Love Shack
Love Shack
By
Hideki LaShae
Chapter Eight
I knock gently on the door to Seto's room.
"Come in."
I open the door and step inside. I close the door.
Seto looks up at me from where he sits on his bed reading a book. He smiles. "Nice pajamas. Are they new?"
I blush as I look down at my Red-Eyes Black Dragon t-shirt and Blue-Eyes White Dragon lounge pants. "Yes. They are new. I couldn't find my old pajamas, so Mokuba and I picked this up when we went shopping."
"I see." Seto closes the book and sets it on the nightstand.
I walk up beside the bed and look at the book. "K. Summers? I've heard good things about her work. Is it interesting?"
"Very actually. Would you like to read some?"
"Yeah." I smile and sit down beside Seto.
"What's on your mind, Jou?"
I sigh. "I have to know."
Seto raises an eyebrow.
"The other night when I slept in here with you," I say. My chest clenches. I don't want to know. "Did I rape you?"
Seto looks directly into my eyes. "No. You didn't. If anyone was raped, it was you."
"Huh?"
"You were asleep. You were dreaming. You didn't know what you were doing," says Seto, "I tried to wake you, but I didn't try hard enough. You said that you love me, and I wanted that to be true so much that I would allow you to have your way with me." He takes a deep breath. "You did take my virginity then, Jou, but I won't see it as rape. For my part, it was consensual."
"You were a virgin?"
"Yes."
"Why would you want me to love you? Why would you let me have your virginity?" I crumple my eyebrows as I look at you with desperate confusion. "Help me understand, Seto!"
"Isn't it obvious, Jou? I'm in love with you," says Seto.
My eyes widen, and I fall off the bed.
"Jou! Are you okay?" Seto gets up and helps me back onto his bed, this time in a lying down position.
"That was scary, but I'm not hurt," I say.
"When we first met, I thought you were stupid, and you got on my nerves a lot. It also didn't help that you seem to be excessively clumsy around me… rather like a puppy that hasn't grown into its paws yet," says Seto, "That's why I started calling you the dog names. I continued because of the fiery reaction I got in return."
"So you like torturing me?"
"No! I like fighting with you! You're so passionate when you fight with me, and you get flustered so easily! And that appeals to me on so many levels," says Seto, "It has taken me such a long time to realize that your beauty and complexity arouse me. You surprise me, Jou. Not only are you beautiful, but also you are devoted, confident, and courageous. I've seen you walk straight into dangerous situations and come out unscathed. And you are much more intelligent than I initially thought. I admire you. I respect you. It's taken me time to finally admit all of this to myself and now to you. I'm in love with you, Jou!"
"You're in love with me?" I ask.
"Yes. Do you know what I mean by that? You are the one special person I wish I could spend my life with."
"Seto… how can you go from hating me to wanting to build a life with me?"
"I never hated you. You annoyed me, and I didn't handle that annoyance well. I've cared for you for so long, but I would always throw it up to concern or hormones or simple confusion…"
"You've never hated me?"
"Never!"
"I've never hated you."
Seto leans forward quickly and kisses my forehead. "For now that is all I can hope for."
I wrap my arms around you in a warm embrace. "Now, since I'm already in bed, do you mind if I sleep in here with you?"
"One condition."
"What's that?"
"You sleep under the comforter only. It won't do to have you jumping me in your sleep again," says Seto smiling.
"Deal!" I pull the comforter down and crawl in between it and the rest of the blankets.
"The next time we make love, I want it to be completely consensual for the both of us," says Seto, "Go ahead and fall asleep if you can. I'll join you in a moment."
I cuddle in the blanket and close my eyes. I hear Seto go into the bathroom.
Seto comes out of the bathroom wearing his bathrobe. He turns the lights down so they cast a dim light around the room before he sheds the robe and climbs beneath all the blankets naked. He slides close to me and wraps his arms around me. "Sleep well, Jou."
I rest my head on Seto's shoulder and let sleep come now that I'm safe.
I spend a lot of time with Seto over the next weeks. I keep seeing little flashes of Yami in him. We ride to school together every day after we drop Mokuba off at his school, and we sit side by side at lunch. I eat the wonderful bento that Seto always makes for me and then I finish his because he doesn't eat much.
After school, I walk to the Kame Game Shop with all my friends, and the limo picks me up after Mokuba's soccer practice so that the two of us can go together to the Kaiba Corp building and drag Seto home for dinner. After dinner, we all watch a movie or play a game together… of course that's after we all do our homework together. Seto's a wonderful teacher. I understand math a lot better now. I still crawl into his bed most nights, and he holds me while I sleep.
I know why Yami wanted me to get to know Seto better. Seto is Yami in so many ways. I love them both, but I don't know who I'm in love with. I haven't spoken to Yami since that morning, and Seto hasn't told me he loves me again. I can see that he still does though. He just doesn't want to pressure me… I'm more confused about my feelings than ever!
I walk into Seto's room without knocking. I freeze when I see him standing there with his shirt off, caught in the act of changing, but that isn't what's made me catch my breath.
On the bicep of Seto's left arm, a Blue-Eyes White Dragon twists around a Red-Eyes Black Dragon in a classic yin-yang pose.
I know that tattoo! Yami!
"Jou?"
I snap back to reality. "I just noticed your tattoo. It's so beautiful! Yami has one just like it."
"Not exactly. This tattoo is one of a kind. I designed it personally," says Seto.
"That can't be!" I know that tattoo. I've stared at it for hours! It's the exact same as Yami's, even down to the tiny gem-like eggs that border it! That's Yami's tattoo…
"Are you saying I couldn't design a tattoo?" Seto glares at me.
"Huh? Oh, no. I meant that tattoo is the exact same as Yami's," I say walking up to Seto and feeling his arm. "The eggs… the loving look in the blue eyes… the loyal expression on the black face… the submissiveness in the drooping black tail… the possessiveness of the white… These two dragons aren't sure whether they want to engage in an aerial battle or aerial sex!"
Seto's eyes soften, and he blushes. "I've never seen it that way before."
"You should have. These dragons are desperately in love with each other!"
Seto pulls me into a warm embrace. "Thank you."
I wrap my arms around Seto and hold him close to me. "You're welcome, Seto…"
"Now what did you come in here for?" Seto pulls away and smiles at me.
I pull the two tickets for the Duel Monsters Expo from my pocket. "The Expo is this weekend! We're still going, aren't we?"
"Of course, we're going! I wouldn't miss this for the world!" exclaims Seto.
"Great!" I exclaim, "I think you should wear something sleeveless so people can see that cool tattoo of yours!"
"Only if you wear the Blue-Eyes t-shirt."
"Already planned on it! White jeans, Blue-Eyes White Dragon t-shirt, and my Red-Eyes Black Dragon leather jacket!" I smile. "Speaking of which, have you noticed any new additions to your wardrobe?"
"No…"
I rush to Seto's closet and dive into it. I come out wearing a sleeveless white trench coat in a style very typical for the brunet's tastes.
"My coat?"
"This is a new one," I say turning so you can see the back.
Seto chuckles. "A Blue-Eyes on the back!"
"Yep! This is white leather, by the way. Deer-hide so it's very soft," I say taking the coat off, "I had it custom made for you. I hope it fits."
"I'm sure it will fit great." You walk up to me and take the coat to slip it on over your bare chest. "Perfect fit."
"Beautiful," I whisper touching you chest lightly, "You're so strong."
"All the better to sweep you off your feet," you whisper.
All the color rushes to my cheeks.
"So… aside from your coat, you'll be dressed like a Blue-Eyes, right?" asks Seto with a small smirk just barely twisting his lips.
"Yeah, I am," I say, "I'll be wearing both of our favorite dragons."
"I think I will do the same. You don't happen to have a muscle shirt with a Red-Eyes on it that I could borrow, do you?" asks Seto, "Something I could wear black jeans with, perhaps…"
"Wait right here!" I exclaim rushing from the room. I burst through the door into my room and yank open the top drawer of my dresser. I pull out a shimmering white muscle tee with the Red-Eyes Black Dragon in defensive position on the chest. The tee fits me well enough, but on Seto it should show off every muscle he has. I hurry back to Seto's room and hold up the shirt for him to see. "This would look perfect on you!"
Seto takes off his coat and grabs the shirt to pull it on.
I was right. He might as well be naked. The shirt fits him like a glove. "Beautiful…"
Seto smiles. "I'm glad you approve."
I can't help but blush as I look into your eyes and smile. "Yeah. I do."
"We'll leave right after breakfast on Friday, and we'll be spending the night in a hotel in Tokyo so pack an overnight bag. I've already made the arrangements with Yugi's grandfather so they'll be staying with us in the hotel," says Seto.
I hug Seto quickly. "Thank you, Seto!"
"I know it means a lot to you…" Seto returns my embrace. "… To have all your friends close."
"Including you," I say cuddling further into your arms. My heart swells with joy as I relax against you. It feels like you were built just to hold me like this… like we were meant to be…
I wake up with a kiss on my cheek. I open my eyes and look up at Seto. I can't help but smile at the look on his face.
"I see you no longer think you need to ask about sleeping with me," says Seto, "Did you have trouble sleeping last night?"
"Yeah. I was so excited that I couldn't fall asleep. You seemed to have no such problems so I thought I could absorb some of your calmness to go to sleep," I say sitting up, "It worked. I fell right to sleep."
"It worked in reverse too."
Our faces are only inches apart. It wouldn't take but a slight movement for our lips to be touching, but I won't be the one to move either way.
"Reverse?"
"I woke up two hours ago, and I was too excited to go back to sleep," says Seto smiling, "So I've picked outfits for us both to wear to the opening ceremony to the Expo. We'll save your dragon idea for Saturday. I do need to look professional today."
"Okay! Let's get dressed and go have breakfast then!"
Seto licks his lips slowly before pulling away from me and standing.
I push the blankets off and stand up. "I still need to pack my overnight bag anyway. I am wearing my pajamas after all."
"Should I show you your outfit first or mine?" you ask with a smile.
"Just give me my clothes. I'll go get dressed and then we can admire how the other looks over breakfast!"
Seto nods and he steps into his closet. He comes back out with a garment bad and a small suitcase. "Here. You can put the clothes you're taking in the suitcase."
"Thank you!" I exclaim grabbing both items from Seto and kissing your cheek before running out of the room. I duck into my bedroom and swing the door mostly closed. I toss everything on my bed and grab three clean pairs of underwear and socks that I put in the suitcase and an extra set to wear today. I pack my outfit for tomorrow before pulling off my pajamas and folding them to put in the suitcase. I take my clean underwear into the bathroom so I can shower, brush my teeth and hair and do my morning rituals. I wrap my toiletries in a hand-towel before placing them in my suitcase and closing it. Then I proceed to get dressed.
"You make a very cute Red-Eyes Black Dragon, Jou!" exclaims Mokuba when he notices me enter the dining room.
I blush. "Thank you. I love the colors, but I feel so silly… like I'm going to my own wedding or something!"
"It's a suit. Not a tux," says Mokuba, "Although you would look fetching getting married in that!" He smiles and whispers, "So long as it's to my brother…"
"Quit tormenting Jou, Mokuba," says Seto as he steps into the room behind me.
"Cool! A Blue-Eyes White Dragon suit!" exclaims Mokuba smiling. "You look very handsome together! Seto's the bride!"
Seto blushes. "Only for the right person…"
I wear black suit pants. Seto wears white. I wear a red button-down shirt that barely peeks out at the cuffs. Seto's button-down shirt is light, no, medium… wait, we'll just call it sky blue. I wear a diagonally striped crimson and burgundy tie. Seto wears a horizontally striped sapphire and navy blue tie. I wear a black suit jacket. Seto wears a white jacket. I have a crimson handkerchief in my left breast pocket, and Seto's handkerchief is sapphire blue. We both wear matching black dress shoes. We match the yin-yang tattoo inked into Seto's flesh.
"Have you noticed the other item?" asks Seto pulling a pair of sunglasses out of his inside breast pocket, and he slips them on. The frames themselves are sapphire blue, and the lenses are blue-tinted. "A lot of the Expo will be in outside booths, but a lot also happens indoors."
I reach into my pocket and pull out my sunglasses to put them on. My frames are red, and the lenses are also tinted red. "Hey, I'm looking at the world through rose-tinted glasses!"
Seto chuckles. He removes his glasses and puts them away before sitting down. "Are you all packed, Jou?"
"Yeah." I put my sunglasses away and sit down to eat. "I put my suitcase by the front door. Once we eat, I'm ready to go!"
"Good," says Seto with a smile. "Now remember, Mokuba. We're dropping you off at school and the limo will pick you up after so you can go to your friend's house for the sleepover."
"Could I bring them back here?" asks Mokuba.
"So long as it's okay with their family," says Seto.
"Thanks!" exclaims Mokuba, "You two have fun!"
We finish breakfast in record time and take the limo to Mokuba's school to drop him off before we go to the Kame Game Shop to collect Yugi and Grandpa Motou.
"Thank you for flying us to Tokyo with you," says Grandpa.
"No thanks necessary. The helicopter has enough room for all of us," says Seto. He places his arm over my shoulders, and I lean into him.
Grandpa smiles fondly. "Oh, I see…"
"See what?" I ask resting my head on Seto's shoulder.
"What is Kaiba Corp exhibiting this year?" asks Yugi quickly.
"An upgraded Duel Disc system, and we're unveiling the plans for a special Duelist's Academy where anyone with the talent to get in can get an education while also training to join the pro circuit. Only top duelists will be allowed in," says Seto, "but there's tests that anyone can take. If they score high enough on the written tasks and the practical Duel Monsters demonstration match, they get in."
"Wow! Can I get in?" I ask looking up at you hopefully, lovingly.
"No. You'll be too old by the time the academy is built. I'm just testing the market right now to see if there's interest," says Seto.
I lower my eyes forlornly.
"But I would love you to be a guest speaker or part-time instructor or something if we do build the school," you say.
"Really?" I ask hopefully again as I look into Seto's eyes once more.
Seto caresses my cheek and smiles. "There will be a place for you if you want it…"
"I want! I want!" I practically throw myself into Seto's lap. My heart soars in excitement, and my body flushes from our close proximity to each other. I cuddle close to you, and before I know what's happened, we've stepped out of the hotel's courtesy car in front of the convention center where the Expo is just getting under way. I look around and see a lot of familiar faces.
"I'm scheduled to give a speech about the school at noon," says Seto, "but after that I'm free to go wherever you want to, Jou."
"What time is it now? I don't have a watch," I say.
"Just past ten," says Seto looking at his wrist, "I have to be ready for the speech fifteen minutes early, so we have a little time before that to explore."
"I want to see your Duel Disc sometime," I say.
"You have your deck, right?"
"Of course!"
"Will you give a demonstration on my new Duel Disc? You versus the computer?" asks Seto.
My lips widen into a huge grin. "Yeah!"
"Come on then. We have to go talk to Pegasus!" exclaims Seto, "He's here to promote some of the new card releases. Maybe we can borrow some to add to your deck for the demo! He might let you keep them!"
I grab Seto's hand. "Where is he?"
Seto squeezes my hand. "He has a conference room that he's turned into a card shop."
We walk quickly, hand-in-hand, into the convention center to find Pegasus Crawford.
"Kaiba-boy! Katsuya!" exclaims Pegasus as soon as we enter his card room. His eyes shoot down to our clasped hands, and his smile widens. "What can I help you with?"
"Jou is going to give a demonstration on the new Kaiba Corp Duel Disc, and so we're looking for any new cards that we could showcase too," says Seto.
Pegasus glances at our joined hands again. "I think I have one that he'd like…"
"What?" I sound excited even to my own ears.
Pegasus leads us over to a display case and pulls out a card that shows an ornate bottle filled with pink liquid. "I like your matching outfits. Very suiting for you."
"Thanks," I say, "I like them too!" I lean into Seto. "It was all Seto's idea though."
"This is the perfect card for your deck, Katsuya," says Pegasus, "When you have your Red-Eyes on the field and your opponent summons the Blue-Eyes, play this card."
"What's it called?" I ask.
"Love Potion #9." Pegasus smiles and hands me the card. "Take good care of it. I'll be watching to see you use it. If you use this card to win, it's yours."
"Oh, thank you! I'd hug you, but that would be too weird!"
"Hug Kaiba-boy. He's the one who brought you here after all," says Pegasus.
"Yeah!" I throw one arm around Seto's neck and tighten my grip on your hand, which I still hold. "Thank you, Seto!"
Seto wraps his other arm around my waist and clings to me longingly.
I slowly pull away, letting our touch linger. "What does this card do anyway?"
"What's it say?" asks Seto looking at the card in my hand.
"It's an Equip Magic Card. When played on an opponent's monster of the same type as one of yours, your opponent's monster falls in love with yours and will stand in front of your monster to protect it and eliminate any monster that tries to attack yours," says Pegasus.
"So if I played this against Seto's Blue-Eyes while I have my Red-Eyes on the field…?"
"The Blue-Eyes will fall in love with the Red-Eyes and effectively switch sides, but you don't have any control over it, Katsuya," explains Pegasus, "It would protect your Red-Eyes though. I'm really interested to see it in action. The Duel Monsters almost seem to have an A.I. when used with Kaiba Corp tech, and those dragons have a fierce rivalry… so it could be interesting."
I slip the card into the pocket where I have my deck, and I stay right beside Seto as we wile away the time looking at the newest cards.
We wind up rushing to get Seto to his platform in time for his speech, yet he still makes time to ensure my comfort and visibility.
"I'd like you to sit here, Jou," says Seto sending a quick glare to the man already sitting in the front row, center seat.
"Why can't I sit in the empty one right beside him?" I ask.
"Because I want to be able to see you no matter where I'm looking," you say honestly.
My heart fills with joy at the sound of those words.
"It's all right. I understand completely. I'll move over so the young man can sit here," says the man moving to the seat beside him.
"Thank you," says Seto bowing respectfully to the man, "Jou, please sit here. I have to get ready…"
"Okay." I sit down in the recently vacated seat before Seto moves away to get his diagrams, models, and slide show presentation ready for his speech.
"I think this is the first time I've ever seen that young man nervous to be giving a speech in front of a crowd," says the man beside me, "He must really care about your opinion of him."
I simply smile… for the man's sake and also during the entire presentation except for when I switch to more appropriate expressions of awe or immense joy.
Seto's eyes fall on me more often than not as he speaks. "Several current dueling champions have already expressed interest in being speakers or teachers of some manner. Thank you."
"Kaiba-sama! Which duelists want to teach?" calls a woman in the crowd.
"Kujaku Mai has already expressed interest in having a quarterly speaker position. I am in negotiations with Motou Yugi, and Jounouchi Katsuya has decided he would like to teach," says Seto, "Although nothing has been confirmed at this time, and all discussions will remain open until the school is built. Thank you all. Please enjoy the Expo." He walks away from his microphone despite the rapid questions, and he holds out his hand for me.
I take Seto's hand and let him lead me away. "Can I try your Duel Disc now?"
"Would you like lunch first?"
"No…"
"Let's tell Pegasus we're getting ready then," says Seto.
Summoning Blue-Eyes White Dragon, says the computerized voice of my dueling opponent, Attack Scapegoat token.
"Stop attack!" I exclaim activating my hidden trap card.
Attack prevented. Battle phase ended. Turn ended.
I close my eyes and wish for the card I need. I draw from the stack of cards in my Duel Disc and look at it. I smile. "I play this card, Monster Reborn to bring back my Red-Eyes Black Dragon to the field."
With a brilliant display of light, my dragon appears in front of me thanks to the holographic projectors of the Duel Disc system.
"Next, I play this Equip Magic Card… Love Potion #9… on the Blue-Eyes White Dragon!"
Everyone waits with baited breath as the white dragon drinks the pink liquid from the bottle.
The Blue-Eyes looks at the Red-Eyes for a moment before flying up into the air with a roar, and my Red-Eyes roars in answer before flying up as well. The two dragons circle each other in what is either a prelude to a fight or a complicated mating ritual. After a moment, both dragons land in front of me. They nuzzle each other's head and turn their gazes to the emptiness of the other half of the field.
"Blue-Eyes, I know you won't listen to me, but please protect your chosen mate," I say, "Red-Eyes, attack his life points directly!"
The black dragon roars as it unleashes its attack.
"End turn," I say.
Summoning second Blue-Eyes White Dragon, says the computer, and another white dragon appears. Destroy Red-Eyes Black Dragon.
I hold my breath as I see the computer's dragon shoot its blast towards my dragon, but the amorous Blue-Eyes steps in front and takes the brunt of the attack.
"Love Potion #9 gives the Blue-Eyes an additional 500 attack points in order to protect its mate!" exclaims Pegasus with a smile.
The amorous Blue-Eyes attacks and destroys the computer's dragon.
"Now, Red-Eyes! Take out the rest of its life points!" I exclaim, and my dragon obeys.
The Red-Eyes and Blue-Eyes nuzzle each other before their holograms fade.
I turn towards you and Pegasus with a smile, and I rush to hold you in my arms. "That card is so cool!"
"As promised, it is yours now, Katsuya," says Pegasus before walking away.
"Nice moves," says Seto. "I feel sorry for the dragons having so little time to enjoy their love."
"Me too."
"Let's not make the same mistake," whispers Seto caressing my cheek, and he smiles when I blush. "Now what would you like to do?"
"Now I'm ready to eat!"
Seto wraps his arm around my waist as we leave his demo area.
"Seto! Jou! Hurry up or we'll miss the fireworks!" exclaims Yugi running ahead of us, "Grandpa's already there! Come on!"
"You aren't cold in that sleeveless coat, are you, Seto?" I ask as I run alongside Seto. I wear white jeans, my Blue-Eyes White Dragon t-shirt and a long-sleeved black trench coat with the Red-Eyes Black Dragon on the back.
"If I get too cold, you'll wrap your arms around me to warm me, won't you?" asks Seto smirking as we run. He wears black jeans, a white Red-Eyes Black Dragon muscle tee, and a sleeveless white trench coat with a Blue-Eyes White Dragon on the back.
If we would switch coats, we'd be dressed like each other's namesake dragons. As is, we are a nice blending of the two… almost as if our dragons are mates… as if we are mates.
"Of course I'll keep you warm." I smile.
We hurry to the balcony where Grandpa Motou and Yugi are now reserving our standing room. Just as we arrive, the first explosion lights up the dark sky.
"Kuriboh!" exclaims Grandpa in awe at seeing the shape of the lights.
I stand beside Seto and wrap my arms around him to warm his chilly arms as we watch the Duel Monsters light the sky. "Oh, a Red-Eyes!"
"And a heart!" exclaims Yugi as the next firework goes off before the Red-Eyes can fade.
"A Blue-Eyes! It's a message. Red-Eyes loves Blue-Eyes," says Seto looking straight at me, "I wonder if this is because of your duel earlier."
"Doesn't matter. It's true anyway," I say looking back at you.
Seto touches my neck and licks his lips. "I won't do it if you don't want me to, but may I kiss you, Jou?"
My heart pounds in my chest. Yes! I want you to kiss me! I want you to… "I couldn't think of a more perfect time for you to kiss me."
Seto pulls me closer to him and lifts my chin as his lips descend towards my own. He presses his lips against mine lightly before backing off to wet my lips with his tongue.
I part my lips to give him better access, and when you lean back in, you kiss me longer… slipping your tongue through my lips and into my mouth. I cling to Seto as you explore my mouth. I love you… I know now… I realize… I'm in love with…
Seto pulls away slightly and places one final, chaste kiss to my lips.
"Oh, look! The grand finale!" exclaims Yugi.
I snuggle into Seto's arms as we watch the climactic battle of the Duel Monster fireworks.
"So cool…" I kiss your lips quickly. "Thank you for bringing me here."
"I wanted to share this experience with the person I'm in love with," says Seto.
"I know what you mean," I say.
"It's over now," says Yugi turning towards us as the sky starts to lighten.
"That was very impressive using the magic card Yami and your holographic projectors to make the afternoon dark enough for fireworks," says Grandpa, "Did you plan the fireworks as well?"
"That was Mokuba," says Seto, "He worked with the firework vendors. He helped plan the timing. It was all him, but he left a little leeway." He rubs my back. "So, do we want to eat now or on the ride home?"
"Can we eat in the helicopter on the way home? Ryou and I have a… well, it's not exactly a date…" Yugi lowers his eyes and blushes.
"It's okay, Yugi. I know exactly what you mean," I say moving from your arms to pull Yugi into a quick hug.
"I'll contact the hotel and have them make us a picnic dinner," says Seto pulling out his cell phone.
Grandpa, Yugi, and I talk about all the things we've seen while Seto makes his call. Then we all head back to the hotel with Seto holding my right hand and Yugi clutching my left.
"I need to pick up Mokuba so I can give you a ride to the Kame Game Shop," says Seto.
"Thank you," says Grandpa.
"I'll be going out," I say, "so I won't be home when you get back."
Seto nods. "We'll leave the limo for you."
"Thanks." I watch Seto, Yugi, and Grandpa head towards the garage before I take my bag inside and up to my room. I brush my teeth and my hair before I go down and call the limo driver.
It seems to take forever to get to the Love Shack, but finally, I'm standing in front of it.
"Wait here," I say to the driver, and I head inside the club. I pass by a darkened table with four figures huddled together. I walk straight towards our usual table and see you sitting there with your back to me. I freeze for a moment. What do I do?
The music is pounding through my veins.
Someone walks by me and whistles. "Here dragon, dragon!"
I didn't change out of my Blue-Eyes attire or my Red-Eyes jacket. I take a deep breath and walk towards you.
You wear a sleeveless white jacket with a Blue-Eyes on the back… just like Seto when he left the mansion.
"Yami?" I ask.
You turn around, and my breath catches in my throat. You aren't you. You're Seto!
I must be dreaming! Wake up, Jou! Wake up! You're dreaming again! This isn't real.
"Hikari… I wasn't sure if you'd come," says Seto, "You're so late."
"Yami?" I ask quietly, "Seto?"
"Yes, Jou… my Hikari. It's me." It sounds like you. It sounds like Seto. I must still be dreaming. Why haven't I woken up yet?
"No… no!" I turn and run. Tears fill my eyes so I don't see Yugi and Ryou trying to stand in my way. My heartache is all I hear. I run out of the club and dive into the limo. "Home! Home!"
"Yes, Jounouchi-sama."
I collapse in a fit of tears. How could this have happened?
"Big brother!" exclaims Mokuba rushing out of the shadows and into Seto's arms. "What happened?"
Seto lifts Mokuba in his arms. "Let's go…"
Grandpa Motou, Ryou, and Yugi follow Seto and Mokuba out of the club.
"Seto? Are you okay?" asks Ryou.
"I guess he really did love Yami and not me…" Seto's voice cracks on the last word.
"I'm sorry, Seto," says Mokuba.
"What did he say?" asks Yugi.
"Nothing. He said nothing. He just called out my name… both of them… then he said 'no' and ran away," says Seto setting Mokuba on the trunk of his car. He closes his eyes. "I really do love him, but he…"
"You can't control who you fall in love with," says Grandpa Motou, "or who doesn't fall in love with you…"
"But we were doing so well!"
Mokuba wipes away the tears that spill through Seto's eyelashes. "We know, Seto. We all thought Jou would be happy to find out that you're his Yami."
"Did you want one of us to drive you home?" asks Grandpa.
Seto nods as his silent sobs rack his body. He pulls out the car keys and passes them to Grandpa.
Grandpa opens the car, and everyone gets inside.
Mokuba and Yugi share the backseat with Seto and try to comfort him as best as they can.
Grandpa drives the car back to the Kaiba Mansion here Mokuba leans out the window to punch in the code to open the gate. Then he drives up and parks in front of the house.
"You can take the car if you want to go home, but you're welcome to spend the night here," says Seto as they climb out.
Yugi looks at Grandpa who nods. He smiles. "We still have our luggage so we'll stay."
"I'm going to bed," says Seto leading everyone into the house. He stops by a locked cabinet, and after fishing out a small key, he retrieves a bottle of scotch that he carried upstairs with him. He pauses for a moment outside my room before continuing forward to enter his.