Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Darkness ❯ Darkness III ( Chapter 3 )

Disclaimer: *sniff* I only own Akeno-san, his two associates, Kioko, Hiroshi, Yukio (last three names) and Runihura, who I forgot to lay claim to last time. Hmm…I wonder why? -.-

Warnings: Umm…Angst? Darkness?

A/N: I really don't know what to say about this chapter. Nothing is really going on in it at all. Nothing. Mainly it's just introducing some characters and setting the stage for the next chapter. Well, hopefully you'll like, ne?

Oh, and for anyone that doesn't know Niisan means big brother. I don't know why but Mokuba insisted on using it in here. Also for some reason the honorary `san' found it's way in here, why I don't know. Maybe it's because Mr. Kaiba just sounded funny to me. *shrug* Well, I'll let ya get on with the story now…

/…/ someone's thinking //…// yami's thinking *****flashback***** ~*~someone's dreaming~*~

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Darkness III

Stopping at a red light Dr. Akeno Takama closed his eyes, rubbing at them tiredly. He had hardly slept at all in the past three weeks and his exhaustion was starting to show. He had to pull himself together though, before he reached the Kaiba residence. He could not afford to show weakness in front of Seto or in front of his…colleagues.

Just thinking about those two morons sent waves of anger coursing through him. How those two ever managed to get through Med. School was beyond him. Probably bribed their way using daddies money…

The loud sound of a car horn blasting from behind jolted him back to reality. Slowly he stepped on the gas, prompting his car forward. Almost as an after thought he rolled down his window and showed the other cars driver his little pet birdie, hoping that it was one of his two associates and if it wasn't… Well, he was too tired to give a damn and they probably deserved it anyways.

/…need sleep…/ Releasing the wheel for a moment he stretched out and yawned.

This would be his first time to the Kaiba residence and he was finding it a bit hard to locate. The directions given to him by Kaiba Corp., after hours of arguing and the possibility of having to get a court order!, were quite vague, giving a few street names and describing the estate as `the biggest one in the area'. Looking around him he saw many rather large houses, but doubted that anyone of them could belong to the young C.E.O. He was sure that Seto's house was larger than his own and seeing as how these weren't…

Sighing he caught the name of the next street on his list and turned onto the road. To be quite honest he wasn't in much of a hurry to get to his destination. His news, or rather lack there of, was not something he wished to report to his employer.

/My employer…/ Takama's lips twitched up in the semblance of a small smile. /God, I remember when I first went to see him three weeks ago. I was so nervous and excited at the same time. That was the first time I saw him in…what, ten years?/

****

3 weeks ago…

/Calm down Akeno, calm down, just relax…/ Taking a deep breath Takama tried to do just that and failed miserably.

Pulling into a parking space he let out another deep breath, before pulling the keys out of the ignition and stepping out of his car to stare up at Kaiba Corp. The building was monstrous, towering over all others around it, drowning them in its shadow.

/It's even bigger than fathers company…/ Right away he decided he liked it, if just for that reason alone. Swallowing nervously he began to make his way toward the monolith, spotting his two colleagues waiting for him by the entrance.

--------

Walking through the giant double glass doors Takama could feel his jaw drop in amazement. The inside was just as impressive as the outside of the building, if not more so.

/If father ever set foot in here he would die of shock and shame/ Closing his mouth Takama put on one of his best smiles and began to make the long trek to the reception area. /I really must bring him sometime/

--------

/I can't wait for this day to be over with. All I want is to go home and take a nice relaxing bath. Maybe light some of those aromatherapy candles I bought last week/ Sighing heavily Kei looked back over the papers set before her. /Face it girl, you'll never get to go home, not with all this work to do. There goes my social life… Not that I had one to begin with…/

Vaguely she caught the sound of someone clearing their throat, probably trying to get her attention. Decidedly ignoring the sound she continued to work on the forms, not even bothering to look up. She knew it wasn't the boss, he would never clear his throat to get your attention and besides he hardly dealt with anyone in the company, least of all reception, and if it wasn't the boss it could wait; she had work to do…

"Umm…excuse me? Miss? Miss…?"

Grinding her teeth together in irritation she slowly set down her pen, turning her attention to her very unwelcome and annoyingly persistent visitor.

"Can't you see that I'm…busy…?" What started out as a near shout ended in more of a whisper as she looked up into the startled face of one of the most gorgeous guys she had ever laid eyes on.

He couldn't have been anymore than twenty-six, twenty-eight at the most. His hair, which was the color of a moonless, starless night, looked soft, inviting to the touch; a few stray strands of dark silk falling into his eyes. She could get lost in those eyes. They were of such a beautiful shade of blue, not unlike Kaiba-san's, but where his were cold, this young mans were warm, invoking trust.

After a moment the look of surprise faded from his delicate features, replaced by a small, almost amused smile. Kei could feel that she was starting to blush, the heat washing unbidden across her face. This seemed to amuse the young man even more, his smile broadening, causing her to blush even harder.

Faintly she could hear snickering in the background. Looking behind the young man she saw two rather old and repulsive looking gentlemen. /They couldn't be with him, could they?/ As if in answer, one of the gentlemen muttered something too low for her to hear at the young man, who in turn shot him an ugly look that didn't seem right on his beautiful face. Deciding to ignore the two geezers she turned her attention back to the young man. /If I play this right I might come out with a date…/

Clearing her throat she put on her sexiest smile and spoke in the sultriest voice she could manage. "Can I help you…?" /Yep, that'll win him over…/

Leaning against her desk lightly, he smiled. "I hope so. My associates and I are here to see Kaiba-san, but I'm afraid we're a little lost."

"Name…?"

"Takama, Dr. Akeno Takama."

"I'm afraid that he won't be available for sometime now. If you like you could wait here…with me."

Takama blinked a few times, and then felt himself blush lightly. He could hear his associates snickering behind him. /I really shouldn't lead her on/

"That's alright, if you could just point us in the right direction…" His voice trailed off as he saw her face turn red once again, this time in anger. /Apparently she doesn't like to be blown off/

He could hear his associates snickering even harder behind him as the young women turned and started to type something on the computer beside her. /Very professional/ he thought, pushing himself away from the desk, not sure if he was referring to his associates or the poor girl.

Without looking up the young women stated in a cold voice. "Take the elevator to the top floor, someone will help you there."

--------

Once they were on the elevator, heading to the top floor, Takama's associates burst out into wild laughter. /They are so immature/

"Really you two, laughing at that poor girl. At least try to act your age would you."

"Speak for yourself Takama." Replied Dr. Azuma, a tall thin man with wiry gray hair.

"Yeah." Snickered Dr. Hai, a slightly balding man with greasy dark brown hair, sporting a pair of huge coke bottle glasses. "We weren't the ones flirting with her."

"That's right." Quipped Azuma. "And you're just as old as we are."

"I was not flirting with her and I happen to be over eight years younger than you two. Thirty-six is not old." Takama sniffed, turning his back to them.

Sensing more than seeing the light blush that was creeping slowly over Takama's face, Azuma and Hai broke out into a new fit of laughter.

"Shut up."

--------

Finally after wondering around the top floor aimlessly someone was kind enough to point them in the right direction. Soon they found themselves standing in front of two solid wooden doors, which opened up into a large reception area. As they walked in the young secretary behind the reception desk looked up, lighting her gaze immediately on Takama. Groaning softly he pushed his two associates forward to deal with her, causing her hopeful expression to vanish just as quickly as it had come.

Stuffing his hands into his pockets Takama lazily took in the area around him. The reception area was quite large with the reception desk facing the entrance, a self service bar set into the wall to his right and a large TV built into the wall of the entrance, facing a seating area of fine leather chairs positioned around tables, that took up most of the left side of the room. Past the seating area were another pair of massive wooden doors, which undoubtedly led to Seto's office.

After his first glance around the room he let his gaze wonder back to the seating area and its only occupant. Sitting in one of the large chairs was a young boy with long black hair. Glancing over at them the boy raised his arms, crossing them over his chest, and sighed dejectedly.

As he started to take a step forward Takama was stopped by a hand coming down to rest on his shoulder. Turning he found himself looking into the very annoyed face of Azuma. /What else is new?/

"She said we can't see him now and that we will have to wait. She doesn't know how long it will take either. This is ridiculous, we shouldn't have to wait…" Still mumbling to himself Azuma started to turn, but stopped when he noticed that Takama hadn't moved. "Aren't you going to join us?" He asked, pointing towards Hai, who was already pouring himself a drink at the bar.

Shaking his head softly Takama motioned towards the boy. "No offense, but I think he'd make better company than you two."

Looking over at the boy Azuma sniffed in disgust. "I hate children. I wonder how he got up here." Shrugging he turned. "No matter, we didn't want you with us anyways, just a formality you know."

Snorting Takama turned from the retreating figure, making his way over to where the boy sat. As he got closer he could feel himself getting nervous all over again. Coming to stand in front of the boy he cleared his throat.

"Mokuba…?"

Startled the boy jumped nearly a foot out of his chair, raising wide grey eyes up to meet Takama's blue.

"You are Mokuba, right?" Asked Takama nervously.

Biting his lower lip the boy just nodded an affirmative.

"Do you mind if I joined you?" Takama slid on one of his most trusting smiles.

Mokuba shook his head and watched silently as the man sat across from him. "Who are you?"

The mans smile faltered for a moment, before sliding back into place. Running one hand sheepishly through his dark hair he looked at Mokuba from under thick lashes, before laughing softly.

"Sorry about that. I didn't introduce myself, did I? My name's Akeno Takama, I'm here to see your big brother."

"Niisan…" Mokuba's eyes lowered sadly, then raised to once again meet Takama's. "Takama-san, how did you know who I was?"

"Please, call me Akeno." Takama smiled broadly. "Actually, I guessed. It's just that you looked so much like her, that you had to be you."

"Like who?"

"Hmm?"

"Who do I look like?"

"Oh, Well actually…" Takama shifted uncomfortably. "You look a lot like…like your mother." The last was rushed out almost to fast for Mokuba to hear. /Damn me and my big mouth/

Mokuba blinked a few times, taking in what he'd just heard. "Akeno-san, you knew my parents…my real ones?"

Smiling at the use of the honorary Takama considered lying for the briefest of moments before deciding against it. "Actually, I knew your mother and father very well. We were close friends…along time ago…"

"I don't remember them…and Niisan…he won't tell me about them. I…I don't think he remembers them either. What were they like Akeno-san? What…what did they look like? Where they nice people?"

"Mokuba your mother and father were the nicest people I've ever known. They were friends with me after all, not many people were. Your mother was very caring, always wondering about others before herself. Your father was the same way, kind and gentle, he would do anything for your mother…"

"Do I look like my dad too?" Mokuba interrupted.

Laughing softly Takama regarded Mokuba for a moment. "Yes, yes you do."

"How so?"

"Well, you've got your mothers eyes, grey like the sky before a storm and you've got your fathers hair, black…but, not as black as mine, ne? Your dad was always jealous because my hair was darker."

Mokuba laughed for a moment then looked thoughtful. "What about Niisan? Who does he look like?"

Takama's smile lessened once again. "It's been a long time since I've seen your brother, I don't know what he looks like now."

"Oh." Mokuba fidgeted a moment. "Well, he's tall and has brown hair and really blue eyes. Since I got dads hair he must have gotten moms…right?"

"Yeah, your mom had really long brown hair. I don't think she ever had it cut in her life." Takama laughed.

"And I have moms eyes, so dad must've had blue ones right?" Mokuba continued excitedly.

"No…, no your dad had…brown eyes, light brown, almost like honey."

Mokuba frowned. "Then why does Niisan have blue eyes?"

"Well…, he could have gotten them from your grandparents, but I never met them. That's probably it though."

"Oh…"

After a few minutes of silence Mokuba looked up to see Takama staring off into space with an almost pensive expression. Biting his lip he wondered what this man, who claimed to know his real parents, was thinking about. Turning his head he looked over at the two men that had come in with Akeno-san, right away he decided that he didn't like them. They reminded him too much of what a mad scientist was supposed to look like, all greasy and ugly and mean. /Mad scientists/

"Akeno-san?"

Upon receiving no response Mokuba leaned over, gently tugging on Takama's jacket sleeve to get his attention. Startled by the contact Takama, giving a good impression of Mokuba, jumped in his chair, before settling his confused gazed on Mokuba. This reaction seemed to amuse Mokuba a great deal, for he started giggling softly, making Takama's smile brighten as he joined in with the laughter.

"Sorry kid, didn't mean to leave you like that."

Remembering what he was going to ask Mokuba stopped giggling, lowering his gaze to look sadly down at the floor.

"What's wrong…?" Takama asked concerned.

"Akeno-san, why…why are you here to see Niisan? It's because he's sick isn't it."

Growing somber, Takama looked down at his hands for a moment, his smile replaced by a small frown of his own. This made Mokuba even more sad, he liked Akeno-san's smile. It was so warm and comforting.

"Yes, it's because he's sick. Those two…gentlemen over there and I are doctors. We're going to try very hard to find out what's wrong with your brother."

Mokuba looked up, his eyes watery from unshed tears. He didn't know why, but he trusted this man. "He's really sick Akeno-san. I…I've never seen him this sick before, not ever… Promise you'll help him Akeno-san, I don't want him to be sick anymore…"

Smiling sadly Takama reached out, brushing away a lone tear as it trailed slowly down Mokuba's cheek. "Please don't cry. I promise, I'll do all that I can to help your brother Mokuba, I promise." /Shit the kid's about to break down at any moment. Change the subject you idiot/

Retracting his hand Takama looked quickly around for a distraction, any distraction. Finally his eyes landed on a stack of what looked to be cards. Reaching out he picked up the top card examining it.

"These yours? I've never seen cards like these before."

"You've never seen Dual Monsters Cards?" Mokuba asked disbelievingly.

"Nope… Although, I think I've heard of the game. Your brother's the champion right?" /Idiot, you were supposed to change the subject/ Nervously Takama glanced up from the card, looking for any sign that Mokuba might start to cry again. He was surprised to see a wide smile on his face instead as he shook his head vigorously.

"Yep, no one's ever been able to beat him at Dual Monsters…. Well, except for one person." Reaching out Mokuba picked the deck of cards up from the table, looking at them. "He promised that after he was done he would play a game with me."

"Have you ever won?"

"No, like I said Niisan has never lost, except to one person, and that one person's definitely not me."

Flipping the card over in his hand Takama considered this. "But, don't you want to win?"

"Of course I do, but I don't want to win just because he lets me, because he didn't do his best. Although, he does let me choose the deck he uses." Mokuba added reaching into his back pocket he pulled out another deck. "See he uses this one. His real deck is way too strong, I wouldn't last two turns against it."

Reaching out Takama took the offered deck of cards, looking through them. There were a lot of cards with monsters on them and a few others that had, as far as he could tell, no attack or defensive power. Picking one such card out he showed it to Mokuba. "What kind of card is this?"

"That's a magic card. You can use magic cards to do a lot of cool stuff. Niisan says that having good magic and trap cards are good for strategy, that they can make a really weak monster strong."

"Then why does this deck have so few?"

Mokuba grinned slyly. "Strategy. See look, a lot of the monsters aren't very good either, mine are much stronger."

Takama laughed. "You give your brother a bad deck?"

"Yeah…, He still beats me though…" Mokuba sighed, and then smiled as an idea struck him. "Akeno-san, you want to play a game with me? I'll show you how to play. Please, it's real easy."

"I don't know…I've never been too good at games…" Takama replied uneasily, reaching up to run one hand through his hair.

Not giving up Mokuba put on his best pair of puppy dog eyes and stuck out his lower lip just enough to give the impression that he was pouting. He'd used this trick on Seto a number of times, or at least tried to, it never seemed to work on him, but with everyone else it never failed. As expected Akeno-san cringed a bit from the look before uttering a barely heard, "Alright."

Mokuba grinned in triumph, plucking the card that belonged to his deck out of Takama's hand and switching decks so that now Takama had his and he had the one he'd made for Seto. "Here you can use mine. That way it'll be easier."

"Thanks…" /I'm such a wimp/

--------

"I don't know how he can stand being around kids." Azuma muttered, pouring himself another drink.

Shrugging Hai looked over at Takama, who appeared to be playing some kind of card game with the kid, or more appropriately losing at some kind of card game to the kid. "Some people just have a way with them."

Azuma snorted.

--------

/I knew this was a bad idea… Come on think…/ Takama bit his lower lip as he continued to study his cards.

/Maybe I shouldn't have pushed him/ Mokuba thought as he watched Akeno-san's brow knit in concentration. /I know he said he wasn't good at games, but…I never thought he would be this bad/

/I am so dead. There is no way I'm going to win at this/ Resigned to his fate Takama picked out one of his cards, fixing to play it, when the door to Seto's office opened, at least five really pissed off looking men pouring out. /I'm saved!!/

Smiling wickedly Takama put down all of his cards, rising to stand. "Sorry Mokuba, but it looks like we won't be able to finish. Maybe we can play again sometime, k."

"K." Mokuba grinned taking the cards. "Next time I'm gonna beat ya though."

"I don't doubt it in the least." Takama laughed, then immediately felt like slapping himself upside the head. /Idiot, you're not supposed to let him know how close you were to losing/ Continuing to laugh he rubbed at the back of his head sheepishly.

"Will you stop laughing like a damned idiot?!"

Takama rolled his eyes and barely held off the temptation to stick his tongue out at the scowling Azuma, who stood behind him. /Now who's being immature?/

Choosing to ignore Azuma for the moment he looked back down at Mokuba, who looked like he was about to burst out in laughter.

"Mokuba it's been a pleasure." Smiling once again he turned to join his associates, who were looking more than a little agitated.

"Akeno-san…"

Takama stopped, turning slightly. "Hmm…?"

"You know those guys that just left?" Mokuba whispered. "They're the other Executives. Niisan doesn't like them very much and if they're mad, chances are Niisan's even madder, so be careful ok."

Nodding Takama turned, joining Azuma and Hai, who after straightening up opened the doors to Seto's office stepping quickly inside.

--------

His heart beating a hundred miles an hour, Takama took a deep breath before stepping into Seto's office behind Azuma and Hai. Turning to close the door behind him he caught one last glance at Mokuba, who was still watching him. As the door clicked shut he turned to find himself standing in a large somewhat dimly lit room.

"Gentlemen, Sorry to keep you waiting, I had some…unexpected visitors."

Holding his breath Takama let his eyes wonder over the office, seeking out the owner of that cool voice. He had to remind himself to breathe as Seto stepped forward, out of the shadows, approaching them.

Mokuba was right. He was tall, almost as tall as himself, maybe an inch or so shorter. His hair was as he remembered it though, cut short; a few stray strands of fringe aloud to fall gently in front of his eyes. Takama shivered. His eyes…his eyes had changed. They no longer held any hint of emotion. In the letters that Kioko and Hiroshi and sent him they'd always described Seto as being somewhat emotionally distant and reluctant to interact with people, but never as cold. In the pictures of Seto that had accompanied some of the letters, there had always been a glint in his eyes, a look which could only be described as mischievous. Now that look was gone, replaced by an empty void. The icy chill of his gaze was magnified even still by the cool color of his eyes. The effect was that of looking into ice. Cold and uncaring.

"I hope you haven't been waiting too long."

Azuma stepped forward. "Actually…"

Whatever else he said was lost to Takama who continued to stare at Seto, worry growing in his mind. It was obvious that something was wrong with the boy. His hair, wet from sweat, fell limply in front of his eyes. Likewise a thin sheen of sweat coated his skin, which was far too pale, as if it had never seen the warmth of day. His eyes, those cold eyes, were sunken, dark shadows resting beneath them as though he hadn't slept in days.

Takama's attention was snapped back to what was going on around him as he saw Seto's jaw clench tightly in anger. His gaze wondered up to Seto's eyes, which blazed with anger, narrowing, as Seto stepped forward, toward Azuma.

****

Takama laughed softly remembering the shocked and indignant expression Azuma wore throughout the rest of that meeting and it seemed through every one since then. Being told off by a seventeen year old must have really wounded his pride. Not that his pride didn't deserve wounding, no far from it.

Scowling he turned down another street. /I'm never going to find this damned house/

After a few moments he smiled softly as his mind wondered to more pleasant times. Times spent with Kioko and Hiroshi, his only real friends growing up. They were the only ones who had believed in him, who didn't write him off as a dumb rich kid that was only good at causing trouble. They'd trusted him…and he'd let them down…

A frown slowly overtook his smile as he recalled the circumstances of meeting Seto and one Yukio Kaiba ten years ago. /That fucking bastard. If only I had been stronger…/

--------

Wanting to cry out in frustration Yugi crumbled his fourth attempt at the essay portion of his exam. Grumbling he fumbled for another sheet of paper, nearly slamming it onto his desk. /Yami will you please just shut up!!/

"Mutou-kun, some people who seemed to have actually studied are trying to take their exams as well, and I'm sure they would rather not be disturbed because you did not. If you disrupt class again I'll have to ask you to leave. You'll be given a zero on the exam and will be required to stay after class for the rest of the week. Is this understood?"

"Yes, Anda-san. I understand." Sighing Yugi slouched more fully into his chair, bringing his hands up to clinch in his hair on either side of his head.

//Testy…// Yami sniffed.

Closing his eyes Yugi felt one of his eyebrows start to twitch.

//When is this stupid class going to be over? And why did we have to get him, of all people, to substitute? I don't know why…//

Grinding his teeth together, Yugi deliberately set down his pencil, laying both hands flat against his desk and counted to ten.

//…get this over with. Isn't it time to leave yet? This is…//

/Yami shut up!!/ Yugi screamed. /This stupid class will be over five minutes less then the last time you asked. And the reason why Anda-san is substituting is because the feebleminded love of your life Seto Kaiba had to go and do a stupid thing like black out in class, causing the teacher to have a mental breakdown, which she shouldn't have at such a young age. And if you were listening to a single thing Anda-san said, which I know you weren't, you would know that unless we be quiet and get this stupid exam done we will be forced to stay after class, which means that it'll never be time to go and you'll never be able to go and see Seto. So will you please just shut up and let me concentrate!!/

//…we won't be able to go see Seto?//

"No…" Yugi whispered, shaking his head and gaining a few irritated looks from some of the other students. Flinching he looked up to thankfully see Anda-san looking at some papers and not at the class. Picking up his pencil he stared down at the blank piece of paper before him. After gathering his thoughts he set to work on it once again, hopefully this time would be the last.

//Yugi…//

Yugi groaned softly. /What now Yami?/

//I'm sorry//

/I know/

--------

Taking a deep breath Seto paused in his typing. The figures scrolling along one of the laptop monitors set before him blurring as his vision swam in and out of focus. Closing his eyes tightly he brought up his hands to rub at his temples and waited for the dizziness to pass. After a few minutes the sense of vertigo seemed to lessen. Experimentally he opened one of his eyes and peered at the unending stream of statistical data scrolling uncaringly across the monitor screens.

Sighing he closed his eye, bringing his hands down to rub tiredly over his face. After another steadying breath he opened his eyes and studied the two monitors before him, regaining his previous train of thought. Shakily he brought his hands up and sent them flying once more over one of the keyboards.

Grimacing as something flashed across the other monitor he quickly turned, focusing his attention on that machine. As the world began to spin around him once more he simply closed his eyes, counting on memory and instincts to guide him. Hearing an affirmative beep from the machine he turned back to the other laptop and what he had been working on earlier.

His eyes still closed, his mind reeling, it was all he could do to concentrate on the commands he entered into the system. Upon hearing another affirmative beep he sighed, leaning back into his chair. Opening his eyes he found himself staring into an endless black void.

--------

"Hey Yugi! Wait up will ya!"

Stopping Yugi turned, seeing Tristan running towards him, Joey and Teá not too much farther behind. Catching up Tristan bent over, resting his hands on his knees, trying to catch his breath.

"Take it easy Tristan."

"I'm fine Yugi." Tristan said, straightening up. "It's just that you left so quickly after class and all, we were worried about you."

"Oh, I'm fine, really."

"Hey!!" Tristan shouted as an exhausted Joey lunged towards him for support, wrapping his arms around his neck as his legs gave out. As Tristan shook his head sadly, Joey just continued to hang from him, giving a good impression of a fish out of water as he gasped for air.

Yugi tried to stifle his giggles as Tristan tried in vain to extricate himself from Joey, as Teá finally caught up.

"Will you two cut it out!" She snapped irritably, smacking them both upside the head.

Releasing Tristan, Joey shot Teá a look that wished it could kill before turning to face Yugi. "Hey, Yugi I thought we were gonna all go hang out with each other after class. You know I think I'm getting a lot better at dueling. Maybe I could even beat Yami. What do ya think?"

Yami snorted.

Yugi smiled. "Maybe with a little more practice Joey. You are getting a whole lot better."

"Yeah, I know."

"Get over yourself." Teá pushed Joey out of the way. "So Yug, how `bout it? You gonna come and beat Joey again?"

"Why you…"

"Actually, I kinda promised Yami that we'd go see Seto today."

"Seto…" Joey blinked. "Why on Earth would ya want to go see Kaiba? Deliberately? On purpose?"

"Well…he has been sick and it's been a month since he's been to school…"

"So what if he's sick. Ya know he probly faked the whole thing and is just waiting for you to come over so he can force ya into another duel with him."

"Joey…"

"What? Come on Yug, ya know that Kaiba's nothing but a jerk."

//…//

"Come on Joey, he has gotten better…" Yugi laughed nervously.

"Yeah Joey, I think you're being a little unfair." Added Teá.

"Oh, come on. Tristan you're with me, right?"

"I'm stayin' out of this one Joey." Tristan answered, looking first at Yugi who was fidgeting nervously and then at Teá who was glaring murderously.

Adjusting his backpack Yugi cleared his throat. "You know Joey, Kaiba really doesn't have a lot of friends…"

"Oh, I wonder why?" Joey muttered sarcastically.

"Joey…" Yugi sighed. "If Kaiba really is sick then he'll need his friends by him…and as much as he'd hate to admit it Joey, he does consider us to be his friends, even you."

"Yeah I know Yug, it's just…it's just that he gets on my nerves ya know. Plus the fact that he's a jerk doesn't help." Joey laughed.

Yugi groaned.

"Ya know Yugi, you're just too nice for your own good sometimes, but I still don't get why Yami would want to go though. I thought they hated each other."

Yugi blushed. "Well Joey…they don't actually hate each other…umm…Yami really likes Seto, and he's been worried about him…so…"

Both Teá and Tristan's eyebrows shot up into their hairline as Yugi trailed off, fingering one of the buttons on his coat nervously.

"I still don't know why he would like him…I mean the guys a total…"

"Joey." Tristan interrupted, resting one hand on his shoulder. "I…ah…I don't think Yugi meant that Yami likes Kaiba…I think that he…ah…meant that he…" Tristan cleared his throat glancing over at Yugi, who was blushing furiously. "that he…likes Kaiba."

"Tristan ya ain't making any sense."

"Joey…" Teá tilted her head motioning towards Yugi who, having turned completely red by now, was mumbling softly to himself as he shuffled his feet.

Joey looked over at Yugi, taking in his appearance and then back to Tristan who raised one of his eyebrows expectantly. /Ok…something's definitely up that I should know about/ Knitting his brow Joey concentrated, going over every detail of their conversation. He still couldn't see why Yami would like Kaiba… Realization dawning on him his eyes widened.

"Oh…OH…umm…ah…Well…umm…" Trailing off he laughed nervously, rubbing at the back of his head.

"Yeah…" Yugi whispered.

//I…I don't believe you just told// Yami said incredulous.

/I didn't tell…they kinda figured it out…/

//Tch…Whatever. Who wouldn't the way you were acting? Can we just go now?//

"Listen guys, it's getting kinda late, so I better go. I'll see you tomorrow, k."

As soon as Yugi turned the corner, out of hearing range, Tristan promptly whacked Joey over the head, his eyebrow twitching in irritation. "Joey sometimes you can be so dense it hurts."

"What…?"

--------

"If I don't find this house soon I'm gonna die of old age." Sighing Takama looked down at the list of street names given to him by Kaiba Corp. /Well, this is the last one on the list so it has to be around here somewhere…/

As he approached the end of the street he cursed softly. /That better not be what I think it is. Yep, it is. A dead end, a fucking dead end. I do not believe this. Well, at least the gate's open anyways, that'll make turning around a lot easier/

Still cursing he started up the driveway, which much to his dismay was straight and not circular. His curses soon died however, as he saw what lay beyond it. `House' was not the proper word, hell `mansion' didn't even seem like it would fit.

/This just might be it/ The mansion, for lack of a better word, before him was huge. The white stone building stood a good three stories tall, with stone steps leading up to two gigantic solid wood doors, framed on either side by tall columns that stretched from the base of the structure all the way to its top. He could count at least twenty-six windows looking out towards the street he had just drove up on and he whistled softly just thinking about the number of rooms that must be hiding within.

"Hey!"

Startled he tore his eyes off the building and to the man that was now approaching him. /Security? No, he doesn't look like a guard/ Stopping his car, he turned off the engine, stepping out to confront this man, whoever he was and see if this was indeed Seto's home, which he prayed to God it was.

"Sir, I'm sorry but I'm going to have to ask you to leave."

"You security?"

"Well…no, but…"

"Then why should I listen to you?"

The mans face turned red in anger. "Sir, if you do not leave these grounds immediately I will be forced to call the police."

"Look, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be rude, ok? I'm just looking for Seto Kaiba's residence, this wouldn't happen to be it, would it?"

"I'm not at liberty to say."

"So it is?"

"Sir…"

"Akeno-san!!"

Startled, both men looked towards the house and the boy that was currently running towards them.

/Bingo/ Smiling Takama raised one hand, waving at the fastily approaching figure. "Mokuba, it's so nice to see you again."

"Master Mokuba, do you know this…gentleman?" The last was said with clear distain.

"Uh huh, Akeno-san's my friend and those two," He pointed at the cars now pulling up behind Takama's. "unfortunately come with him."

Takama couldn't help but laugh at that. Apparently he was the only one that had gained the favor of both the Kaiba brothers, which he had to admit didn't bother him in the least. Teasingly he reached out, musing Mokuba's hair. "Between you and me, I'd have to agree with you."

Smiling Mokuba turned back to the man, who was clearly not happy with the situation. "It's ok, really. You don't have to stay."

"Are you sure? I'd be happy to see them out if you…"

"No, I don't wish and I'm pretty sure that Niisan wouldn't be very happy at how you're treating my friend." Mokuba fumed. Takama raised an eyebrow as the man paled visibly.

"Very well Sir." With that he spun on his heel, heading back to a road that Takama hadn't seen before that led off to the left side of the house.

"Humph, and who was he?"

"Huh? Oh, my driver." Mokuba stated nonchalantly as he started to walk towards the mansions entrance.

"Your driver?" Takama asked, moving to follow.

"Well, usually Niisan takes and picks me up from my games, but he's been so tired lately…"

Silence fell as they continued towards their destination. Vaguely Takama could hear the footsteps of his colleagues trailing from behind.

--------

//Are you sure you remember the way?//

/Of course I do/ Biting his lip Yugi looked first to his left and then his right. He'd only been to Kaiba's once, after one of Mokuba's soccer games, and the many twists and turns it had taken them to get there had reminded him of a maze. Sometimes he wondered if Seto ever got lost trying to get home, it was that confusing. Making up his mind, he shrugged and started down the road to his right.

//Umm…Yugi?//

/Yeah?/

//Seto's house is that way//

Stopping Yugi turned and started back down the road in the opposite direction he had just been heading. /I knew that, I was just seeing if you were paying attention/ He could feel Yami smile.

--------

Taking in a shaky breath Seto leaned more fully into his chair. This wasn't the first time he had lost his vision, and he supposed, it probably wouldn't be his last. At least this time he was at home…

****

Week and a half ago…

Stretching in the drivers' seat of his car Seto looked out, watching as Mokuba's team dispersed, the kids all heading towards their happily smiling parents. Snorting he looked at his watch hoping that Mokuba would hurry up and get there. It was a long drive back home and he still had a ton of work left over from the office that had to be done.

Sighing he leaned back into his seat, closing his eyes. /I hate that I no longer have time to spend with him. Ever since I've fallen ill work has slipped and I find myself struggling to keep up. Perhaps it's best though, that he doesn't see that much of me, that way he doesn't have to witness…my fear…/

Seto nearly cried out in surprise, his body stiffening, as arms wrapped tightly around his neck, drawing him out of his musings. "Hey, guess what?" Mokuba laughed.

Relaxing slightly he cleared his throat. "What?"

Mokuba laughed again, releasing his brother to flop down in the passengers seat. "We won."

"You did?"

"Yep, we kicked the other teams butt big time."

"Is that so?"

"Uh huh, they didn't stand a chance."

Smiling Seto reached up to turn the ignition when his head started to spin, his vision going dim. Closing his eyes he shook his head softly. He could hear Mokuba shifting in the seat beside him, could feel his fingers as they pulled lightly at his shirtsleeve.

"Niisan, what's wrong?"

"Nothing. I…I'm fine, just a little dizzy that's all, but I'm fine now."

"Are you sure?"

Not wanting to worry Mokuba, he smiled softly, leaning back into his seat. "I'm sure. Tell me more about this game of yours."

As Mokuba started talking excitedly Seto blinked his eyes open, trying to clear his head and his vision. He promptly crushed any sense of panic that started to well up within him as his vision continued to darken, before being completely consumed by darkness. /Come on think. We can't stay in the car, Mokuba would know that something's wrong and I obviously can't drive…wait, there was a bench by the soccer field, I don't think it was too far from the car…/

"Mokuba…?" Clearing his throat he steadied his voice. "How about you show me some of your moves, huh? I haven't seen you in so long that work could wait a few more minutes."

Mokuba smiled, lunging for his brothers' neck again. "Really? You wanna see me play?" Seto was always so busy that he'd only been to one or two of Mokuba's games and he'd been playing now for nearly two years. As his brother nodded his head Mokuba laughed, grabbing his soccer ball and running out of the car, slamming its door behind him as he went.

/Well, that settles that. Now all I have to do is one, not get hit by a car as I get out of mine and two, make it to that damn bench without falling flat on my face or running into something. Hmm…this isn't good/

Gathering his thoughts, Seto recalled what the area around him had looked like. Slowly opening the cars door he took a tentative step out, listening for any cars that might be coming towards him. Hearing nothing he quickly stepped out, closing the door behind him. Running his fingers lightly over the car, using it as a guide, he made his way over to the passenger side, then stopped, trying to picture more clearly where the bench had been.

"Come on Niisan!"

Sighing, he pushed away from the car, walking steadily into the darkness, in the general direction he knew the bench to be in. He was starting to think that he'd missed it when his shin found it for him. Biting down hard to suppress the cry of surprise and pain that welled up inside him, he reached out running his hand along the back of the bench and sat down. /Son of a Bitch!!/

Leaning down he rubbed at his knee softly. When the pain had lessened somewhat he leaned back against the back of the bench, listening to Mokuba do whatever it was he was doing and waited for his vision to clear. Yawning he crossed his arms over his chest, letting his head fall slightly forward.

"Niisan, are you watching?"

"Yeah, Mokuba…I'm watching." Shifting slightly he got more comfortable on the bench. Slowly, without even realizing it, he let his eyes drift close.

After about fifteen minutes of kicking the ball around Mokuba looked over at his brother. He frowned slightly, knowing perfectly well that Seto couldn't watch him play with his head hung down like that. Sighing he grabbed his ball and made his way over to where his brother was sitting.

"Niisan? Seto…?" Reaching out he pulled lightly at his brothers' sleeve, worried that he hadn't answered him. That's when he noticed that Seto's eyes were closed and that his breathing was soft and steady. In other words he was asleep. Normally this would have irked Mokuba somewhat, he'd really wanted Seto to watch him play, but under the current circumstances he couldn't have been any happier.

Sitting on the bench beside his brother, Mokuba held his ball to his chest and leaned his head on Seto's shoulder; watching as the sun slowly crept towards the horizon, content to let his brother sleep. He knew he hadn't done so now for days.

/Rest Niisan, that way you can get better soon/ Snuggling more closely against Seto's side Mokuba allowed his own eyes to close.

****

Seto blinked as a soft sound drifted over to him from out of the black void. Tilting his head slightly he listened as the sound repeated itself, a soft tapping. Someone must be knocking on the doors to his office.

/Mokuba doesn't knock. I don't remember anyone coming over today/ Perplexed he cleared his throat and called out. "Come in."

As the doors opened he could hear soft footsteps enter his office. By the sound of them there was more than just one person. He fervently hoped it wasn't any of his Executives. He didn't think he could handle any of their incessant whining at the moment. /No, it can't be them. They're too damn lazy to come to my house to whine…/

"Kaiba-san, Mokuba let us in, I hope that we aren't interrupting anything of importance."

Lifting an eyebrow in mild surprise Seto responded. "Not at all Dr. Takama."

Clearing his throat Takama regarded Seto for a moment, looking briefly at the computers set before him and the many papers that covered his desk. Swallowing he gathered his courage about him before speaking.

"Kaiba-san, I…and my colleagues don't feel that you should be working…" He paused as Seto's brow arched a little higher. He cleared his throat once more before continuing. "…we feel that you should relax as much as possible; surely someone else can take on the responsibilities of…"

"No, Dr. Takama, there is no one else."

"Surely your Executives…"

Laughing softly Seto rose from his chair, turning to face the floor length window behind him. "Those idiots couldn't run a lemonade stand, let alone Kaiba Corp. The only reason they're even here is because of my father. No matter how sick I am, gentlemen, Kaiba Corp. still has to be run and I am the only one qualified to do so."

Takama took a step forward, frustrated. /He can't keep going on like this/

"At least get someone to…"

"I'm sure you didn't just come all the way out here to `tuck me into bed'." Seto snapped back at him irritably.

Takama flinched slightly. "No, sir."

Taking a deep breath Seto looked out the window. "How did you get this address and why are you here?"

"You said that you wanted to know the results of the tests as soon as they were done, but you weren't at your office, so I harassed them into giving me your address." That got the desired effect Takama had been looking for. Seto's mouth twitched ever so slightly into a smile.

"Really? I'll have to talk to them about that." The smile slowly faded as he turned his head slightly towards them. "And the results?"

Closing his eyes briefly Takama took a deep breath, his own smile fading somewhat. "All of the results have proven to be inconclusive. I've personally gone…"

No longer listening Seto turned fully once more to the window, bringing up one hand to rest lightly against its surface. Hearing the words pause behind him, his eyes shifted to where he thought the men's reflections would be.

/All test results have proven to be inconclusive…/ Seto closed his eyes against the darkness that had yet to release its grip on his vision. /Inconclusive…/

"…with more tests…"

"No…"

Takama's heart stopped, his eyes coming up to look at the boy turned from them. "Sir…?"

"No more tests."

"Bu…but Sir."

"Get out."

Shocked Takama gaped at Seto's back; he could hear his colleagues already turning to leave. /Damn them/

Apparently hearing them as well Seto's eyes slowly opened, his gaze staring blankly once more out of the floor length window. Clinching his jaw tightly Takama took a step forward. "Sir, I don't think…"

He was abruptly interrupted as Seto reached over to his right, grabbed the first thing his hand came into contact with and turning threw it in his general direction. Flinching as what was once a vase smashed into the wall, missing his head by less than a foot, Takama took an involuntary step back.

"I said GET THE FUCK OUT!!" Seto screamed.

Flinching at Seto's tone, he took another step back before pausing, his eyes…they weren't looking at him. Turning his head slightly he followed Seto's gaze. Nothing. Then it hit him, throughout this entire meeting something had felt wrong… He could feel his heart skip a beat as he turned to Seto once more.

"You can't see me…can you?" He whispered.

Seto's jaw clenched in anger as his eyes shifted a little to the left. Stepping forward he reached under his desk and pulled out a gun, leveling it at Takama's head. "What part of get the fuck out don't you understand?"

"None…" Takama whispered softly as he turned and walked towards the door. Even if Seto couldn't see him, he was sure that at least one of those bullets would hit their mark if used. Closing the door to Seto's office behind him he turned to join his colleagues who were waiting for him in an adjoining hallway.

"Ungrateful bastard." Azuma whispered under his breath.

--------

Hearing voices down the hall Mokuba set his cards down, moving towards his door. He wanted to talk to Akeno-san some more before he left today, to see if he'd found anything out about Seto. As he reached the door, his hand resting on the knob, he heard one of the other doctors start to speak and stopped, listening.

"Don't try to defend him Takama. He's nothing but a selfish, ungrateful bastard."

Mokuba stiffened at the insult aimed at his big brother, about to march right out there and demand that he take it back when Akeno-san's voice broke in.

"That's not true Azuma. He's just…he's just a child. A very scared child."

"Humph, child indeed. That's why he's the C.E.O. of the biggest company this side of the known world. For now anyways."

"And how old was he when he became C.E.O. of Kaiba Corp., huh?! How old?! That boy has had no childhood. Has had no loving family. Has had no one but that asshole he calls father and his little brother, now only him."

"Don't get all worked up Takama." Broke in Hai. "Soon he'll be put out of misery."

"Don't say that…"

"Come on, you know it's true. Frankly, I think he deserves what's coming to him. Hey!!" Azuma yelled as Takama grabbed him by the shirtfront, throwing him roughly against the wall.

"Shut up!! Just shut the hell up!!"

"Calm down Takama." Hai said, trying to pull him away from Azuma.

Shaking with rage Takama tightened his grip around Azuma's throat. With head bowed and eyes closed, he ground out between gritted teeth. "You know nothing…NOTHING about that boy…"

"And I suppose you do…" Choked out Azuma.

Releasing his grip Takama turned from his two associates, running one hand through his jet-black hair.

"More than you know." He whispered as he started walking down the hall. /More than you know…/

When he could no longer hear them Mokuba got up from where he had been sitting on the floor. Opening his door a crack he peered outside, before stepping into the hallway. Wiping at a tear that slid down his cheek, he turned and headed towards his brothers office.

/That one man, he…what he said, it can't be true…it can't/ Another tear sliding down his face he broke into a run.

--------

/Shit. Fuck/ Setting the gun down on top of his desk Seto brought his shaking hands up to clench at his hair. /This is not fucking happening…/

He could feel tears start to build up, but pushed them back down, fighting to gain control over his emotions and body. Faintly he could hear the door to his office open and he turned, directing his sightless gaze at it, intent on telling whoever it was to go straight to Hell and leave him alone. He was stopped however, as the soft sound of sniffling drifted over to him.

"Seto…"

Seto blinked. "Mokuba…?"

"Seto…" Mokuba choked out as he stepped into the room, bringing one hand up to wipe at his nose. He jumped a bit in surprise as broken glass crunched under his feet.

"Careful Mokuba." Seto moved to walk around his desk, cursing as his knee came into hard contact with its edge.

"Seto…" He stiffened momentarily as Mokuba's arms slid around him, his head burying into his waist. He could feel Mokuba shaking against him, could feel his tears soak through the material of his shirt. Reaching down he untangled Mokuba from himself, and holding his hands in his own, bent down. Running his hands up Mokuba's arms he brought each hand up to wipe at the tears falling from Mokuba's eyes, down his cheeks. "What's wrong Mokuba? Why are you crying?"

Mokuba sobbed before wrapping his arms tightly around Seto's neck, burying his head in his shoulder. Wrapping his own arms around Mokuba's trembling body Seto ran his fingers through his hair. A comforting gesture he barely remembered his mother doing to him on the few occasions that he'd cried when he was a child. "Please don't cry Mokuba. What happened?"

"Seto…don't go…don't leave me…" Mokuba sobbed, tightening his arms around Seto's neck.

Seto stopped running his fingers through Mokuba's hair at this and after a moment turned his head slightly into his brothers. "I won't leave you Mokuba."

Mokuba sniffed, pulling back just a little. "Promise…?"

Smiling softly Seto ran his thumb over Mokuba's cheek, wiping at the fresh tears that fell there. "Promise…"

Just then he felt something twist inside him, gasping in pain he shut his eyes tightly, pushing Mokuba gently away from him as he doubled over, gasping for air.

"Seto…?" Mokuba asked uncertainly as his brother pushed lightly against him, pushing him away. Pulling back Mokuba saw Seto gasp as he suddenly bent over, his forehead resting on the floor, his arms wrapped tightly around himself. Mokuba could feel fear rising within him as Seto fell over onto his side, tears falling from his closed eyes as he gasped in pain.

"Seto!" Reaching out he grabbed Seto's shoulder. Seto cried out at the contact, his head lashing back to smack roughly against the front of his desk with a load cracking sound, as small tremors started to work their way through his body.

"Seto!!" Mokuba cried out, grabbing for him again as another spasm went through his body, sending his head flying into his desk once more. Panicking, tears falling from his eyes, Mokuba shot to his feet and turned, running towards the door. As the sound of Seto's head ramming into his desk for a third time filled the air, he tripped, cutting his hand on one of the shards of glass that littered the floor. Ignoring the pain, he scrambled back to his feet, running as fast as they could carry him. /Akeno-san/

--------

Leaning against the side of his car Takama watched his associates leave. Fuming he turned, kicking at the wheel violently. Taking off his jacket he threw it into the cars window, his tie shortly following behind. Closing his eyes he ran his hands through his hair. /Damn it, I need a cigarette/ Turning he started to reach for his jacket, but then stopped. /Wait. I don't smoke. Shit/

Sighing he wrapped his arms over his head as he rested it on the roof of his car. /Those fucking ignorant assholes! I've got to convince him, I…I can't give up, I've got to convince him to take more tests. I can't just let him die… Kioko and Hiroshi would be sad…/

Faintly he felt tears start to fall from his eyes and straightening he turned to lean back against the car once more, reaching up to wipe at them. Hearing the door to the mansion open he brushed once more at his tears, wiping all traces of them away and plastered a smile on his face before turning.

/Shit/ The smile quickly vanished as he saw the panicked look on Mokuba's face and the tears falling from his eyes. Running forward he kneeled in front of Mokuba, who was just short of hyperventilating.

"Mokuba, what's wrong?" Noticing the blood flowing from Mokuba's hand, he reached down, examining the cut. "Mokuba, what happened?"

"Se…Se…" Sobbing roughly, Mokuba grabbed Takama's shirt with his good hand and pulling his bloodied one from Takama's pointed into the door.

"Mokuba, Mokuba look at me, calm down. What happened? What's wrong?"

"Se…Seto…he…he promised…he promised he wouldn't…le…leave me…"

Takama's face paled as he looked past Mokuba into the house. "Mokuba, Mokuba listen to me, I want you stay here ok. Stay here."

With that he moved Mokuba out of the doorway as calmly as possible and then took off at breakneck speed into the house, trying to remember his way to Seto's office.

--------

//Can't you move any faster?//

"What are you whining about Yami, his house is right…" Yugi trailed off as he looked down the driveway he'd just been pointing down. He could see someone talking to Mokuba and then after moving Mokuba aside, rush into the house. Mokuba stayed where he'd been moved for all of five seconds before rushing into the house after the strange man.

Biting his lip Yugi started to run the rest of the way down the driveway, to the house.

--------

As Takama entered Seto's office he froze in shock. Seto, who had somehow turned to lie on his back, was convulsing violently. His fingers, locked into a claw like position, digging into the floor or into his shirt with each spasm that racked through his body. His neck lay back, the cords of his throat straining as he gasped for air. Takama was released from his paralysis as another violent spasm sent Seto's head crashing violently into the floor.

Running forward he fell beside Seto's body, reaching out, trying to grab at his arms. Hearing glass crack behind him, he turned his head slightly back towards the door. "Damn it, Mokuba I said stay there!"

Mokuba cried out as Seto's head came into contact harder than before with the floor. Cursing Takama turned back to Seto and giving up on his arms, reached out to try and keep his head from ramming into the floor and not break his neck in the process. He was distracted again as another cry rang from the doorway. Trying without success to restrain Seto's body he turned once more to the door.

A boy he'd never seen before stood in the doorway beside Mokuba, his eyes wide, full of shock and fear. As the boy started to take a step farther into the room Takama released one hand from Seto and brought it up to point at him.

"You, get him out of here." As the boy stopped, hesitating, Takama bit back a curse, whether it was from the boy not listening or Seto's head ramming his fingers into the floor, he didn't know. And quite frankly he didn't give a damn. "Damn it, I said get him out of here, now!!"

The boy seemed to hesitate for a moment longer before moving over to Mokuba, gently trying to lead him away. As the two left the room Takama turned his full attention back to Seto.

Cursing, not caring about any danger to his own person, he carefully shifted, lowering his body onto Seto's. Wrapping his arms firmly around Seto's head he held him close against him. He could feel Seto's body arching against his, his hands clawing at his chest and sides. Seto's head turned slightly into his and he tried not to flinch as his breath brushed against his neck, knowing the damage Seto could do if he inadvertently bit him.

He could feel Seto's breathing, rapid and erratic, beneath him. Could feel the savage beating of his heart as it threatened to explode in his chest. He cried out in pain as the clawed fingers of Seto's left hand tangled in his hair, jerking at his head violently. Gritting his teeth he ignored the pain, turning his head into Seto's shoulder, holding him more securely against him. /Please, please…/

Suddenly Seto just stopped. After a moment Takama slowly unwrapped his arms from around Seto's head, and shakily pressed his fingers to his throat. As a faint pulse greeted him, he let go of the tears he'd been holding, letting them fall freely from his eyes. Moving off Seto he sat by his side and reaching out brushed the sweat soaked fringe of Seto's hair from his eyes.

Taking a shaky breath he ran his hands through his own hair and cried.

---------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------------

More A/N: *evil cackling ensues* A cliffhanger, MWAHAHAHA!!!!!! *cough* No, seriously, I hope that that wasn't cheesy or anything.

Anyhoo, I hope that you enjoyed it, as uneventful as it was. Don't forget to R&R, I thrive on reviews, they're my driving force. Here's a big THANK YOU to all the reviewers. ^_^