand raise itself instead. His own gaze held such intensity it was nearly alarming. And Jounouchi slowly turned his eyes, facing Kaiba. Their eyes locked, getting lost in each other's orbs. Only then did Katsuya's hand fully place itself over Seto's, having a firm hold on his as well.

"Kaiba… Did you mean the things you said? Or, I mean, the things you implied, when you were talking about…well, you know…" The blond spoke unsurely, not wanting to come off as needy. Seto smirked, his eyesight never faltering from the other man. So the blond finally seemed to understand the hidden meaning behind his words. Good.

"Of course." He replied truthfully. And finally, brown eyes softened. A smile might have crept up on Katsuya as well, but he wasn't sure, Jounouchi turned away almost instantly. The hand over his tightened its grip, and picked up his hand, guiding it over the blond's head and to the other side of him. Meanwhile, Katsuya scooted closer to the CEO, stopping when their thighs brushed against each other. Kaiba wasn't quite sure what the other was doing, but he surely approved of it. His hand now rested on the other shoulder, and he truly felt as if they were a couple when he held him like that. Shyly, brown eyes looked into his blue to see if this action was met with any sort of disagreement. He found none.

Then Jounouchi's body turned, much to Seto's surprise. The blond one's legs were now brought up and stretched out to the bench, and he leaned his back against the brunet's side. Jounouchi's face silently rested against Kaiba's arm. His own hand didn't hold anything now, Seto noted. Yet that quickly changed as the blond brought up his hand under Kaiba's palm, teasingly brushing his fingers against the brunet's. After a few seconds however did Katsuya push up the back of his hand against the CEO's palm. And to assure that the blond stayed there, Kaiba interlaced their fingers, holding securely onto the hand under his. Making both of their right hands occupied.

Kaiba smirked, loving how this turned out. But there was something that bothered him, and that was his position. It was quite uncomfortable for him to sit like this. Therefore, he gently pushed the other man away from him so he too could turn his body like Jounouchi had. Now, his legs were stretched out on the bench as well, the blond seated in between them. Katsuya's back rested against his chest. His free hand now took the opportunity to sneak under the blond's shirt, touching bare skin. The pair stayed like this for a few minutes, Kaiba protectively surrounding the blond with his body as he pushed him closer and closer, even though there really was no more distance left. And Jounouchi peacefully resting, his back against Seto's chest, and his free hand trailing up and down Kaiba's left thigh. The brunet regretted nothing in this moment, happy he'd made them separate. Otherwise he'd never experience this, and how truly sweet it felt. He smirked at himself and how brilliant he was.

"Don't you get any ideas. I'm still mad at you." Jounouchi warned, but his voice was calm and serene, not inflicting any worry to the taller man. Instead, he grew more lovesick. The hand that had currently been on Jounouchi's stomach now broke free, escaping from under the shirt and to the outside once more.

"Is that so?" He asked softly with arrogance into the blond one's ear, his free hand now on Jounouchi's throat, and the other one squeezing Katsuya's hand a little harder.

"Yeah." The blond breathed out contently, which only made Seto's smirk even bigger. "And stop smirking dammit! I can practically hear it!" He complained, hitting the brunet playfully. Seto was only amused and continued smirking. His fingers trailed up to Jounouchi's face, sliding down his cheek. His forehead was pressed against the back of Jounouchi's head, giving him a good opportunity to take in his scent without being so obvious. Katsuya sighed.

"God, I hate you." The blond muttered, though not as darkly as one would expect when those words are being said.

"Hate you too." Seto stated automatically, continuing to rest his head against Jounouchi's. They kept their bodies in that position for a prolonged moment, neither seemed to be that interested in breaking away anyhow. Eventually, Seto's neck started to grow stiff from being bent down, so he raised it. And what caught his blue eyes interest then was Katsuya's hair. He raised an eyebrow at it and its length.

"You didn't cut it." He stated as his fingers ran through the blond mass carefully. Jounouchi wasn't taken by surprise however.

"Yeah, I know." The shorter of the two answered simply. Kaiba frowned, wanting an explanation for it instead.

"Why?" He truly hated to outright ask. To make it even worse, he could see a smirk forming on the man's lips as he turned his head backwards to face him. Brown eyes looked into blue ones, glimmering.

"You've got a really bad memory Kaiba." The blond teased. Blue eyes narrowed. "I thought you remembered that I said I wouldn't it cut it. You didn't want me to, remember?" The CEO's heart stopped and his eyes widened. He kept it for him? Why?

"But I left you." He reminded the man between his legs. Jounouchi grinned.

"I know. But I knew you'd come back." He stated simply, turning back his head so he looked in front of him once more, resting against Kaiba's shoulder.

"What?" Even he himself didn't know that. It was impossible that the blond possibly could!

"Ha! As if anyone would want to leave me! Face it Kaiba, you're just as Jou-addicted as everyone else!" The blond said playfully with a grin. Seto frowned deeply, his face almost fell at the comment.

"Keep dreaming." He said rudely after a snort. There was a pause in their conversation, but Jounouchi spoke shortly after.

"Oh yeah, and thanks for the candy by the way." The blond said, grinning even more madly. Blue eyes widened. How on earth was it possible for him to find it so quickly?

"Next time your down my pants you should try not to make it so obvious." Katsuya said with a wink as he turned around his head. Kaiba almost smiled at that.

"Noted." His two arms then wrapped themselves around the man, holding. He sighed contently with closed eyes against the crook of the blond man's neck. He was stupid to have left to begin with. What on earth had he been thinking! He got what he wanted after all. Jou was almost completely his, aside from the fact that the blond himself didn't know it. And his secret of his sexuality was hidden as well. All was good.

"Kaiba…?" The blond asked. The tone of his voice serious.

"Mhm?" He asked, breathing softly against Jounouchi's neck.

"Don't you dare leave again." Katsuya said with a grave voice. Blue eyes opened and his head raised. His lips curving into a smirk as he spoke against the other man's cheek.

"Lucky for you, I don't want to." He said, his voice a mix between being serious and almost playful. The man before him was quiet for a second after hearing this, but the serenity soon vanished.

"Hey, who are you calling lucky here! You should be lucky I took you back! Bastard!" The blond complained with a loud voice, glaring. However Seto remained calm, making slow caresses on Jounouchi's chest. It seemed to relax Katsuya, who merely grumbled.

"So….what are we going to do now? With you having moved away and all…"

"We'll make it work."

"Easy for you to say. You can just come and go whenever you want to with your helicopters and limousines and all that."

"Stop thinking about it. It'll all work out." He'd personally make sure it would.

"I can't just stop thinking about it!"

"That's a first…"

"Watch it Kaiba!" Katsuya warned with a glare. Soon he turned back however. Probably because it was uncomfortable for the man to be turned around. Seto's face leaned down, their cheeks brushing.

"Besides, if you live really far away, we can hardly see other anymore." He complained as he folded his arms. Seto smirked, his face still brushing against Katsuya's.

"Idiot. I still live in Domino."

"What!" The blond exclaimed and pulled back his head from the other, appearing angered. "So did you only pretend to leave me or something, so you could be joking and teasing me about it later!" He asked angrily, shoving away the arms around him. However, the arms soon found their way back, pulling Jounouchi close once more. Jounouchi still tried to squirm out though. Yet not with so much power. The brunet was frowning after hearing this theory the blond provided, and decided to be calm. As usual.

"Moron. I did intend to leave you." He said arrogantly. This only made the squirms grow stronger. "I simply came back because…I care very little about you." He said with difficulty, clearing his throat. The squirms slowly descended. After a moment of thinking, Katsuya smiled up at him and leaned against Seto's chest. Ending the struggle. Having a large smile with closed lips.

"Well, guess what, Kaiba? I care very little about you too."

"Yeah, I figured." Kaiba shrug off carelessly, making the other fume.

"Insensitive jerk!" Jounouchi spat out, hitting Kaiba's shoulder. However, the brunet was quite used to that sort of treatment by now, and only responded by keeping the exchange of insults going.

"Sentimental geek." The CEO said with very little resentment, hate or any other negative emotion one might experience when insulting another person.

"Snob." Katsuya muttered, turning his face so he could place the side of it against Kaiba's throat.

"Annoying loud-mouth." His hand slowly slid down the other man's chest and found their way to his thigh instead, gently brushing. Though keeping his hand away from any sensitive area.

"Stiff bastard." The blond spoke out in a low voice, closing his eyes. Relaxing peacefully. Deciding that was what he should do as well, Kaiba ended the argument, enjoying to actually have Jounouchi back. Such a fool he'd been. The agony he experienced from being separated…for nothing.

Yet reality caught up with him, robbing him from this bliss. His arm raised and he watched the clock. 9:01. He'd already missed over an hour! With a sigh did he decide that he had to go, and released his embrace with the other and pushed him away. He swiftly got up, dusting off invisible dirt from his new school uniform. The blond growled.

"What the hell are you doing!"

"Leaving." He stated simply as he reached for his laptop and briefcase. Brown eyes widened.

"What!" He exclaimed as Seto packed his belongings.

"I have classes to attend. You do too."

"You're not going anywhere." The blond said possessively as two hands took a grip of his jacket and forced him closer. Blue eyes looked down at Katsuya, amused. Truly enjoying the fact that he didn't want him to leave.

"I know you'll miss me, but you'll just have to endure the pain." He teased with arrogance.

"As if! I could be without you for days, weeks even, before missing or even thinking about you!" Katsuya shrugged off with his apparent lie. The brunet smirked at the man in denial.

"Then you don't mind me going."

"Yes, I do mind. So stay…" He said, his voice turned soft. Dammit, it was hard to resist! The brunet lowered his face down to the other one's, his hand cupping Jounouchi's cheek.

"No." Kaiba declared firmly, making the blond sigh.

"Bastard…" He insulted and released his grip from the CEO and folded his arms. "So when can I see you again?" He asked sourly.

"Well…If you want, you can still accompany me and Arisu on our date today." He offered, hoping he'd accept. Otherwise he'd truly be bored with only that woman as company.

"Oh yeah…your date…with your girlfriend…" Katsuya muttered.

"Will you go or not?" Seto asked with a frown, not liking that he didn't answer immediately. He couldn't stall forever.

"Sure. I've got to meet the girl who stole your heart, right? She must be something special." The blond said with a faint smile.

"She's something, alright…" Kaiba muttered and broke apart from their close bodies. "We'll meet you at the coffee shop Nova. It shouldn't be too expensive for you…"

"Aw, you do care." He said with a overly cute tone. Kaiba frowned.

"I could easily pay, you know."

"I know." Jounouchi replied carelessly.

"Stubborn idiot." He said with a mutter before turning around to leave, briefcase in hand. It took a lot to fight away the urge of kissing the blond goodbye. But he didn't want to ruin anything. So he exited the isolated little scenery with no further action, already anticipating his date eagerly. Even if Jounouchi wasn't the one he was supposed to be out with.

His feet walked over the same school ground they had done less than an hour ago. Now however, it was more easier, not having a heavy feeling forcing him down. Instead he almost felt like walking on air. The smirk on his face was too hard to wipe away. Jounouchi was his once more. The joy was overwhelming.

Monotonously did he call for his chauffeur, expecting him to already be there once he arrived to the parking lot. Which he was, and already holding up the door. The smirk was still there as he approached, much to his dismay. But his employee didn't question, he never did nor was supposed to, so all was fine. Just about as he was about to get inside the black vehicle, he heard someone running over the school ground. Could it be…?

"Kaiba! Wait!" The familiar voice called out for him. Quickly did his head turn around, only to see Jounouchi running towards him. His smirk bordered onto a smile as he stood there, frozen to the spot, half expecting the blond to throw himself in his arms and kiss him passionately. Yet it did not quite happen that way. Instead, the blond stopped a meter in front of him, panting.

"Kaiba…I…" He began in between breaths, brown eyes staring into blue ones. Seto looked with deep interest at the other, waiting for him to go on. Instead, he didn't, and the blond even broke the gaze, staring at something behind him. Wanting to know what on earth grabbed his attention, he turned his head. Only to see his driver. Frowning at this he quickly ordered the man to get in the car and wait. His employee did as told.

"Now, what do you want? I don't have all day." He spat out, though not intended. Brown eyes glared for a moment, but quickly recovered.

"I was thinking that…since we both have already missed our first classes…we might as well skip school. Together." He offered, shifting his weight. Seto raised an eyebrow, interested.

"I believe you can get away from detention if you go back to your math class now. Just claim you had stomach problems and had to stay in the bathroom." He teased with a smirk. The blond chuckled.

"Idiot. My teacher knows I'm with you. It wouldn't work."

"What?"

"When you came I saw you through the window. I've got the window seat when I don't sit with you, remember? In fact, the whole class saw you standing out there like an idiot." He said with a teasing grin, stepping closer. The CEO widened his eyes, not having realized he'd brought such attention towards himself. After a pause of being drowned in humiliation, he had a change of attitude.

"So you came because you knew I was there?" He asked with a smirk, even if the answer was obvious. This revelation surprised him as he thought the blond had came to the secluded area to skip math class or something alike. Well, it was nice to be wanted…

"Stop gloating, you prick." Katsuya said with a growl, making the brunet smirk even more.

"Well then. Who am I to deny you the pleasure of being with me?" He asked arrogantly with his head held up high. The blond looked as if he didn't know whether to be happy or angry with this.

"Get in the car." Seto ordered, his eyes never leaving Jounouchi's. The shorter one nodded, and they both entered the vehicle. Which overjoyed the brunet in fact. What also overjoyed him was the fact that Jounouchi still came to him even when he was mad. The smirk was evident, shining like a candle in the night. Annoying the hell out of the blond.

"What the hell are you smirking about!" He asked with folded arms. Blue eyes turned their gaze, watching the other amusedly.

"You." He replied easily with a serious voice. Which made the blond quiet in an instant. Brown eyes suddenly found the floor all too interesting.

"So…um…where are we going?"

"You tell me. I'm not the one suggesting we'd spend the day together."

"Um…We can…I know! We can go check out your new school!"

"If they see me, they'll force me to attend classes." The CEO stated with a bored tone.

"But we can just watch it from the limo."

"…"

"Come on. It'll be fun. I want to see how it looks like."

"Fine." And with that did the CEO order his driver to take them to his new school. Even though he didn't want to. Love certainly made him weak.

He could feel that the vehicle started moving once more, and it was only confirmed when he looked out he window, seeing the environment outside getting further away. Both men were quiet, keeping to themselves. Blue eyes didn't dare to look at the blond, fearing everything perfect would shatter. After all, he was extremely fortunate to have Jounouchi take him back, so to speak.

Katsuya made a troubled sigh as he ran a hand through his hair. That Kaiba noted through the corner of his eyes. The CEO himself tried to remain as collected as possible. Unfazed. Not troubled at all. Those were his current goals.

For some reasons or another he noticed that Jounouchi's legs started moving. Raising an eyebrow, he was very curious as to why. On further inspection, meaning he actually turned his head to look, he found that Jounouchi was removing his shoes from his feet. This did indeed not help the CEO to get any answers. Instead it merely brought more questions. Though, not being the one to like to bluntly ask, he eyed the blond with a stare. Hoping to be given a reply of some sort. Instead, Katsuya merely grinned. And then did something very, very, deeply interesting. To the brunet at least. For his companion all of a sudden lied down on the seat, using the CEO's lap as his pillow. His legs were stretched out on the seat, and his brown eyes gazed mischievously up at the blue ones, who were currently as wide as could be. Katsuya continued to grin after seeing this.

"What the hell are you doing!" Seto asked after a moment of regaining his composure. The blond frowned and folded his arms to show how displeased he was with this reaction. However, instead of coming off as angry, it merely made the brunet find him even more appealing.

"Shut up! I'm just tired."

"So? Get off me!" The brunet ordered. Though not trying to push the man off of him himself.

"No! You owe me this Kaiba! You left me, so now you have to follow my command for a while." Katsuya said in an angry tone. Kaiba raised an eyebrow at the statement. Not liking this at all. "Just until I forgive you." The blond said teasingly. Blue eyes held a stare of disbelief for a while before closing his eyes and folding his arms.

"Moron…" He muttered as if bothered. But no further complaint about Jounouchi resting on him was made. Noticing this, the blond made himself more comfortable, twisting and turning until he found himself a good position. Ironically, it turned out to be just the way he had been lying from the beginning. Seto sighed, annoyed.

Yet of course, there was a part inside of him that liked it. He liked having Jounouchi close. Even if it was wrong. And absurdly enough, he wondered if Jounouchi might like to be close to him as well. However, his rational side always brushed that train of thought away, claiming it to be yet another worthless desire he had.

Brown eyes closed, enabling him to finally look down at Katsuya. Stare how much he would like. The brunet found it was quite mesmerizing. The way Jounouchi looked when relaxed. The fact that it was on his lap that he was resting on only made his emotions deepen. At this rate, he had come to accept that his feeling may not go away. If extremely unlucky, he might have to live with this desire for quite some time. And it would prove how much he could resist. Test him to see if he was strong or weak.

On this matter, his confidence had lowered. He felt inadequate. Not as powerful as before. In his life, there had only been his brother that he had cared for. Others had been shunned. If he cared for them, he'd grow weak. However, now that Jounouchi seemed to have glued himself to his heart, it would only be futile to try to shove him away. After all, the CEO wasn't the one to easily brush of emotions like that once they were there. That would require a lot more determination from him.

And truth was…he wasn't ready to let go.

Perhaps it wouldn't be until the day he would fully commit himself to such an act, to absolutely make himself grow out of his love, that he'd be free again. Yet, as he looked at the serene face relaxing so peacefully, he found out that he had no rush to that day. Not anymore.

Having fallen in a complete and unstoppable trance due to contradicting needs, his slender fingers slowly reached out. To touch what was now his. Even if that notion only belonged in his mind. Fingertips gently brushed against the familiar skin of the other man's face, having done so many times before. But it wasn't enough. It never was.

Seeing brown eyes open drowsily, he stopped. Though his face continued to harbour the sense of indifference that it usually showed, inside was a different story. As it always was. Especially when it concerned the man his touch was on. His hand didn't tremble. It never would. Yet it waited, for acceptance. For even if this gesture was nothing new to neither of them, he had just recently made amends with his object of affection. And to no surprise at all, he was given a smile. It was a small, faint one due to tiredness. But it was there. And that was all he needed at the moment. Jounouchi had not taken amiss.

He had truly missed this. That was easily stated inside his mind. What would come after this, he didn't know. It went against how he functioned, to not know nor plan ahead. Just accepting as things were was not how his persona handled situations. His newfound folly always grew. All because he was satisfied. Content with knowing the man he craved could be his to some extent. Skin could meet skin. But foolish thinking led him astray. For one day he would not be satisfied with this lie. One day, he'd want more.

An inevitable veracity he could never escape. Time wouldn't allow it. Facades never live on forever.

XxxX

"Damn. It's big."

"Well, what did you expect?" Seto asked arrogantly with a snort. The blond continued to look, fascinated with what his eyes currently stared at. Though he was not all too pleased, that Kaiba noticed.

"Maybe it's too big." Katsuya said thoughtfully, brown eyes piercing into blue ones. Hoping to make a hint clear. Seto sighed, annoyed.

"And how could that be?"

"Well. Think about it. Maybe you'd get lost while you're trying to find where your classroom is. And tada! You end up living in a hall, sleeping on a bench. Forever!" The blond stated seriously. With vivid animated hand gestures to go with it. Blue eyes took a look at the apparently insane blond before turning his eyes back to his new school. His temper still calm.

"It's a wonder the mental institution haven't caught you yet." He commented, making the man sitting beside him growl.

"Hey, I'm just being nice and looking out for you! That school is evil, I tell you! You should transfer back to your old one. I'm sure the principal would let you in to our class again." Katsuya said, a smile growing on his lips the more he spoke.

"No. Don't think so." Kaiba stated, killing the last hope for the blond. Making it clear he wouldn't go back to his previous school.

And it was not because he didn't wish to be close to the blond. It was not because he hoped distance would kill his heart. No. It was pride. Or the little that remained, that is. He had already showed indecisive behaviour towards his decision to leave him. There was no more space for him to change his mind, having done so in a too great way already.

"But…I want you there. With me." Jounouchi spoke quietly, bringing up his legs to the seat. Sitting as he held his legs close to him. "I mean, it's not that I've got nothing else to do." The blond quickly said, having realized that maybe he was saying too much. "And I don't depend on you or anything! I can take care of myself just fine!" He said, his voice having turned defensive. As if the brunet had made an insult to him. Even if had not done such a thing. All the brunet did was look. Watch the other speak. He knew the blond wanted him close. Just as he did with all his friends. In that department, he was no different. Even if his longings made him wish for it. "I just…"

"I understand." The CEO declared, his tone being serious. "But I still won't change my mind."

"It was worth a try anyway." Jounouchi said half-heartedly, smiling. It seemed rather fake. On pure thought did he put his hand on the other man's shoulder. As if trying to ease tension in a most pathetic way. The air almost held a sense of ache in it. Breathing in pain. Exhaling it. He couldn't understand it. Maybe he felt saddened over not being with the blond more than he currently thought? For some reason he didn't quite feel it. This troubled him.

"Have you seen enough?" He asked, referring to his new school. Katsuya nodded as he moved his body closer to the brunet. His head gently resting against Seto's steady shoulder. Of course, Kaiba could not deny this small gesture given towards him. He could not, and would not, push Jounouchi away. So he let him stay. Just as he usually did.

"Where to then?" Seto asked, his hand having found its way around Katsuya's waist. Holding securely. Afraid he might miss out on something if he let go. It was pure childish thinking. Yet it clouded his judgement. There could never be enough touches between them. That he had stated in his mind long ago.

"We can go to the mall." Katsuya suggested with a grin. A grin that the brunet could not see for the other man's face was out of his vision. So as he could not see any problem with this, he agreed.

"But first we need to go to my place." Katsuya said after having had Kaiba accept. "I need to get my money." He stated simply, almost snuggling closer. Seto smirked at this, but his voice remained the same as before.

"You know I can-" His voice started off. Attempting to offer his money yet again.

"But I don't want you to." Jounouchi cut off mid sentence. The CEO paused for a moment, evaluating if it was even necessary to go to a place where money was needed, before sighing.

"Fine." Seto gave in, and his free hand reached out for the speaker. "Tell the chauffeur where to, and let's get this over with." He ordered simply. Jounouchi grinned and nodded, his eyes staring into blue ones. Mischeviously as well, to Kaiba's utter deprecation.

XxxX

"Are you going to come in, or just stand there like an idiot?" Katsuya teased as he freely walked into the apartment that supposedly belonged to him and his father. Blue eyes cautiously moved inside, eyeing everything critically. For some reason, he was surprised. It wasn't untidy. It wasn't messy. It didn't reek of old, forgotten food. None of his nightmares concerning Jounouchi's apartment had yet to be proven true. Which was just why he found it to be bothersome. Wondering why he could be so wrong in the first place.

"It's…clean." Seto stated almost disbelievingly, having removed his shoes and walked into the living room where the blond was currently standing.

"Well duh!" Jounouchi said, grinning. Happy to receive a compliment. "You want anything to eat? Drink?"

"No."

"Well, I'm going to make myself a sandwich anyhow. So you just look around. And if you're going to my room; don't open my drawers. Or anything else openable."

"That's not even a word."

"Whatever!" He shrugged off as he walked to the kitchen. Kaiba frowned.

"I though you said this wouldn't take long."

"Well, I changed my mind. Now leave me alone, I'm going to eat." Katsuya declared as he turned around, grinning. Then the door to the kitchen closed, and Kaiba was left alone. So he did as told, he was going to look around. Surely Jounouchi's room had to be messy at the very least.

Unsure of which door led to his destination, he randomly chose one. The room inside of it however merely turned out to be a wardrobe space, filled with various cartons. Displeased since it was not what he was looking for, he knitted his brow, and opened another door. This time there actually was a real room behind it. A bedroom to be exact. For some reason however, it didn't feel like Jounouchi's. It must be his father's then. That was easily proven as there was a shirt and tie resting on a chair inside of it. And surely Jounouchi never wore those. This room was clean as well. Which must be why the living room was so. Perhaps Jounouchi had a strict father. That was the only explanation he could figure out. Unless the blond led a double life, claiming to be a slob in school when he was in fact not.

Opening another door, he found what he was looking for. This time he was met with familiarity. He smirked, pleased with his way of knowing things. Several clothes items were on the floor. Probably used. The bed wasn't made, and his desk had endless of papers, pictures and other objects on it.

Intrigued, for a reason he didn't want to know of, he stepped inside he hazard zone to take a better look. Making sure he didn't step on anything. His interest led him to a notice-board that was absolutely covered with pictures. Photographs. To no surprise, it was of the other man's friends. And his sister. Happy moments. Memories Katsuya maybe didn't want to let go of. There were so many of them that he had no desire to count them. Instead he observed them. Most contained Yuugi, Honda and Anzu. Yet the middle picture, the biggest of them all, taking the immediate spotlight, was a picture of a girl. Mai. Blue eyes narrowed, seeing the woman have such a large place. It was different from the other pictures as well, for this one had been printed from a computer. He didn't like this revelation one bit. A feeling of envy slowly woke up inside of him, glaring at the picture that dared to imply that Jounouchi's heart was taken. After all, he had seen them. Seen what the blond was willing to do for her. Why had he not counted on this from the beginning? His idiocy had blinded him, assuming that Jounouchi had no one else in his life that mattered. As a romantic interest that is.

And here he had wished for such a stupid thing, when the truth was far too obvious. Hidden due to his egocentric nature. Never thinking someone else might crave the same man as him. Or that the man he craved wanted another.

"Heh, sorry about the mess." An apologetic voice said. His glare was gone as he turned around, facing Jounouchi, who looked quite embarrassed over him room. Well, he should be. Not a piece of it was worth to be proud of.

"Hn." He said, clarifying that he'd heard the statement. The blond moved closer to the CEO, smiling.

"I see you found my little picture collection." Katsuya said, gesturing at the notice-board with his thumb. His eyes however were stuck on blue ones.

"Yes…that I have." Seto replied almost bitterly. Almost.

"I put all of my friends here. It's nice to see them all there when I'm not with them." He explained, brown eyes now turning away from blue ones. Watching the collected photos. And it almost appeared that he was staring specifically at the blonde woman in the middle.

He wanted to say an insult. To avert his jealousy to something else. But out came none. Nothing. All he did was stare dumbly, idiotically, at the blond, who in turn stared at the woman he now considered an enemy.

"But…it's not really completed yet. There's still some pictures I have to put in." Maybe some more of her, Seto thought bitterly. It had been a mistake to even enter the room. He should've turned around as soon as he saw the mess. Then again, he'd be in a ignorant state of mind then. Not fully aware of the truth. A truth he found very annoying, yet necessary to know. It was better this way…

"Hey, can you wait there a second? I have to get something." Katsuya said as he rushed out of the room. Blue eyes were left to stare coldly at the blonde woman, hoping with every ounce of his heart that all he imagined wasn't true. For if it was, what on earth could he possibly do then? The answer was obvious, as evident as a light in the dark. Nothing. That's all he could do then.

He couldn't force Jounouchi not to love her. And even if he could it'd be no use for him. What would he do then? Watch as the blond finds someone else to care for? The brunet deemed it all to be fruitless. And due to this, he would prefer not to interfere.

"Hey Kaiba! Say 'cheese'!" A loud, cheery voice called out to him. Confused, he turned around to see what was wrong with the blond this time. What he found was that Katsuya was currently holding a camera. Also the biggest grin ever. And that was all before multiple shots of light appeared before him. Obviously the man must like to take photographs.

"Stop it, you idiot!" He almost snarled out, his arms shielding his face so the pictures would come out useless. At least that would be the case for the final ones. He hadn't covered his face on those in the beginning.

"Oh come on Kaiba! Smile!" The same happy voice called out. But, seeing as the CEO would most likely not, he stopped taking the photographs. Still grinning madly, the brunet noted.

"That was completely unnecessary." Seto said, his hands now in his pockets. Blue eyes glared at the blond who he at the moment considered to be a good future paparazzi.

"You're no fun. Half of these pictures are now ruined because of you!" He accused dramatically, faking a bitter sigh. "But!" He added, with a more positive attitude. "I'll forgive you, like the kind guy I am, if you agree to do one more picture." He said with that persistent grin Kaiba now wanted to wipe away.

"Why should I?" The CEO asked with a frown as he crossed his arms.

"Because then I forgive you." Katsuya said simply.

"I don't really need that."

"Then you do it because I goddamn want you to!" The blond said, his tone more angry than before. This man sure had a lot of mood swings, Kaiba confirmed. Yet, he looked at the blond with a bored look, showing he was not intimated.

"Whatever." But he gave in anyhow. Causing his object of affection to smile and almost leap over to him. Definitely a severe case of mood swings…

A arm was swung around his neck, forcing them together. Startled, his eyes widened, not understanding why on earth Katsuya would give a hug for simply agreeing to do a measly picture. But his bewilderment soon came to an end as Jounouchi held the camera in front of their faces. Ah…so he wanted the two of them together on one.

"Okay, don't go and make any funny faces now. This needs to be perfect."

"Then maybe it's not so good to have you in it." Kaiba teased. Brown eyes glared dangerously at the eyes very close to his.

"Shut up!" He roared out. His arm trying to strangle the CEO. To no avail of course.

"Do you mind?" Seto asked, annoyed, after Jounouchi's futile attempts to murder him. The blond sighed, giving up.

"Look happy." The blond instructed, putting the camera in front of them once more.

"Do I ever?"

"Don't be such a pain in the ass!" Katsuya growled out.

"Why not?"

"Because it's damn well annoying!" The blond responded, only to be given a snort from Kaiba.

"And you're not?" And that reply seemed to be the last straw for his comrade who at this moment didn't even give out an oral reply. Besides growling that is. And the arm around his neck swiftly moved to retreat. The brunet sighed on the inside, annoyed with how little it sometimes takes for Jounouchi to be mad.

"Don't." He said quietly, holding the hand that wanted to go away from his neck. Blue eyes looked into brown. Hoping to god, or any other divine creature, that he did not show emotion in them.

"I'll…behave." His voice managed to say, even if it went against him. It would be unacceptable to take the blond back and manage to make him angry at him. Again. No. There was no time for Guinness book of records right now.

And Katsuya smiled. One of those surprised, yet happy ones. Kaiba didn't smile back, but he never did either. So the arm voluntarily hugged his neck once more, pushing their heads together. And as that silly smile was on Katsuya, and a hint of happiness was on Kaiba, the picture was taken. A flash of light, and that was all. Slowly, the arm around his neck drew back. Away from his body he now considered lonely, and to the blond.

"Thanks." Jounouchi said in a low voice. Their bodies didn't stand as close anymore, the brunet sadly noted.

"Whatever." He shrugged off, appearing as unfazed as ever. Katsuya smiled at this, but didn't comment. It grew quiet then. A haunting sort, like only uncomfortable silences could do. Eye contact was avoided, and they stared at random places inside the room. That was at least what the brunet thought. Yet he felt a burning stare on him. Naturally, he turned his gaze to see whether this was true or not. And what he saw was brown eyes looking up at him while he was pondering, it seemed.

Seeing Kaiba notice the stare, Jounouchi slowly walked closer. The camera in his hands was thrown onto his bed, landing gently on the soft material, even if the throw had been anything but gentle. The brunet watched Katsuya move closer, not understanding why. Nothing seemed to make sense. One minute they find themselves uncomfortable with one another, for unknown reasons as well, and the next Jounouchi is staring with a peculiar interest at him. His changing behaviour reminded him of schizophrenia.

Yet he didn't ask what was going on, merely observing the change. For there was something with this moment he didn't wish to wreck. When the body stopped in front of his own he could see a sort of sadness in those eyes that stared. And he could not figure out why. Had he not done what he wished for and agreed to take a picture? What else had there been to disappoint?

"Hold me." Katsuya requested simply, little trace of emotion. He seemed too involved in his own thinking.

"Why?" Kaiba questioned. His arms remained immobile, not holding like they were ordered to. His uncooperative behaviour seemed to snap out Katsuya from his thinking, growing angry.

"Dammit, just do what I say! Is it that hard to hold! What are you? A statue!" He nearly shouted. Growing defensive. Directing the attention away from the original question. This Kaiba noticed, and wondered why still. Yet he complied. His arms firmly placed themselves around the familiar waist, pushing the body a little closer. The man was still complaining into his chest, though it descended into mutters, and eventually faded away. Only to be a memory. The blond man's own arms didn't hold back, hanging from his shoulders. As he was now calmed down, the brunet tried to ask once more.

"Why?" He repeated, his tone calm. It grew quiet. Jounouchi was apparently contemplating whether or not so answer. And after some certain extent, he voiced out the reason. His forehead resting against Kaiba's chest comfortably.

"I'm just happy you're back. That's all…" He said quietly. And after yet another moment, a new sentence was added. "They said you wouldn't." Jounouchi said, his arms slowly raising themselves. Holding back. If only a bit weakly.

"Who?" Kaiba asked, already suspecting he knew who the blond was referring to.

"You know…my friends." And he'd been right. The brunet found himself not able to say anything decent to this. On one hand, he wished to insult them. But then again, he had intended to not return, and would only insult himself in the process. On the other, he couldn't say they were right, because…well, he was there right now. All other options that floated in his head didn't seem fully appropriate either. For there was nothing he could say.

"I almost believed them." Katsuya whispered, appearing to reminiscence about the matter.

"I thought you said you knew I'd come back?" It was meant to come out as teasing, but the question was not asked with taunt. Instead it was with a firm voice holding a serious edge.

"I said almost, idiot." Katsuya replied, looking up into blue eyes as he gave the insult. Smiling faintly. Seto smirked, and unconsciously held the other man tighter. But quickly after did Jounouchi pull away his body, his hands on Kaiba's chest. A grin was on his lips as he gently started to push the CEO backwards. Taking the hint, Seto slowly backed, Katsuya right with him. That was until there was no more room left to back into, his legs stopped by the bed behind him. Yet the blond continued to push gently, making Seto end up sitting on it. Blue eyes looked up into the brown ones, wondering.

"It's a bed you know. You're supposed to lie down." Jounouchi stated playfully and all too seductively for his own good. Seto's eyes held forbidden interest as he stared up at the man.

"You might be right about that..." He said with a low voice. And with that was the CEO brought down to a lying position, the blond man sitting on top of him. Both of them kept eye contact, and the CEO couldn't help but smirk. Jounouchi's left hand trailed along his jaw line, caressing softly. Seto's hands held onto the blond man's legs. A sort of insurance he would not go away. After all, he didn't like it when he wasn't in control.

Brown eyes looked down with warmth at him. His right hand slowly running through his brown hair while the other hand seemed transfixed with his jaw. Not that the brunet complained. No, far from.

The face above him leaned closer to his own, and he found that his breathing wished to grow more heavy. Despite that, he managed to control himself, lying still. Frozen. As he laid in such a weakened state, he felt Katsuya's nose tip brush against his throat. Warm breaths coming in a regular pace against him. It soothed him. And he didn't know why, for when anyone else ever came to close to breathe on him he immediately felt uncomfortable and irritated. This was different. But…it always seemed to be just that when concerning Jounouchi.

For unknown reasons did Katsuya's body slump down beside his own. Jounouchi's face remaining close to his neck area, breathing softly. But the CEO was still frozen, unable to lie on his side, like Jounouchi. Instead he remained on his back, staring upwards to the ceiling. It was white. The hand that had played with his jaw slowly descended down, stopping over his heart. Stretching out the palm. Feeling every beat. The other hand held Kaiba's own, the one closest to the blond man. The left one. Their fingers interlaced.

"There's something I want to know…" Jounouchi's soft voice murmured against his skin. Kaiba made no audible reaction to this, continuing to stare up. The blond took this as a sign to go on. Either that, or he simply didn't care whether or not he had the CEO's approval.

"Why did you leave?" Katsuya asked as equally soft, expecting a reply. But out came none. The brunet's mind raced. What on earth would he say to such a question? Admit he loved him yet didn't want to, so he tried to leave? No, certainly not. But there was no proper lie. The moments of silence seemed to go so slowly to them. Each second feeling like an hour.

"Why is your heart beating faster?" Jounouchi asked, his voice not so soft and innocent as before. Now it was slightly agitated from having been ignored. The palm on his chest still remained, tracing his beats. Finally, Seto spoke.

"Why are you so close?" He asked, averting the attention away to a different matter. Brown eyes closed as a smile came onto his lips.

"I asked first."

"I can't give you a proper answer." Kaiba admitted, hoping the subject of his short absence would be ignored.

"Just try." Jounouchi urged, squeezing his hand.

"Why?"

"So I can know what's bothering you. Then maybe I can help, and you won't leave again." He answered, biting his lip afterwards. Kaiba sighed. "Tell me. Why did you leave?" The blond tried once more.

"Because I want nothing more than to…" He started, having trouble ending the sentence. Afraid he might be figured out. "-not care so little for you." Kaiba ended, closing his eyes. Jounouchi was quiet for a while, his breathing not so regular anymore.

"Are you saying that you want me out of your life?"

"No."

"Then what the hell are you saying!"

"I don't like emotional ties. I'd rather be free from them."

"But that's just like wanting me out of your life!"

"No, you idiot." Kaiba said, his blue eyes opening as he turned his head so he faced Jounouchi's angry face. "When I stop caring, then I'd want you out of my life." He explained. For now he cared too much to want to be separated from the other.

"…So you'd rather hate me?" Jounouchi asked unsurely, his eyes looking semi hurt.

"Yes." Kaiba stated simply, turning to look up at the ceiling once more. He found that to be much easier.

"But you don't?"

"…No." He admitted reluctantly.

"Then you'll never leave again, right?"

"…"

"Right? Kaiba?" Jounouchi tried, but was only met with silence. The CEO could not promise such a thing. He did not know if he one day stopped caring. For if that day was to come, he'd leave the blond with no guilt.

Fingertips, not nails, pressed down angrily on his chest. Above his heart. He tried to ignore it. But the fingers continued to bury themselves in his shirt, giving the feel that Jounouchi would pierce right through his shirt and go right into his flesh.

"Why can't you promise!" The man to his left asked angrily. Kaiba took his free hand and placed it over the one on this chest. Hoping it would give some sort of comfort.

"Because I don't know the future, Jounouchi." He said calmly. Too calmly. It even surprised himself, having thought it would come out as scolding. Jounouchi growled, squeezing their interlaced fingers. And he allowed him to. Not bothered by the slight abuse, in lack of a better words, his body endured. It was only a little pain. He could take it.

Now he had to calm the other down. He didn't know why he had to, but there was something inside of him that just wished for this man to be happy again. So he turned around, his nose almost touching Jounouchi's. The hand on his chest now drew back, unsure of what was happening. His free hand cupped the other man's cheek, holding eye contact. His blue eyes were mesmerized with him. As always. Jounouchi would never be boring to look at.

His thumb made small movements back and forth, caressing. Calming down the blond. But there was still a trace of insecurity and anger in Jounouchi. So he said something he otherwise wouldn't. Something he regretted almost instantly. Something so personal it was far from trivial words to him.

"I missed you." And that assured the blond. For now.

Brown eyes staring into blue ones to see if it was the truth. After a moment, Katsuya sighed as he closed his eyes.

"Bastard. You think you can get away with everything just by saying some nice words?"

"Yes." Kaiba admitted with a firm voice, his face clear from any insecurity.

"Lucky for you, it's working." The blond admitted with a mutter. Seto smirked. Deciding that his hand that cupped the other man's cheek was needed elsewhere. So his fingers trailed into the mass of hair. Stroking gently. Katsuya didn't say anything after that, lying still and enjoying the touch.

XxxX

"I'm pretty amazing you know." Katsuya said, gloating with a grin.

"Hmpf."

"I mean, I managed to drag out the Seto Kaiba from school and into a mall. Now that's not something an average person can do."

"Shut up, or I'm leaving." Kaiba warned, glaring at all the people inside the mall. He didn't like it. Wasn't it supposed to not be crowded during work hour? At least no one recognized him. The trench coat was always a dead giveaway. But now, with his new school uniform, he was left as any other guy amongst everyone. One without identity. It felt rather good, having no one breathing down his neck. Free to move where he wanted with Jounouchi. A luxury he valued at the moment. Their bodies walking as close as possible without drawing attention to themselves.

"Want to go to the food court?"

"No."

"Gift shop?"

"No."

"The movies?"

"No."

"A clothing store?"

"No."

"A bookstore?"

"…" He considered it, his face making it obvious he was contemplating. Jounouchi took this as a obvious sign of 'yes' and grabbed his hand. Dragging the CEO away to the direction of a bookstore.

"Lets go then!" He declared enthusiastically. Kaiba frowned at the sudden gesture of being dragged, but did nothing. Aside from the fact that he managed to slow down their walking. He never appreciated walking in a faster pace than what he wanted.

When they reached their destination, which happened to be quite close to where they had been from the beginning, their hands let go of each other.

"Tada! A world of books! Now don't you just love me for bringing you here?" Jounouchi said with a cheery voice. Blue eyes glanced temporarily at the blond, his stare telling the blond a cold 'no'. Then he proceeded to walk inside the store and have a little look around. See if it was worthy to even be in. Or if it merely contained mindless books with no real value. But with the blond walking right after him, grinning as soon as he picked up a book that seemed half-interesting, it was rather difficult to get some time to focus on the actual books. And not on the blond.

"Leave me alone, moron." He said as he inspected yet another book. The blond growled, but retreated, seating himself in a chair the store had provided. It did not take long before he was asleep. Letting the CEO finally do his wished look around in peace. However, knowing there could be thieves, he made sure to keep an eye on the blond. Just in case.

As he found that none of the books intrigued him, it didn't take long before he returned to the blond. Standing in front of his sleeping body. Watching. If it wasn't for the fact that there was people around, he'd touch him. Well, he could do that later.

"Idiot. Wake up." He said in a harsh voice, hitting the blond on his head. The before sleeping man in turn woke up, startled. Appearing scared. Kaiba smirked.

"Kaiba you bastard! Don't do that! I almost had a heart attack!"

"Good. Serves you the right. What were you thinking, falling asleep in the middle of the store? What if someone took your money?" He lectured as they walked out of the store, his eyes looking in front of him instead of at the man he addressed.

"Geez mom! Don't worry. I can take care of myself."

"That's questionable."

"Ha ha." Katsuya replied in a bored manner, rolling his eyes.

Hours later neither of them had actually bought anything. However, Jounouchi did manage to convince the CEO to try on some normal clothes. In shape of a dare of course. In turn, Kaiba had forced the blond to wear a suit. Including a tie. Which hadn't gone so well. The brunet's conclusion was to let the blond stay the way he was. Not that he ever wished to change him. That would be quite unnecessary.

However, they had bought food, seeing as neither had had a meal during the day. And it had been comfortable. Sitting there, eating with Jounouchi, in public. Having spent the day together so far had been quite…good. He liked it. Growing more addicted to the man he craved to have. And better yet, no one had confronted them. No one recognized him. None of the nerd squad had interrupted them. It was all the two of them. Together.

Yes. It had been quite good.

"Meh, my legs are tired." The blond said as he walked slower, leaning against the brunet for support. Kaiba sighed heavily, as if bothered by the extra weight. However, his arm was put around the man's waist, holding him up.

"You idiot. Is the simple task of walking too complicated for you as well?" He teased. That only earned him a hit on his chest.

"Shut up…!" The blond said defiantly. "We've just done a lot of walking today."

"Whatever. Just don't try to trip me."

"What en excellent idea, Kaiba." Jounouchi said with a mischievous grin. Kaiba took no serious threat out of it.

"Very funny."

"Nah, just kidding. Wouldn't do that to you. I'm not fast enough to run away today."

"No. That you're not."

"Hey, can we go and sit down somewhere?" He asked, tilting his head upwards. Seto snorted.

"Weakling."

"Am not!" He defended. Only to make the CEO smirk.

"There's a bench over there. Can your useless legs make it there, or do I have to drag you?"

"You know, I'd prefer being carried before dragged on the floor, you asshole."

"I take it you can walk the distance just fine then."

"Bastard."

"Slowpoke."

"Watch it or I'll kick your ass."

"Sure you will." Kaiba said disbelievingly, letting go of the blond as they reached the bench so he could sit. Katsuya growled, but leaned against the brunet anyhow as they sat together.

"Jerk." He muttered out. Seto smirked as the blond closed his eyes.

"Don't fall asleep."

"Not going to."

The pair stayed like that, no one really looking at them. Being anonymous sure was appreciated, Seto confirmed to himself. Enjoying the weight from Jounouchi. Liking that the blond felt comfortable enough with him to let his guard down.

A few minutes later Jounouchi yawned and stretched out his hands. Showing his resting was done.

"I feel much better now!" He exclaimed in a positive tone. Brown eyes looking happily into blue ones.

"I'm sure you do."

"Let's go somewhere else then." The blond man suggested. The brunet nodded and both rose up. Deciding a direction, Jounouchi led the way. Kaiba followed, though both walked beside each other. However, this content state of being would be ripped away from him. Drowning him in reality's harsh ways.

A sudden halt from the blond made the CEO stop as well. Brown eyes were widened, and his mouth was gaping. Disbelieving. Seto raised an eyebrow at this, wanting an explanation. But Jounouchi's attention was not on him at all, completely entranced by something else.

"Oh my god…" The blond uttered, the corner of his lips twitching upwards. Grinning like a fool. This only made the brunet even more concerned. Yet he uttered no words, observing. As usual.

"Mai…" Katsuya breathed out. Blue eyes widened. Turning around to see what on earth the blond was looking at, praying it was merely a poster. No such luck. For on the other end of the spacious inside stood the woman he now wished had never existed. Carrying two bags. Wearing a short skirt as usual.

Before he could take in anything else, or before he could even turn back to the blond, Jounouchi took off, running to the woman. As if in a bliss. Kaiba couldn't help but glare.

"Mai!" Jounouchi shouted out, waving frantically. Unfortunately, she noticed. Unfortunately, she didn't run away. No. She smiled. And dropped her bags to the floor due to surprise. Katsuya then hugged her, despite the fact that she seemed quite unprepared for this gesture. His arms wrapped around her.

This was sickening.

Fortunately, the hug didn't last long, both broke out of it quite quickly. The woman reached down for her bags. And the idiot did as well, grabbing them before she could, giving them to her.

Was it really so wrong to feel this jealousy burning in his chest?

And he continued to stand there. Like the rightful idiot he was. Glaring daggers at them both. Mainly at her. Where did she come from anyway? What right did she have to destroy everything that took so long to build up?

He had never cared much for her. Sure, she was among the better duellists out there. But she was still weak. Too weak for his taste. He had never liked her way of dressing either. The brunet didn't like to show much skin himself and merely thought it as abnormal when people did. This included most girls he's ever seen.

He should leave. He knew that. Go to his limousine and prepare for his fake date with his fake girlfriend. But he couldn't. Couldn't stop watching. Hoping that Jounouchi would do some sort of gesture of rejection to the woman. However, he knew the blond would never do that. Not to her. And it tortured his mind right now.

The blond seemed to acknowledge something as he looked around frantically. And the most pathetic feeling of joy in this degrading situation took place inside the brunet as soon as Jounouchi called for him to come. So he did notice he wasn't there.

The frown was still there however as he walked over the floor to the awaiting couple. Why should he show anything else but resentment?

"Damn it Kaiba, you're slow!" Katsuya complained with a smile as he arrived. The CEO said nothing.

"Whoa, hang on. You're here with Kaiba?" Mai asked, appearing confused, surprised and taken aback. Seto found that he liked that.

"Well, yeah." Katsuya replied as if it was nothing.

"So who lost a bet here?" The woman asked, eyeing both males.

"What do you mean?"

"Why else would the two of you spend time together? I thought you hated him." She stated. The brunet really wanted to silence her forever right then.

"But I told you in the last e-mail that we're friends now."

"Oh God, I thought you were kidding." The blonde replied with a surprised expression.

"Nope." Katsuya said with a grin.

"Well then. This is certainly interesting." She said with a smirk, looking at the CEO with observing eyes. "A lot of things seems to happen while I'm gone. First I find out my favourite clothing shop has closed down, and now this. Ah, Domino never brings any boredom." She stated, her hands on her hips. Jounouchi smiled, but started to look on the ground. Scratching the back of his head.

"So…are you staying this time?" Jounouchi asked, if a bit shyly. The brunet didn't approve.

"Well. I'm thinking about it. I figured you geeks need me." She said with a wink. The CEO found he didn't quite approve of that either. So, he snorted. For some reason or another, both blondes glared at him. He chose to rightfully ignore it. They seemed to as well after a moment.

"So when did you get back?"

"Last night. I figured I'd do some shopping first, and then check up on you guys at the Game shop. Because I did assume you would all still be in school at this hour." Mai said with a teasing smirk, directing it to Katsuya. Kaiba frowned at her. Irritatingly enough, she ignored it. Worthless woman…

"Meh, school is ending soon anyway. Who cares." Katsuya explained happily. Mai rolled her eyes.

"Idiot. Do you even want to graduate?"

"Hey, Kaiba's doing it too!" The blond defended.

"But he already has a job." She reminded. Seto currently contemplated how long this conversation would take. He had no desire to stay around for a longer period of time. So, to not prolong anything, he stayed out of their discussion. Even if he had the biggest urge to insult. It'd only make Jounouchi mad at him. And he didn't want that. Not because he couldn't handle a mad Jounouchi, but because he had no desire to calm him down. Again.

And as she playfully teased Katsuya, and as Katsuya bickered back, he found himself feeling as if he'd lost. A game that is. Or something along those lines at the very least. He'd had Jounouchi. After all, he managed to snatch away the blond so much from Yuugi and his other idiotic friends that they became jealous. And all that was swept away as soon as she entered the picture in her high heels and lipstick.

God, he hated women. They were too troublesome for his taste.

It was all Jounouchi's fault anyway. Stupid blond with his stupid hormones. He should know that the girl was no good for him.

People were so infuriating.

"Hey Jou, could you get me one of those?" She asks innocently, directing her gaze to a ice-cream stand. With a long cue. Perfect, Seto mutters in his mind.

"Sure. What do you want?"

"Make it a vanilla. I want something simple today."

"Consider it done." He declared with a grin as he was about to take off to the ice-cream stand. Leaving the two unofficial rivals alone. But, he stopped. And turned around.

"Kaiba, do you want one too?"

"Hmpf. No."

"Okay, we'll share one then."

"But-" His protest was futile as his object of affection was already sprinting away happily. The brunet could only glare at the endearing nuisance that he was to him.

"Well well, Kaiba. Things have certainly gotten far more interesting with you lately." Mai says when he was occupied with staring at Jounouchi, who was too far away. All thanks to her and her fake cravings of sugar. His blue eyes slowly glances at the shorter woman, glaring with all their might, before ignoring her once more.

"And your attitude is still the same. Weird." How could that be 'weird'? Had she no logic, or had hairspray killed her brain cells?

"Because you must be nice now. Why else would Jou be with you?" Mai tried, a smirk of insight on her red lips. But the question went by unanswered, his arms folded as he pretended she didn't exist.

"Why so quiet?"

"Why so annoying?" He asked back, tired with her futile attempts to make them talk. About what precisely, he wasn't sure. But it probably had something to do with Jounouchi. All his friends seemed occupied in lecturing him when it came to the blond moron.

She didn't seem hurt by the insult. Though he didn't assume she would either. What he wanted was for her to take the hint and leave him, and preferably Jounouchi too, alone.

He suddenly realized he was being very childish. Both on the outside and inside. Jealous and grumpy over something as worthless as love.

Oh well. He could be whatever he wanted to be anyway.

And his concern for himself was shrugged off. The woman's persisting behaviour wasn't. As she had her hand on her hip, and her eyes narrowed at him, she talked once more.

"So why isn't Yuugi and the others here?"

"Why should they?" He asked coldly, hoping the ice in his voice would scare her away. Of course, it didn't. She seemed quite keen to figure something out. Or to say something to him. Whichever it was, he hoped she'd be done quickly. The cue to the ice-cream didn't seem to move at all.

"Well, you're here with Jou. Just wondering why the rest of the gang isn't here. Is something…private, taking place?" She asked carefully. But the careful attitude was all a façade. His gaze fell on her once more, glaring at her through the corner of his eye. Warning her not to dig deeper into the subject.

"Nosy woman." Kaiba declared, ignoring her implications and questions. His eyes watched the blond man, holding two cones of ice-cream, sprinting towards them with a cheerful grin. Damn the blond idiot for taking too much time. Now Kaiba had actually been forced to reply back to her. The horror…

"Here you go!" He said enthusiastically as he gave Mai her cone. She took it, of course, and started to eat. Katsuya then turned to the CEO, still as happy as ever.

"Want to taste?"

"No."

"Come on."

"No."

"You have to."

"Hmpf. No I don't."

"I'll shut up if you eat a little." With that did Kaiba forcefully snatch the cone out of Jounouchi's hand, gracefully yet swiftly of course. He took three bites of the cold substance, only to swallow it reluctantly and give the cone back.

"You're annoying." Seto declared, glaring down at Katsuya. The man was unbothered with the familiar insult.

"And you're funny when I am."

"So Jou, I see neither you nor Kaiba have bought anything today. Either that or you forgot your bags somewhere…" Mai tried out as her tongue licked the cold ice-cream. Kaiba mentally sighed. Frustrated that she wouldn't give up.

"You're right. We haven't." Katsuya said in between his eating. Amazing how much food he could force down his throat. Had half of the cone already gone down or did his eyes betray him?

"So, what are you two doing here then?"

"Nothing really."

"Ah, I see." She stated, more to herself. Katsuya however seemed unbothered by her most likely evil thinking, and beamed.

"You know what Mai? We should throw a party!" Jounouchi suggested out of the blue, his cone finally completely eaten. Seto sighed at the suggestion. He hated social gatherings. Not that he was going to attend of course. But the mentioning of them was enough to ake him frown. "Just us and the gang you know. Nothing too big."

"Sounds nice." She admitted with a small smile. Looking affectionately at the blond. Or was it really affection? He hoped it wasn't.

"Yeah, it'd be so cool! It's been forever since we've seen you."

"Well you know me. I'm a busy girl."

"Yeah…Hey, how about Friday then? After school? I promise I won't skip it." He said with a childish smile.

"As long as it works for everyone else."

"Sure it does!"

"Friday it is then. At the Game shop?"

"Of course. Where else?"

"Good. Well I shouldn't bother the two of you anymore. See you later Jou. And remember, don't tell the others I'm back. I want to surprise them after school."

"Okay. Bye!" Jounouchi said, waving as she walked out of the building. Staring at her form until she was no longer visible. Seto did the same, but with a glare.

"Hmpf. Took her long enough to leave." Kaiba muttered. Katsuya hit his arm for the insult.

"Shut up Kaiba! Don't talk like that about my friends." He said angrily, brown eyes glaring at blue ones. Seto chose to ignore him. "But I can't really blame you for wanting to spend time with me without disturbance. I mean, I'm just that awesome." The blond said teasingly, his elbow playfully hitting the CEO's stomach.

"As if, Jounouchi." Seto stated with a smirk, his hands now in his pockets.

He didn't like it. Not one bit. Why was the girl even allowed to return to Domino? It was all so annoying. Everything constantly went against him. He even worked against himself at times. It was a time of paranoia.

Still, he was deeply angered. Nothing ever seemed to fully work out when he wanted it to, and just that drove him to madness. And all this perplexed mess his life constantly seemed to contain willed him to be alone. A need to think taking over his senses.

His wrist was brought up so his eyes could see it, looking at his watch. 14.45. Well, Jounouchi and him could call it a day. For now at least. The date would be in a few hours anyway. And he needed to go over some strategies with his assistant. Not to mention the girl herself.

"Jounouchi, I have to go now." He declared coldly, not bothering to look at the blond. Katsuya sighed.

"Alright. So when's the date?"

"At four. Be there on time, because we won't wait for you."

"Aw, you're so sweet." The shorter of the two said sarcastically with teasing eyes. "Well, just go then. No need to wait around for poor, old me to find something else to do."

"Actually, do you need a ride home?"

"Um…" Jounouchi considered for a few seconds. Then showing off a smile. "Nah, I think I'll hang around here for awhile."

"Hn." Seto said with a curt nod before turning his heel and walking out, hearing a distinctive "Bye Kaiba!". He coolly ignored it.

XxxX

His feet walked the way up to his new mansion's entrance door. Not fully used to living there yet. But he didn't complain about it. It was he who wished for the move after all. It would be weak to change his mind so drastically.

Consciously did the CEO began to plan in what order to do his tasks. First, he'd call Koji. Secondly, he'd take a shower, because that's apparently what one does before a date. According to Mokuba anyhow. How he would know anymore of him in this matter, he didn't know. After all, neither of them had been on one. But he chose to not dig into it. Thirdly, he'd find something to wear. And then, then he could finally indulge himself in loathing and despising Mai Kujaku while trying to figure out ways to make Jounouchi ignore her.

A busy day indeed.

As he entered the mansion and automatically headed for his room, he heard his brother's voice greet him.

"Hi Seto!"

"Hn." He answered back as he continued to walk to his room, currently up the stairs.

"How was your first day in your new school?" Mokuba tried, walking after. However, his pace was more rushed, trying to keep up.

"…" Seto ignored his brother, hoping the subject of his return to Jounouchi wouldn't come up.

"Were all the classes as easy as you thought?" His brother continued, hoping to make conversation. Perhaps he thought he was as melancholic as he was yesterday and needed 'cheering up'.

"Actually…" Kaiba uttered with a firm voice, contemplating what else to say.

"Yeah?"

"I didn't go." He stated simply.

"Wha?"

"…"

"Don't tell me you went to work! Seto, you can't work at Kaiba corp all the time! I've told you that you're working too much already!"

"I didn't go to work."

"Oh…So…what did you-" Mokuba started out with a confused expression. But that soon turned into a knowing grin. "You were with Jou weren't you?" He asked out teasingly. Kaiba chose to ignore the new attitude.

"As a matter of fact, yes, I was." Seto decided to answer nonchalantly, hoping his brother was as oblivious as he had assumed him to be.

"So did you two make up?" Mokuba asked, the grin still on. Blue narrowed eyes stared at it with suspicion.

"Don't you have homework to do?"

"No." He said carelessly before continuing the twenty questions. "So, what did you say? What did he say? Did anyone even say anything? Or were too busy doing other…stuff?" The raven-haired boy asked, putting a certain stress on the word 'stuff'. The emphasis did not go by unnoticed. It was quickly picked up, and Seto couldn't help but widen his eyes. Knowing full well what 'stuff' could mean to young teenagers.

"Mokuba…!" He hissed out, glaring down at his sibling who merely looked up innocently at him.

"What?"

"Go to your room." Kaiba ordered with a glare. Mokuba's eyes widened at the punishment.

"But Seto, -!"

"Now!"

"Alright, alright! Calm down. Geez, I'm just asking here."

What was this? Did everyone seem to know what was going on? And why was it that he couldn't hide it better? Curse his love. Curse all love to begin with.

No, Mokuba could not know. It was impossible. He was just as oblivious as everyone else. He had to be. The scenario couldn't be any other way.

Though the boy didn't seem quite…repulsed by it. Which in itself was questionable as to why. Which only could mean two things. Either Mokuba had not meant any sexual implications when saying 'stuff', or he was simply okay with the fact that his older brother, a CEO of a multibillion company, was gay.

The first option was most logical.

And with that settled did he call his assistant. Because certain details were needed to go over with. Such as when to stop taking pictures. That would be when Arisu left. There was no need to continue on photographing then. Also, Koji would play a bigger role this time. For there was no way possible that the brunet would endure an entire date with the woman. No. That would be suicide. To his arm that is.

So he ordered Koji to first call him on his cell phone while on the date. Then, Seto would step away from the table to take the call, pretending to have a conversation elsewhere. A few minutes afterwards Koji would give Arisu a call. Arisu would then lie to Jounouchi and tell him her mother was in the hospital and she had to go.

After that the CEO would return to a table free of his fake girlfriend and Jounouchi as the only remaining person.

Perfect.

Plus, there'd be enough pictures of Koji to take, since he'd booked a window seat for the group. So photos could be taken while ordering and eating.

It was good to be a phenomenal genius. It certainly was.

XxxX

"Seto?" His brother's voice shyly asked as his bedroom door creaked open. The older Kaiba continued to read through the file on his supposed girlfriend, preparing himself in case the blond would ask too many questions. His back turned to the newcomer.

"Hn." He said, showing he had heard. Footsteps were then heard, finding their way to his bed. Apparently Mokuba was currently sitting on it.

"I…I have to talk to you…about something."

"Okay." He said in a normal tone. Meaning firm and cold.

"Well…you know, I-" Mokuba started out, but stopped after a while. The brunet could feel a glare forming. "Seto! Why aren't you listening!" He scolded, offended. The CEO spun around in his chair, putting down the file, his gaze completely on his brother.

"I am." He said. Completely unbothered.

"Okay…well… You know that there's this girl that I like, and…" Mokuba said, but came to a pause, looking down on the floor. At this rate, the CEO worried he might have gotten her pregnant with the way he was acting.

"Well?" Seto asked, raising one eyebrow.

"She kind of…asked me out." What a relief. Yet it was not.

"…What?" It was all so sudden… And why did she ask him out? Was it not supposed to be the other way around? People these days… So confusing.

"I said she-"

"I heard what you said."

"Oh…okay."

"And what are you expecting now from me?"

"That you'll let me go on it." The raven-haired boy said with a pleading look, trying to look as innocent and cute as possible. The look didn't work on the CEO, too familiar with it throughout the years. Besides, "cute" looks never worked on him to start with.

"Hmfp. You still have failed to give me a file on her, Mokuba. I know nothing of her."

"But it's just plain freaky to have files on people!"

"It's an insurance."

"Unfair! You don't have a file on Jou!"

"What does he have to with anything?"

"Well, you spend time with him."

"So? He could hardly be qualified as a dangerous person that I need to check up on." Seto said with a snort, smirking afterwards. "The idiot couldn't even harm a fly if he tried. He'd smack himself instead." Mokuba sighed, either tired of hearing him talk about how stupid Jounouchi was, or he had understood that he was wrong."Can't I go? She's really nice Seto!"

"I haven't even met her, nor seen her and only briefly heard minor details about her. Do you really expect me to let you date her just like that?"

"…Yes?"

"No."

"But I really want to go! I already said yes!"

"You did what!"

"Well, it'd just be dorky if I told her "Sorry Aiko, I don't know if I can. I've got to check with my brother first". Huh? Do you know how weird that sounds?" Mokuba explained with passion, trying his hardest to make it sound as if he was the victim of all this. Seto stared coldly at the younger one.

"Get me a file on her. If I deem her semi worthy of a Kaiba, I'll let you accept."

"Alright! I'll call Koji. He can do it."

"So when is this date? Is she taking you somewhere, since she asked. Or are you? I find it'd be better fitting if you took her somewhere."

"We'll decide that together." Mokuba said with folded arms. "And the date is…tomorrow."

"What!"

"Well, she asked me just today!" He defended. Blue eyes narrowed.

"Why can't she ask the date to be on a Friday, like any other normal person?"

"Who's talking here? You've got a date today! On a Wednesday of all days!" He defended, completely ignoring that it was Mokuba himself who had decided the date to start with. "And she's going away over the weekend. Her parents are divorced, so-"

"Aha, a trouble child." The brunet pointed out, wanting to line up all her faults.

"Seto!"

"Fine. I won't judge her until the file has been read. Now, is there anything else?" He asked as he spun his chair once more, going back to reading his file.

"Yes." Well, that was certainly unexpected. He turned to his brother once more. Avoiding to be scolded at.

"Which is?"

"Well…I was wondering…could you bring over Jou tomorrow?"

"Pardon?"

"I need help to prepare for the date. I figured he'd be someone who could give me pointers." He explained, trying to look careless. Blue eyes twitched slightly.

"What does the idiot have that I don't!"

"Dating experience." The raven-haired boy pointed out flatly.

"I'm going on a date today, for your information. That qualifies as experience."

"It's only a fake date."

"It's still a date."

"Please Seto! I really want to make everything perfect tomorrow."

"You're talking as if I've already allowed you to go."

"Big brother, you can't say no to me."

"Try me."

"But please, if you agree, could you bring him over to help me?"

"…Whatever."

"Thank you!"

"Hmpf."

"You're the bestest big brother in the world!" The young boy said as he ran up to his said brother. Hugging the brunet. Hoping to earn some points by doing this.

"Leave." Seto said coldly, knowing this was merely a strategy.

"And don't forget how much you love me when you decide whether or not I can go." He said, still persisting to hug.

"I said leave."

"Fine, fine." Mokuba gave up, separating from his brother. Before he walked out of his room, he turned around to give Seto one last smirk. "Good luck with your two dates!"

"Very funny." He said with a bored tone, continuing to read in his file as his sibling exited the room.

It worried him how much his brother had grown up. So much that he was dating now. When Seto himself was in his age he didn't even think of girls! Probably because he was under strict care of Gozaburo, but still. Mokuba was growing further away from him. To be a man of his own. And there really was nothing he could do to prevent that.

He never wanted to lose him. Fearing that one day, when Mokuba finds himself a fiancée or something alike, they'll argue. Knowing himself, he'd probably bring up all her faults, out right forbidding his brother to marry. What if Mokuba ignored him after that? Cut off all connection?

It was a distant future, he knew. But it worried him still. Mokuba had just reached adulthood. Who knew if it would change him, and to what.

XxxX

"Oh Seto, it's been too long!" Arisu exclaimed, hugging his arm. He glared at her, wishing she'd keep to her own side of the limousine.

"Quiet, woman."

"That's no way to speak to your girlfriend!" She corrected with a glare. Right after, he was forgiven, as she snuggled her face into his arm once more. Blue eyes glared down at her. Hating her needy attitude. He never really liked women, he thought.

This must've been the most idiotic strategy he's ever come to think of. What had he been thinking! Given, he hadn't been in a clear state of mind, clouded by the desperation of ridding of his romantic feelings. Still, he went overboard. She was absolutely repulsive to him. When the plan had been made he had counted on a girl without emotions.

"So, who is it that we're going to meet again?" He sighed mentally at her ignorance. Had she not read the file he sent her? Useless, moronic, clingy beast.

"Jounouchi." He declared without any apparent emotion, concealing everything well.

"And he is…?"

"A former classmate. You met him briefly once."

"The blond guy?"

"Yes."

"What? Why are we meeting up with him?"

"To kill his suspicions."

"Oh…well, I know just how to do that." She said, peeking up at the CEO with a mischievous look. He looked down on her with a bored one instead.

"Spare me the details. Just don't make a fool of yourself. Or me, for that matter. I have a reputation to think of."

"Don't worry. I'll be super sweet. Especially to you." Arisu said, winking.

"Joy." Seto answered drawly.

It was a mystery to him why he hadn't hired a hitman to get rid of her. That'd certainly be the best way to do so. Pretending to be saddened to the press. Getting even more publicity. Well, it'd a perfect option if it wasn't for the fact that he wasn't like Gozaburo. He had limits, unlike that greedy bastard. Sadly enough.

She should thank him that she was still allowed to live.

It worried him slightly. Would Jounouchi really be fooled by this? By her? If not, what should he do to properly convince him? Would he have to actually put his lips on hers? How dreadful.

No, that was the last way out. Only a desperate measure. Instead, he'd pretend to be able to stand her. It'd work. It had to.

XxxX

The sleek vehicle pulled up in front of the diner Nova. Through the window the brunet could clearly see Jounouchi standing there. Waiting faithfully. He smirked, knowing full well the blond couldn't see anything through the window. But, he did notice the limousine pulling up, so his attention was naturally drawn to it.

"Now, behave properly. Don't be overly feminine." He quickly ordered the black-haired girl before his chauffeur had opened the door. She nodded, giving him a smile. He groaned inwardly at this. Not understanding why she continued to be nice even though he had brushed her off at least ten times already. Either she was really thick, in love, or wanted his money just like everyone else. The answer was obvious. She was hoping for a payment or something of the sorts. Well, it's not as if there wouldn't be any. After all, loyalty is bought with money nowadays.

As the door was fully opened Kaiba gracefully stepped out, meeting the sunlight of the outside environment. The blond stood a few meters away, smiling as their eyes met. The brunet's world then stopped, if only a for second, watching the other man contently. But reality refused to slip his mind, nagging him about the fact that he had a girl in the car that needed to be presented. So his gaze was ripped away from the blond as he turned around, reaching his hand out for the girl to take. Just like a proper gentleman would do. Which is not him, but damn, he had to be convincing.

Arisu smiled up brightly to his now stoic face, taking his hand with no second thought. And, just like a proper couple, did she step out with only her eyes on him. He continued to hold her hand, his eyes only at her as well. On the downside, he wasn't able to force a smile, smirk or any similar curve on his lips, but at least he touched her.

Yet he got worried. Very much so. For she looked up at him with a playful and mischievous face as they stood close. Signalling something was up. When he realized what she had in mind it was far too late, her face already inching closer to his as they stood on the pavement. The kiss soon-to-be was inevitable. Not knowing what else to do, he stiffened, taken aback by her action.

Her lips, lipstick smeared over like most girls, pressed against his, her tongue trying to force its way inside. Enraged, his hand that held hers tightened its hold. A clear way of making her understand to back off without appearing like the fraud he was to the outside world.

This better look plausible, or he was doomed.

But her face didn't inch away from his, persisting to be glued to him. Knowing what he as well knew at the moment. That if he didn't kiss her back, it'd look as fake as it was. Blue eyes closed shut, dreading the action soon to come. His hand squeezed hers once more, to punish, as he slowly opened his mouth, letting her inside.

He felt sick with himself.

His skin was caressed by her free hand as it trailed down his cheek. Her touches poisoned his skin. As his mouth opened, he felt it. Their tongues meeting, tasting each other. He didn't like the way she felt. Didn't like her taste at all. All too repulsed already. If it wasn't for the fact that Jounouchi, amongst others, were watching, he'd go as far as biting her tongue. Just so she'd never use it on him again.

Luckily, the kiss didn't last all too long. At least not if one had timed it with a clock. To Kaiba on the other hand, it was like an eternity. Hating himself, and her, for the action he had just done. Her eyes locked with his as she smirked contently before leaning closer to his ear, whispering in a way that made him want to throw her off him. Why it was only pleasurable when Jounouchi whispered or was close, he had no idea.

"Is that believable enough for you?" Arisu asked with a low voice. His jaw clenched, holding insults and scolding inside. Instead he took advantage of the fact the he could break free, placing his body further away from hers. Yet still holding her hand, as it'd merely look peculiar if he did otherwise.

Blue eyes met brown. The blond looked at him with a weird expression. The CEO hoped Jounouchi couldn't tell it wasn't real. Otherwise he'd be called a fool.

With heavy steps did he guide both him and Arisu to Katsuya, his eyes never leaving the blond. Brown eyes on the other hand were not the same, eyeing the woman with narrowed eyes.

"Jounouchi." He said with a firm voice as he stopped in front of the said man.

"Kaiba." The blond greeted, using a similar tone.

"Meet Arisu." Seto said, his gaze falling on the woman beside him. She smiled accordingly, extending her hand out.

"Hi!"

"Yeah, hi." Katsuya said, not as cheerful as usual. His hand shook hers weakly.

"Let's go inside." Kaiba decided, just wanting to get this over with. Thank God, or rather himself, that he had ordered Koji to call so Arisu would leave earlier. All he wanted to do was to throw her off a building at the moment. Which was quite a suitable punishment for her action. Forcing herself on him. He ought to sue her for sexual assault. But then again, that'd only make him look weak and bewilder people as everyone thought they were dating.

Since no one had any objections to his order, everyone directed their walk to the entrance door. Seto clenching his hand, who was now Arisu-free, Arisu hugging his arm, and Jounouchi trying to direct his eyes elsewhere.

After they had been seated, Seto and Arisu next to each other while the blond sat on the other side, and made their orders, it grew quiet. The only one appearing fine was the girl, leaning contently against the CEO, showing he was hers.

"So, Arisu,-" Jounouchi tried, wearing a polite smile. "how long have you and Kaiba known each other?" Damn it! What if she hadn't read the file?

"Oh, it's been a long time now. Close to year. Right, Seto?" Yes, there still was hope. She remembered. However, Jounouchi seemed quite chocked by the answer, his eyes widened.

"Hn." Seto said, his way of saying 'yes'.

"You've been dating that long?" Katsuya asked, still surprised by the information.

"Of course not silly. It took us a few months to get to know each other as well, you know." Arisu explained with a broad smile, her face turned towards the blond while it leaned against Kaiba's shoulder. The brunet suddenly imagined how nice it'd be if Jounouchi and Arisu switched places, smirking at the thought. For it would truly be a lot more pleasurable.

"Oh…okay." Katsuya said, dropping the subject. The black-haired girl noticed, and started a new one instead.

"So how about you Jounouchi? Got anyone special in your life?" Blue eyes darkened, thinking back of the blonde girl. It wouldn't come as a surprise to him if they started to date soon. Now that she was back and all…

"Um…actually I…" Jounouchi spoke out, wearing a nervous grin. "I'm single, if that's what you mean." Arisu smiled.

"But are you in love?" She asked, being more specific.

"Err…Oh look! The food's here!" The blond exclaimed at the arrival of the waiter and their orders. He quickly indulged in the edible substances that belonged to him, leaving Arisu to nearly gawk. Kaiba sipped his coffee elegantly with closed eyes, too used to Jounouchi's eating to even bother to react.

After everyone had finished their dinner, the conversation remained forced. Arisu continued to be close, and Jounouchi looked out the window most of the time anyway. To not appear suspicious, Kaiba had put his arm around Arisu. Which she had given him a peck on the cheek for. Lucky him…

The clock ticked, and he counted the minutes. Intensely hoping Koji would do his job and goddamn phone him anytime soon. It was bothersome to simply sit there and wait, letting someone else have the control over the situation. The brunet didn't like it one bit. But, as decided, Koji phoned him five minutes after they had finished eating. His inside lit up like a person who's seen the light.

"Business call. Won't be long." Kaiba said with his usual voice, rising up and walking away from the table quite quickly. Escaping any sort of goodbye kiss Arisu might offer. Out of their view, he cancelled the call so his assistant could phone Arisu shortly after. And, to not appear like a fool, just standing around waiting for better times, he called home to his brother.

"Seto? Why are calling? I thought you were on a date!" Mokuba immediately says. He must've noticed his number on the caller-id.

"I still am."

"Why are you talking to me then?"

"Because I'm waiting for Arisu to get her call so she can leave."

"Eh?"

"I'll explain when I get home."

"Okay… So how's it going?" His younger brother asked. Referring to the date.

"Terrible." Seto replied, his voice sounding bothered.

"See! That's why I want Jou's tips on dating!"

"He's here too and it's not making the situation better!" Kaiba said, defending his dating knowledge.

"But he's scored with girls. Unlike you."

"How would you know?" The brunet asked suspiciously, raising an eyebrow.

"Because I read his file." Mokuba joked, chuckling to himself. Seto rolled his eyes mentally.

"Have you told him to come over tomorrow?" The boy asks after he stopped being amused by his own comment. The older Kaiba sighed.

"No."

"Seto!"

"I'll do it later."

"Yeah right." The black-haired boy said disbelievingly.

"I will."

"I'm going to cook really greasy food for you hereon if you won't. Just remember that."

"Threats are illegal, Mokuba."

"But you're proud I'm using them anyway, right?"

"No comment." Seto said, a slightly amused expression on his face. His eyes looked at the clock hanging on the wall. Instantly, he compared the time with his own. Finding they said the same thing. Which could only mean one thing. "Hm. She should be gone now." He muttered to himself.

"You know, when you're on a date, you're not supposed to hide away from the person and hope they'll go away." The younger teenager lectured.

"Your point being?" Seto asked, smirking. Mokuba sighed.

"Nothing."

"Good. See you soon."

"Bye brother."

"Bye."

Elegantly did he walk back to his table, finding to his outmost joy that the horrid girl was gone.
"Where's Arisu?" He asked the blond as he seated himself. Trying to appear oblivious.

"She got a call. Something about her mother." Katsuya said with a bored tone.

"Oh, well then. No point in staying here any longer." Kaiba declared, rising up from his chair. Leaving some money on the table as well. Brown eyes widened.

"What? You're leaving?"

"That was my intention." Seto replied, looking down at the man as he spoke. Jounouchi nodded, and the CEO walked away. Planning to get rid of a certain person. But as he heard the all-to-familiar voice behind him, his thoughts died away.

"Wait! I'll go with you." Jounouchi said, jogging up to him. Kaiba smirked.

"You want a ride home?"

"Yeah. That'd be nice." Katsuya said, his voice soft. A smile on his lips.

Sure, it was custom to take the actual date home. But seeing as that was no option any longer, he'd have to settle with the next best thing. Which in fact turned out to be the better option. For him, at least. But he had to know whether Jounouchi was tricked or not. To see if any more convincing needed to be done. So he asked in the most casual voice he could use. Trying to do it in a plausible way as well.

"So, what did you think of her?" His eyes avoided the blond, looking straight ahead, awaiting the approaching limousine.

"I… I still don't like her." Well, who could blame him? "I don't see what you see in her." He said quietly.

"Everything is relative, is it not?" Kaiba asked with an unbothered tone. As cool as ever.

"Yeah, but…" Jounouchi said hesitantly. Brown eyes on the ground.

"But what?"

"Nothing…"

Accepting that no more would probably come out of Katsuya's mouth regarding Arisu, Seto felt pleased. Even though the blond seemed against it, he still believed in it. And that was all the information he needed.

The chauffeur stopped in front of the two young men, walking in a calm manner to the door and opening it. Once inside the familiar limousine, the two unconsciously sat close together. Their thighs brushing against each other. Even if there was plenty of room left for them to sit on. Still, they chose to be like that. After a while into the ride the blond leaned his head onto Kaiba's shoulder, his hands stroking the brunet's right one. Soon afterwards did his soft voice speak, which the CEO gladly focused on. Enjoying the other one's presence.

"Hey Kaiba?"

"Hn?"

"You have to come over to my school tomorrow at lunch." Katsuya declared, turning his face upwards. Seto turned his eyes so he looked into brown ones, and smirked.

"And why's that?" He asked with a teasing voice, his free hand placing itself on top of one of Jounouchi's. Holding carefully. Katsuya smirked as well.

"Because it's important."

"Why?"

"Don't ask why. Just come tomorrow."

"Hn."

"Don't forget to take your lunch with you. It could take awhile."

"Idiot. Are you going to make me miss even more of my classes?" Seto asked. Though not with a bothered tone. It was much more filled with curiosity and slight amusement to be called that.

"Maybe." Katsuya said with an innocent face. "But you'll come, right?"

"Whatever."

"Good. Now I'm holding you to that. Don't forget to come, or I'll never forgive you for leaving me." Katsuya said with a pleased smile, making Kaiba feel content as well. Happy that it was the blond with him now instead of Arisu. Which immediately led his thoughts to the fact that he was supposed to bring over the blond tomorrow. To help Mokuba. The thought annoyed him, but he could not deny his brother a few measly advises the idiot might offer. So, with a firm voice did he speak out to the other after a minute of silence.

"I'm picking you up after school tomorrow." He declared, not giving Jounouchi much choice over the matter. However, the blond smiled up teasingly anyhow. His face close to Seto's.

"Really? And why would you do that?"

"That's for you to find out." Kaiba said with a hint of mystery. For he was not going to admit that his brother had specifically requested his presence.

"Fine. I'll go with you." Jounouchi agreed.

"I never asked for your permission." Seto said with a smirk, tilting his head down. His forehead against Jounouchi's.

"Bastard."

"And you better be waiting for me after your final class has ended. If I don't see you when I get there I'll leave immediately."

"Considerate as always." The blond spoke out sarcastically with a teasing grin. Seto smirked as his hand caressed Jounouchi's. Wondering why it couldn't feel so right and almost perfect with a girl. Why it was Jounouchi specifically. But he ignored the thought, knowing he'd never fully understand his emotions. At moments like these, he wasn't so sure he even wanted to.

XxxX

The brunet walked into his room. Thinking back on Arisu. A frown appearing on his pale face instantly. He had to get rid of her. There was no question about it anymore. Not after the kiss. There was no way she'd escape now. So he picked up his phone, speed dialling his trusted assistant. No matter if Arisu and Koji were cousins. His employee had ever since the start of this declared his loyalty to him, not her.

"Koji speaking." The man on the other end said politely.

"It's me." Kaiba said to identify himself.

"Sir," The man said, pausing. "how may I help you?" Koji asked. Speaking with respect to his employer. A malicious smirk appeared on Kaiba's face as the question was asked.

"Do you remember those tabloids that wanted to do an interview with me concerning my relationship with Arisu?" He asked.

"Yes." The obvious answer was said. After all, it was Koji who had advised him to do one of those from the beginning. However, he had refused then. But now, it was different. Now he wanted other things.

"I think I want to do one now. I've got a story to tell." Seto said with his confident voice. His employee immediately started searching for the phone numbers of one of the magazines. Kaiba on the other hand wore a consistent, big smirk. Almost feeling like doing his evil laughter. But, that he could do later. Now he had things to take care off. He'd free himself in the most clever way possible.

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To Be Continued...

Words: 24 543
Honestly, I have no idea how this is! I promise! -pleading look- I just write, and the words increase drastically on their own:S

Gee, this was a shitty read, don't you all agree? -glares at chapter- Burn in hell! -clears throat- Let's ignore my rantings about that subject, shall we? Anyhow, moving on. So, I'm hoping you all liked that it was Seto (not Jounouchi) who made them friends again (many wished for it to be Jou, but I felt that since Seto screwed up, he'd have to pick up the pieces, be a man and do a goddamn right decision for once). Poor him though. I put Mai in the story (who had the absolute worst characterisation ever! I'm so sorry, but I find her hard to write. Actually, anyone who isn't a fav. character of mine is always hard to write.) And as it may come off as Mai-bashing, it's not (I promise!). But since Seto doesn't like her, I can't write positive stuff, now can I? God, I have planned her arrival for over two months now! -sigh-

-evil laughter- Arisu is so doomed! Mwohahaha! She kissed him, and now she'll be gone forever. I wonder how Jou will react -already knows but pretends not to- And Mokuba has a date! Aw. . It's not just a random thing on the side people. It has relevance to the story. Very much so. (I'm trying not to write filler scenes anymore. And, in this chapter, none really were! Yay!)

And Merry Christmas everybody. Hopefully you'll all recieve nice gifts!

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It's time to review, folks. It's so close to Christmas and all. Give the author a gift in form of a review (constructive criticsm is accepted as well. You don't need to suck up and say false words). If you find flaws, tell me! I wish to improve.