Title: The First Time

Author: Wintersslayer

Rating: Pg-13

Pairing: Seto/Yami, sorta Joey/Yami

Spoilers: None that I know of.

Warnings: Maybe some language, maybe a bit OOC. And please, LOOK at the pairings listed. If you don't like, then don't read.

Disclaimer: I don't own Yugioh.

Summary: AU- 10 years ago, Yami had a beautiful relationship with Seto that ended tragically with Seto's death. Now, shortly after his engagement to his long-time best friend Joey, Yami meets a man named Seth, who curiously looks a lot like Seto...

Status: 3 of ?

A/N: I'm sorry this has taken so long. I've been busy with classes and whatnot. I would've had this chapter done a tad bit earlier, but once I had finished writing it I changed my mind and had to do some massive editing. It seemed to me that I had been doing a bit too much of Seto's perspective on things (remember- it's Yami who's remembering all of this). shrugs But I do have to add some stuff on Seto so people won't be too confused…

Anyways… Thanks so much for all of the nice reviews! I'm glad that people don't seem to mind the…speediness of the relationship.

And to Darleneartist… ummm… I think you misunderstood the summary just a bit. You'll see what I mean in maybe 2 chapters or so (I don't want to spoil anything).

Well, enjoy chapter 3 then!

START OF CHAPTER

Chapter 3

Fallen, dried leaves crunched slightly underneath his boots as Yami walked slowly along the path. He glanced at his taller companion, and noticed that he seemed rather lost in his own thoughts. He remembered from last night that Seto had told him that he didn't have time for leisurely walks. And yet here they were, taking a calm, leisurely walk together in the park. Of course, they were ditching afternoon classes to do so, but at the moment, Yami really didn't care much. This was his chance to get to know the other better. But he didn't just want to know him better- he wanted to understand him better as well. Seto was so…distant, so cold it seemed to just about everyone else but him. He had to wonder then, if the other felt that same, intense connection that he felt. As if they were the only ones in the entire world that could understand one another…

The pair continued to walk in silence down the path, each lost in their own thoughts, just enjoying each other's presence. Suddenly, the shorter of the two spotted some tree roots sticking out of the ground, forming a short but squiggly, uneven walkway. Tossing a slight grin at the other, he rushed ahead and hopped up on the end. Sticking his arms out for balance, he began to walk slowly and a bit wobbly along the roots' length, concentrating on not tumbling off.

"What are you doing?" Seto asked in a slightly amused voice. He walked slowly along the ground next to Yami.

"My brother and I used to play a game of chase on the roots, where if one of us stepped onto the ground, he would be out." He grinned. "I always ended up winning, probably cuz I'm taller." He gave a small laugh, which unfortunately distracted him enough to cause him to lose his balance. With a slight gasp he fell off, right into Seto's awaiting arms. Surprised crimson eyes stared into amused azure ones.

"You could sprain an ankle or something doing that," Seto murmured in a quiet voice, a slight grin on his face.

"Not with you here to always save me." Crimson eyes widened. He did not just say that. He hadn't meant to really- just kinda popped out of his mouth. What he had meant to say was something like, "It's not that high up." But unfortunately for him, it seemed like the filter from his brain to his mouth was not working properly, therefore allowing him to say the first thing that came to him mind, before thinking it through all the way…

The other's smile widened. "You're right. This is twice I've saved you in two days, and we've just met. Not that I mind though." He continued to stare into those red eyes that had captivated him since the first time he saw them.

Yami's cheeks reddened slightly at Seto's intense gaze. He realized with a start that the other still had his arms wrapped around him, and that their faces were rather close. It felt rather nice. They stayed like that for the next several moments, till Yami gently cleared his throat. "We should probably get back. The school officials might start wondering about us."

With a slight smirk on his lips, the future CEO unwrapped his arms from around Yami and took a step back, pulling out his cell phone as he did so. He dialed the school's number, then waited for someone to answer the call. When someone finally picked up, he recognized the voice as the lady who he had heard talking to his adopted father. Good. This should be easy. He knew that Gozaburo had told the school that from time to time, Seto would be needed to be excused from classes to help with the company. It was a handy excuse to have. "Yes, this is Seto Kaiba. I have pressing matters to attend to, and won't be available for afternoon classes. Also, I will be requiring the assistance of Yami Mutou, therefore he won't be available for afternoon classes as well." The lady spoke again. "Fine then." He snapped his cell phone shut, then placed it back into his pocket. He looked at Yami. "All taken care of."

He stared at him in amazement. "They'll excuse you, just like that?"

He shrugged. "Advantage of being a Kaiba, I suppose." He held out his hand towards Yami. "So do you have any favorite places here at the park?"

Yami once again sensed that Seto would rather not talk about his family. He didn't pay much attention to the news, and so knew little about the Kaiba family, only that they controlled a large corporation of some sort. He wondered why the other didn't like to talk about his family, but decided that when Seto felt comfortable, he would open up to him. For now, he should just enjoy his company. With a smile on his face, he took Seto's hand and they started walking once more. "There's this fountain a few minutes from here. It has a dragon with his tail in his mouth, representing the cyclic nature of things. The dragon is strong, fierce and proud, and knows how powerful he truly is. However, he gazes up at the sky looking for something more in his life. It's said that dragons live in lakes or springs, which is what the fountain's waters represent."

"Sounds like you've thought about this a lot."

He nodded. "Yeah, I like to go there to think. It's nice and quiet." He stopped walking. "We're here.

The soft sounds of water splashing greeted them as they came up to the fountain's edge. Benches circled the fountain, and they sat down on one of them, their hands still joined. As Yami gazed up at the magnificent dragon, it reminded him of the card that Seto had played during their duel (as well as his duel with Joey) the day before: the Blue Eyes White Dragon. That card was incredibly rare, so Yami was already impressed by the fact that Seto had one in his deck. The dragon reminded him of Seto as well: strong, fierce, and proud, and so confident as well. However, he got the feeling that, like the dragon, Seto was also looking for something more in his life. He could strongly sense that deep down, the other was not happy, though he hid his unhappiness quite well. Yami hoped that he would be able to help the other find what he is searching for…

They sat at the fountain for the next few hours, some of it in comfortable silence, some of it sharing stories and learning a bit more about each other, though it was mostly Yami sharing and Seto listening, till Seto glanced at his watch and frowned. "I'm sorry, but we need to get going. I have to be at work in another half hour or so."

Yami nodded and they both stood up and started heading back towards the park entrance, where the limo would be waiting for them. The ride to the Kame game store was silent, neither one speaking till the limo pulled up to the brightly-lit store. Seto smiled gently at the other. "I think I rather like taking these leisurely-type walks."

The sophomore smiled back. "I had a good time as well."

His smile turned into a bit of a grin "Care to join me again tomorrow, at the same time?"

Yami laughed, knowing that the other was just joking. "If we are going to do that, then why bother attending classes at all tomorrow?

"Why indeed. So it's agreed then. We'll ditch for the entire day."

He shook his head, smiling. "You're impossible, Seto."

Seto let out a rather disappointed sigh. "Alright then. If you won't spend tomorrow with me, then how about Saturday night?" He no longer wore his grin, but looked quite serious now.

Crimson eyes widened slightly. Was Seto asking him out on a date? He should say something quick. "I'd love to go out on Saturday with you." Maybe it was a good thing after all that that filter from his brain to his mouth wasn't working properly.

"Great. I'm looking forward to it."

Yami was all smiles as he climbed out of the limo. He peered back into it. "See you tomorrow, Seto."

"Bye, Yami."

The door was shut, and Seto made sure that Yami was safely inside the game shop before telling the driver to head to KaibaCorp. Actually, he was supposed to be at KaibaCorp about an hour ago. It amazed him at how easy it was to lose track of time while he was with Yami. He let out a sigh. Gozaburo was definitely not going to be happy with his tardiness…

As expected, his adopted father was not happy. "Where have you been all this time?" he demanded in an angry voice.

"Busy," Seto replied in a monotonous voice.

"And doing what, exactly? What could be more important than Kaiba Corp work?"

Anything and everything, Seto thought to himself. Out loud, he said, "I was meeting with a potential future investor. He contacted me while I was at school, so I met with him immediately."

"Oh really now?" Gozaburo didn't sound convinced. He pulled out his cell phone and called the school. The receptionist indeed confirmed that Seto had taken some of his afternoon classes off for some "pressing matters". He flipped the phone shut as he narrowed his eyes at the boy. "And what is the name of this investor?"

"He wouldn't say, stating that he'd like to think about it some more before making any type of commitment."

"Hm." Something didn't sound right to the CEO. "What is his contact information?"

"Again, he wouldn't say, stating that he'd prefer to contact me instead."

"Hm. Do you think he will commit in the future?"

"I'm confident that I can persuade him to."

Finally, Gozaburo nodded his head. "Yes, you should gain his trust first by doing as he wishes. Looks like you are finally learning, Seto. Now get to work."

Seto nodded, then left quickly. Finally. He thought Gozaburo would never shut up and stop asking questions. He knew the CEO didn't quite believe him, so he'd have to be extra careful now. He couldn't let him find out about Yami. Gozaburo hated distractions of any kind, and the crimson-eyed sophomore was definitely a distraction. He didn't want to put him in any kind of danger.

For the third day in a row, Seto and Yami arrived at the school at almost exactly the same time. And for once, they weren't running late. When they walked into class together, they were greeted with loud clapping and whistles. Yami's cheeks turned slightly red, while Seto frowned in annoyance. Before either could ask what was going on, the teacher walked into the room, and after receiving a warning glare from Seto, motioned for the two to take their seats. All throughout the morning, students whispered excitedly whenever Yami passed by them. It wasn't until lunch that he finally had a chance to ask what was going on.

"Everyone's talking about you and Kaiba!" Tea said excitedly.

"Yeah, they're all talking about how you two ditched class together yesterday," Tristan added, grinning. "Rumor has it that you two are getting rather close."

Yugi grinned at his older brother. Last night, Yami had told him all about his time in the park with Kaiba. "Yeah Yami, exactly how close are you getting with Kaiba? You two sure seem to spend an awful lot of time together."

The older Mutou frowned. "We're just friends. No harm in spending time with a friend."

"Well, I don't think you should spend time with Mr. Moneybags at all!" Joey exclaimed. "You can't trust rich folk like him, Yami! They are always up to no good, thinking they are better than the rest of us."

Yami shook his head. "Seto's not like that at all. He's really sweet actually."

Everyone looked at each other. "I thought he only likes to be called Kaiba," Tea commented lightly, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.

"He told me I could call him Seto," Yami said with a shrug. He didn't really see what the big deal was.

Again, his friends all gave each other looks. Luckily for him, Joey decided to change the subject, who was getting rather annoyed of all this talk about Kaiba. "Hey guys, how about we all go up to the mountains this weekend?" The mountains were about an hour's drive from Domino City, and was a popular hang out for the friends. From time to time, they would go there to relax and get away from their parents a bit. The cabin that they stayed at belonged to the Mutou's.

Yugi, Tea, and Tristan all agreed at once. However, Yami shook his head. "Sorry, but I already have plans this weekend."

Joey frowned. "With Kaiba you mean?" he asked in a disdainful voice.

"Well…yes, actually."

The blond growled low in his throat. That Kaiba was definitely asking for it. He needed to convince Yami that Kaiba was no good for him at all. And he knew just how to, with some of the digging that he has been doing.

After school was out, Joey convinced Yami to walk home with him (he made sure to get to him before Kaiba could). Turning to his best friend, he cleared his throat gently. When he had Yami's attention, he started the speech he had been planning all afternoon (instead of paying attention to his lessons). "Look Yami, I'm sorry about what I had said about Kaiba at lunch. I guess I'm still a little mad that he beat me, that's all. But that's still no reason for me to be such a jerk. I really am sorry."

As expected, Yami smiled. "It's alright, Joey."

They were silent for a moment, till the blond spoke again. "But you know, Yami, I was only trying to protect you. You are my best friend after all."

The other frowned at him. "Protect me from what?"

Joey sighed loudly. "I didn't want to tell you this, but there's this rumor that Kaiba is quite the player. I heard that at his old school, he'd be all nice to guys just to get them to sleep with him. You know, take them to their favorite places and offer them rides. He likes to play with people's minds."

Crimson eyes widened. That didn't sound like the Seto he knew at all…

The blond could already see the doubt starting to form. "I heard he does it cuz it's a nice, you know, release and all for him, what with all the stress from his work."

"What- what does he do?"

Joey widened his eyes in fake shock. "He didn't tell ya? He works for Kaiba Corp, which is owned and run by his adopted father, Gozaburo Kaiba. Kaiba Corp is this huge company that manufactures weapons. They bully and buy out their competition, usually by illegal means."

Yami was finding it difficult to process all this information. Could this be why Seto never liked to talk about his family or work? Could he just be some sort of game to him? "Joey, how do you know all of this?"

His best friend shrugged. "I've read about Kaiba Corp in the papers. And I know some people who went to Kaiba's old school."

He shook his head, his blond bangs flying. Of course he trusted his best friend, and he thought that he had trusted Seto as well. He really needed to talk to Seto about this. "I'm sorry Joey, but I really have to go now. I'll talk to you later."

"Okay then. No problem. See ya later." Joey waved bye as his friend rushed off, most definitely to go talk to Kaiba. He smiled to himself. "That's what ya get for trying to take what's mine, Moneybags."

Yami was breathing hard by the time he reached the looming Kaiba Corp building. He had run nearly the entire way. Taking a moment to catch his breath, he glanced over towards the alley where Seto had helped him with that thug a few nights ago. That night, he hadn't noticed the tall Kaiba Corp building. He remembered that Seto had told him that he just had gotten off from work. He must have been working at Kaiba Corp then to be so near to the alley. Which would mean that what Joey had said was true…

Determined to straighten this out, he walked into the grand glass doors of the building, and towards the receptionist desk. The receptionist looked up from her typing. "Welcome to Kaiba Corp. How may I assist you?"

"I'm looking for Seto Kaiba. It's urgent that I speak with him."

"Take the elevator up to the top floor. His office is to the right."

"Thank you." Yami did as he was told. Inside the elevator, he could feel his heart starting to pound madly inside his chest. After what seemed like a long time, the elevator finally dinged and its doors opened. He stepped out and headed immediately to the right, where he met another receptionist, this one doing some filing. "Hello. I'd like to speak with Seto Kaiba."

"Do you have an appointment with Mr. Kaiba?" She looked up from her filing.

"No, but I really need to speak with him."

"I'm sorry, sir. But Mr. Kaiba only sees those with appointments. If you'd like, then I can schedule one for you right now."

Before he could reply, a familiar voice called out, "Yami? Well this is a pleasant surprise."

He turned around to find Seto walking up towards him, smiling and seeming genuinely glad that he was here. Or was this all part of his little game? "Seto, we need to talk."

The future CEO immediately caught the seriousness in the other's voice. His eyes, on the other hand, held something different. What though, he couldn't tell. "Sure. Come in to my office then."

The two walked into his spacious office, Seto shutting the door behind them, and both sat down on the leather couch. They were silent for several moments, Yami's mind swirling from everything that had happened. Yes, he wanted to understand Seto and to help him. However, he refused to merely be someone else's game.

Finally, he spoke, his voice rather quiet. "Seto…what am I to you?" He kept his head lowered, eyes trained on the plush dark blue carpet. He just couldn't look at him yet. If he did, he might end up losing his composure.

This question caught Seto rather off guard, though he didn't show it. "What do you mean?"

"Do you consider me a friend?" He continued to gaze at the carpet.

Seto thought about this, and sighed. "Honestly, Yami, I've never had any friends before. The closest person to me would be my younger brother." He paused. "Yami, what's this all about?"

Yami finally looked up and met his gaze, determined to keep his composure. "Why didn't you ever tell me that you were adopted? Or that you worked for Kaiba Corp?"

Blue narrowed slightly. He knew that there were plenty of articles on all about how Gozaburo had adopted him and his brother, but he didn't think Yami was the type who'd go looking it up or anything. Usually, people who went looking him up wanted something out of him. Maybe he was wrong about him after all. "It's none of your business. And don't you know it's not nice to go snooping around other people's business?"

The crimson-eyed boy noted the sudden coldness of the other's voice. Maybe he had realized that his game had been discovered. He suddenly got to his feet. "I'm sorry, but I don't think we should see each other any more. Good-bye, Seto." He walked towards the door, his hand on the handle when Seto spoke once more, his voice emotionless.

"It's Kaiba."

Yami nodded silently, but didn't bother to turn around. "Kaiba it is then." He opened the door and got out of the building as fast as he could, his heart rather heavy. Joey was right then. He really was just a game to Seto. How could he have been so wrong about him? That intense connection that he had felt- no, still feels- must be a fake one. There's no way that it could be real. It just… wasn't possible…

When he reached the game store, he found Joey heading up to the small store as well. "Oh hey Yami. I was just coming to talk to Yugi about the mountain trip this weekend." Actually, he had come by just so he could catch Yami coming back from Kaiba Corp.

"Right. About that. My plans have changed, so looks like I'll be able to go after all." He tried to sound as normal as he could.

"That's great!" Inside, Joey was cheering like mad. Looks like things with Kaiba went exactly as he thought it would. So long, Moneybags. He slung an arm around his friend's shoulders. "Let's go talk to Yugi then."

Yami could only manage a weak smile as they entered the store.

Back in his office, Seto sat at his desk, typing rapidly, almost furiously, on his laptop. He was so stupid to have let his guard down like that, actually thinking that Yami was somehow different from everyone else. Dealing with cut-throat businessmen, and having to live with a man like Gozaburo, had taught him that people were all the same- greedy, selfish, and power-hungry. The only person that didn't fit that category was his little brother Mokuba.

There was a soft knock on the door, a knock that Seto recognized as his brother's. "Come in, Mokuba."

The door opened, and short boy with spunky black hair whizzed in. He rushed over to where his brother was, a huge smile plastered on his face. "Heya Big Brother! How was your day?"

"Fine. How was school?"

Mokuba could immediately tell that his brother was lying. "It was okay, I guess." He looked at his brother with concern. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine. Just tired, I guess."

He nodded, knowing how hard their adopted father worked him. "How about we take a little break to the cabin this weekend then? We haven't been there in a while, and I hear there's lots of snow right now." He loved going to their cabin in the mountains, which was about an hour's drive away from Domino City. He tried to get his brother to go there as often as possible, knowing that it would relax him from just being away from Gozaburo and from Kaiba Corp. Their adopted father only allowed them to go on the notion that Seto needed time alone and away from everyone to work on "special" projects, and that Seto never went anywhere out of town without his brother by his side. But really, they went up there so they could play Duel Monsters, or so Seto could play the piano for Mokuba. His big brother did do some work though, so he'd have something to show to Gozaburo when they got back.

Seto looked up at his little brother, who was gazing at him with concerned grey eyes. He knew he loved to the mountains. And perhaps some fresh air would do him some good, clear his mind a bit. "Sure, the mountains sound like a great idea."

Mokuba smiled widely. Maybe while they were up in the mountains he could get Seto to tell him what was wrong, and hopefully, to help him with whatever it was. He had the feeling though, that it had something to do with the guy that he had met this week. His brother had told him all about his meetings with Yami, and to him, seemed happier than he had been in a long time. So, something must have gone terribly wrong between the two of them. If he finds out that Yami had hurt his big brother in any way, there was certainly trouble ahead for him. Nobody hurts his brother and gets away with it…

END OF CHAPTER

Gah… I'm so not good at writing arguments. Guess it's cuz I feel bad about making them fight and what not. I know it's really not that strong, and Seto probably seems like he did a quick 180 with how he felt about Yami. I'm basing that reaction off that he is probably tired and annoyed of everyone snooping into his life (he is the son of Gozaburo, after all).

Whew, long chapter this was! Or maybe it just seems like it cuz I kept changing my mind on things...Bah. Stupid mind just can't stick to one thing. ;)

So, who all really hates Joey now? I warned you that he'd be not so good in this fic. Anyways, next chapter…mountain trip! Bet you all know who's gonna see each other there…

Thanks so much for reading, and please review! ;)