Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Behind Blue Eyes: Seto's Story ❯ Day Three: Back To School ( Chapter 11 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: kiokukaiba 
Anime/Manga: Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Drama | Type: Yaoi | Uploaded On: 08.14.2007 | Pages: 3 | Words: 5.1K | Visits: 355 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Drama | Type: Yaoi | Uploaded On: 08.14.2007 | Pages: 3 | Words: 5.1K | Visits: 355 | Status: Work In Progress
Behind Blue Eyes: Seto’s Story
- - -
Disclaimer: Blegh, no, I don’t own Yu-Gi-Oh; if I did, there would be a character named Saki tormenting our favorite brunette. (Seto: You bitch.)
- - -
Recap:
I couldn’t stop thinking about him. . .
- - -
English with Ms. Asuka yet again. It was the same thing every damn week for five days a week. We seriously needed more days off from the monotony of ‘formal education’ or so the people up top liked to call it. ‘Formal’ my ass. Half of the kids in my class could barely spell words that were longer than five letters, let alone write anything halfway intelligent on something like an exam or a college entrance essay.
I went through a lot of teachings and tutoring during my time with that bastard and so I really didn’t need to pay any attention in order to make good marks in the class. The only reason I even attended her damn class, or any of my classes for that matter, was because if I had too many unexcused absences I would lose credit for my classes and would have to repeat a year. I also didn’t want to be known as a high school drop-out, so I had to just put up with the stupid kids they called my ‘peers’. What really sucked ass was the fact that Domino High doesn’t have any advanced classes. Everyone takes the same level of the same shit. . . shit is right.
I pondered doing some work for my company; perhaps I would sketch a new design for something, or maybe write up a computer program code or something. The sketch sounded like a better idea. Though it would sound childish to anyone else, I love drawing. . . it’s kind of a passion of mine. I especially love drawing people in fantasy-like settings. I suppose it’s the child within me that escapes every now and then in the form of dream-like sketches.
I drew Mokuba a lot. He was the one person that I knew very well, and that I could easily picture in my mind. This way, I wouldn’t need a picture or anything as a reference. It was always humorous to draw him in silly clothing and then show him the end result. He would always play-punch my arm, which usually gave me a bruise, or try to tackle me. . . he really was a good brother.
I pulled a fresh sheet of notebook paper out of my binder (yeah, a damn binder, shut up) and laid it flat on my desk. That’s how it always was. I would get the paper and pencil ready and whatnot, determined to drawing and then. . . nothing. Absolutely nothing would come to mind. I decided to begin with the background and just draw the character, should I actually draw one, in later.
As I was busy scribbling in some random trees and rocks (what in the fuck was I drawing those for?), Ms. Asuka came by to look at my homework. Without moving to cover my ‘art’, I flipped through some pages, showed her the simple work, and went back to my previous task. She didn’t care too much if I didn’t pay attention. She knew that I had the school practically wrapped around my finger. If it wasn’t affecting my work, or the work of anyone else, it didn’t matter what I did during my classes.
Okay, this is a question for the artists out there. Have you ever been just doodling along and then some stupid fuck bumps your hand? Then there’s a damn line on the paper, and of course the eraser never seems to be able to completely get rid of the mark. You know what I mean? Well, just as I was working on. . . a pond? A lake? . . . just as I was working on some damn water, a wad of paper comes out of nowhere and pelts my hand, knocking the pencil to the desk where it promptly rolled onto the floor, after it left a lovely gray line on my damn paper, that is.
I glared in the direction from which the projectile came, only to find my lips wanting to curve up when I saw the offender. Jounouchi again, just like on Friday. What did he want this time? I did my best to keep from half-smiling when our eyes met. What in the hell was wrong with me? Maybe I just wanted to laugh at him. . . or something.
I bent down, first grabbing my pencil and then searching the floor for that damned paper wad, which was sure to be a balled-up note. Well, he definitely found a way to get my attention when he wanted to pass notes. Pass notes. . . what was I, some kind of gossipy high school girl? Geez. . .
I finally found the thing and flattened it out on my desk. It read, “It wasn’t just Saki, was it.” No question mark, must a period. Was that a mistake? It really didn’t matter, I guess. Just below it, with a much neater handwriting, I wrote, “Saki was just one of an uncountable number.” Did I really want to tell him that? Oh well, I’d probably just tell him everything eventually anyways.
I balled the note back up, ready to toss it at Jounouchi, hopefully hitting his damn head, when I realized that a certain someone was looming next to me. Shit
“My, my, I never expected to see the day when Seto Kaiba would get caught passing a note in class!” She put her hands on her hips, as though she were sexy or something. I flicked my eyes from her to Jounouchi and then back again. “Now then,” She continued, “Stand up and read the note to the class.”
You’ve got to be shitting me. Did she seriously think I’d do that? I tried to quickly weigh my options. How could I possibly destroy the note without the slightest possibility that the pieces could be found and put back together? Then it hit me.
I slowly stood from my desk, holding up the little wad that was our note and put it in my mouth. I nearly choked from trying not to laugh at the reactions from the teenagers around me. All of their eyebrows rose at the same time. . . so you can only imagine their reactions, especially that of Ms. Asuka, when I fought to swallow the damned thing. Note to self: Paper hurts.
“Seto Kaiba! Did you just. . .just. . .”
“Swallow the note?”
“Yes!”
“Absolutely, Sensei.”
“What on Earth are you thinking?!”
“I’m thinking that I can’t read a note that’s in my stomach.” The class began to laugh. I must admit, I had even amused myself with that one.
“Why would you eat that?!” Her hands were in the air now, and I couldn’t tell if she was extremely pissed or extremely confused. Ha, probably both. . . stupid bitch.
Time to bullshit my way through this. . . “Paper comes from trees, and tress are plants, and we eat plants that aren’t poisonous. . . I would say that it is perfectly safe. It did have a rather foul taste (Damn right it did), but a sip (gallon) of water ought to take care of that.” Again I was rewarded with the nodding of heads and a couple giggles.
“What did that note say?”
What the fuck? Did she think that I just devoured a damn piece of paper for the hell of it? “Something that was worth swallowing so you wouldn’t read it.” I smiled and took my seat, trying my best to end the conversation.
The class was in a stunned silence before the snickering from one student triggered a mass of laughter that spread like some sort of rampant disease. Jounouchi only grinned at me like a dumbass, and I honored him with a little smirk.
Ms. Asuka was pissed, with reason I suppose, but she smiled a little bit. She was probably going to try and out-smart me. Yeah, that would be the day. “Jounouchi!” She yelled at my favorite blond, as though he was the answer to. . . did I just say my favorite blond? Uh. . .
“Jounouchi!” She yelled, louder this time, moving closer to his desk. The dumbass just stared at me with his mouth open. What in the hell was he doing? “Do you hear me Jounouchi?” She questioned, frustrated as shit now. “Jounouchi Katsuya!” That snapped him out of it.
“What? Oh, uh, yes?” A few of the children (yes, children) giggled as he stammered. Jou’s big brown eyes looked up at his teacher with a sort of reluctance. At least he had stopped gawking at me.
“What did that note say?” She appeared to lean over him slightly. Did she think she was a badass or something? If that stupid dog told her. . .
“Maybe we can do an X-ray on his stomach and find out.” He pointed at me with his thumb and gave her a sly grin. The class broke out into yet another fit of laughter, and even I was a little amused. Way to continue the joke. Good job, puppy.
“What is with you two? I can see Katsuya doing something like this, but you, Mr. Kaiba, have certainly surprised me today!”
Let’s see now. . . in this situation, I should say. . . “What can I say? I’m a man of many surprises.” I shrugged, closing my eyes for a moment and then winking at the flustered woman. A blush immediately crept to her cheeks. Ha! Easy as hacking a computer mainframe. . . well, that’s easy if you’re as smart as me. . . look, it’s better than some stupid cliche, right?
“M-Mr. Kaiba! What has gotten into you?” She tried to act all disturbed, but anyone with any sort of intelligence could see that she was extremely excited by my flirting with her. Women like her are so pathetic. With her question, she had walked into a racy answer.
“No one recently. . . oh, you meant my attitude?” I could hear Jounouchi practically gag, and it took everything in me to keep from laughing. The smile, however, couldn’t be hidden. “What can I say? I haven’t been to work all weekend except for the bit I have done on my laptop and I’ve had so much sleep that I don’t know what to do with myself. I guess I’m just in a lovely mood. This project is such a marvelous thing. Did a brilliant woman such as yourself come up with it?” I rested my chin in the palm of my hand, propping myself up by resting my elbow on the desk. When in doubt, flirt. Never thought you’d hear that concept from me, eh?
“Are you trying to flirt with me so I won’t send you to the office?” Her face was flushed a bright red, and she had averted her attention elsewhere to keep from making eye contact with me.
“Yes.” I stated plainly, “Is it working?”
She huffed a bit and made her way back to her desk, “How was everyone’s weekend?” I leaned back in my chair. Victory was a sweet, sweet thing.
The taller Yuugi groaned, “Other than the fact that it was a constant death-match, I’d say things went rather smoothly.” He cast a side glance at the white-haired psycho named Bakura. I wonder if they were really trying to kill each other. . .
Anzu giggled in that annoying way of hers, “I got to know Kioko very well, and she’s so much cooler than I first expected! We have a lot of the same interests!” Kioko, her partner, smiled a fake smile. Apparently she didn’t appreciate Anzu’s company as much as the airhead let on.
“Kaiba and I have been decent with each other, and our projects are pretty far along. There’s a lot more to the great Seto Kaiba than anyone in the world could have imagined.” My head turned quickly towards the direction of Jounouchi’s voice, and my eyes joined the stares of others as I attempted to burn a hole through the mutt’s skull with my mind.
“Oh really?” Ms. Asuka was so nosey, “Like what?”
“You’ll find out when I turn my project in.” He dared to turn in his chair and look back at me, but I was quick to downcast my eyes. Normally I wouldn’t do that, but I really wasn’t in the mood to glare fire at him right now. Surely he wouldn’t really put everything that I told him into that paper. All of those things are so personal! No one wants to hear about a broken and defeated Kaiba Seto. They all want the fantasy story. The story of the young orphan boy who, through determination, defeats a rich CEO in a chess match and is whisked away to some wonderful mansion, where he is given everything he wants and eventually inherits the family company. Yeah, that’s the Kaiba Seto that everyone knew. . . so many knew him, and yet the only people that knew me were Satoshi, Saki, Mokuba, and. . . and Katsuya.
“Everyone, get out your project packets and a pen. There have been some changes made.” That woman’s irritating voice knocked me out of my thoughts. I sluggishly got out the items requested as she made her announcement. “Rather than the cookout and ropes course at the park on Saturday, we’re going to have a cookout and pool party at the swimming complex in the Tsuki no Ao neighborhood. If any of you need directions, please raise your hand and I will give you a handout.”
I visibly sunk down into my seat. A pool party? That meant swimming trunks and no shirt. My arms, my back, my wrists. . . those horrible, ugly scars given to me. . . created by me. Those disgusting, filthy lines that marred my skin. The skin that was always called ‘flawless’ by humanity. There is nothing beautiful about skin that has countless imperfections. . . and would likely have a few additions within the next few weeks, considering the stress of spilling my life out to Jounouchi. . . and then the return of Saki. . . Saki. . .
I cleared my throat loudly, “Ms. Asuka.”
“Yes, Seto?”
“Will all students be required to dress for swimming?”
“Yes. Because we aren’t requiring the ropes course, you will receive a participation grade by dressing in your trunks, Seto! I’m sure all of the girls will be pleased; you have nothing to worry about!” She smiled like a horny old maid.
There was nothing wonderful about the attention I would most certainly receive. Whether it be pity or disgust, I can’t really predict, but either way it will be negative. Shame isn’t something I’m used to feeling in public. These scars, these memories that span over my body, are hidden from the world. . . I just wish they could be hidden from myself. . .
“Alright then! Does anyone else need directions?” There was silence. “Are there anymore questions?” Still silence. “Okay, we’ll just begin today’s lesson! Since we’re working on biographies, I’ll show you some examples of good paragraphs and bad paragraphs! Then, we’ll work on some grammar and spelling! Last, we’ll work on making your paper flow!”
She went on with her mindless babble. Like I would listen to directions on writing a damn paper. My day had already been ruined, and I wouldn’t give her the usual satisfaction by taking notes. School wasn’t important to me. I had always treasured learning when I was little. I suppose that it was because my father had stressed knowledge and its impact on my future. I wanted a good career so that I could raise a family of my own. The thing I don’t remember is. . . when I was little, what did I want to be when I grew up?
There wasn’t much time to think, as I felt something lightly tap my foot. I shot the floor a look, as though the floor was molesting my shoe or something, only to find a neatly-folded piece square of paper on the floor. Another note, no doubt. I quickly retrieved it and glanced at Jounouchi, who had the sense enough to pretend he was paying attention to the lecture. The note read: “What are you going to do?”
So he knew that I was uncomfortable about the entire situation. He knew about my scars, and had seen them and he. . . what was his reaction? I don’t remember. . . but what was I going to do? Nearly anything was worth sacrificing to keep it a secret, and that included some stupid grade. Never in my life had I made anything below an A- (and when I made the A-, Gozaburo beat my ass to a pulp) and so taking a 0 grade for not dressing for the pool would be extremely weird an suspicious for me, but it’s not like I would have to tell them the true reason that I don’t want to be shirtless. . . especially not in front of a bunch of women. I flirt with them, but only to get my way.
I scribbled “I’m not really sure. I guess I’ll just take a zero for that grade. An A on this project just isn’t worth showing my ugly body.” onto the paper and refolded it, dropping it to the floor and kicking it to Jou’s desk.
Yeah, girls weren’t my thing. I suppose that in a partner I want. . . I want. . .
Jounouchi opened the note and read my reply. He looked. . . angry?
. . . I want someone that is stronger than me.
“Jounouchi Katsuya!”
Ah, fuck, not that bitch again. Jounouchi jumped in his seat.
“Are you passing notes again??” She was over at his desk in a hurry, the lights still out due to the fact that she was using the overhead. He crumpled the paper up quickly, throwing me a quick glance. “Alright, Jounouchi, hand it over immediately.” She held out her hand.
When I caught his attention, I made motions of throwing a paper in my mouth, chewing, and then swallowing. I could tell he was fighting laughter. . . and I had to fight a smile. Really though, he needed to eat the note or she would certainly get it. . . which she did. With a strange speed, she snatched it from his hand and ran towards the front of the room like a little kid.
“Hey give that back! You can’t read it!” Katsuya jumped from his seat to chase her down, but I was far ahead of him.
“You don’t need to be passing notes in. . . class. . .” Her voice seemed to fade when she noticed me lingering high above her. No more mister nice Kaiba. She couldn’t read that note. No way in fucking Hell. I lifted my hand to the same level as her eyes.
“Would you like to return that to me? You would like to continue working in this city, right?” My eyes were frozen in a glare and I made sure to keep my voice as business-like as possible. This was the Kaiba Seto that everyone saw on a daily basis. It was time to make up for my playful antics from earlier. I know very well that I’m intimidating, and it’s wonderful to use to my advantage. My eyes. . . Kaiba Gozaburo said that I had Satan’s eyes. . . right before I killed him.
The woman had the same expression that my employees did when I caught them talking shit about me. As though by hypnosis, she did as she was told and haded the paper back to me. I clenched it tightly and. . . well, I ate it. I locked eyes with Jounouchi, “Jounouchi, if I have to eat one more note today, I’m going to kick your ass. Leave me alone.” I just hopped that he knew I wasn’t truly angry with him.
When the bell rang I went straight to my locker to retrieve my chemistry textbook. Jounouchi made a point to meet up with me there.
“Do you have lead poisoning yet?”
“Pencils have graphite, dipshit.”
“Do you have graphite poisoning yet?” He had the same stupid grin. Is it weird to think it’s kinda cute? Yeah, that’s weird. . . pretend I didn’t say that.
I huffed to keep from smiling or laughing. “Anyways, we shouldn’t do that note thing anymore; it obviously isn’t very affective.” I pulled the book from my locker.
“Yeah, I guess you’re right. Well, I’ll see you during math class then!” He turned to leave. Math class. . . that was fourth block. That was an awfully long time from now. Until then, I’d have no one to talk to or pick on. . . I sat alone at lunch. Compared to being with someone as lively as him all weekend, today was going to be very. . . lonely.
“Actually, Jounouchi, I was wanting to ask you something. . .” He turned back around, but I made a special effort to fixate my attention in another direction. “Will you, perhaps, sit with me at lunch today? You don’t have to, considering you have friends and all. . .” Then I realized how absolutely childish I sounded, “I mean, oh never mind. I’m being so weird.” Indeed I was.
A hand came to rest on my shoulder, and when I finally faced him, he was smiling again, “I’d be honored to have lunch with the great Kaiba Seto.” I couldn’t help but lightly smile along with him before shutting my locker and making my way toward chemistry.
I found myself looking forward to lunch.
- - -
Chemistry class had students that were a little smarter than the average kid, but not much. It was actually AP chemistry, which would give college credit to those that did well on the final exam. I really only took the class so that I wouldn’t be so damn bored all the time. It was interesting to hear them try to sound so intelligent and then listen to the teacher shoot down their ideas. The concepts were all ridiculously simple. My private tutor had taught me such things back when I was 15. I had been taught under strict conditions in the Kaiba mansion, so it was no wonder that I was at the top of my class. I would graduate as Valedictorian, and I honestly couldn’t give two shits about it.
Mr. Kotani was the teacher. He considered himself a scientist and often referred to himself as one, which was total bullshit. True scientists would double over with laughter if they heard him say something so ludicrous.
I never had to pay attention anymore. He had given up trying to stump me with questions before first semester had even come to a close. In fact, I had been the one to stump him with my questions. Unlike this man with a teaching degree, I had been taught my a tutor and a real scientist. The scientist worked for Gozaburo. He was the one who came up with new chemical combinations for bombs to be created in Kaiba Corporation labs.
I was very proud to have converted a militant corporation into a company for games, theme parks, and arenas. That was the child in me. Games are pure. . . guns are not. Pure was something that I always longed to be, and yet knew that I never could be. It was always nice to watch innocent children have fun with my creations, though. In a way, I was the reason they smiled. . . and that would satisfy a part of my heart.
I had once told Isono (my flustered employee from battle city, remember?) about that feeling. He told me that I sounded like a proud father. I kind of was a father, really, considering that I had practically raised Mokuba on my own. Yes. . . Mokuba was like a son to me, and a brother at the same time. I always wondered just how much he really knew about our childhood. He never seemed to have an issue with Gozaburo, and if he did have one he never showed it.
After an ‘incident’ back in those days, Mokuba would come into my room and crawl into bed with me. I always slept better with Mokuba snuggled up against me. His little body up against me was a reminder that I must never give up, that I was fighting for a good cause. I would do anything for Mokuba’s happiness. . . anything.
I glanced up curiously at the clock on the wall above the whiteboard. What class was Jounouchi in? I remember him doing biology homework and history homework last night after I helped him with math and whatnot, so he was in one of those. He was probably fast asleep, drooling on the desk. The thought made me chuckle slightly.
“Is something funny, Mr. Kaiba?” Mr. Kotani sounded a bit irritated, but I just stared at him without so much as an answer. “I’ll have you know that the AIDS virus is no laughing matter.”
My eyes tripled in size for a mere second before returning to normal. I smirked at him, “I must admit that I wasn’t paying the slightest bit of attention to your lecture, so no, I wasn’t laughing about AIDS. . . but isn’t it funny how it began in monkeys and was somehow transferred to humans?” There was no answer, so I decided to test his limits, “What I would like to know is who fucked the monkey.” The wannabe-geniuses around me laughed.
“Kaiba Seto! That language won’t be tolerated in my classroom!” He fumed.
The ends of my mouth fell and I narrowed my eyes dangerously, “Oh? And what will you do, Kotani Kimura? Will you send me out?” It was disrespectful to call teachers by their full names, which was why I made it a point to memorize the full names of all of my teachers. They thought that they were so high and mighty, but I was sure to put them in their place. “Well?” I leaned back, folding my arms and crossing my legs.
Mr. Kotani froze at the sound of his name and then sighed, defeated. “What has gotten into you?”
“You know, my teacher first block asked me the same question.”
“There is obviously a problem, then. Did something happen this weekend that has you acting like a punk?”
I smiled, leaning my head back to stare at the ceiling, “Not something. . . more like someone.”
- - -
For the first time in my high school career, I was the first person out the door and bolting for my locker. I felt like I was a little kid again. I used to always run home from school (we didn’t live very far away back then) just so that I could play with my mom until my father came home from work. . . no, it wasn’t the time to reminisce!
I quickly switched out textbooks and tried not to look too hurried as I made my way out to the cafeteria area. I had seen Jounouchi in the food line with his friends. He hadn’t forgotten that he was sitting with me, right? No, of course not. Jou was a man of his word, if anything, and so he definitely wouldn’t forget about me. He couldn’t forget about me.
I could feel my heart filling with doubt. It really didn’t matter, right? I always sat alone. I didn’t need friends. Friends just. . . friends just died, they just got in the way.
I sat at an empty table in the corner of the giant eating section and pulled a yogurt and a novel (that I had already read a million times already) from my briefcase. That’s it, look busy. Don’t look like you’re eagerly awaiting his arrival. . . which I wasn’t, right? I wasn’t excited or anything.
I couldn’t help but notice the rapid bouncing of my leg. That could easily be explained. My leg was shaking because of all of the extra energy that I have from sleeping so much.
I held the book up to my face. The shaking of my hands could be explained the same way as my leg was.
I opened up my yogurt (Blueberry yogurt, my favorite) and retrieved my plastic spoon. Somehow I didn’t feel like eating today. My stomach felt all funny.
I glanced up from my book, and found the explanation to the butterflies in my stomach. Katsuya came towards me, a pizza in hand and a smile on his face. I really. . . I really like his smile.
- - -
- - -
Disclaimer: Blegh, no, I don’t own Yu-Gi-Oh; if I did, there would be a character named Saki tormenting our favorite brunette. (Seto: You bitch.)
- - -
Recap:
I couldn’t stop thinking about him. . .
- - -
English with Ms. Asuka yet again. It was the same thing every damn week for five days a week. We seriously needed more days off from the monotony of ‘formal education’ or so the people up top liked to call it. ‘Formal’ my ass. Half of the kids in my class could barely spell words that were longer than five letters, let alone write anything halfway intelligent on something like an exam or a college entrance essay.
I went through a lot of teachings and tutoring during my time with that bastard and so I really didn’t need to pay any attention in order to make good marks in the class. The only reason I even attended her damn class, or any of my classes for that matter, was because if I had too many unexcused absences I would lose credit for my classes and would have to repeat a year. I also didn’t want to be known as a high school drop-out, so I had to just put up with the stupid kids they called my ‘peers’. What really sucked ass was the fact that Domino High doesn’t have any advanced classes. Everyone takes the same level of the same shit. . . shit is right.
I pondered doing some work for my company; perhaps I would sketch a new design for something, or maybe write up a computer program code or something. The sketch sounded like a better idea. Though it would sound childish to anyone else, I love drawing. . . it’s kind of a passion of mine. I especially love drawing people in fantasy-like settings. I suppose it’s the child within me that escapes every now and then in the form of dream-like sketches.
I drew Mokuba a lot. He was the one person that I knew very well, and that I could easily picture in my mind. This way, I wouldn’t need a picture or anything as a reference. It was always humorous to draw him in silly clothing and then show him the end result. He would always play-punch my arm, which usually gave me a bruise, or try to tackle me. . . he really was a good brother.
I pulled a fresh sheet of notebook paper out of my binder (yeah, a damn binder, shut up) and laid it flat on my desk. That’s how it always was. I would get the paper and pencil ready and whatnot, determined to drawing and then. . . nothing. Absolutely nothing would come to mind. I decided to begin with the background and just draw the character, should I actually draw one, in later.
As I was busy scribbling in some random trees and rocks (what in the fuck was I drawing those for?), Ms. Asuka came by to look at my homework. Without moving to cover my ‘art’, I flipped through some pages, showed her the simple work, and went back to my previous task. She didn’t care too much if I didn’t pay attention. She knew that I had the school practically wrapped around my finger. If it wasn’t affecting my work, or the work of anyone else, it didn’t matter what I did during my classes.
Okay, this is a question for the artists out there. Have you ever been just doodling along and then some stupid fuck bumps your hand? Then there’s a damn line on the paper, and of course the eraser never seems to be able to completely get rid of the mark. You know what I mean? Well, just as I was working on. . . a pond? A lake? . . . just as I was working on some damn water, a wad of paper comes out of nowhere and pelts my hand, knocking the pencil to the desk where it promptly rolled onto the floor, after it left a lovely gray line on my damn paper, that is.
I glared in the direction from which the projectile came, only to find my lips wanting to curve up when I saw the offender. Jounouchi again, just like on Friday. What did he want this time? I did my best to keep from half-smiling when our eyes met. What in the hell was wrong with me? Maybe I just wanted to laugh at him. . . or something.
I bent down, first grabbing my pencil and then searching the floor for that damned paper wad, which was sure to be a balled-up note. Well, he definitely found a way to get my attention when he wanted to pass notes. Pass notes. . . what was I, some kind of gossipy high school girl? Geez. . .
I finally found the thing and flattened it out on my desk. It read, “It wasn’t just Saki, was it.” No question mark, must a period. Was that a mistake? It really didn’t matter, I guess. Just below it, with a much neater handwriting, I wrote, “Saki was just one of an uncountable number.” Did I really want to tell him that? Oh well, I’d probably just tell him everything eventually anyways.
I balled the note back up, ready to toss it at Jounouchi, hopefully hitting his damn head, when I realized that a certain someone was looming next to me. Shit
“My, my, I never expected to see the day when Seto Kaiba would get caught passing a note in class!” She put her hands on her hips, as though she were sexy or something. I flicked my eyes from her to Jounouchi and then back again. “Now then,” She continued, “Stand up and read the note to the class.”
You’ve got to be shitting me. Did she seriously think I’d do that? I tried to quickly weigh my options. How could I possibly destroy the note without the slightest possibility that the pieces could be found and put back together? Then it hit me.
I slowly stood from my desk, holding up the little wad that was our note and put it in my mouth. I nearly choked from trying not to laugh at the reactions from the teenagers around me. All of their eyebrows rose at the same time. . . so you can only imagine their reactions, especially that of Ms. Asuka, when I fought to swallow the damned thing. Note to self: Paper hurts.
“Seto Kaiba! Did you just. . .just. . .”
“Swallow the note?”
“Yes!”
“Absolutely, Sensei.”
“What on Earth are you thinking?!”
“I’m thinking that I can’t read a note that’s in my stomach.” The class began to laugh. I must admit, I had even amused myself with that one.
“Why would you eat that?!” Her hands were in the air now, and I couldn’t tell if she was extremely pissed or extremely confused. Ha, probably both. . . stupid bitch.
Time to bullshit my way through this. . . “Paper comes from trees, and tress are plants, and we eat plants that aren’t poisonous. . . I would say that it is perfectly safe. It did have a rather foul taste (Damn right it did), but a sip (gallon) of water ought to take care of that.” Again I was rewarded with the nodding of heads and a couple giggles.
“What did that note say?”
What the fuck? Did she think that I just devoured a damn piece of paper for the hell of it? “Something that was worth swallowing so you wouldn’t read it.” I smiled and took my seat, trying my best to end the conversation.
The class was in a stunned silence before the snickering from one student triggered a mass of laughter that spread like some sort of rampant disease. Jounouchi only grinned at me like a dumbass, and I honored him with a little smirk.
Ms. Asuka was pissed, with reason I suppose, but she smiled a little bit. She was probably going to try and out-smart me. Yeah, that would be the day. “Jounouchi!” She yelled at my favorite blond, as though he was the answer to. . . did I just say my favorite blond? Uh. . .
“Jounouchi!” She yelled, louder this time, moving closer to his desk. The dumbass just stared at me with his mouth open. What in the hell was he doing? “Do you hear me Jounouchi?” She questioned, frustrated as shit now. “Jounouchi Katsuya!” That snapped him out of it.
“What? Oh, uh, yes?” A few of the children (yes, children) giggled as he stammered. Jou’s big brown eyes looked up at his teacher with a sort of reluctance. At least he had stopped gawking at me.
“What did that note say?” She appeared to lean over him slightly. Did she think she was a badass or something? If that stupid dog told her. . .
“Maybe we can do an X-ray on his stomach and find out.” He pointed at me with his thumb and gave her a sly grin. The class broke out into yet another fit of laughter, and even I was a little amused. Way to continue the joke. Good job, puppy.
“What is with you two? I can see Katsuya doing something like this, but you, Mr. Kaiba, have certainly surprised me today!”
Let’s see now. . . in this situation, I should say. . . “What can I say? I’m a man of many surprises.” I shrugged, closing my eyes for a moment and then winking at the flustered woman. A blush immediately crept to her cheeks. Ha! Easy as hacking a computer mainframe. . . well, that’s easy if you’re as smart as me. . . look, it’s better than some stupid cliche, right?
“M-Mr. Kaiba! What has gotten into you?” She tried to act all disturbed, but anyone with any sort of intelligence could see that she was extremely excited by my flirting with her. Women like her are so pathetic. With her question, she had walked into a racy answer.
“No one recently. . . oh, you meant my attitude?” I could hear Jounouchi practically gag, and it took everything in me to keep from laughing. The smile, however, couldn’t be hidden. “What can I say? I haven’t been to work all weekend except for the bit I have done on my laptop and I’ve had so much sleep that I don’t know what to do with myself. I guess I’m just in a lovely mood. This project is such a marvelous thing. Did a brilliant woman such as yourself come up with it?” I rested my chin in the palm of my hand, propping myself up by resting my elbow on the desk. When in doubt, flirt. Never thought you’d hear that concept from me, eh?
“Are you trying to flirt with me so I won’t send you to the office?” Her face was flushed a bright red, and she had averted her attention elsewhere to keep from making eye contact with me.
“Yes.” I stated plainly, “Is it working?”
She huffed a bit and made her way back to her desk, “How was everyone’s weekend?” I leaned back in my chair. Victory was a sweet, sweet thing.
The taller Yuugi groaned, “Other than the fact that it was a constant death-match, I’d say things went rather smoothly.” He cast a side glance at the white-haired psycho named Bakura. I wonder if they were really trying to kill each other. . .
Anzu giggled in that annoying way of hers, “I got to know Kioko very well, and she’s so much cooler than I first expected! We have a lot of the same interests!” Kioko, her partner, smiled a fake smile. Apparently she didn’t appreciate Anzu’s company as much as the airhead let on.
“Kaiba and I have been decent with each other, and our projects are pretty far along. There’s a lot more to the great Seto Kaiba than anyone in the world could have imagined.” My head turned quickly towards the direction of Jounouchi’s voice, and my eyes joined the stares of others as I attempted to burn a hole through the mutt’s skull with my mind.
“Oh really?” Ms. Asuka was so nosey, “Like what?”
“You’ll find out when I turn my project in.” He dared to turn in his chair and look back at me, but I was quick to downcast my eyes. Normally I wouldn’t do that, but I really wasn’t in the mood to glare fire at him right now. Surely he wouldn’t really put everything that I told him into that paper. All of those things are so personal! No one wants to hear about a broken and defeated Kaiba Seto. They all want the fantasy story. The story of the young orphan boy who, through determination, defeats a rich CEO in a chess match and is whisked away to some wonderful mansion, where he is given everything he wants and eventually inherits the family company. Yeah, that’s the Kaiba Seto that everyone knew. . . so many knew him, and yet the only people that knew me were Satoshi, Saki, Mokuba, and. . . and Katsuya.
“Everyone, get out your project packets and a pen. There have been some changes made.” That woman’s irritating voice knocked me out of my thoughts. I sluggishly got out the items requested as she made her announcement. “Rather than the cookout and ropes course at the park on Saturday, we’re going to have a cookout and pool party at the swimming complex in the Tsuki no Ao neighborhood. If any of you need directions, please raise your hand and I will give you a handout.”
I visibly sunk down into my seat. A pool party? That meant swimming trunks and no shirt. My arms, my back, my wrists. . . those horrible, ugly scars given to me. . . created by me. Those disgusting, filthy lines that marred my skin. The skin that was always called ‘flawless’ by humanity. There is nothing beautiful about skin that has countless imperfections. . . and would likely have a few additions within the next few weeks, considering the stress of spilling my life out to Jounouchi. . . and then the return of Saki. . . Saki. . .
I cleared my throat loudly, “Ms. Asuka.”
“Yes, Seto?”
“Will all students be required to dress for swimming?”
“Yes. Because we aren’t requiring the ropes course, you will receive a participation grade by dressing in your trunks, Seto! I’m sure all of the girls will be pleased; you have nothing to worry about!” She smiled like a horny old maid.
There was nothing wonderful about the attention I would most certainly receive. Whether it be pity or disgust, I can’t really predict, but either way it will be negative. Shame isn’t something I’m used to feeling in public. These scars, these memories that span over my body, are hidden from the world. . . I just wish they could be hidden from myself. . .
“Alright then! Does anyone else need directions?” There was silence. “Are there anymore questions?” Still silence. “Okay, we’ll just begin today’s lesson! Since we’re working on biographies, I’ll show you some examples of good paragraphs and bad paragraphs! Then, we’ll work on some grammar and spelling! Last, we’ll work on making your paper flow!”
She went on with her mindless babble. Like I would listen to directions on writing a damn paper. My day had already been ruined, and I wouldn’t give her the usual satisfaction by taking notes. School wasn’t important to me. I had always treasured learning when I was little. I suppose that it was because my father had stressed knowledge and its impact on my future. I wanted a good career so that I could raise a family of my own. The thing I don’t remember is. . . when I was little, what did I want to be when I grew up?
There wasn’t much time to think, as I felt something lightly tap my foot. I shot the floor a look, as though the floor was molesting my shoe or something, only to find a neatly-folded piece square of paper on the floor. Another note, no doubt. I quickly retrieved it and glanced at Jounouchi, who had the sense enough to pretend he was paying attention to the lecture. The note read: “What are you going to do?”
So he knew that I was uncomfortable about the entire situation. He knew about my scars, and had seen them and he. . . what was his reaction? I don’t remember. . . but what was I going to do? Nearly anything was worth sacrificing to keep it a secret, and that included some stupid grade. Never in my life had I made anything below an A- (and when I made the A-, Gozaburo beat my ass to a pulp) and so taking a 0 grade for not dressing for the pool would be extremely weird an suspicious for me, but it’s not like I would have to tell them the true reason that I don’t want to be shirtless. . . especially not in front of a bunch of women. I flirt with them, but only to get my way.
I scribbled “I’m not really sure. I guess I’ll just take a zero for that grade. An A on this project just isn’t worth showing my ugly body.” onto the paper and refolded it, dropping it to the floor and kicking it to Jou’s desk.
Yeah, girls weren’t my thing. I suppose that in a partner I want. . . I want. . .
Jounouchi opened the note and read my reply. He looked. . . angry?
. . . I want someone that is stronger than me.
“Jounouchi Katsuya!”
Ah, fuck, not that bitch again. Jounouchi jumped in his seat.
“Are you passing notes again??” She was over at his desk in a hurry, the lights still out due to the fact that she was using the overhead. He crumpled the paper up quickly, throwing me a quick glance. “Alright, Jounouchi, hand it over immediately.” She held out her hand.
When I caught his attention, I made motions of throwing a paper in my mouth, chewing, and then swallowing. I could tell he was fighting laughter. . . and I had to fight a smile. Really though, he needed to eat the note or she would certainly get it. . . which she did. With a strange speed, she snatched it from his hand and ran towards the front of the room like a little kid.
“Hey give that back! You can’t read it!” Katsuya jumped from his seat to chase her down, but I was far ahead of him.
“You don’t need to be passing notes in. . . class. . .” Her voice seemed to fade when she noticed me lingering high above her. No more mister nice Kaiba. She couldn’t read that note. No way in fucking Hell. I lifted my hand to the same level as her eyes.
“Would you like to return that to me? You would like to continue working in this city, right?” My eyes were frozen in a glare and I made sure to keep my voice as business-like as possible. This was the Kaiba Seto that everyone saw on a daily basis. It was time to make up for my playful antics from earlier. I know very well that I’m intimidating, and it’s wonderful to use to my advantage. My eyes. . . Kaiba Gozaburo said that I had Satan’s eyes. . . right before I killed him.
The woman had the same expression that my employees did when I caught them talking shit about me. As though by hypnosis, she did as she was told and haded the paper back to me. I clenched it tightly and. . . well, I ate it. I locked eyes with Jounouchi, “Jounouchi, if I have to eat one more note today, I’m going to kick your ass. Leave me alone.” I just hopped that he knew I wasn’t truly angry with him.
When the bell rang I went straight to my locker to retrieve my chemistry textbook. Jounouchi made a point to meet up with me there.
“Do you have lead poisoning yet?”
“Pencils have graphite, dipshit.”
“Do you have graphite poisoning yet?” He had the same stupid grin. Is it weird to think it’s kinda cute? Yeah, that’s weird. . . pretend I didn’t say that.
I huffed to keep from smiling or laughing. “Anyways, we shouldn’t do that note thing anymore; it obviously isn’t very affective.” I pulled the book from my locker.
“Yeah, I guess you’re right. Well, I’ll see you during math class then!” He turned to leave. Math class. . . that was fourth block. That was an awfully long time from now. Until then, I’d have no one to talk to or pick on. . . I sat alone at lunch. Compared to being with someone as lively as him all weekend, today was going to be very. . . lonely.
“Actually, Jounouchi, I was wanting to ask you something. . .” He turned back around, but I made a special effort to fixate my attention in another direction. “Will you, perhaps, sit with me at lunch today? You don’t have to, considering you have friends and all. . .” Then I realized how absolutely childish I sounded, “I mean, oh never mind. I’m being so weird.” Indeed I was.
A hand came to rest on my shoulder, and when I finally faced him, he was smiling again, “I’d be honored to have lunch with the great Kaiba Seto.” I couldn’t help but lightly smile along with him before shutting my locker and making my way toward chemistry.
I found myself looking forward to lunch.
- - -
Chemistry class had students that were a little smarter than the average kid, but not much. It was actually AP chemistry, which would give college credit to those that did well on the final exam. I really only took the class so that I wouldn’t be so damn bored all the time. It was interesting to hear them try to sound so intelligent and then listen to the teacher shoot down their ideas. The concepts were all ridiculously simple. My private tutor had taught me such things back when I was 15. I had been taught under strict conditions in the Kaiba mansion, so it was no wonder that I was at the top of my class. I would graduate as Valedictorian, and I honestly couldn’t give two shits about it.
Mr. Kotani was the teacher. He considered himself a scientist and often referred to himself as one, which was total bullshit. True scientists would double over with laughter if they heard him say something so ludicrous.
I never had to pay attention anymore. He had given up trying to stump me with questions before first semester had even come to a close. In fact, I had been the one to stump him with my questions. Unlike this man with a teaching degree, I had been taught my a tutor and a real scientist. The scientist worked for Gozaburo. He was the one who came up with new chemical combinations for bombs to be created in Kaiba Corporation labs.
I was very proud to have converted a militant corporation into a company for games, theme parks, and arenas. That was the child in me. Games are pure. . . guns are not. Pure was something that I always longed to be, and yet knew that I never could be. It was always nice to watch innocent children have fun with my creations, though. In a way, I was the reason they smiled. . . and that would satisfy a part of my heart.
I had once told Isono (my flustered employee from battle city, remember?) about that feeling. He told me that I sounded like a proud father. I kind of was a father, really, considering that I had practically raised Mokuba on my own. Yes. . . Mokuba was like a son to me, and a brother at the same time. I always wondered just how much he really knew about our childhood. He never seemed to have an issue with Gozaburo, and if he did have one he never showed it.
After an ‘incident’ back in those days, Mokuba would come into my room and crawl into bed with me. I always slept better with Mokuba snuggled up against me. His little body up against me was a reminder that I must never give up, that I was fighting for a good cause. I would do anything for Mokuba’s happiness. . . anything.
I glanced up curiously at the clock on the wall above the whiteboard. What class was Jounouchi in? I remember him doing biology homework and history homework last night after I helped him with math and whatnot, so he was in one of those. He was probably fast asleep, drooling on the desk. The thought made me chuckle slightly.
“Is something funny, Mr. Kaiba?” Mr. Kotani sounded a bit irritated, but I just stared at him without so much as an answer. “I’ll have you know that the AIDS virus is no laughing matter.”
My eyes tripled in size for a mere second before returning to normal. I smirked at him, “I must admit that I wasn’t paying the slightest bit of attention to your lecture, so no, I wasn’t laughing about AIDS. . . but isn’t it funny how it began in monkeys and was somehow transferred to humans?” There was no answer, so I decided to test his limits, “What I would like to know is who fucked the monkey.” The wannabe-geniuses around me laughed.
“Kaiba Seto! That language won’t be tolerated in my classroom!” He fumed.
The ends of my mouth fell and I narrowed my eyes dangerously, “Oh? And what will you do, Kotani Kimura? Will you send me out?” It was disrespectful to call teachers by their full names, which was why I made it a point to memorize the full names of all of my teachers. They thought that they were so high and mighty, but I was sure to put them in their place. “Well?” I leaned back, folding my arms and crossing my legs.
Mr. Kotani froze at the sound of his name and then sighed, defeated. “What has gotten into you?”
“You know, my teacher first block asked me the same question.”
“There is obviously a problem, then. Did something happen this weekend that has you acting like a punk?”
I smiled, leaning my head back to stare at the ceiling, “Not something. . . more like someone.”
- - -
For the first time in my high school career, I was the first person out the door and bolting for my locker. I felt like I was a little kid again. I used to always run home from school (we didn’t live very far away back then) just so that I could play with my mom until my father came home from work. . . no, it wasn’t the time to reminisce!
I quickly switched out textbooks and tried not to look too hurried as I made my way out to the cafeteria area. I had seen Jounouchi in the food line with his friends. He hadn’t forgotten that he was sitting with me, right? No, of course not. Jou was a man of his word, if anything, and so he definitely wouldn’t forget about me. He couldn’t forget about me.
I could feel my heart filling with doubt. It really didn’t matter, right? I always sat alone. I didn’t need friends. Friends just. . . friends just died, they just got in the way.
I sat at an empty table in the corner of the giant eating section and pulled a yogurt and a novel (that I had already read a million times already) from my briefcase. That’s it, look busy. Don’t look like you’re eagerly awaiting his arrival. . . which I wasn’t, right? I wasn’t excited or anything.
I couldn’t help but notice the rapid bouncing of my leg. That could easily be explained. My leg was shaking because of all of the extra energy that I have from sleeping so much.
I held the book up to my face. The shaking of my hands could be explained the same way as my leg was.
I opened up my yogurt (Blueberry yogurt, my favorite) and retrieved my plastic spoon. Somehow I didn’t feel like eating today. My stomach felt all funny.
I glanced up from my book, and found the explanation to the butterflies in my stomach. Katsuya came towards me, a pizza in hand and a smile on his face. I really. . . I really like his smile.
- - -