Deceitful Lives
Chapter 2:
No way in hell
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( Seto's POV )
The day started just as any other, I came to school just as the janitors were opening the doors, and headed for my first class. I let myself in, since I had persuaded the principal months ago, to give me the key to this class, since I was always here before Mrs. Raymond.
Today was not going to be just other day, it was a Friday after all, the end of the week, where I could work late into the night, and half of Saturday to catch up and get ahead on my work at Kaiba Corp. Then I could spend the rest of the day with Mokuba, I swear Saturday evenings is my favorite part of the week. Its what I look forward to everyday, the thought alone keeps me going when I become overly stressed or tired, to know I can spend atleast six straight hours with my little brother. Yes it makes the constant headaches and worries worth while.
But this Friday held more than just the promise of what tomorrow would bring, it also spelled the beginning of next weeks torture. Today the project would begin, full swing, and my 'partner' would be known to me. I still had every plan to hire that private detective, it wasn't worth delving to far into some poor fools life on my own.
I hadn't realized I'd wandered off in my thoughts until the lights were switched on, and the janitor came in to empty the trash bin. It always seems I'm in the best moods this early in the morning, because I often am somewhat polite, giving a nod of my head to the janitor, what was his name again? Toni, yes that was it. The older man had seen better days, and I actually had for Christmas found his home address, and sent him a nice check.
And don't be shocked I do have a heart, somewhere in me, just ask Mokuba. Why do you ask had I sent this man, who cleans waste baskets and vomit for a living, ten grand? Well I heard his daughter was sick with cancer, and well I knew being a school janitor didn't come with health benefits, so I took it upon my self to help. I think he has the suspicion it was me, but I'll never tell.
Oh well, as he left, I pulled a book from my briefcase, instead of my usual laptop, for a change. I had gotten deeply interested in this novel when I saw Mokuba reading it, and not because it was a school assignment either. It was actually quite interesting, even though it was fantasy, but I enjoyed the puns Piers Anthony uses, no matter how corny.
Slowly the room starts to fill around me, I give no notice to anyone, as I continued reading. Surely glances were thrown my way, since my ever present laptop was missing, I swear these idiots have nothing better to do than gawk at me sometimes. Oh well, comes with the territory I guess.
Within ten minutes, the class was full, and all expectantly waited on Ms. Raymond who was shuffling her papers, and paying them no mind at the moment. Putting away my book, I paid little mind to the goings on around me, until I heard the woman clear her throat and the room go silent, for once.
"Now, this is what you've all been waiting for, to be assigned your partners! I have a bowl that inside has pieces of paper, with everyone's names. Okay, now I need someone to make a list for me, so I can get this over with as quickly as possible..." I rolled my eyes at this, she was taking to long as it was, and it was already obvious who would get picked to help her. "Uh yes, Yugi! If you wouldn't mind make a list of the pairs for me dear...Now, lets see who do we have first? Honda Hiroto and Takashi Nika!" I had to smirk at that, Takashi was a stuck up prep girl who hated the lecherous Hiroto, but Honda the fool he was, was excited at the prospect.
The teacher rambled off various names of the class, and I tallied mentally who was paired with people they knew, just for the hell of it. About half of the names had been called, and mine had yet to be one of them, so about this time I actually paid full attention to Ms. Raymond.
"Mazaki Anzu and Bakura Yami." The annoying friendship speech giving girl, paled considerably, I noticed with amusement. It was common knowledge that Bakura was quite unstable mentally, and suffered from paranoia, and even delved in sinister things. I have no other clue as to the reasonings as to why Bakura is, to put it nicely, insane. "Motou Yugi and Atemu Yami." A groan came from the blonde mop head at this announcement, I guess he was hoping he'd get paired with one of his friends.
"Ishtar Malik and Bakura Ryou..." Well the albino boy was obviously glad that Malik's 'brother', didn't have this class. I had almost totally gotten lost in my own thoughts, when my name was called. "Seto Kaiba and...oh..." I knew by this pause it wasn't someone that I got along with. Well if you could say I got along with anyone but Mokuba, but the point is, her pause caught my attention, because well all the geek squad had been called except...oh shit. "..and Jounouchi Katsuya ." Composed? Not really, my eyes must have looked like saucers, and I felt my jaw go slack a moment, before I managed to get myself under control again. Moving to stand up, slamming a fist on my desk, I was beat to the protesting I was about to do.
"No way! A-anyone but Kaiba! Ms. Raymond, come on, he hates my guts, and da feelin's mutual!" The mutt said just about spoke my thoughts, except forty IQ points lower.
"Now Katsuya, I'm sorry but there's no switching partners, if I allowed you to switch, then I'd have to allow everyone else a chance to do the same. No exceptions, even though you and Mr. Kaiba do have your problems..." The woman must be growing a back bone on me, I swear, because her gaze barely faltered when she looked my way.
Though as I listened to the mongrel's mangy ramblings, a thought struck me. This little project, might just be the perfect thing to seek my revenge on Jounouchi. Ah yes, I realize now, this might actually prove to be worth while. The American woman cleared her throat, apparently she had asked me something, and I didn't quite catch it, oh well.
"Mr. Kaiba, did you have anything to say?" A smirk curled on my lips, I knew it, at the sight of the mutt pale, and look worried.
"Yes as a matter of fact, I did. I believe that this would in fact be a good idea, maybe Mu- Jounouchi and I, can settle our differences. Who knows." Everyone looked stunned, and I revealed in the thought that most realized, I had more sinister intentions, like settling the score. But of course, no one was smart enough to inform Ms. Raymond of the events of Wednesday, so Katsuya Jounouchi was all mine, to torment. I might just cancel that private detective.
"Well, isn't that pleasant! Katsuya you should be ashamed of yourself, now please sit down, so I can finish calling out names." The mutt's shoulders slumped as he slinked off to his desk, looking like a kicked dog. Ah yes, things were looking up indeed.
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(Jou POV)
The morning had been going pretty good so far, I can't wait to find out who I'll be paired with. It be awesome if it was one of the guys, especially Yug' or Honda, but anyone but Bakura or Kaiba would do.
Speaking of Kaiba, I still can't forget Wednesday, I can't believe I did that. I swear, I'll nevah hit someone again unless they hit me first. I jus' can't get o'er it, is all, I've nevah done that before. Sure I've had my share of violence, being part of a gang, which meant the ol' fist fights and once in a blue moon, a good ol' knife fight. But that's all behind me, well kinda.
Anyway, I keep thinking about that admissions sheet, cause I had to forge my dad's sig' and all. I really hope dat Ms. Raymond don't recognize the handwriting, cause I spent alot of time trying to make it look like it won't me, especially in the little side note, that I'd have to stay at the other person's house. Hey, I thought that was a good move, remembering that lil' fact. Cause I really can't have someone over at my house, because of my old man.
Why ya ask? Well he drinks to much, brings home tha occasional whore or two, and the house smells like a million dirty gym socks. There are other reasons, but I don't feel like thinking about 'em.
But yeah, everything is going good, I'm intently listenin' to folks being paired off, and going through the limited choice left, to who I may be paired up wit. Then Ms. Raymond catches my attention when Moneybags is mentioned. "Seto Kaiba and...oh..." Thats when da bitch drops a bombshell on me. "...and Katsuya Jounouchi. " Just hearing 'Kat-' got my attention, and I jumped out of my chair so fast, my desk nearly fell over.
Damn did I try to fight her choice of a partner, but nooooo, I'm stuck with the prick ass Kaiba. Ol' Moneybags was THE worst partner, because if you forgot, I hit him not two days ago...At the look he gives me and Ms. Raymond, I jus' know I'm in deep shit. This just plays right into his hand, and well tell you the truth, I'm a bit worried about dis.
With a heavy sigh, I accept my fate, and head back to my desk, I mean I deserve it right? I was asking for it, and hell, some peoples would say that I should be taught a lesson or two, bout going around hitting people...I guess they're right, ya know?
I can feel Yugi patting me on the back, he kinda understands why I'm so bummed out over this, but he doesn't know the whole story. No one does.
The class ended not much later, and the rest of da day, up til' lunch was pretty much a blur, I got a good nap in during History, I really love that class. At lunch, I ate the poor excuse for food, just because I might not have much for dinner. For ya see, I am poor, just like everyone says, and my ol' man uses what little money he makes from his two-bit job, and my little odds and ends jobs, on booze and whores...Not alot left over for a decent grocery list, after that and the rent.
The past two months the heat's been off, good thing its a mild fall, unlike last year, or I'd be freezin' my ass off all day instead of jus' late at night and in the mornin's. But things could be worse I guess, I mean, atleast I got a roof over mah head, and a bed to sleep on. Even if the company isn't the greatest or nicest, I still got more than some kids do I guess.
Lunch was pretty good I guess, I mean you get used to it after awhile. But still I just can't stop thinking about the fact that I'm paired with Mr. Stick stuck up my ass Kaiba. 'Dis is going to be a fucking miserable two weeks...Then I remember, we gots to LIVE together for a week. Oh shit, oh shit oh shit...Is all I can chant in my head. It be jus' my luck dat he'd suffocate me in meh sleep! I wouldn't put it past da bastard.
With a heavy sigh I know that there is no way out of this, and o'course I did in a way put my own self in dis position...ya know? Anyway the next class was advanced algebra, it was either this or trigonometry and so I picked algebra since I atleast kinda got that in my first year...Hey I actually passed dat class with a B. Taking notes, and tryin' to pay attention to the teacher, yes you heard me right, I have been atleast tryin' to make up for my bad grades, and missing school lately. I realized if I don't I'll end up failing the year, and probly, wind up working at some burger joint, making five bucks an hour...
So I've been tryin' to keep up, and atleast make C's...But lately, its been kinda hard to do an' all, especially dis' week.
So it was near da end o' class, an' I actually had a page full o' notes, and was tryin' to go ahead an' get some of da homework done now, when somebody jabbed me in da side with a pencil. Lucky it was the eraser, but still it fuckin' hurt!
"Ow!" I couldn't catch it from escaping my big mouth, and I mean everyone turned around to stare at me. Huggin' my side, whimpering a tad over the somewhat healed bruise, that probably just got worse again, I glared at who eva' did it. It was Honda. "Wha' was dat for?" It was hissed out, in a low voice, cause most ever'one else had done turned back to face da teach again.
Hiroto gave me dat look of his, cause he knew bits and pieces about my ol' man, and I think he's finally figured it out. I mean he is my bes' bud, and like a brotha to me. "You taking notes?" He feigned shock, with a roll of my eyes I jus' nodded at him, and continued what I was doing, barely paying attention to what he was goin' on about. I really want to get through this class, and fly through gym, oh yea', by da way, they turnin' gym class into 'partner study'. What a fun-fuckin'-tastic idea, over an hour wit Moneybags.
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( 3rd POV )
Gym class started much different than any other day, the gym schedule had been changed, so that everyone and they're partner could be in the same class. Instead of all the teenagers scrambling into the locker rooms to change, and get out onto the court, they all filed in and found a spot on the bleachers, to listen to instructions.
Mr. Asato the gym teacher stepped forward, and gave out the instructions, that everyone must pair with they're partner, and start to learn about one another, much to Jou's dismay. Standing up on the bleachers, honey brown eyes looked around over the other students' heads, looking for the pompous CEO. Standing on the tip toes of his sneakers, he still couldn't find the menacing Kaiba.
As Jounouchi innocently enough tried to pinpoint the location of his vindictive partner, on one side of the gym, he wasn't aware that said brunette was approaching him from behind. He didn't realize that was, until a metal briefcase caught his side, as Kaiba made his way to sit above where the blonde had been standing. Though it wasn't a hard hit, merely a tap, Katsuya nearly fell forward, and down the bleachers, but managed to regain balance in the opposite direction. Within moments the blonde found himself grimacing from the pain in his side, and his ass. A low groan escaped his lips as he regained some semblance of his surroundings. He had undoubted landed right beside Kaiba Seto, and was awkwardly sprawled out over two rows of bleachers, arms hugging his midsection.
Scrutinizing blue eyes were upon the blonde mutt, who'd just barely missed the owner of said eyes. "I always thought dogs were clumsy. Now, get up so we can get this over with." Brown eyes had been closed as Jounouchi tried to catch the breath that had been knocked out of him. But those dictating words brought all the air back to his lungs, as caramel hues narrowed in anger, ignoring the throbbing pain he felt.
Quickly getting to his feet, the blonde turned an accusing finger on the brunette beside him. "Listen 'ere ya stuck up prick! I ain't no damn dog, and I ain't gonna take orders from da likes of you! Damn you Kaiba, I'm so fuckin' sick of yo' shit, it ain't funny!" Cerulean hues watched the ranting teen with mild curiosity, what drove the other boy to such an outburst, Kaiba was unsure. Sure he baited Katsuya every chance he got, but Seto hadn't really said anything disdainful, just an opinion really.
"Oh well mutt, get over it. As I see it, you should be less aggressive, and more submissive at the moment. I still have to reap my revenge, for your sucker punch to my jaw, if memory serves me right." Dispassionate eyes locked onto fiery ones, in a brief glare down, before Jou gave in, he knew Kaiba was right. Just maybe if Katsuya could keep his temper in check, maybe, just maybe, Kaiba would go easy on him...It was doubtful, but he could wish.
With a tense air around them the two boys sat down, side by side, a good foot separating them, as they pulled out the project information. Both had the same idea, keep as much extremely personal things out, and just start with the basics. The two sat their absently reading for a good five minutes, waiting for the other to start, but finally the silence and tension got to much for Jounouchi to handle, he bit the bullet and started.
"So your name is Kaiba Seto, your nineteen, and you gots a lil' brotha', Mokuba. You owns your own company, is filthy rich, and your a cold, heartless bastard...Is dat everythin' so far?" Jou looked up from his taking notes, managing somehow to conceal the grin, that so badly wanted to split his face in half.
Seto, for some reason, that only he and hell shall know, did not retort immediately. He simply gave a curt grunt of affirmation before looking up from what he himself had been writing.
"Jounouchi Katsuya, eighteen, if I remember correctly you have a younger sister, I do not remember her name, and your a poor, filthy, street mutt. I do believe those are the basics." A cool smirk quirked the corner of his lips, not glancing up to see the reaction his little come back.
"...Shizuka." Was all the blonde said, this simple word got the brunette to lift his head the tiniest fraction and look up at the one who had spoken it.
"Excuse me?" A chestnut eyebrow rose slightly as if to further question Jounouchi.
"Ya said you didn' knows my sisters name, her names Shizuka." The blonde as well looked up momentarily, giving a nod to Seto as he said this.
"Yes I remember now, she was going blind in Duelist Kingdom, ne?" Without realizing it, the two rivals/partners had found themselves in a real conversation at that moment.
"Hai, she's da whole reason I really got into the whole mess, even tho I really didn't know to much about Duel Monsters then. But I had to a'least try to win, to get the money for her, ya kno? Shes my sis' after alls." Kaiba had thoughtlessly been writing down what he heard, though surprisingly, blue eyes never left Jou's face as the blonde spoke. When he was finished talking, he looked half expectantly at the brunette across from him, and Kaiba gave a curt nod in understanding.
"Of course you would. I'd do whatever it takes to save Mokuba from harm...But you know that." It was true Jounouchi knew that, he was there during the time the smaller Kaiba had been kidnapped.
Silence grew between them for a few minutes, the spell of simple conversation had been broken then, and a slight tension fell between them, as if beckoning the insults to return between the two. With a small nervous laugh, Jou scratched the back of his head, and went back to writing something down on his paper.
The two sat in silence for the rest of the class, surprisingly when the bell rang, they didn't even acknowledge each other with insults. Both went their separate ways down the bleachers and out of the gym.
Both teens thinking over the brief truce as it were, each others thoughts were quite similar to the others line of thought. It was strange, out of the ordinary, extremely odd, but actually not so bad. But Jounouchi and Kaiba both knew, that tomorrow themselves and each other, would never acknowledge that it happened, and everything would be back to normal.
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(A/N : Tell me what you think, I love constructive criticism. Thank you, and please review! )
