Chapter 2
When it seemed like everything was falling into place, that was when it started to fall apart.
This wasn't how it was supposed to be, but it was. He could lie, deny it. But his mind questioned why it was there in the first place. Because he knew. Mokuba knew. But they both pretended nothing was there.
When Mokuba offered to go undercover for Kaiba Corp, his cover consisted of charming this beautiful girl, daughter of a wealthy influential man. Seto watched them together on the couch, cuddled up against the fireplace.
It looked so natural.
But Mokuba didn't mention her after the mission was over, even if it did look like it was real.
There was another alluring girl at his doorstep that Mokuba closed the door to.
At work, a blonde with sharp spectacles approached Mokuba.
"I'm not anyone's seconds, Rebecca." The words came out harsher than intended.
"Girls like you are so annoying." He didn't give her a second glance when she ran out.
Mokuba walked back into the office where Seto stood.
"I don't care how smart she is Nii-sama, fire her or I will."
And Seto didn't know why that made the edge of his lips almost tug upward.
During breaks, they headed out together to their usual spot. The Kaiba Corp Cafe was one of Mokuba's favorite coffee shops, and secretly Seto's too. Having taken part in the designs, especially with their favorite dragon in mind, it was a creation they both silently treasured.
They sat on opposite sides in a lavish deep blue booth next to the window where the sunlight peaked through. It was near the back, away from everyone. They waited for the waiter so they could order their regular.
Both Kaiba brothers' lip tightened. Mokuba attempted to not let his frown show while Seto tried to make his more evident.
"So what can I get for the dragon family that devours everything in sight?" the voice was familiar with a high pitch of fake politeness.
They wondered why Katsuya Jonouchi still worked at the Kaiba Corp Cafe even though surprisingly and begrudgingly, he made it to the pro leagues.
Mokuba made note of Jonouchi's manners changing throughout the years, he and his brother didn't bicker right off the bat like they used to, and Jonouchi disguised this as not wanting to be fired from a job he liked, but they were still at each other's throats.
Knowingly, Seto always had to make a remark or snide comment about the mutt, shouting orders and criticizing his work, especially while sipping his coffee.
Mokuba wondered why his brother still didn't fire him.
"What did you put in this mutt?! Dishwater?!" Seto spat his coffee out. Jonouchi growled but kept his composure. "I just got what you ordered, Mr. Kaiba."
"Well make it again! And try not to make it taste the same as your 3rd rate dueling skills!
Mokuba smirked, picking up his cup.
"Don't worry, I'll make it worthy with my pro-league skills," Jonouchi reminded, tone biting but eyes smug.
Seeing their hostile interactions, Mokuba's eyes studied the two, and he put down his cup, a definite clink echoed as it hit the saucer. It seemed every time he and Seto took their coffee break, the blonde was there.
"Jonouchi," the voice was frigidly calm as he spoke, which caused both pairs of eyes to turn to him.
"Remake mine too- It tastes too much like mediocre achievements attained solely through special connections. By the way, how is the King of Games doing? You and Yugi are still pals right?" Oh. Cold and without mercy. Seto smirked.
"Mokuba, I think you need to stop spending so much time with your brother, his unpleasantries are rubbing off on you." Jonouchi mocked, challenging Mokuba with his hidden message. Mokuba's lips curled into a smirk as he rested his chin above his intertwined fingers.
"And yet you spent all that time around Yugi but no talent has rubbed off on you." Brutal.
Seto was very amused and pleased. His smirk grew wider.
"Now if you could hurry, my brother and I would like to get back to work, together, since as you know, we also have the next pro-league tournament to plan,"
"Oh so you really have the skills to actually play that Vice President role? And here I thought you were just riding your brother's coattails kid." Jonouchi retorted, not believing this was Mokuba he was hearing.
"Don't you dare disrespect my brother in front of me!" Kaiba slammed his fist on the table, as he got up, startling everyone.
"My brother is far more mature, sophisticated, charming, clever, and capable than you'll ever be!" Kaiba roared, pushing Jonouchi until he hit the wall with a small thud.
"All our recent games and projects have been successes because of him. His brilliance and hard work is something I can't expect a weak-minded fool like you to understand!" Kaiba hovered above, menacingly. He wasn't going to let this idiot undercut his brother's accomplishments and accuse him of special treatment.
No one worked as hard as Mokuba who put his everything into KaibaCorp. Even Kaiba was surprised at his brother's creativity and keen innovative skills. He yielded outstanding results so their company always stayed on top of their competition.
Almost ready to maim the blonde, Mokuba's lips curled up at his desired outcome. He got up and placed a hand on his brother's shoulder, which immediately eased Kaiba's tensed muscles. Jonouchi noticed, frowning at the revelation.
"Nii-sama, don't waste your time on him." Mokuba smiled looking straight at Jonouchi's eyes when he said each word, implying an alternative meaning. "Let's go."
As they headed out to leave, Jonouchi saw how Mokuba was taller than him but still shorter than Kaiba by an inch or two, the long silk ebony hair trailing behind him. Then Mokuba stopped, turning around, black fringe contrasted against porcelain skin, pouty lips matching a playful gaze. Since when was Mokuba this-this pretty?
"Oh, and Jonouchi, as Vice President I'll have to review your further employment at my establishment. Along with your status in the tournament." Mokuba winked.
He probably wouldn't fire him or affect his dueling, since he made his point clear today but the face the blonde made was priceless. Mokuba silently laughed. He should've known though. Kaibas are motherfucking savages.
"So," Mokuba smiled when he caught up next to his brother. "You think I'm charming?" A glint in his eye.
Seto turned his head, he didn't give a response.
Seto had a meeting with Yugi Mutou regarding his latest game. Mokuba insisted on coming, wanting to monitor the exchange. Seto grumbled, but couldn't refuse his Vice President.
He didn't want Mokuba near Yugi.
Neither brother knew they were both trying to keep the other away from the King of Games.
Seto didn't see Yugi give him long stares with an oddly fascinated look, but Mokuba did. Yugi hung on every word his brother said about the project, his eyes trailing the CEO's toned and very defined frame.
He picked up the documents, walking in between his brother and Yugi.
"I must say this was a very intriguing perspective, Yugi. Good work, can't wait to see where you go with this." Yugi's ears perked up.
"You really think so?" Yugi asked. His shoulders brushed against Mokuba's, cheeks turning slightly rosy. He wasn't used to compliments.
Mokuba didn't notice the close contact or the blush that spread across his face, but Seto did. He snatched the papers from both their hands, scanning it over before he flatly declared, "It needs more work. Don't fill his head with delusions Mokuba." He glared at Yugi. "Come back when you have something solid."
And Mokuba couldn't see the expression his brother was hiding when he seized his arm, pulling him along. Equally, Seto didn't catch Mokuba's face.
"Nii-sama! I'll help Yugi with the game if anything-" Seto suddenly came to a halt, his entire body stiffened. He turned around, his eyes locking with Mokuba's.
"No. You're coming with me. Let him figure it out on his own." Decision final, they stared at each other before Mokuba followed his brother, Seto not letting go of his arm the entire way out.
Neither Seto nor Mokuba noticed the sparks, but Yugi did. He sadly smiled.
Yugi noticed everything.
Please Review! No flames! Thank you for reading.