Disclaimer: I do not own any of the rights to the characters of Yugioh. But I will respectfully borrow them to use in my stories, thanks to fan fiction and Kazuki Takahashi.
Chapter nineteen: Confession
"Mokuba you've been looking over that same file for more than thirty minutes, I don't think the contents are going to change," Seto was clearly frustrated with Movie's sulky mood over the past few days. "Listen I have a business to run which it's evident you aren't ready to become an active part of."
"Nii-sama that's not true, I'm not a baby," Mokuba tosses the report on top of Kaiba's desk; papers flew out of another folder and one fell to the floor.
"Mokuba!"
"I 'm sorry Nii-sama," he scrambled to his knees and gathered up the sensitive documents involving a take-over. Pegasus's name stood out in bold letter. 'Why didn't I notice that before?' he wondered.
"Your grades are in the shit can, but I've still let you come to the office; must I ground you for life?" Seto's voice soften, he couldn't help it when it came to Mokie.
"It's just I been thinking a lot; it's about Joey," Mokuba eyed Seto out of the corner of his big grey orbs.
"We've had this conversation before, it's closed." Seto had to catch his breath. Months pass since he heard that name.
"But Seto, don't you want to know how he's doing. Is he ok?" Mokuba whined.
"Max is handling Joey's, affairs; if you have questions ask him." Seto walked to the office window, he needed a little air. 'It's been six months, two weeks and one day since that awful telephone accident. Not a day goes by I don't call out his name. But I won't be the source of his pain.'
"He's a snake, just because you like him, that doesn't mean I have to trust him. I thought you loved Joey," Mokuba blurted out.
"That's enough, Mokie!!"
"It's my fault you gave in so easily, but Seto he likes you and I know you like him . . . ." Mokuba didn't have a chance to continue. Seto had lost his temper.
"Mokuba if you have something to say then said it. Stop trying to interfere with something that is not your business."
The boy flinched at Seto harsh words and back down. He reached into the back pocket of his pants and fondled the letter inside; grateful it was still hidden deep inside. "Damn Pegasus he ruined everything and I just went along with it from the beginning. Mokie thoughts only compounded Seto's words. How could he be so stupid? Shuffling his feet he started to walk towards the large double doors that led to his small private office down the hall from his big brother's.
"Knock, Knock lover boy"….. Pegasus opened Seto office door and peaked inside. He walked over to Seto desk. "You aren't ready and I've a very special night planned."
Seto grumbled. Pegasus looked over his shoulder, "Oh hi there Mokie"
"Who gave you permission to call me that," Mokuba turned to his brother for help.
"Max I'm sure you didn't come here to play games with my brother." Seto sneered.
"Oh . . . touchy . . . brother trouble," Pegasus winked at Mokuba. "Maybe I can help, Kaiba's are my specialty. Remember we were almost like brothers during the quake."
"Seto please, make him stop. I'll rot in hell before calling you brother, you one eyed freak ass!!"
"Little kitten I'm wounded you feel that way."
"Seto," Mokuba in a fit of rage lunged at the toon master.
Seto grabbed the irate boy by his collar. "Mokuba we'll continue this conversation in private. Lock up."
"Max if you say another word, you'll be looking for that other eye under a rock in hell." The Ceo flashed Pegasus a look of pure hatred, but changed it quickly to mischief. "Let's go my office smells of your tasteless cologne."
Mokuba waited a few minutes to gather his thoughts and set on the floor next to Seto's huge leather chair. He'd remember playing duel monsters at his brother's feet laughing and enjoying the company of his bigger than life brother. 'Oh . . . my brother I've turned into something evil, brother will you ever forgive me' he though. Tears threaten to fall but his stubborn pride held them in check. Mokuba moved under the desk his hiding place and pulled out the letter he'd received a few weeks ago from Joey. Shame allowed him to ignore the heartfelt words in the letter, but his conscious wouldn't let them rest.
'Hey Mokie,
Heh surprise well it ain't been easy, but here it is. Yeah know you'll always be my only true friend and I hurt you bad. Hell I knew you loved me, but I ignored it. That was wrong. I'd hoped you'd find some cute little hot chick and see it was only a crush. Now I know it's hell to love somebody and they don't love back . . . . Impossible dreams really sucks. I've decided to stay in England for a while and finish school. I gotta make it on my own and I got somebody I need to protect. Yeah somebody needs little ole me.
It ain't like I feel for you or Kaiba but it's important to me. Ain't nobody ever needed me, seems like I'm always taking stuff. Mokuba its cause you gave me so much that I wanta' stand up and sort this shit out in my head. Even that freaky toon master help with his money, but I know it was really you. I can't do this anymore with your money. It hurts too much. This ain't goodbye it just be cool time. When you see me again I'll be ready. Might even be rich . . . check me out. It ain't over, but I gotta breathe on my own, Love ya man . . . . If I ever had a brother I wish he was just like you. Damn that jerk is so lucky.
Mokuba unwrapped the second sheet of paper and read the numbers on the sheet of paper. It was a check for ten thousand dollars signed by Kaiba Corp. 'Why didn't Seto tell him he was still involved in Joey's well being? WHY????'
Quickly Mokie stuffed the letter in his pocket; he could hear the sharp click of Seto's boots coming down the hall. He also wiped his eyes just to make sure his face was dry. Seto open the huge door and walked straight to the desk.
"Ok you can come out," Seto extended his hand down to Mokie and sighed at the strong grip as he lifted his brother up and out.
"I thought you had a date," Mokie pouted.
"Come on, we've got family business to settle," Seto's words were sternly spoken. Mokuba moved his short legs double time to keep up with long even strides of his brother. Out of breath he allowed Seto to drag him into the plush limo and he set in comfortable silence waiting for his brother's next move.
"Ah . . . where are we going," Mokuba mumbled.
"Does it really matter, your mouth is too lose," Seto persisted in light punishment.
"No . . ." Mokuba lowered his eyes. 'Nii-sama is really upset,' Mokie moaned.
"Mokuba . . . there are two things in life you must always remember." Seto handed his little brother a tall frosty cherry coke. "Listen well . . . One: I'll always protect my family no matter what the odds. You are my brother. I will always protect the ones I love."
"Two: I'll always fight for what is mine always. I've broken companies run by stupid fools. We started out with empty pockets and my dream. I swore we would never be poor again or at the mercy of anyone." Seto let the words sink in. "You will always be my fight Mokie. A Kaiba will never go down to anyone."
Mokuba closed his eyes for a second, he thought about Seto's fight to save Joey's life in the flood, the quake and his care in the hospital. Yet he never said a word or asked for thanks. In fact he didn't want anyone to even know. Seto would give up everything just to keep him happy and I know that. Damn I'm a coward,' Mokuba thought.
"Mokuba," Seto moved to the seat next to Mokie and placed his hands on Mokie's shoulders. "With your mind and these two hands we are strong. If you have trouble seeing the light in front of yourself then look over your shoulder and understand that I am always there supporting you."
"Nii 'sama," Mokuba just let the tears fall. He fell into Seto's arms and his tears soaked through Seto's linen silk pants. He knew Seto wouldn't care. The grieve stricken boy never said a word, just whimpered softly. Seto could fill the weight of sorrow and regrets and slowly let all Mokuba's worry melt into his soul. He carried his brother into the mansion and up the long winding staircase and laid him to bed.
Seto whispered, 'Soon Mokuba you will smile. I'm bringing that fool down for good. I'm through chasing dreams in a world that is filled with delusions. It's time I paint my own picture.'
Seto returned to Kaiba Corp and studies the files Mokuba had knocked over. He smiled at the data before his eyes and continued to comply more from his private laptop. The phone rang breaking his private moment of fulfillment.
"What is it now, idiot." Seto screamed into the head set.
"I thought you might be lonely, did you put the little princess to bed," Pegasus cooed. "Maybe I could come to the mansion and tuck you in."
"Max you've gone too far this time, it's over," Seto locked the file away and proceeded to leave his office. "You damn well know I'm at the office because you had me followed, don't ever do that again."Seto deleted the call and laughed. It was the first good laugh he had in years.
Ooooooo
Meanwhile
It had been over three months since the operation of his dearest companion, Ryou. To the naked eye one would say they were a couple, but in reality the boys were just extremely close. They were forced to move out of the tiny studio apartment provided by supporters of Joey. Pegasus decided it would be best since Ryou's lover was still on the loose. It was true Pegasus hated the blond, but he didn't want him dead; just out of the way and Seto's life. So periodically he gave Seto reports of expenses and Joey's progress in school.
Ryou would be finishing his monthly check just thinking about the boy made Joey feel good. The first month after the accident Ryou had lost his will to live and Joey was a mess realizing he couldn't return to his home town. Yet now things has quiet down and the boys had each other, or so Joey thought.
Ryou burst into the apartment and threw his coat down on the bed, he was shaking with anger and it was all directed at the smiling blond.
"Joey you promised no secrets, but you're the biggest liar of them all," Ryou took off his leg brace and removed the small plastic shied from his hand.
"What the hell are you talking about, man?"
Ryou threw an envelope at Joey; on the outside the words 'Restoration Club' were printed loud and clear. Is this from your home town, Domino Japan?" Ryou sat down on the bed.
"Where'd you get that? Who gave you the right to read my mail?"
"Hey it was in the trash. I heard you crying in your sleep and calling his name. You always call his name." Ryou pulled on Joey's shirt but he pushed his friend away. "Why can't you love me? I'm here and he's not, damn it!"
"Stay out of it, man, its' none of your business."
"Really, I know this involves me, can you deny that, mate?" Ryou walked into the kitchen, and returned with a glass of water. "I know what you did man and it's time you come clean or I will walk right out of that door."
"What do you want, Ry," Joey turned away. "So what I talk in my sleep, why don't you go to your own room and stay out of mine."
"Oh so that's the way it is! I'm in your way!" Ryou refused to give into the cruelty.
"It's your lover, the one on the phone." Ryou spoke softly.
"I don't have a lover."
"Don't crap on me . . . Yeah you're a virgin, big deal, but not in your mind or heart. You've already imagined him deep inside your tight little hole, pounding away. You cry out in pain, but you don't pull away because he's not deep enough yet. Tell me dose he take you on your back and you open your legs wide or do you rest them on his shoulders; or maybe you get on your knees and he holds your ass wide open and thrust so deep you can't even breathe."
"STOP IT . . ." Joey reached out and slapped Ryou across the face, "I'm not like you."
"No you're worse, masturbating in your sleep, you are so noble and pure," Ryou grabbed his coat. He headed towards the door. "I've laid open my soul to you man and you throw it back in my face, my dirt. I'm out of here."
"Wait . . . please," tears coursed down Joey's face.
Ryou turned and continued to speak softly. "It's no different being loved in your dreams. Hell it's the passion in your heart that you've given to him. Don't you know that the pain will never go away? I won't just stand by and watch. Hell I should know . . . I've been a bitch and I even endangered your life."
Ryou continued, "I remember last year reading an article about a quake in Japan. A young billionaire was trapped and a friend whose name was never mentioned saved him. The local boy had the same disabilities like you and he just disappeared. You're that guy." Joey's sobs torn at Ryou heart.
"Two brothers and they just paid you off and tossed you away with the trash."
"No it's not like that, you don't understand," Joey covered his face.
"Oh that right you got an apartment and a fat check!!" Ryou screamed. But at the same time he pulled Joey's hands away from his face and held him closely. He propped Joey leg up on the bed with his good hand and started a slow massage along his thigh. It always calmed the blond. The two boys didn't speak for a long time. Joey just allowed Ryou magic to work on his nerves.
"It's the big one that you love. The city wants you to come back and design a piece of art work to commemorate the opening of the new museum. But you haven't answered . . . . . Why!!!"
"It's not that easy. You don't know what you're asking of me." Joey continued to sniff but the tears had dried up.
"Then tell me!! I heard rumors from the nurses today. Tell me the truth . . . . All of it." This time Ryou allow Joey to rest his head on his narrow shoulder. It was time he returned the favor. Joey explained the deal he'd made with Pegasus.
"Man that's shitty . . . he can't do that, he's a bastard. Hell you were in pain and he backed you into a corner. So what do you think he's going to do take my leg back? Let him have it. You can't live your life in debt for your kindness."
"He very powerful," Joey added.
"Hey what about our plans to be super art dealers and open a big gallery." Ryou smiled.
"Who's going to buy your shit anyway . . . we'll be broke."
"But happy . . . really man . . . You still love him, you'll never be able to live a good life without him."Ryou sipped from the glass of water, both guys were lost in thought. "That guy he's powerful but he's a bastard first."
"Mate, you deserve that hero's reward, and I'm going help you get it. Screw that Peg guy. I ain't afraid of that man . . . he's like my old lover . . . a piece of human waste that preys on the kindness of innocence souls. Well I've played with the big guys and I've been tossed around in the trash. You're going home and you going to fight for your man. Unlike mine I think he's worth the time. "
Joey lay back on the bed; relieve to get the truth out, "I don't think there is enough time to make anything anyway."
"You can't wiggle that cute ass out of this one," Ryou chuckled. "I've seen your work that you have hidden in the closet. Yeah I'm a little sneak, but mate I've never seen anything so beautiful in my life. Is that him, in your vision, in your heart? If you work day and night you'll finish. I know it!!!
"But the bills, the club," Joey whined, lovingly.
"Well I called the club, told them, you sort of quit. I got it all covered. Hey I had to put my art on hold but that's not all I do. I'm a writer to." Ryou smiled. "The only good thing Bakura did was sell my stories to a manga mag. He thought they would be rejected and I'd be humiliated. Turns out they like it and want more, lots more. The check came last week and it will cover our expenses for a while."
"Ryou . . ."
"Joey there's only one choice and we are going to knock Domino dead and send that freaky man to hell. Now I have one request," Ryou had mischief in his eyes.
"Sleep with me . . . ." Ryou giggle. "Man all this confession stuff has me uptight."
Both snuggled together gaining strength and renew hope. Ryou dreamed of a true propose in life; help Joey. The other dreamed of a warm bed with Seto Kaiba in it. 'I'm going home,' he thought drifting off to sleep.
R/r
Love ya . . . spread it all around