Chapter 18:

Katsuya Jounouchi tiptoed his way down the corridor. Not that tiptoeing would actually help him sneak around any specters that he came across.

He scowled. He should have known that Kaiba would take advantage of the game to humiliate him. He really should have thought through the possible consequences to his proposal before expressing it aloud. He had only suggested this game of Truth and Dare since it was common among groups of friends. He had even played it a few times with Honda and Otogi back in the day. Sure, they had teased and made dares to cause embarrassment but it was out of honest humor, not degradement. There was no doubt in his mind that the cold CEO had meant it in both regards.

He froze as he heard a creak - and not from below his feet - before swinging his head backward in apprehension, toward where the sound came. It was dark. Kaiba must have turned off the lights when he went downstairs earlier, or the lights automatically shut off after a time. He hadn't found a lightswitch. And regretted it since it would have made him feel safer from any ghostly figures reaching for him. He didn't hear anything else though, thankfully. It still left him on edge at the thought of something following him. He picked up his pace.

"Let's get this over with," he muttered quietly. "The sooner, the better."

He managed to find the staircase leading up to the attic a few moments later by stubbing some of his toes on the first step. He ground his teeth in pain and frustration then sought blindly for the railing. Finding it, he gripped fast to the wood and used it to steady his accent upward. He trudged slowly, careful to raise each foot enough to not stub more toes. Reaching the door at the top, he twisted its handle and pushed it open. It swung stiffly to his pressure with a screechy 'CREAK.'

And that's just down-right creepy. Man… what did I get myself into?

The blond walked into the room and jumped, swinging his arms wildly as he felt a light sensation of pressure against his face. Something caught on one of his fingers, and he gingerly tugged upon it. Light flooded the room. He squoze his eyes shut tightly before fighting to adjust to the sudden brightness. He slowly opened them to take in the room. About his fingers was a string that fell from a light from above, which was the only old fashioned part about it. He gazed up but had to look back down as the lights above were spread along the entire ceiling, making it a complete block of light, with only one switch to illuminate them. It was cleaner than he imagined for an attic space. The wooden-floor area inside was filled with rows of shelving to each side of an aisle with miscellaneous items and labeled boxes. Thankfully, the shelves were also labeled. He peered at each taped tag as he walked down the aisle. Seasonal Decor. Camping Gear. Books. Toys. Records. That one was the least surprising… and interesting.

Finally! He turned into the row that had Clothing indicated. Each box on the shelves was marked with a date and a name. Most had Mokuba inscribed along the side of cardboard. The younger Kaiba sure had a collection stored up here. Maybe Seto just couldn't find it in himself to get rid of things that the kid had worn? That seemed most likely - with how intensely the CEO cared for his brother.

Katsuya paused midstep as he noticed a bin with "Seto Kaiba" inscribed on a piece of duct tape. He twisted on one foot and put his hands on the lid with a chuckle, then hesitated. Curiosity killed the cat, after all. Kaiba would probably do just that for sneaking into his personal stuff. But Jou really couldn't help himself.

He unclasped the lid from its container and put it to the side. He peered into the case. It seemed like there were only blankets of different colors and designs. How boring. He pushed a checkered quilt back to try and see deeper in. As he did so, he felt something smooth but firm against his hand from within the folded fabric. Intrigued, he unwrapped the material and found a black-and-white photograph enclosed in a simple frame. It was a picture of a lovely couple laughing together in a meadow, seemingly during a picnic. The woman drew his eyes first, obviously smitten with her partner. She had long, flowing hair and mature yet young features. Katsuya couldn't help but smile at the happiness that she projected. He forced his gaze over to the man, who held her right hand to his lips. The male within the shot was handsome and… familiar? But Jou was positive he had never seen or met this man in his life. Of course, the guy would've had to be in his forties now with the apparent age of this photo. He couldn't tell much from the monochromatic colors, but the man had a sharp nose and angular eyes with a charming demeanor. It reminded Katsuya of someone…

Suddenly, the lights went off - and he was plunged into darkness.

He tensed immediately, dropping the frame back into its bin and hugging himself tightly. He blinked slowly, knowing to do so to allow his eyes to adjust. His heart pounded in his ears. He fought back panic, breathing in deeply.

This ain't the past. Dad's in an institution. This is Kaiba's place. You're okay. He reminded himself firmly, but still his body shivered.

Despite his inner conflict, his ears sought any indication of something that might be perceived as a danger. He instinctively fell into a crouch and tucked himself into a tight ball, covering his head with his arms. He squoze his eyes shut in honest fear.

You're okay. It's okay. You're okay. It's okay. He chanted to himself like a mantra, trying to convince himself as such.

He flinched when his eyelids went red from light that ought not be there.

He tucked in tighter as he felt the vibrations in the floor as it approached. He held his breath, waiting for the pain that he knew was about to befall him.

Seto Kaiba peered into the dark attic space after his eyes adjusted.

Of course the lights had to go out - especially when he had just reached the top of the stairs. What a night this was turning out to be. He ground his teeth momentarily in annoyance. He would have to call the power company to see what the problem was after he finished this stupid little dare. He whisked out his phone from his pocket and turned on the flashlight. The light was subpar from his handheld device. He would need to upgrade to something more satisfactory as soon as possible.

He pressed forward through the doorway, phone facing to the floor to watch his steps. He doubted he would have run into anything anyways but better safe than sorry. He paused at each intersection of shelves, shining his light to check for his self-proclaimed rival. He knew where Katsuya would need to search for the bow in the dare, but wouldn't put it past the dimwit to go searching down the wrong aisle. Four rows down, Kaiba was surprised, only faintly, to find that the blond was in the right place.

His eyes narrowed as he approached what he knew was Jounouchi. Those blue eyes hardened as he saw the other individual on the ground. Despite the lack of proper lighting, Seto noticed the tension in the form before him. And were those flinches to his footfalls?

"Is the pup scared of the dark?" the CEO teased quietly when he reached Katsuya, crouching to the blond's side. He frowned deeply at the reaction his voice caused. Jounouchi visibly winced further into himself at the sound. That wasn't right.

Kaiba waited in silence, carefully watching.

With no changes within five minutes, Seto felt his body tingling in pain at his posture. He sat back onto his pockets, legs and arms crossed, with a twitching eyebrow. He wasn't the type to have much patience, but he had gained more within these last few months - only because of this stubborn fool. That patience was being greatly tested now.

Had they really spent that long together? Almost half a year now? But then, why didn't he know the reason for this behavior from Jounouchi? Kaiba recalled that this had only happened once before, during their first game of hide-and-seek. This had nothing to do with ghosts - that's for sure. Did he really not know more about Katsuya? But why should he care in the first place?! What was it about this foolish blond that twisted his emotions into a ball of yarn? He had never felt such deep… annoyance before. Annoyance because he didn't know the reason for Jounouchi to be acting this way.

The brunet reached forward a hand and lightly touched the arm of the blond. When the reaction was another flinch, Kaiba withdrew his outstretched arm slightly. Then, he wrapped his arms around Katsuya completely and pulled him into his lap. He loosened his grip but gently kept a hold of the other. Jounouchi remained in a tight ball. Seto sighed silently before humming softly, rocking soothingly side to side with his eyes closed.

Over a period of time, the brunet felt the blond slowly relax in his arms. His chin tickled as, what he assumed was Katsuya's hair, brushed against it - the other's head now rested upon his chest. Seto had started running his fingers through that hair absentmindedly as he listened for the deep breathing of Jou. The feeling was soft against his skin. It also smelled lightly of cinnamon.

"What…"

"Hmm?" the brunet murmured, encouraging the blond to speak up and continue.

"What were you humming?"

Kaiba was quiet for a moment, enjoying the peaceful silence and the warmth coming from the other, before answering. "...It's called Angel. It's a song from the 90s."

"It sounds nice… What's it about?" Katsuya whispered softly.

"Comfort… from the waves of life."

"Why would you know a song about that?" the blond asked, curiosity evident in his voice.

Seto paused, seeming to notice his actions with mild embarrassment. But also uncomfortable about the question. Still, he answered, and honestly. "It was on the radio when Mokuba and I were first taken to the orphanage after our parents' death."

Deafening was the silence afterwards.

Then Katsuya suddenly started chuckling.

"What are you laughing about, chuckle puppy?" Kaiba stated lazily, happy that the other's mood had taken a turn for the better.

"I just never would have expected this side of you." The blond murmured, raising and faintly brushing fingers along the CEO's arm. It gave Seto chills.

"Well, don't get used to it." The brunet snorted quietly. "This is the only time I'm allowing it, seeing that you were in desperate need of my attention."

"Who needs yer attention?" Jounouchi grumbled. Despite the words, Katsuya seemed to snuggle closer into the businessman's chest. Kaiba smirked at this before tightening his arms.

"Gah! You're crushin' me, moneybags!" the blond yelped, now struggling to get free.

Suddenly, the lights came on. Seto and Jou flinched.

After they had adjusted again to the sudden change in lighting, the pair looked each other in the eyes. Azure to amber. Kaiba could see the peaceful contentment in those bright orbs. He felt his own eyes soften.

This was new. Normally, Katsuya only met his gaze with anger or anxiety. Calm or even joyful emotions were rarely sent in his direction, even though the blond seemed to get excited over every little thing. Despite Jounouchi's emotions being an open-book… Seto didn't consider him weak. Why was that? Weren't emotions just a pathetic excuse for immature cowards? Sure, he was smarter and more successful than the numbskull, but Jou was living an honest life and still showed enormous strength. Darn, maybe Yugi Moto had gotten to him. Now, he was also starting to see the best in others like the little geek squad.

"You're a fast learner." Kaiba smirked at the blond, eyes flashing in amusement.

"Huh?" Katsuya's eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

"You've finally realized I'm your master. You've been sitting patiently on my lap like a good, little pet."

Jounouchi flushed red. He sprung to his feet and away from the brunet. "Yeah right, hotshot! As if!"

"So you admit that I'm hot, too, hmm?" Seto said smoothly as he stood, dusting off his pants before meeting eyes with the blond again. The smirk was still present on his face.

"No, I didn't! What?! Did I? I -"

Kaiba rolled his eyes and cut Jou off. "Let's just finish these dares."

Katsuya blushed again.

How was he going to survive the embarrassment? First, Kaiba and him had accidentally kissed. Second, the CEO hadn't just seen him once - but twice! - cowering in the past. Third, the brunet had held him like a baby that was scared of the dark, quelling his fears. And really, he was already in debt to Seto. His rival had removed the publicity from their incident and had given him a job that was more play than work, to cook for those he cared for. And he admitted it… Kaiba was someone that Jou had come to really, really care for. How could he not after seeing how similar they were?

Katsuya knew that despite the friction between them, Seto cared for him. The brunet didn't share that in words but actions, especially in private. Kaiba would watch him with kinder eyes than usual, like earlier when they had softened. Even comforting Jou physically now! Around others, the CEO seemed to have a wall. That concrete appeared to be breaking down from stone to wood to sand. Jou felt that he could see that happening more frequently when he spent time with the eldest Kaiba.

He glanced slightly at the brunet nearby.

Seto had leaned back against a shelf with arms across his chest and eyes closed, waiting as Jounouchi was searching for that stupid bow. The stubborn businessman refused to tell him where to find the thing saying, 'Can't a mutt like you use your nose to sniff it out?' Kaiba sure knew how to make his blood boil.

Taking in the burnet's facial features, Katsuya recalled the man from the photo he had found earlier. The characteristics were uncanny. He blinked in recognition. Seto obviously had to be related to that man. Why hadn't he recognized it earlier?

Jounouchi went back to the box and pulled the frame from the container again. He turned to Kaiba.

"Are these your parents?" Katsuya scratched his cheek with a small uncertain smile.

When Seto's eyes opened and were cast toward him, those blue orbs were deep and seemed to only deepen as they took in the picture shown from the blond's hand. The burnet stood and walked over, gently taking the frame and gazing forlornly at the photo encased there.

"Yes," the CEO murmured quietly.

"They seem happy."

"They often were." Kaiba's eyes clouded, as if lost in thought - or memories.

"Do you miss them?"

Those azure orbs focused immediately at the question and a hard look was given to Jounouchi.

"Of course. But what's the point in living in the past?" Seto tossed the frame back into its bin harshly.

Katsuya flinched lightly and frowned. "There's nothing wrong with missing those you love, especially when they're gone… and even though you say that, you kept the photo, Kaiba. I know that they mattered to ya. You can't hide that."

"Obviously not from someone snooping into things that aren't theirs," the businessman sneered.

Jounouchi blushed guiltily. "Hey! You were the one that dared me to come up here in the first place! Otherwise, I would've never come up here. It's yer own fault! "

Seto scowled momentarily before he sighed.

"I know."

Katsuya was barely able to hear the words. He gazed at his companion with wide eyes before his blond eyebrows furrowed in confusion. He knew? He knew what?

The CEO stalked past him and pulled down another box, opening it and reaching in a hand. Kaiba returned the container back to its spot before returning. Katsuya had twisted around to follow the other with his eyes, which were still lit with bewilderment. The brunet extended a hand and revealed a red bow from his previously clenched fist. Jou blinked.

"Now put it on."

"What…? Man, I don't get ya, moneybags." The blond frowned but took the bow in hand. "First you say you don't wanna help me but you end up helping me out anyways, even though you treat me like a pest…"

Seto didn't respond and only looked very pointedly to the bow.

Katsuya got the hint.

"Fine, ya jerk. I'll finish your stupid dare," he grumbled, clipping the bow into the left side of his hair carelessly before stomping off in the direction of the door.

Just as the blond reached the edge of the staircase, he yelped as something swung his legs out from under him. He tucked in, expecting to hit the floor. Instead, he was lifted upward. He gasped as he found Kaiba smirking down at him. Those azure eyes bright with amusement. The CEO had an arm around his back and another under his knees, effortlessly carrying him bridal style.

"Whatcha doin'?!" Katsuya blushed deeply before thrashing in an attempt to free himself from his rival's hold, pushing a hand roughly against the brunet's right cheek. "Let go of me!"

"Stop it or I'll drop you down the stairs." Seto growled the threat. The order was obeyed at once but the hand remained. "Move your hand now or I'll bite it."

Jounouchi retracted his hand to his chest instantly, as if it had been burned. The blush on his face seemed to deepen.

"Now who's the dog?" the blond muttered to himself aloud, receiving a glare. He glowered back with his arms across his chest in a pout. "Now, why are you carrying me?"

"Mokuba dared me to carry you back princess-style." Kaiba responded impassively.

"You're kidding! Mokuba's trying to humiliate me!" Katsuya whined. "The bow was already too much!"

"On the contrary, I think the bow suits you perfectly." The CEO smirked.

"Ah! Shut it!"

The End of Chapter 18