Seven

School on Monday seemed like utter hell for Jounouchi. Kaiba did not show up to school to his relief but the anticipation of him arriving has stressed the blonde out all morning long. Lunch had just ended and Jounouchi had returned the studio keys to Anzu that morning thanking her for thoughtfulness. Despite her being annoying at times, she was really passionate about her hobbies and admired him for trying so hard. For that, Jounouchi was thankful.

He slumped in his seat. It was exhausting. First he was late for school-but that had became a daily routine since his father made escapades and Jounouchi had found his escape through Tragic. Once again, he did not want to run into Kaiba, who had a habit of also being late.

No food had made Jounouchi extremely shaky as well as tense and he wondered if could nap throughout the last two periods that he had of remaining classes…

_-_-_-_

The reason why Kaiba had not been attending school was to do business. It was not only business on his company but also business on his car. He wasn't sure if he were angry or amused because he most definitely knew who had happened to make the dent on the rear end of the sports car. His puppy sure had some balls…

Today had given Seto Kaiba an all out headache, between insisting that the Ferrari get repaired today and between his business calls which somehow lead to him hosting a party at his mansion that would take inviting a lot of people… Damn. He really had gotten himself in a mess. It was so he could look better and gain publicity because tabloids had not been so kind to him lately. Then again neither had Kaiba been nice with the paparazzi the constantly followed him everywhere.

However, if it were up to Kaiba, he would have even not cared, but he knew certain people would insist and pestered him like a broken record, that it would raise up the stocks for his company and even Kaiba couldn't deny that he was single and needed to have some appeal even if he already had a certain interest on a stunning blonde dancer.

Kaiba smirked, what would be amusing would be the theme of this party and everyone he was inviting.

_-_-_-_-_

Jounouchi sighed wondering if he should go clubbing to stay home. His father had disappeared for now and it relieved him. The last thing he really needed to be dealing with was his father. He wasn't in the mood and was more worried about not being able to see Shizuka. He finally made his decision that night to not go clubbing and practice at home. He basically had the whole apartment to himself and the last thing he needed was to run into fucking Kaiba at Tragic.

The blonde rolled over on his bed. His life felt like it was changing immensely and he didn't know how or why it was… Maybe it was because he was becoming an adult? Maybe it was because he felt like he was growing up too fast. Maybe he wanted to be careless and free. Then again-he did want the benefits of being an adult and not getting looked down upon.

Jounouchi figured that he just wanted to change his life and change it for the better. He wanted to leave this hell hole of a home. He wanted to get away from his father. He wanted to have the power to see Shizuka and be a family. That was how normal people did it and Jounouchi wanted more than anything else to be normal and successful.

It would be like some twisted fairy tale though. Jounouchi had always been told fairy tales didn't exist. He was no Cinderella and refused to be seen as a pathetic princess figure. He sure was no prince though. Kaiba on the other hand… The male shook his head wondering why the hell Kaiba suddenly came to mind. Kaiba was no fucking prince. He was a spoiled brat with no manners and was a first class asshole!

The brown eyed male groaned. The sooner he got known and made his way up in life, the easier life itself would become. The easier he could shove it in the faces of people who always degraded him. Jounouchi leapt off the bed stretching and deciding to be productive for that night. It would be better than musing over nonsensical things.

Meanwhile a certain brunette was waiting at a certain club in Roppongi-a Martini in one hand confused why the star of the place wasn't on his stage. Many people were confused and wondered why 'Kat' wasn't here to liven the place up as he usually did upon his arrival. Seto Kaiba was confused and decided to do some investigating tomorrow morning… He smirked knowing that the boy would soon be bowing to him.

_-_-_-_

Jounouchi was late and fell out of bed feeling sore in the legs from practicing intensely the night before. He looked at his alarm clock and cursed loudly. He was later than usual. He brushed his teeth and fixed his hair quickly in the bathroom before making way into his bedroom to change. He almost tripped over some clothes on the floor before slinging on his school uniform and bag before running out of the door.

It was thirty minutes past the bell ringing and he was only half way there… Jounouchi eventually gave up on making a run for it and sighed. He should skip… He should just fucking cut class today… But then he'd have teachers knocking on his door. It figured that teachers in Japan were highly concerned about their students and their habits.

At least if he was late he'd only get cleaning duty, teachers usually didn't confront Jounouchi about lateness. Most knew about his previous school records and his current situation and gave him some slack by only giving him cleaning duties or even letting him off the hook.

Jounouchi looked at his wallet and decided that today was an occasion and he decided to buy some iced coffee from the machine to down before he made his way to school. He took out the right amount of yen before inserting the coins into the machine and watching the drink appear in the slot. Usually Jounouchi would skip on breakfast and usually wanted to save money and wouldn't even bother buying breakfast or a bento for lunch. All of his money usually went towards going to Tragic or some nice clothes and contact investments. He was quite content with only eating one meal a day. Usually after Tragic he'd head to a late night place or a combini.

Sometimes if he was very lucky he'd stop into a restaurant for a pretty good meal. Most of the time though, he'd go into Lawson's* Combini for some instant ramen or Onigiri, sometimes he'd treat himself to Pork Cutlet in some bento if the occasion called for it as well. Jounouchi sighed. He hated being limited but he had to maintain his appearance at Tragic and eating had to remain extremely cheap.

The blonde smirked having a brilliant idea of selling the clothes Kaiba bought him so he'd have more money to eat on… Then again, Jounouchi really liked Vivienne Westwood designs. He was torn and decided not to do so thinking that maybe one day he'd actually need a really nice outfit to flaunt around in.

Finishing the coffee, Jounouchi headed up to the gate, jumping the chain link fence rather expertly before making way into the school and changing shoes in the shoe cupboard. He had just finished changing his shoes when a hand pushed him against the cupboard.

"Who the hell?!" Jounouchi hissed trying to stay quiet. It took a lot for him not to yelp. He shuddered as he suddenly recognized the faint scent of peppermint.

"So Puppy do you have any explanations for me?" asked his drawling voice… Jounouchi knew then that the person behind him was no other than Seto Kaiba.

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Jounouchi answered before trying to pull himself free. He only made it to facing Kaiba before he was pinned again, both wrists above his head as Kaiba held them tightly with a one-handed grip.

"I have some questions for you," stated Kaiba.

"I don't have time to answer them, I have class, because unlike you-I don't have it set like you do," answered Jounouchi.

"One, what in the fuck were you thinking when you hit my car?" Kaiba asked ignoring the male under him.

Jounouchi sighed knowing that he owed Kaiba an answer to that, "It was an accident. I got pissed off and forgot that a car was behind me…and no, I didn't realize it was your car, which figured because you follow me everywhere-if it's not you it's your damn possessions."

"You do you do realize that car is worth more than your whole life's savings right?" Kaiba asked.

"Oh shut up! Would you stop flaunting your money in other people's faces?! I'll pay it back when I get a deal okay?"

"Two, why weren't you there last night?" questioned Kaiba.

"That's none of your business," Jounouchi snapped, slipping away from Kaiba only to have his manicured fingers around his wrists.

"Have you given up on marking your territory mutt? How un-dog like of you…" Kaiba mused in a teasing manner.

"I've had enough of your damned "dog" jokes Kaiba. I'm a HUMAN BEING! I have the decency and manners of a human! Stop calling me whatever the hell you please and leave me the fuck alone. You can start by letting me go!" growled Jounouchi.

"You're barking like one," Kaiba pointed out.

"And you're being rude like pig!"

"Once again, your originality never seizes to amaze me."

Kaiba finally released Jounouchi who whirled around with an annoyed look on his face and he glared up at him. He wasn't moving, as if he had questions himself…

"Why do you keep following me?" Jounouchi asked.

Kaiba smiled. The boy wasn't stupid after all…

"My, you're not as dumb as I thought…" he teased.

"Spare me the bullshit and talk," Jounouchi snapped impatiently. He knew that he should be in class but Kaiba allured him within seconds. His presence was astounding and Jounouchi suddenly had thousands of questions for him. Things that he had thought about within the past two days that had corrupted him and drove him crazy…. He finally had the courage to face Kaiba and confront him about it.

"Maybe I'm bored, maybe you have caught my interest," Kaiba answered. He wondered if Jounouchi could catch the double meaning in his words… Oh, Kaiba was interested alright. He was interested in everything about Katsuya Jounouchi.

"Your interests..? Why the hell would be interested in me? Don't you have more important things to do with your time?" Jounouchi felt electricity run through his body as Kaiba claimed he was interested in him. What did he mean by that?

"You amuse me Katsuya. It's like you have double personalities. On the dance floor you're a seductive little monster. But I've seen you alone, and passionate. And yet away from any type of music or motivation, you're as clumsy as it gets," Kaiba explained.

"Why would you be interested in my hobbies?"

"You're the last person I expected to have some other talent than making a complete fool out of yourself."

Jounouchi sighed shuddering. He did not want to get on familiar terms with this jerk. That was the last thing he wanted.

"I-I need to go to class," stuttered Jounouchi before dashing up the stairway having Kaiba follow behind him.

"W-Why are you following me?!"

Kaiba sighed and rolled his eyes motioning his head towards the classroom door only feet away from them.

"Oh yeah, we have the same homeroom together. I knew that!" said Jounouchi feeling incredibly stupid all the sudden. How the hell did he forget that?!

Kaiba innerly grinned devilishly; his prowess was finally getting to the pup. Interesting…

_-_-_-_-_

Jounouchi had managed to calm down during lunch; Kaiba had left before then leaving him at ease. Everyone was once again in chatter and in a mass of confusion and once again, Seto Kaiba vouched for him as if it were the most natural and most realistic situation in the world. Of course, everyone knew, Kaiba and Jounouchi loathed each other. Most people had to keep them far from each other, so everyone was of course confused and spreading some strange rumors about what had happened between them.

The hazel eyed male made the decision quickly to ignore them once a couple of girls mentioned something about them being together. He laid his head down on his desk as he gazed at the shining bracelet on his arm. It was another confusing thing for Jounouchi and he failed to understand why Kaiba would attach this on him and spend so much money on him other than the fact to humiliate him and remind him of what happened that one night.

Two desks were moved close to his. Yugi and Honda were across from him.

"Where's Anzu?" Jounouchi questioned quickly hiding the piece of jewelry on his wrist under his uniform jacket.

"Meeting," answered Yugi.

"Figures," Honda mumbled.

"Have you heard from your sister?" Yugi asked.

Jounouchi nodded feeling sad once again. He knew he'd definitely have to break the news to Honda…

"Yeah. She's going to the States," he answered.

"Really? Aw man, I'm sorry dude!" Honda exclaimed. He looked hurt too. Most likely though his mom would allow Honda to see her. She had liked the guy from taking care of his sister when Jounouchi's mother was going through some financial problems and her boss refused to let her off of work. Because of that, Honda often had stopped by because Jounouchi, while he had many urges to, didn't and couldn't because of Battle City…

"It's okay. She'll be under better treatment by the doctors there and hopefully cured, that's what matters," Jounouchi said with a slight nod.

Yugi smiled, "I'm sure one day, you'll get to see her and she'll be very proud of you."

Suddenly cell phones all within that area rang loudly. It was a very strange occurrence. It was normal for a student or two to receive a text during lunch, but everyone at the same time? Jounouchi jumped at the noise as well as most others in the room.

"What the-"Honda began digging out his cell phone. Jounouchi and Yugi both mirrored the movement.

Jounouchi flipped his cell phone open only to hear a couple of girls squeal loudly in the room making him flinch.

You have cordially been invited to the Kaiba Manor this Saturday to attend a staff approved Masquerade. This event requires formal attire and student ID upon arrival as your invitation.

Jounouchi was very confused. Kaiba? Holding something like a formal? Publicly? That was like saying that Yugi hated Duel Monsters. That was like saying Mai loathed Prada. That was like saying that Honda was openly gay! The blonde laughed at the last thought and heard a loud slam as Anzu appeared out of nowhere, her fist leaving a nice old dent into Jounouchi's desk.

"You guys got it too right?!" she squeaked excitedly.

"Yeah? Why?" Honda asked not surprised.

"This is crazy! Kaiba inviting all of us to his Mansion for a Masquerade! Whoever put him up to it is amazing!"

"What's a Masquerade anyway?" Jounouchi questioned.

Everyone looked at him weird as if in shock.

"You've never done Halloween before I'm taking it," Anzu answered.

"It's not openly celebrated here," pointed out Yugi trying to defend his friend. It was true. The closest thing you got to Halloween was either Akibahara* or if you went to things like Comiket*-but that a pretty controlled thing.

"I'm taking it you dress up?" assumed Jounouchi.

"Well this is formal meaning formal and ballroom apparel applies. The thing is, usually you dress completely opposite of how you would in real life. Meaning usually it's more than the mask that you change," Anzu explained.

"So it's kind of like a more refined version of the Roppongi scene, just with masks added," said Yugi.

"Count me out," said Jounouchi.

Anzu and Yugi blinked.

"Eh?" even Honda looked confused. This was a teacher approved gathering which was quite a rare thing. Then again, this was Kaiba with money none the less this was a chance for the group to let loose a little and have some fun no matter who was hosting the event.

"It's not my scene. I don't own formalwear and would rather hit up the clubs. It seems more interesting anyway," Jounouchi explained.

"But it would final-"Yugi began.

"Trust me. Just leave it. I don't want to run into you-know-who anyway," interrupted Jounouchi.

Honda grinned, "I've heard some interesting rumors about that by the way. What's going on between you and Kaiba?"

"Ugh. I don't even want to know. I have no idea and we're fighting so I don't even know," Jounouchi groaned before letting his head hit the desk with a thud.

"Sounds like a relationship problem to me," mused Anzu innocently.

Honda nodded, "He almost sounds disappointed."

Jounouchi bolted up blushing furiously at his friends comment, "I do NOT like Seto Kaiba! He's an ASSHOLE! He shoves his wealth into other people's faces and he's way too arrogant. Plus I LIKE GIRLS!"

"Oh really now?" Yugi questioned.

Jounouchi rolled his eyes before grabbing onto Anzu's chest, "YES!"

Smack. Jounouchi found himself face forward into the desk before hearing a very loud and brash Anzu scream out, "BAKA!"

Honda and Yugi were heard laughing and Jounouchi slowly raised up to see most of the classroom looking at him quite strangely before going back to what they were doing assuming there types of things were normal amongst the strange group of friends.

"Anzu, I'm sorry," Jounouchi said before his head hit the desk again.

"Apology accepted perv…"

"We weren't even talking about the liking girls thing, we were meaning Kaiba," sniggered Honda.

"But now you've given us more to think about!" Yugi exclaimed happily before laughing.

"Like you can talk!" Jounouchi snapped instantly remembering that Yugi and his Yami were quite smitten with each other if he recalled correctly.

Yugi smiled, "Yeah, but I'm pretty open about it Jounouchi. I'm not in denial."

"How the hell can I be in denial when I don't even LIKE the guy?"

Anzu, Honda, and Yugi looked at each other and grinned before saying in unison, "He's in denial."

Jounouchi groaned and gave up knowing that this was going to be one very long school day…

(A/N: I'm sorry I've been away so long. I thank you all quite sincerely for being so patient. Lately real life's been getting in my way and will continue to since my senior year is coming up and I have a lot to do. I even have TWO trips today and tomorrow…both for San Francisco so I might not have time to write this weekend but hopefully going around the city will give me some ideas? :-D San Fran isn't Tokyo but come on! I'm BOUND to have some Puppyshipping situations hit me ne?

*Lawson's Combini: In Japan, convince stores are called "combini" and are actually quite advanced, but that's another story for later. Lots of Japanese snacks and bento and what not are sold. Compare it to a slightly fancier version of Seven-Eleven?

Oh and the Cutlet deal. Fruit and generally meat are pretty expensive in Japan. Fruit more so than meat because they have to import it but you also have to keep in mind; Japan's an island… While they might have some really neat stuff-THEY LIVE ON AN ISLAND…they have to build up-hence large and rather tall buildings and the point is-they have little resources which makes certain things a little or a lot more expensive than what they would be in the US or probably a lot of places… Plus a Bento is a full meal. I DOUBT Jounouchi gets a full meal due to money and home life so getting one would be a huge occasion?

Oh and just to be off-topic even more because yeah-I owe you guys an update. Japanese vending machines are so awesome. *_* Holy shit, I wish they'd update the one in J-Town….)