Cursive
by Lethe Seraph
Eight: Kiss
I'm listening to the ELEPHANT LOVE MEDLEY! That's gotta help!
Warning: Lethe will, on occasion, accidentally wax a bit poetic. She's trying to avoid it, but it happens. (cries) She really, really sucks at the parts where romance actually exists. Yeah, the chapter's longer than usual! Whoooo!
Thank you all for putting up with me for so long. I love reading every comment. Well, except for the death threats, but I still feel loved. Who's looking forward to Death Note? Hear, hear!
In other news, this thing keeps on killing my formatting/punctuation. It's such a pain. I have to go back through and make sure nothing's been left behind on the Great Transfer Through Cyberspace...
Hang on, Jou. Just – hang on. You mean he – you mean Seto Kaiba ki-
I shouldn't have said anything. Can I just keep telling the story?
He kissed you?
Well, it was – he was –
I was right! I was right!
Dammit, Honda, I…
Sorry. I'm being insensitive.
Quit smirking, then.
Tell me what happened. I want to know every little detail!
Fine. When I get to that part, I'll tell you, okay?
And don't leave anything out, either.
I said, fine.
Jou adjusted his tie awkwardly as he stepped out of the theater bathroom. The suit fit well – if he had to say one thing about Anzu, it would be that she was really good at picking things. He sighed. Kaiba would probably laugh at him anyway. It was weird how they had become friendly, yeah, but some things never changed – and right now, Jou's outfit was an insult just waiting to happen.
Okay. Just brace yourself and step around the corner. It won't be that bad. You'll get food.
Yeah, food.
He braced himself and stepped around the corner.
A huge grin spread across Mokuba's face. "Jou, you should dress like that more often! You look good!"
"Eh, Anzu dragged me off shopping…" mumbled Jou, eyeing Kaiba. Why hadn't he said anything yet?
Oh, wait. Small smirk twitching at the corner of his mouth.
Jou's eyes narrowed. "Just get on with it so we can go eat."
"I've never seen a dog in a-" began Kaiba. Mokuba elbowed him sharply, grin still pasted on.
Whaaat?
Kaiba coughed. "You look … pleasant."
Mokuba beamed and started for the limo.
"You're whipped," said Jou brightly as they trailed behind.
"Seems like it," Kaiba grumbled.
"Really wants us to get along well tonight, I guess."
"That's right," said Kaiba.
For years afterward, Jou would swear that he had heard a muttered "very well."
Well, that didn't go too badly.
Yeah, I guess. At least I didn't lose my temper or anything.
Haha, the promise of food tames the wild beast.
Shut up.
So how was the restaurant?
It was awesome. You've never seen so much food in your life.
"And all those are appetizers?" said Jou incredulously. "Oh, God, I think I'm in heaven."
"Just wait until you check out the dessert menu!" laughed Mokuba.
"There's a whole menu for dessert! Give it to me!"
Kaiba sighed as the two enthusiastically compared their choices. "I take it you've never been to a restaurant of this class before."
"Nope," said Jou without taking offense – the meal was too tempting. "Don't got the resources you do. I spend my money on things I need."
"Point taken," said Kaiba. "I hope you like it."
"I love it already, man. This is great."
"Did I mention that you look awesome?" piped Mokuba. "Like something right out of one of those Bond movies."
Jou grinned. "Hey, thanks. You don't look too shabby yourself, kid."
And Kaiba, he looked a lot better than shabby. Jou stole another glance in Kaiba's direction. This was definitely a perk of being Kaiba's friend – the food, that was. Yeah, the food looked super.
The best way to beat him…
No. I thought I resolved that one already. I don't do things like that.
And then the waiter came, and that was that.
Aha, I've inspired doubt in you.
No, you haven't. I decided not to do it. That's just wrong, man. I thought you were supposed to be the better of us. Is Otogi messing with your mind or something?
Pfft. Like that jerk could. Anyway, just you thinking about it means that it's affected you pretty badly, right?
No. No, it hasn't.
Well, you kissed him, right?
I said that he kissed me. There's a difference. And I didn't like it one bit. Now stop talking about the stupid kiss.
Get on with it, then.
"Ah, I won't be able to eat again for a week," sighed Jounouchi as he patted his belly in contentment. "I am so happy right now. I love this place."
Kaiba, whose eyebrow had been in a state of continuous quirkage for the past few hours, sighed at the same moment – but for a different reason. "Finally, the suffering can end," he declared, raising an elegant hand. A waiter scurried over. "Check, please."
"Right away," the young man said. "Are you done with your plates?"
"Can I have this boxed up?" said Jou hopefully.
"You most certainly may. I'll take that for you." The waiter smiled and bowed away, plates in tow.
Jou grinned. "I love this place."
"It's not that weird," commented Mokuba. "Most places will box your food for you."
"But this is quality food, man!"
"He's getting a doggie bag…" murmured Kaiba.
Jou just laughed. "I'm in too good a mood. Give it a rest, why don't you?"
"You make it so easy, though," said Kaiba. "You're a very easy target."
"Yeah? I'd like to see you take me on in a dark alleyway," challenged Jou.
"I'd like to see that too!" Mokuba joked. "My big brother would own you."
"No way! I'd totally take him down!"
Was it just Jou, or had Kaiba flushed a little on that last one?
"Here's your box, sir… and for you, the check." The waiter had returned, and any thoughts of Kaiba's odd bodily reactions flew from Jou's mind.
"Even the box is high-class!" Jou exclaimed. The waiter laughed as Kaiba whipped out a pen and scrawled something on a piece of paper.
"Thank you, sirs, and enjoy your evening."
"Thanks!" Mokuba said brightly as they exited.
"So, where to?" said Jou. They stepped into the limousine, Kaiba having been squished into the middle again, and took off.
"Back to our place,"answered Mokuba. "We're gonna, you know, watch movies and play games and stuff. Is that okay with you?"
"Sounds great, as long as this guy isn't a bad loser." Jou jabbed Kaiba in the ribs good-naturedly. It had been fun so far – with Mokuba around, Kaiba seemed a lot more … human. Less likely to snap, especially, though he hadn't been doing any of that recently.
And that was a good thing by Jou's standards.
"I don't lose," stated Kaiba. "And I won't lose to you."
"You're gonna eat those words, Seto Kaiba."
"Who's eating what, now?" shot Kaiba, cackling as his pod racer flattened the way to victory. "Your soul is mine, Jou!"
"We'll see about that in the next round!"
"Hey, don't forget about me!" cried Mokuba. "I'm going to beat both your sorry teenage-"
"Not in my house, Mokuba," warned Kaiba prematurely. He moved the cursor over a new character and clicked. "Here's to a change of pace."
Jou chose his own character and smirked. "You're so screwed."
Haha, you so lost that.
Shut up. It was really close.
Yeah? How close?
I only lost by one lap that time.
"I'm gonna make popcorn," said Mokuba. Before Jou could move for the remote, he added, "Don't worry, I've seen it before!"
"Oh, okay," said Jou. "You sure you won't miss anything?"
"Yeah. The kitchen's only five minutes away." And then Mokuba was gone.
"Looks like it's just you and me, pardner," quipped Jou.
Kaiba looked like he had really been immersed in the film – an old American one. He turned to regard Jou slowly. "You don't mind that, do you?"
"Nah. The three of us should hang out more often. You guys are fun."
"Thanks."
They were quiet for a minute or two, watching the movie uncomfortably. Jou felt like he should say something, but had no idea what.
"Do you want to go up onto the couch?" said Kaiba quietly. Jou had been comfortable on the carpet playing video games, and hadn't moved since. Kaiba and Mokuba had followed his lead. Now that Mokuba was gone, though, Jou was beginning to notice the aching in his neck and elbows.
Jou groaned and stretched. "Yeah, that might be nice."
They both stood, eyes still on the screen. They shuffled backwards to the couch. Kaiba lowered himself slowly; Jou plopped down and assumed a comfortable position. His feet made contact with Kaiba's side.
"Oh, sorry." He drew his legs up.
"No trouble," said Kaiba.
Almost at the same moment, they turned to look at each other – and just as quickly snapped back to the television.
"Hey, Kaiba?" said Jou. He had also become aware of the rapid beating behind his chest.
"Yes?"
"Are you really comfortable like that? Because, you know, I don't bite, and you can't sit that straight forever."
"I'm a businessman," Kaiba said with a touch of humor. "It's good practice."
"Relax." Jou shifted, sat up, and grabbed Kaiba's arm. "Come on."
Kaiba looked caught. His mouth had opened just a little, as though the ready retort had been about to shoot forth. His hand moved, almost involuntarily, up to Jou's – in a normal situation, that hand would have ripped Jou's away in an eyeblink. He looked … torn. Like there was a choice he had to make.
And then—
Oh my God, you really kissed him. You kissed him. Oh, man. Jeez. That's… you…
Hey! Idiot! You're getting ahead of yourself.
You… wait, what?
I was about to tell you that that was when Mokuba walked in. All right?
…Oh. Damn.
The charged tension between them dissipated into the air. With a jolt, Kaiba removed his hand from Jou's, and Jou instinctively scooted to the other end of the couch, making room for Mokuba. That was when Jou realized just what had happened.
We were…
We were about to…
"I burned it a bit, but it still looks okay!" chirped Mokuba. "What did I miss?"
I really couldn't tell you, kid.
Kaiba coughed lightly. "Nothing much. More unnecessary side plots."
"Aw, but I love thooose!"
"I don't. They have no relation to the actual story."
Like what I'm doing right now. The real story would be with Yugi—
Oh, shit, Yugi!
"Shit! I forgot!" Jou exclaimed, leaping from the couch. "Where's your phone?"
Kaiba stared at him. He quickly pulled his cell phone from a pocket. "Use this."
"What's wrong?" Mokuba asked, reaching out to pause the movie.
"I just have to check … check and see … hang on," Jou said, dialing Yugi's number. He had memorized it years ago. "Hang on…"
Ring.
Ring.
Ring.
Click. "Hello?" rasped Sugoroku. "Who are you, and why are you calling at this hour?"
"Sorry, Gramps, it's me," said Jou, walking slowly out of the living room with one ear plugged. "Hey, I was wondering, could you put Yuug on for me?"
Sugoroku coughed. "No can do, m'boy. He's in bed and out like a light."
"What? I thought Honda and him were gonna do some kinda sleepover thing?"
"He was there, but they decided to adjourn and reschedule that for another day when you were present." Sugoroku chuckled dryly. "I take it you've been having fun."
"I lost track of time," Jou explained. He leaned against a dark wall. "Could you tell him I'm sorry?"
"I'll do that," the old man sighed. "Good night, Jounouchi."
"Night, Gramps." He hung up with a small, dissatisfied click. "Thought I wasn't gonna come…?"
"Ah, the sleepover," said Kaiba. "I take it you missed out."
"Gah! Don't do that!"
"You should pay more attention to your surroundings," Kaiba said. "What did Yugi's grandfather say?"
"They decided to give up on the sleepover," Jou mumbled sheepishly.
"That was sweet of them."
"I guess. I feel really bad about it."
"Well, if it makes you feel better, you can sleep over here. I know Mokuba would love the company."
"Thanks. Maybe I will."
They were both quiet. Was it just him, or hadthat been happening more often?
"…So, are you done with my cell phone?"
"Oh! Oh, here you go. Sorry. Thanks." Jou placed the cell phone into Kaiba's extended hand. Their fingertips brushed.
I really shouldn't notice that.
Kaiba slipped his phone away, unaffected. "All right, let's not keep Mokuba waiting."
"Right."
Neither of them moved.
"Listen," said Jou, breaking the silence first for a change. "Is it just me, or is something weird going on tonight?"
"What do you mean?"
"Neither of us are acting the way we … the way we usually do. Haven't you noticed it?"
"Maybe we're trying too hard to make things go smoothly." Kaiba's mouth twitched into a smile.
"That could be it – wait, you're trying?"
"Yes, I am," said Kaiba simply.
"Oh."
They lapsed back into quiet.
"…Kaiba?"
"It's Seto," murmured Kaiba.
"What?"
"My nickname."
"Sorry, I forgot," said Jou. The silence and darkness were pressing on him. "I was, um, talking to a friend … and … he kind of said something that, well, made me think."
"That must have been quite stimulating," said Kaiba.
"Not the time, Kai - Seto."
"All right. What did he say?"
"You remember that day when—"
Hang on. You told him about what I talked to you about?
Yeah. It was really bugging me! And I'm not like you. I actually talk to people when I have problems with them.
Your greatest fault and virtue, I've heard.
Eh? Where'd that come from?
Yugi's other half, believe it or not. I chatted with him once.
Huh, that's neat. Anyway, I asked him…
"And the next thing that you said was 'Jou.' Right after I asked … yeah. And he said, well, there's no way that was unintentional…" Jou trailed off, eyeing Kaiba warily. He hadn't said anything.
Kaiba finally met Jou's gaze. "Which means that you are under the impression that I…"
"That you have the hots for me, yeah." Jou laughed nervously.
Kaiba stepped closer to Jou, still watching his face. "Well, I wouldn't put it quite like that."
"Wait, you don't really –"
"What if?"said Kaiba. That electric feeling was back, washing across Jou's face and down his spine. They were so close. Too close.
Suddenly, Jou felt an inexplicable pull towards the taller man. Their breaths were mingling, now. Shadow illuminated the arches of Kaiba's face, the slopes, impossibly clear eyes –
What if?
And, somehow, Jou's hand had ended up resting on the small of Kaiba's back, and Kaiba's lips pressed to his.
Kaiba's mouth.
On his.
It was his first kiss, he realized in the back of his mind, and it was light, and fluttery, and everything hidden behind that first small smile; soft, warm, and inexplicably safe.
The front of his mind was more preoccupied, though.
"Holy--!" cried Jou, leaping away from Kaiba nearly as quickly as it had begun. "No. No way. No way."
Kaiba's eyes snapped open. Something in Jou registered that, hell, Kaiba had meant it. "Don't raise your voice; Mokuba will-"
"Guys? What's going on? Why haven't you come back in yet?" Mokuba entered the doorway, framed by light.
"Nothing," said Jou. His voice had become hollow. "I – I have to – I just called Yugi, and I have to go. It was nice playing with you, Mokuba."
"Aw, can't you-" began Mokuba. Kaiba shot him a look.
Jou was out of that empty house as fast as his legs could take him.