Necropolis demon
Disclaimer: I, as a fanfic writer, sadly state that if I were to claim ownership to YuGiOh, a dozen FBI agents are going to bust into my room and take me away… .So yeah, I don't own YuGiOh.
Necro: Hello everyone, I'm sure guys have noticed how long I've been stretching this story and we're still actually in what, chapter 17? And still Kaiba and Ryou aren't THAT close to kissing or confessing to each other. Just to remind you guys of the format of this romance, it's actually a slow progress like how some teens are. And the events are closely tied to each other, one day could stretch into three chapters and it may seem like such a long period of time has passed because of the events that have taken place. From the start up to this chapter I have estimated that only 2 weeks has passed, that's 2 weeks of Kaiba and Ryou being together.
I'm sure you guys have noticed this chap being reposted; I can explain…my accomplice accidentally deleted one of The Game's chapters and I didn't know which one so we reposted all the chapters from the beginning in one day. Sorry bout that.
Note: Just a reminder: this is the continuation of the last chapter; it's set in the same day ok. Kaiba went back to school after taking care of Ryou coz he's been missing too many classes. And the media doesn't know about Ryou being an apprentice, also they don't know that Ryou's moving in with Kaiba yet.
The GameChapter 17 Moving In
Ryou Bakura, having moved around to different places due to his father's work, was a person who had a lot of experience when it came to packing, so naturally it didn't take long before Ryou's stuff was out of his apartment and in the famous Seto Kaiba's lavished home. But of course, his moving in with the Kaiba brothers didn't mean that he had to pack ALL of his stuff…he simply packed the essentials he'd need since Kaiba was going to be the one to provide him with food and lounge…sweet deal huh?
It was an interesting sight; Ryou's moving out of the apartment I mean, all sorts of black-suited bodyguards were tasked to help Ryou pack his things though really he didn't need any assistance. It was kind of odd too for Ryou to walk down the hall with bodyguards carrying his stuff for him while his neighbors snuck their heads from their doors to see their pale neighbor leave; they were, in a sense saddened by his leaving because they wouldn't have anything interesting to gossip about anymore.
Kaiba had arranged for Ryou's place to be kept neat and clean; he had paid the landlord a great deal of money to have Ryou's place kept perfect though the white blond wouldn't be living in it anymore…also, it had been arranged that any calls made to Ryou's apartment room were to be forwarded to the Kaiba residence.
And all Ryou could do while these changes were happening fast around him was smile and sigh…so much moving, and all in one school day's morning…
In the afternoon, Ryou was in Kaiba's office, organizing some papers and setting up Kaiba's schedule so as to help his boss who went back to school; Kaiba had missed too many school days already and it wouldn't be wise for him to miss another day so he had to go back to school after getting Ryou to pack up his belongings that morning. So…Ryou pretty much spent his day packing in the morning and working in the afternoon instead of going to school.
After Kaiba had supervised Ryou's packing and sent the white blond to the office, he returned to school a little later in the afternoon to at least catch up on some things. All the while the CEO spent his time at school that afternoon, he couldn't shake the feeling that people were watching him curiously, eager to ask about what happened to Ryou earlier that day in the morning. But fear always got to those curious few, and instead of asking they would merely glance at the feared brunette and annoy him…much to Kaiba's displeasure.
When classes were over, Kaiba waited for his limo that was to pick him up. Later on, the limo arrived and as he strolled towards the vehicle, he couldn't help but be a bit surprise, though he didn't show it, to find his apprentice exiting the said vehicle with Mokuba trailing behind him.
"I checked your schedule and found that you were going to pick up Mokuba today." Said Ryou with his usual cheerful smile, "I hope you don't mind me picking him up." and for some reason, though Kaiba would most likely be bothered by this, the brunette didn't mind at all.
"Big brother! Big brother! Ryou told me! Is it true?" came the younger Kaiba's ecstatic inquiry.
Just then, Mokuba's question was cut off when Yugi's group of friends caught sight of Ryou and Mokuba picking up Kaiba, and being the prying bunch they were, they approached the three. "Ryou!" said Yugi, "and Mokuba too! Good to see you again!" he greeted.
"Are you ok Ryou? We heard that you got mugged this morning." Asked Yugi, worried for his friend.
"Oh that, I'm quite fine really." The white blond replied, just before his friends were about to go off asking him more, he continued so as to satiate their queries, "It was nothing serious really, fortunately for me, Kaiba came to pick me up from where I was lost." Replied the pale teen with a smile.
"If it hadn't been for Kaiba…I guess I might've lost it! Moping around in an alley and all." Ryou gave a nervous laugh; it was partly true though, if Kaiba hadn't come along, Ryou would've completely lost it crying.
Joey, who was strangely quiet through their conversation began to edge away cautiously from the group until Tristan made a quick grab for the back of his shirt, "Where do you think you're going Joey?" drawled the pointy haired teen, "Speaking of 'losing it' Ryou, Joey here went ballistic this morning!"
"That's right. Joey, isn't there something you would like to say to Kaiba?" said Tea, being the goody-goody she was.
The blond scowled at the grass under him, "Well, Kaiba…man, err." He drifted.
"Oh, just say it will you, you big baby!" urged Tea, "You shouldn't have blown off on Kaiba like that this morning and you know it!" making Joey apologize for his wrong, though…she wasn't THAT happy about his friend apologizing to Kaiba of all people…still, she had to accept things.
"A' right, A' right! I'm SORRY ok!" the blond exploded, then averted his gaze back to the grass, "I'm sorry I blew up on ya' this mornin' Kaiba, guess I was just pissed since you're Ryou's friend now and all…and I've always hated ya' so…" he apologized.
"But before ya' pull out that crap of yours bout 'not needing any friends' let me just tell ya' that…even though you're such an ass to us, the guys think of ya' as sorta like a friend…since Ryou's ok with you." the blond added.
So, after that sincere though not really gentle and subtle apology, what else was there for Kaiba to say? Other than…
"Whatever", the brunette replied brusquely, making Joey flare up in rage once again.
"Whatta? 'Whatever'? That's IT! I come here and shed all dignity to YOU of all people! And that's all I get! YOU bas-mmmphff!" at this, the gang quickly covered Joey's mouth…they really didn't need a brawling right now.
"Ok, Ok, this has been a GREAT and memorable day, Joey apologizing and all…but please, big brother, is it true?" Mokuba resumed his inquiry.
"What's true Mokuba?" asked Yugi.
"Oh, didn't Seto tell you?" Mokuba grinned, "Ryou's moving in with us!" the pre-teen announced happily.
One, Two, Three…
"OH.MY.GOD!" yep, you're right, came Joey's obvious first reaction, him being the most vocal amongst the group, "A little over a week of hangin' out with'im and you're MOVING IN!" he exclaimed VERY loudly, allowing the news to spread to the nearby students.
"Now, now, Joey. It's for the best! How else would I be able to do my job when I can't get privacy at my apartment? You guys know how it is for me there, with all the gossip and all." The white blond quietly explained, "Kaiba's home is much more private and well…it's not like we won't see each other anymore, there's school right?"
"First the sleepover, then the cell phone, then the job…is there anything else that you two are up to? Coz these surprises are really doing no good for our health." Said Tristan.
"Well, maybe a few more surprises." Replied Ryou impishly, imagining what his friends' reactions would be if they ever end up seeing him in his new trench.
"That's the last time you guys interrupt me!" bellowed Mokuba, having been forgotten once more by the older teens, "So Seto? Is it true? Ryou is really going to move in with us?"
"Yes, it's true." Replied the older sibling, "Ryou's belongings were packed and moved to the mansion this morning…all that's left to do is unpack."
"Awesome! We're going to have so much fun together Ryou! I can show you my game collection and we can play with my game consoles, I've got ALL of them, and you can teach me how to cook on Saturdays and stuff!" Mokuba enthusiastically latched onto his new housemate, giving the older teen a nice bear hug that one would think would only be given to Kaiba.
It was…cute to see those two like that, Ryou really fit the image of being Mokuba's friend thought Kaiba. The white blond would be a fine addition to their…family.
"And big brother can pick out DVDs every weekend for us to watch together, big brother picks the best DVDs," continued Mokuba. Now, Ryou simply had to smile at that, "And since Joey and big brother had a truce, you guys can come visit us!" Mokuba spoke to Yugi's group.
"Who said anything about a truce?" Kaiba immediately spoke up, having listened to the young teen's words.
Kaiba's reluctance to approve of course resulted to Mokuba's moping, "C'mon Setoooo--! You can't expect them to not visit Ryou at home!" pouted the pre-teen…behold, the image of cuteness!
Damn those puppy dog eyes and that adorable trembling lower lip…perish Seto Kaiba, "Fine." The CEO agreed, his teeth gritting in annoyance and defeat…sigh. Taken down by a pre-teen.
"Yey! You guys can come over later if you want and help Ryou unpack!" said Mokuba, Kaiba's right eye would twitch comically but…that wouldn't be like him now would it?
The group agreed and bid Ryou, Kaiba and Mokuba 'goodbye' as the limousine took them to the Kaiba mansion. Upon arriving, Kaiba went up to his room and checked on a few things at the office, a bit surprised that Ryou had done a REALLY good job of scheduling and organizing his meeting and files…said organizing and scheduling actually gave Kaiba the rest of the day off instead of having him work at the office after school; which he usually does on a daily basis.
Ryou and Mokuba on the other hand went through most of the bedrooms in the mansion, looking for the perfect room for Ryou. Finally, the two settled for the room nearest to Mokuba and Kaiba's. It was spacious and was WAY bigger than Ryou's old room, probably as big as his whole apartment room. It had a four-poster bed, a bedside table with a lampshade and a desk in one corner for work, carpeted flooring, an amazing view of the open backyard, and a bathroom with a really big bathtub. Black tiles and all with perfect lighting.
A few minutes after Ryou's room had been decided, Yugi and the others arrived, ready to help with the unpacking though there really wasn't any need for help; Ryou had only about two medium-sized boxes worth of stuff and he could've unpacked all by himself, having brought only his clothes, toiletries, and a few prized possessions with a book or two.
"Whoa! THIS is your room?" exclaimed Joey, stepping into his friend's new room.
Ryou simply smiled and nodded, amused at his friends' reaction; they were all openly gaping, Joey made his way to the four-poster bed and, like a child, plopped onto its soft cushion while Yugi and Tea looked over his bedside table and work desk…Ryou even had his own phone! Tristan too, was in awe with the sheer size of Ryou's bathroom.
The group unpacked and was pretty much done in just a few minutes, leaving them plenty of time before night fully came.
"Ok, now that your unpacking is all done, Ryou, we need to talk." Said Tea, right now only Yugi, Joey, Tea and Tristan were in the room with Ryou; Mokuba had left the room.
"Talk about what Tea?"
"This, ALL this." Tristan interjected, while Joey secured the door's lock, "Look, man…we know that you're gay and you know we're ok with that and well…we've discussed this Kaiba thing."
"Ryou, you like Kaiba don't you?" Yugi asked but more likely stated, at this Ryou blushed profusely in embarrassment, stuttering his reply while walking around the room, moving from the window to the bed to the door then back to where his friends stood.
"I-I-well…th-that that is to say…technically…when you say 'like' err…" the white blond faltered.
"Aha! It IS true! I knew it! Ya' fell in love with'im!" accused the blond.
"I-well…." A sigh, "Is it…that obvious?"
Tea smiled, "Well, not really, at first we were only teasing you for fun but then it took us long enough to figure it out…no one else knows for sure other than us." She said, "Don't worry, we're not against it and Joey's pretty much accepted the notion, believe it or not."
"Really?"
"Yeah, we've got'yer back…" smiled Joey, "even though it's…Kaiba." He added with distaste.
"Kaiba's not that bad and…well, I suppose I'm hoping it's just a crush …I couldn't possibly go after him anyways, he can't possibly like me in that way." Ryou replied, a little saddened yet…contemplating…Kaiba had been…civil and social to him…and the way the brunette held him back at the alley…perhaps there was hope?
"Well, whatever you do with your love life, just know that we're here." Encouraged the tri color haired teen.
"Thank you…you don't know how relieved I am to hear your support in all this." Said Ryou, "I actually…didn't know that I LIKED Kaiba in that way…but until recently…" he smiled, remembering the warmth in Kaiba's voice, the firmness in the way he held Ryou as the white blond broke down…the sense of safety in his presence, "I suppose I've known all along."
Just then, the sound a turning doorknob was heard, "Hey, who locked the door?" came Mokuba's muffled voice from outside the room, turning the doorknob and knocking. Tristan opened the door and let Mokuba in who was uncannily grinning in triumph once more, looking proud for something he'd accomplish, "Guys, I've got great news!" the pre-teen said, grinning all the while.
"Ok, guys, I am glad to say that…I convinced Seto to invite you guys to the party!" exclaimed the energetic youth.
"Party?" asked Tea, "What party?"
"The party that's going to be held here in the mansion this coming Saturday" explained Ryou, "Anyone who's anybody is going to attend"
"Oh, and Yugi, big brother wants to talk to you about something." Said Mokuba.
"Sure," replied Yugi. Mokuba lead Yugi out of the room towards Kaiba's room as the others began talking about what the party might be like.
It was no big surprise for Yugi to find Kaiba's room to be so stoic like its owner, the room had that luxurious feel to it with its four-poster bed and such things that were similar to the furnishings in Ryou's room. Several books, mostly about computers and such were stacked on a small bookshelf in one corner, and dozens of stacks of papers and charts were filed strategically as well.
One would think that the room did absolutely nothing to show any viewer about the owner's hobbies or the like, if anything, the room seemed more like an office than a teenager's room…not a single music CD could be found anywhere.
After leading the way to his brother's room, Mokuba returned to Ryou's room, leaving Yugi with Kaiba. "So, what did you call me for Kaiba?" asked the shorter teen, watching Kaiba's back as the brunette pulled out a newspaper from a desk drawer.
The CEO turned and with that composed image of his, began to speak, "I'm sure Mokuba has told you and your friends that I've invited you to an upcoming party to be held here." He said, Yugi nodded.
"I'm quite sure that you have a more important reason as to why you agreed to invite us," replied the tri color haired teen.
Kaiba tossed the newspaper towards Yugi, making it land by the shorter teen's feet. There, on the first page was an article on Kaiba and Ryou about the contest and such rumors about them, "The media's blowing things out of proportion," said the brunette, "You're Ryou's friend aren't you?"
"Of course I am."
"Though it is…against my will, I need to ask a favor from you," said the CEO, stony façade still and serious.
Yugi blinked, Kaiba was openly asking for HIS help? "What favor is it?" he asked, before treading to agree.
"You're…the 'King of Games' are you not?" at this, Yugi nodded as the taller teen spoke, "Your title…has a lot of influence in it, therefore, your word to the media has a lot of influence in it." Said the CEO.
The King merely continued to nod, "I'm sure you are aware of Ryou's skills as a duelist." Said Kaiba.
"Of course, he's a really excellent and tactful duelist though he doesn't duel as much." Replied Yugi, "I bet that if he'd exert his effort into dueling, he'd be really well-known."
"You know what he can do but everyone else doesn't, I want you to put in a good word about Ryou to the media. Tell anyone who interviews you at the party about his skills." Said Kaiba.
"Reporters are bound to ask for your opinion about him and the contest because of your title," Kaiba continued, "Tell them the truth about Ryou's skills as a duelist, that he's not some blunderer."
"Ryou…I know how good he is, and he's such a nice person too." At the thought, Yugi smiled momentarily then frowned, "it's sad…how he seems to drift apart from the gang at times, sometimes he's there then the next he's not…I know he thinks that he's not that close to the gang, but truth be told, we think of him as an important member." The teen contemplated.
As Yugi contemplated, so did Kaiba…there really was a huge similarity between himself and Ryou, they both worked alone, and so often at that. Kaiba thought that if he was to be put in Ryou's situation, he'd probably end up doing things the way Ryou does.
Noticing that he was drifting from the main subject, Yugi steered back, "So you want me to help you with damage control, so that those false rumors about Ryou will dissolve." Yugi smiled at this, "Of course Kaiba, anything for a friend."
Whether Yugi was talking about Ryou as a friend or Kaiba or both, the brunette didn't care, as long as he had Yugi playing a part in his plans things would calm down. Though he had to swallow his pride and ask for help as well as actually accept the fact that Yugi was the 'King of Games' not him, Kaiba felt good that his plans were working.
Pretty soon, everything would be cleared up, the gossip would even out and Ryou would adapt. The second part of the contest would start smoothly and there would be no fatal errors, there would be no more rumors about Ryou cheating and all that nonsense affecting KaibaCorp.
The pieces were falling into their places and if things work out as he planned, he would have secured Ryou as his apprentice; a fine addition and asset to his company, who's going to be the most flexible and powerful piece that he would need to play in the game of business.
Seto Kaiba wasn't kidding or joking around when he thought of hiring Ryou as his assistant and apprentice because Ryou was, in all fairness, a good choice. The white blond was tactful and though he lacked some confidence, he would probably face problems in a diplomatic manner. These traits were perfect for an apprentice, and like Kaiba who started out in a young age, if Ryou were to be groomed properly, he could become a very powerful asset for Kaiba.
Necro: Finished. So guys, I just want to say that even though it would cause KaibaCorp such controversy because Kaiba hired a contestant as his apprentice, Kaiba knew that making Ryou his assistant would be a really good thing even though things would start out bad as you've read.
Eventually, Ryou's going to be Kaiba's asset instead of a liability because the truth is, Ryou can do great things for the company. 'Fresh minds tend to think up fresh ideas' as people say, so Kaiba's pretty much thinking of Ryou's employment in comparison to this quote. Remember, KaibaCorp's been in a bit of a slum since duel disk sales have decreased which is why the contest is being held to draw in publicity for KaibaCorp's next product (which is the winning game entry).
/glares at an annoying bird chirping outside/ shut it bird! /Bird won't shut up/ that's it! /strangles bird and sacrifices it to get more reviews/
Homage to thee! I give thee a blood sacrifice…bring forth more reviews/insane cackling/I'm killing all the little birdies I see unless I get my reviews/bird chirps 'save me'/