CHAPTER 2

Seto Kaiba was a man used to being obeyed. Obeyed, and feared. No one was any match for him, in any field. Everything he did had to be no less than perfect. Therefore, he demanded the same level of perfection of those working for him. He loathed incompetence, and he abhorred anything that could be passed as weakness. He only accepted the best of men in his company, even more so when it came to his more private circle. Isono had had a very hard time to enter that circle, and stepping out was far easier and trickier than anything existing on this plane. Seto almost considered his assistant as the closest he had to a friend, which meant the world in his strange conception of things.

So when said friend entered his office in Kaiba Mansion one early morning, stating that he would get a temporary bodyguard for some time, the elder Kaiba got in the foulest of moods. Not only did he just get informed on the day of said shift without any prior notification, he had also not been asked for permission and had the situation thrown at him. He had no idea of who would tail him from now on, and felt the whole thing get out of his control, which he hated with a burning passion. Seto Kaiba never lost control. Not even to Isono.

The CEO was seething at his stoic right-hand man. He was furious at everything. At Isono for this bold and hugely wrong decision, at the idiots who tried to kidnap Mokuba on a daily basis, resulting in Isono having to deal with security himself, and at the fool that would be replacing his closest associate. Seto was sure the burden he would be dragging did not, even remotely, show an ounce of what his best and most faithful employee possessed. Isono was unique and irreplaceable. Which enraged him further.

"And pray tell, now that you deem appropriate to reveal this trivial piece of information to me, whom I will have the pleasure to be protected by, Isono?," he asked dryly, venom dripping from every word.

His employee gulped imperceptibly and nodded.

"Of course, Director Kaiba, sir. He is a young trainee I have selected over hundreds of profiles, to assist me in protecting Mr Kaiba. As he is still a rookie in training however, I thought it better to have him taking his functions by your side, as you are, well..."

"As I am less likely to get kidnapped on his first day," the elder Kaiba deadpanned, frowning. "Why didn't you tell me this before? And don't think I didn't notice the way you tried avoiding the question of who he is."

Isono took the rebuff silently. He knew his boss would not like it. He tried to stall for time, hoping everything will go into motion soon enough. He was waiting for the younger Kaiba to show up and help him get out of trouble. Where was he?

Seto was about to click his tongue at the defiance of his right-hand man, when his little brother barged in huffing and puffing, having seemingly ran to his office. Mokuba clutched his knees while he tried to catch his breath, the two other males' gazes on him. When he found his voice, the teen looked at his elder and put his fists on his hips.

"Big brother, what are you doing? I've been waiting in the car for ages! If Isono and I don't go now, I'll be late for school!"

"Mokuba," Seto clipped, doing his best not to sound too irritated, "I've just been informed that Isono was to go with you, and that I am to get a rookie to accompany me to my monthly meeting with the board of shareholders. I gather you knew of the situation?"

The younger Kaiba did his best not to let his nervousness show. He knew that his big brother would never yell at him too harshly, and that he would ground him for a month at worst. That did not mean he could push his limits and test his luck. He plastered on his most innocent, angelic smile, the one he kept for times when he made big mistakes he wanted to get away with, and replied, "I did. You didn't?"

Seto used every fiber of his being not to fume and spew fire right now, for he was to appear stoic at all times. Calm. Composed. Patient. The joys of having a teenager to look after...

"Obviously not, otherwise I wouldn't ask. And you know who's going to go with me, I assume?"

If he got no answer from Isono, maybe Mokuba would tell him. He detested going unprepared. Unfortunately for him, the universe had decided to spite him to his breaking point, for his younger brother shook his head.

"Nope, sorry. Guess you'll have to find out for yourself," he replied, then added, "can we go now? Or would you prefer I get reprimanded for being late?"

Seto bit back his retort and nodded curtly. They had to discuss this later, but for now, they were clear to go. He cast a last scornful glare to Isono, who bowed low in response and scurried off with the teen. Once the door was closed, the bodyguard let out a quiet, shaky sigh, and Mokuba gave him a thumbs up. Mission accomplished. The CEO was on the boat, albeit begrudgingly, and he had not skinned Isono alive. He had no choice, anyway, and he still might get back at them for this later. No matter. Both males thought it was good for the big boss to be reminded that he could not control everything in his life. They only hoped he would be calm enough so as not to actually kill anyone. He looked pretty close there.

Seto stood alone in his office for a few seconds, trying to process the reality of the situation he was now in. His meeting was scheduled in thirty minutes. He just had enough time to get into the car and get there, which meant he could not avoid meeting his new bodyguard, and so he could not refuse him. He had been forced. By his very own brother and closest associate. The feeling of betrayal felt bitter on his tongue, even if most logical and wisest part of his brain told him they must have had a good reason for doing this to him. Still, he did not like it one bit. He wanted to break something, or someone. Then an idea popped in.

Might as well vent on the rookie, for he's got to have a use, after all.

With that resolve in mind, a tiny, cruel smirk twisted his pursed lips. If he was forced to have the man, he would make sure to make him feel just how unpleasant his presence was to his boss. The trainee would learn what it cost to displease a Kaiba, and it could even serve as a lesson for the future, if he did prove he was capable of handling security around the brothers. Most unlikely, though, but well, Seto had to consider all possibilities, now. If Isono went to such lengths just to introduce a rookie, that man was to be either someone the CEO would despise immediately by his looks in any other circumstances, regardless of talent, or someone he knew and could not think about hiring even under death threat. In any case, this was going to be interesting, and Seto could already feel a headache pounding in his skull. He swiftly dragged himself to the garage – for a Kaiba never does anything without style and class, image was important after all –, and prepared for the incoming battle.

When he got into the vehicle, he was greeted by a mop of blonde hair and a sense of omen. His brain short-circuited in denial of what the figure before him showed, since it was impossible that Jonouchi Katsuya was seated across from him, in a suit, bowing to him like Isono would have done. The yankee had never bowed to anyone he did not consider worth it in the few years Seto had known him, and he would surely never bow to him. At best, the blonde would try to strangle him after beating him black and blue. At worst, he would try and be best buddies with Mokuba, in front of him. Ugh. The mere idea of Mokuba getting near the mutt sent disgusting waves of horror through the elder Kaiba. Why the teen liked such trash was beyond him.

He wondered if someone had put illicit substances into his morning coffee, for he was sure he was getting hallucinations. Thinking about the mutt so early in the morning was unhealthy – he had to keep his intelligence intact for the meeting –, and downright surreal. Then everything crashed down when not-Jonouchi Katsuya spoke, with the voice and intonation of Jonouchi Katsuya.

"Good morning, Director Kaiba."

Director Kaiba. The honorifics did not find their way into Seto's mind, for it was entirely impossible the man had pronounced them to him. That would mean the mutt, if it really was him, had been educated. No one could succeed in such a prodigy. However, Seto could not stay silent and gape like a fish out of water. He had decided to make the rookie suffer, and he would do just that. Gaining back his composure, the CEO managed a sneer.

"Don't expect to stay long. Whatever Isono saw in you, had to be under some hallucinogenic substance," he hissed. "I will bear with you for today, for his sake only, but I expect you to be gone tomorrow, no matter what security crap must be applied. I can do without an incompetent tailing me."

He did not ask if the poor bodyguard understood, for he had been clear enough. He expected to relish in the man's crumbling facade and sweating, but was sorely disappointed. Instead of breaking, the rookie bowed a little lower, so that his face could not be seen – clever bastard –, and replied as smoothly and evenly as the last time.

"Thank you for your generosity, Kaiba-sama. I will do my best."

Kaiba-fucking-sama, now. Said with Jonouchi Katsuya's voice and inflections, but more refined and controlled. What in the world was happening? Seto had to force himself not to bolt at the bodyguard's throat and chin, to see his face and finally check if this was indeed the mutt, or some bloody farce. He stiffened and bit out, "Look at me, mutt."

The insult had been thrown out as a test, to see if he got any reaction from his new soon-to-be-sacked employee. And there, he swore he noticed a slight, almost imperceptible twitch of the blonde's left shoulder. But that was the only thing he could make out. The rookie obeyed, and golden-brown eyes leveled with his own icy blue glare and remained there, unflinching and perfectly calm.

Bloody hell.

This really was the actual, yapping, good-for-nothing loser, the one and only Jonouchi Katsuya that was straightening himself before the CEO and talking to him with respect. And he spoke formally. Had the world gone mad and turned upside down during the first complete night Seto Kaiba had allowed himself to sleep in a long time?

The chauffeur drove them out of the property and entered Domino's traffic. The ride was spent in silence, both males staring at each other in what looked like a staring contest. On Seto's part, that is. On Katsuya's, it was just that he obeyed an order from his boss, and although he found it funny to resist the brunette's dark gaze, he maintained his cool and did not transpire any emotions. It was difficult, and a small, proud part of him still howled in outrage at the fact that he was letting himself be dominated by moneybags. But he had to. For the sake of both his and Isono's positions.

He had been trained to face such a thing, and he would prove to the douche just how good he could be a something, when he dedicated himself fully to it. He had resisted the tempting urge to snicker when Kaiba had almost gasped when seeing him, and hidden his smirk when he had answered the brunette's snark with the professional tone he had mastered. That was a victory in itself, and he could not wait to show how far he could go. It was challenging and he loved every second of it.

Seto's mind whirled with conflicting emotions, even though they did not show on his perfectly impassive face. He could not decide if he was more impressed or furious with Isono's bold maneuver, and he entertained the idea of firing the mutt just to screw everyone and vent his frustration at being manipulated into this mess. He thought about his right-hand man actually seeing something in the blonde, but squashed the idea instantly. He doubted Jonouchi would ever be more than a groomed street dog. Yes, he spoke amiably. And yes, he looked way more human when he had showered and dressed properly. But inside, he was still a dimwit. If not, well... apocalypse was to be near.

Then, the CEO remembered he had a whole board of shareholders to face in a few minutes. And he was accompanied not by a professional and intimidating Isono, but by an allegedly stupid and ridiculous Jounouchi. Some of the men there would indubitably comment the shift, and he was sure the brainless wimp would make a fool of him at some point, which he could not afford with those sharks. Oh, he was so screwed. Seto pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed irritably. He had only begun the day, and it was already hell.

Katsuya remained silent. Kaiba was about to say something, he was certain of that, and he mentally prepared himself for the blow. And sure enough, when the brunette looked back at him, his blue orbs were stormy.

"Listen here," he ordered tersely, "we will meet some of the most important and annoying people associated with KaibaCorp. They all look for a way to get at me and weaken my position, and even if I am perfectly capable of handling their nonsense most of the time, Isono manages to help me keep them in check when they're all together. I obviously cannot ask the same of you, but I at least hope you'll be able to behave and take care of yourself when I speak to them. So stay behind me, don't move, and don't even think about speaking to them, the whole time we'll be there. If anything, you can take a bullet for me and die in my place if things go really dire. Nothing more. Don't give them occasions to make fun of me, or you'll regret it. Do as you're told, like a good mutt, and I might consider keeping Isono and not suing your sorry ass for stupidly believing you could be worth more than you are."

Ouch. Jonouchi used every inch of his body not to cringe and frown. That hurt and enraged him at the same time, but that was to be expected and he could take it. Isono had warned him it would be that way. had tried speaking him down like this too. He had endured all that to be here, and he would not screw his only chance to prove himself. He could not disappoint his mentor. So he reined his increasingly shortening temper and nodded meekly.

"Yes, Director Kaiba. My life is yours."

He patted himself on the back when the CEO's brows furrowed. He had apparently managed to surprise him. Good.

Seto saw the briefest flash of hurt and anger in the blonde's eyes, and he was ready to mock him for this, but it quickly disappeared and left him with nothing to make fun of. Fuck. Whatever Isono had done to turn the yankee into this, had been gloriously efficient. Was it brainwashing? Threats? A good paycheck had certainly played a good part in this, if he remembered the salary mentioned on Jonouchi's contract as "security guard" – more than the poor wimp had ever been able to see in his whole life, no doubt –. Seto snorted.

Security guard, my ass. More like a glorified security hound and a mockery of a bodyguard.

What he did not get, however, was why Isono had chosen him. What did he see in the blonde, that the CEO had missed? And how could he have missed it? There was absolutely nothing to see in the first place, was there?

The car stopped in front of KC tower, and Seto's train of thoughts halted. He got all business in the blink of an eye, his mind set on facing the most arrogant jerks of the universe, alone. Because going to such a meeting with Jonouchi would be like fighting a bear with a plastic fork. Right. The brunette squared his shoulders and stepped out of the car, face blank and ready to go to war.

Katsuya followed him without a word, slightly impressed at his boss's cool. Kaiba, as far as he understood, had to meet his shareholders every other month for several hours, discussing company strategies and whatnot. They were essential to the company, but because of that they were a bunch of the biggest of douchebags, even worse than the young CEO could ever be. Which was an exploit. And a dreadful sight, according to Isono.

If even his mentor thought this, the blonde was assured to get a hard time staying put while the sharks tried to shred Kaiba to pieces. He despised the CEO, yes, but the brunette was the one signing his paychecks after all, and even Katsuya had to admit he was impressed by his achievements. Seto Kaiba was a poor excuse of a human being, with the sentimentality of an oyster, but he was a good manager and a genius when it came to Duel Monsters and the entertainment industry in general. When given a choice, the blonde realized he would step in favor of his boss anytime, regardless of his resentment and dislike of the man.

"Did your lapdog abandon you, Mister Kaiba?"

Oh, how he hated them. The board of shareholders was already complete when Seto and his rookie had arrived, and they immediately began firing snarky comments at the change in staff. Whatever could expose the CEO's neck and make him vulnerable was good to try in their eyes. The brunette did not lose his cool, however, and merely acknowledged the remark with a sniper glare.

"He had other priorities to attend to," he explained simply and sat down in his usual chair.

Katsuya positioned himself right behind his boss, his eyes hidden behind dark glasses like any other member of the security staff at KC, and his posture unyielding and professional. He had dubbed it his "Man in Black cover", but his mane of unruly blonde hair, which he had refused to cut despite Isono's attempts, clashed with his classy uniform suit and overall appearance. The shareholders spared no time in pointing this out.

"Quite a strange replacement, isn't it?," a pudgy big-mouthed man said casually. "One could think you hired the yakuza."

"Or the reintegrating scum of Domino's incarceration center," another lean, gray-faced vulture added. "Didn't know you were into such charities, Mister Kaiba."

There it was. Seto had seen it coming from miles away. He tried his best not to snap back at them, knowing full well they awaited this golden occasion to tear him apart, and focused on redirecting the discussion to safer grounds.

"My security personnel is nothing for you to worry about, Mister Takamoto. He's not the one you will discuss KaibaCorp's new tournament campaign with. Don't mind him."

He hoped the mutt would get the silent indication that he had to remain calm. Jonouchi was prone to blow a fuse or two in a matter of seconds, and this would be bad for his image. Then again, this was an apparently different Jonouchi he had here, for financial reasons at least, so maybe he could trust the man's greediness to keep him like that until the end of the meeting. Maybe. He cursed Isono mentally for having him make such a risky gamble.

Katsuya did not need to be reminded what he had to do, however. He did not move a muscle and let the barb fly harmlessly over his head. Those barely tickled him, compared to the elaborate biting insults had created for his displeasure. Ignoring them and focusing on protecting the CEO was, for the moment, a piece of cake. He only had to imagine himself beating the crap of the pudding and skeletal pigeon for their remarks, which brightened his mood considerably, to stay in zen mode.

As the discussion went on however, the blonde found it more and more difficult to stay silent and expressionless, while the group of dumbasses antagonized Kaiba on every ground they could find. When it was not the size of adverts, it was on the colors of the cheerleaders's uniforms. Seriously, he could almost understand why the CEO was so snappy at times. Staying more than ten minutes with those idiots would have driven everyone else mad.

And of course, they spared no time in picking Katsuya apart. He was too young, or too stupid-looking, or maybe he was Kaiba's glorified boy toy? The rookie managed to keep his face muscles still, with sheer willpower alone, but he was close to implosion. He was ready to punch their teeth in any minute. Seto sensed his employee's growing irritation, and had to admit he was particularly strained himself. His shareholders outdid themselves today. Hopefully, this would end soon.

Takamoto, who had been eyeing Jonouchi for quite some time, suddenly motioned to him.

"Boy, you must feel idle, standing like that since forever," he drawled, "go fetch me a coffee, will you?"

Seto frowned. It was no secret that the breathing barrel was a pig with wandering hands. If the looks he gave his bodyguard were any indication, he undoubtedly thought he could put his dirty paws on the blonde and get out with it. The CEO felt the inexplicable need to castrate the man for good measure. Jonouchi was a poor mutt, but right now, he was part of KC staff. And even though the brunette was nowhere near the mere idea of compassion, he did not let his employees be molested either.

He was about to tell Takamoto to put his coffee where the sun did not shine, but Jonouchi was faster in answering.

"Of course, Mister Takamoto," he answered amiably, bowing his head slightly, "right away."

The blonde went out and back in rapidly, a steaming cup of coffee elegantly presented in his hand. He strode swiftly to the pudgy man to give him his drink, and the latter saw this as his chance to let his hand reach discreetly for the employee's bottom.

Seto saw red. But before anyone could react, Katsuya's own hand shot up and stopped Takamoto's mid-air, in a bone-crushing grip. The shareholder yelped in surprised pain, wriggling to get free, but the blonde did not budge an inch. The other men gasped. The bodyguard calmly put the cup on the table, sighing.

"Mister Takamoto," he said in a sickeningly polite voice, sending chills down the man's spine, "I believe you know the laws of this country regarding sexual harassment?"

"Wh-what the hell are you talking about? Let go of my hand, you dirty scum, or else-"

"Or what? You'll sue me for violence?" Katsuya gave him a twisted, feral smile. "Oh, I don't think so. After all, you would have to go out of this room first."

To prove his point, his iron grip tightened, earning another yelp of suffering. The other shareholders held their breaths.

"Let me get this straight," Jonouchi continued, his hidden gaze scanning the face of each man as he spoke, "I got all green from my hierarchy to protect Director Kaiba using all means at my disposal, his honor and professional integrity included. Now, this also extends to KC entire staff, and I am of them."

"Tch, you're all words, but you'll be weightless, boy. Do you know who I am?"

"And I?," the blonde deadpanned, bending his head so that his eyes could be visible behind his glasses. They briefly flashed with a deadly glare, and Takamoto gulped visibly. This bodyguard was a demon. "You speculated on my origins, if I remember correctly. And as fanciful as your theories were, some were not entirely false. I'll leave you the pleasure of deciding which was true..."

It was a lie, but only a partial one. Even if his former gang no longer existed, Katsuya did have experience in intimidating people and other stuff, and his looks supported the idea he came from a questionable background. Therefore, he knew how to make the pudgy pig shit his pants just with words and a few pointed stares, and it was enough for the arrogant bunch of jerks to shut their mouths after that.

When the blonde straightened himself and let go of Takamoto's throbbing hand, he reverted back to his blank and polite facade, and returned to his previous position behind Seto's chair. He had made his point, and it was time to land the final blow to them.

"I am not Mister Isono," he declared regretfully, "and I am truly sorry you miss him so much. However, I really hope that you will eventually come to tolerate me."

The room fell silent, and Katsuya resumed what he was doing like nothing had happened. Seto glanced briefly at the board, taking in their paling expressions while they understood the blonde demon was subtly threatening them, and joined his hands on the table, making himself more imposing then ever.

"I expect no less," he added evenly, "Isono is to be away for quite some time, and I'm sure you already appreciate the dedication of my new employee to KaibaCorp, don't you?"

That was a rhetorical question, obviously, but the CEO had to say something to reaffirm his authority and get everyone's eyes back to him. Deep down, a tiny sparkle of pride swelled in him, but he refused to acknowledge it. However, he decided he was satisfied for now. Perhaps he would keep the mutt a little longer than expected. If that stray mutt could scare off the shareholders like that some other time, he was at least worth a temporary adoption. He had been trained quite well, and Seto had to remember to ask Isono how such a miracle could be obtained. Besides, the brunette felt greatly tempted to try and see how far he could push the blonde until he snapped out of his strange professional demeanor, and he wanted to indulge himself the pleasure of taunting him. There might be some fun to have out of this, after all.

I hoped you enjoyed reading this chapter ^^ I loved writing it XD

Cheers!