Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Irksome Nature ❯ Chapter 6
[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]
By: Kingslayer 
Anime/Manga: Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction | Genre(s): / Romance | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 08.10.2004 | Pages: 5 | Words: 5.1K | Visits: 455 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction | Genre(s): / Romance | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 08.10.2004 | Pages: 5 | Words: 5.1K | Visits: 455 | Status: Completed
Disclaimer: Yadda, yadda, yadda. We all know I don't own YuGiOh, and yet, I still have to say this. It's a cruel world..
Author's Notes: Well, it looks like I finally finished chapter six, tiredness notwithstanding. Had fun writing this chapter, but most likely because of Kaiba and his pretty slippers. Other than that, I can't say this chapter is anything special. My writing hasn't been the best.
Much thanks to Moe for her funny, funny ideas and comments and to Jessica for taking the time to beta this drudge.
Responses to reviews at the bottom - including those I missed last time. ;-)
I waited impatiently for the Hiberts to pick up his cell phone. Usually, three rings was all it took for the man to pick it up, but today, it was slipping into six rings with no sign of an answer. And I was growing worried. Not that any hint of my concern had to do with the well-being of private investigator Hiberts, who had a debt of no less than three grand, a younger sister whom he was estranged from, a cat that was currently being attended to by his neighbour in a moderately middle-class apartment, and an addiction to cards on the occasion. However, he held a reputation for being one of the quickest, and the best in his field; and who last I heard, held within his hands very useful documents I had hired him to procure. Very useful, Hirato-related documents that apparently were worth quite a bit -- and Hiberts insinuated as such -- and contained further importance. I itched to take them. But first, precautions had to be taken.
It wasn't exactly being deceitful if leaving things unsaid were for the good of all. Mokuba didn't need to know; he would only worry, and Yami and Yugi definitely had no business in my affairs -- except Yami had saved Mokuba once before, and Yugi was...well, Yugi. I couldn't describe him, much less know what to do with him when he and Mokuba got into one of their moods.
I sighed in frustration and irritation, and hung up on the twentieth ring. Worry lingered stubbornly, but already, my mind was paving alternate routes. If Hiberts, and I didn't think it was a very big if, had somehow been stopped, then it would mean Hirato had figured out my plans. Had not only figured it out, but was probably well on his way with his counterattack; something I would have relished in past times, but was only a worrisome nuisance right now when I knew it wouldn't be directed just at me. Yami could no doubt take care of himself -- I believed he was powerful though I wasn't going to tell him that -- but Yugi and Mokuba were a different story. Could Yami protect both of them at the same time? Inconclusive. If both were simultaneously in danger, could Yami protect Mokuba while Yugi was in harm's way? No. I didn't blame him; I understood him all too well for that, but it also meant I couldn't not hate him in such a situation.
Leaning back on my chair, eyes facing forward but unseeing, my mind raced as I plotted and schemed, and formed several concurrent strategies for the theoretical consequences of an unanswered phone call. Of course, my mouth quirked in disgust, Hiberts could have just left his phone or turned the volume down as he trotted away to sate his need for his addiction. I snorted at his weaknesses and then finished off my planning. I had several others whom were not as successful as Hiberts, but they would have to do for now, and while one tried to retrieve the information from Hiberts -- dead or alive, I didn't particularly care -- the other could attain it straight from the source. It was an acceptable option, I decided.
Just when I was about to pick up the phone again, Mokuba entered the room, looking particularly determined and sober. I wondered if he was going to question me about that night a couple of days ago, and inwardly winced. How could I explain? Oh, I just somehow ended up sleeping next to Yami on the couch in the middle of night because I was too tired, and he wouldn't get off the couch. So we had to share since I couldn't be bothered chasing him off and he didn't mind sleeping next to the guy who was obsessed with beating him. And no, Mokuba, don't laugh. We didn't end up -- wait a second -- what would you know about sex?
I rubbed my temple tiredly, and thought wryly that Yugi was right. I had been suffering more headaches ever since they came home with us; I knew I was probably keeping the pharmaceutical companies in business with all my purchases.
"Seto," Mokuba said calmly as he sat in front of me, across my desk.
"Mokuba." I nodded, and instantly went on full alert. Mokuba wanted something, something I wasn't going to like.
"Don't be like that, big brother," he rolled his eyes. "I'm not going to talk you into doing stuff." He looked at me seriously, and then said what almost made me jump out in a bout of frustration. "I'm just here to give you relationship advice."
I twitched slightly, just a little because I was trying to keep myself calm and steady, but it was there nonetheless. We had this conversation before, with Mokuba and I coming to an understanding, or so I thought. How unfortunate that it was not to be as incident after incident -- or just Mokuba's plain stubbornness to see me happy (which somehow or another turned into seeing me in a relationship) -- proved differently, no matter how much I protested.
"Mokuba, are you okay?" I asked, not wanting to hold it in any longer. I had been trying to sound casual, pretending that since Mokuba had come out unscathed from that attempt on his life, I didn't really need to be so worried, so on edge. It did no good, because all I managed to do was pretend nothing was wrong, that I wasn't just a hair's width short of a mental melt down that would result in crazy proactive measures to take Hirato out permanently. Only my silent promise to Mokuba and the respect that Yami seemed to have for me kept me from plunging head on.
As frustrating as this slow process was, I was glad that I didn't sink to Hirato's level. I wouldn't have been a year ago, but I was now; whether this made me a better person remained to be seen. I certainly didn't think so.
"Yeah, I am, Seto. I'm all right, see?" He stood up and turned around; there was no need to explain because he already knew and was one step ahead of me. My little brother, so grown up even though I had tried to give him as much time for his childhood as I could, but I could only do so much given the more dangerous aspects of our lives and of my enemies.
"Yeah, I see." I let my eyes roam his uninjured body and gave another silent thanks to Yami for his part in keeping it in that condition. When I finally relaxed -- Mokuba knew exactly when -- he sat back down, and with the stubbornness that seemed so much like my own, he prepared to get us back on track: relationship advice, he said.
"So, about you and Yami…are you guys having problems?" he asked, concerned.
"No, we're not having problems," I said stiffly. "Why do you think we are?"
I hoped that I could correct his misunderstanding or at the very least, make sure he won't interfere.
"You were getting along really well before and now you're not. I mean, not after that night when you slept together."
"We didn't sleep together. We slept next to each other."
"Slept together, slept next to each other -- whatever. You're not changing the subject so easily, Seto." He looked at me solemnly. "The fact is," he paused for emphasis, "you guys were close, and now you're not. And I don't want you guys to break up again so I'm here to act as a go-between."
I started into his serious eyes, and thought my life couldn't possibly get any worse. Oh yes it could, I reminded myself and wondered if maybe keeping Mokuba busy like this would be enough to keep him distracted and near me (and the guards I would have surrounding us) until Hirato was gone. It wasn't a bad idea, now that I thought about it some more. Mokuba wouldn't be out where I couldn't keep an eye on him, doing Mokuba-things, and since his plan was to act as a negotiator between Yami and me, that meant Yami's own eye would be on him as well. It was, as they said, food for thought.
"All right then."
"Now Seto, please think about this -- " Completely surprised, he lost his place and I could see him regrouping, a frown scrawled across a usually frown-free face. He watched me suspiciously.
"All right then? You mean that?" he questioned, perplexed and furiously thinking and disregarding the reasons for my easy surrender. I was never that quick to agree, I knew, and so did he.
"Yes. I think it is wise for me to repair relations with Yami as well." And find out why I dream of him so bloody much. But Mokuba didn't need to know about that.
So far, I had avoided him. From a fair distance away, I had watched and judged whether he knew about our shared dreams, eventually coming to the conclusion that he didn't. He had been confused at my avoidance at first, and then grew a bit worried, but when I told him it was Hirato-related tensions, he had left it well alone and had given me my space. I was appreciative of it. Much more so when I realised he didn't know I was sharing his memories; and memories it was because it just couldn't be anything else. The scenes were vivid and so very real; the play of emotions that I had only ever felt towards Mokuba couldn't be false, even when it was directed at someone else. I could have continued on brooding on this, would have if Mokuba hadn't arrived with his news and made me rethink my plans, dragging out my curiosity to challenging levels I didn't want because I could never resist a challenge.
I waited for Mokuba to make up his mind. I had to hide my smile because he was looking very serious and concerned about this, and it was a bit…cute. And Seto Kaiba didn't use words like that lightly.
"Okay," he said finally, but was still reserved. "I believe what you said; I just don't think that's all there is to it. But if it doesn't mess up what I'm trying to do, then it's fine by me. You have to give me your word though."
I nodded, and had to restrain that stronger urge to smile. "You have my word. No interference in your plans."
"All right. Let's shake on it." He stood up and offered his hand.
I took it and smiled.
It wasn't until the next day that I actually got hold of Hiberts, a fact, which simultaneously annoyed me and made me rethink my decision about his worth. Fortunately for him, he was successful in his mission, and I made a note not to kill him in a week's time; something he should be immensely grateful for if he had any brains left from his interlude with a pretty, young thing, as he so casually said, while he was working. I would have fired him on the spot if he hadn't added that he still had the documents.
"But do you have the money?" he had the nerve to ask me.
"Yes, I do," I said stonily and gritted my teeth. It wouldn't do to provoke him yet, I thought, trying to ease tense muscles that were crying out for a round or two in the dojo.
"That's great," he oozed and then said, "Let's set up a contact point."
"Fine. At the set place?"
"Yep. I'll see you then, boss."
I turned the phone off and set it back to the hand-set none too gently, trying to remember the reasons pertaining to the employment of that good-for-nothing moron. That good-for-nothing moron's the only one who's made any progress so far, I reminded myself. Even if he is a moronic, irresponsible sex addict.
I was silently seething, patiently playing out all the ways our meeting could end when Yami popped in, a Cheshire grin broadcasting his devious thoughts on his face.
"Oh, Kaiba," he sang stupidly. "Kaiba, Kaiba, Kaiba."
"What?" I looked at him suspiciously. The only reason he would be in such a good mood was if he had won a battle or had found some eternally damning thing to irritate me with, and since we haven't played since last night (which he still won, damn it), I had a sinking feeling it was the latter.
"Oh, I don't know…" he said coyly.
If I had a throbbing vein for every time he got on my nerves, I would have seen a doctor a long time ago. As it was, I gritted my teeth (note to self: need to see a dentist), and said tightly, "Just say it."
"Well…" he trailed off, and then in less than a second said, "Okay. Just remember, you wanted me to say it." His massive grin never left his face; it got bigger.
"So, Kaiba. Care to explain this?" His grin turned into a smirk as his hands slowly thrust forward something pink and fluffy. Something that belonged to me.
My skin grew surprisingly warm, much as I tried to hide it. He, that bastard, jingled a pair of pink, fluffy, and utterly girly (even without the dark pink bowties attached to it) slippers in front of my face.
"Well?" He shook it some more and maybe even danced a little weirdly. "You're blushing. Wait. The world must be ending!"
He made quite a show as he rushed to the windows and looked wide-eyed at the yard. "Amazing. I think I just saw, as you would say it, pigs fly."
"Shut up," I finally managed to spit out, the strength needed to calm my reddened cheeks stealing my breath for the moment.
"So he speaks," the troublesome Pharaoh teased as he walked back to the front of my desk, slippers still doing a mean dance within his hands.
"Shut up," I repeated, a bit sulkily now. "That's not mines, I mean, it is mines but I never wanted them."
Inwardly cursing in a few languages (one of them Egyptian; I must have picked up some from Yami), I did the only thing I could in my position: I glared like mad. I glared, as I had never glared before, but it came to no fruition as Yami just looked at me with that moronic expression on his face. A bit of laughter, mirth, a mixture of exasperation and glee, and one other that made me slightly uncomfortable.
I glowered and continued. "Like I said, it's mine but I never wanted it. Mokuba gave it to me as a Christmas present."
He grinned, as if to say, Of course, but I don't believe a word of it, and I responded, sulking, "That's the truth. I don't care if you believe it or not."
"Oh, I believe you, Kaiba. Just the thought of you -- in this -- as -- you -- walk around in -- " He burst out laughing before he could finish.
I gritted my teeth and glared at him, knowing as I did so that I was glaring so much these days, the terrifying effect of it had worn off and the victim was often left feeling unthreatened. But that was all I could do so far -- that and trying to snatch the entirely too sickening slippers out of Yami's shaky hands. I guess this was to my advantage, except the damn Pharaoh had the nerve of trying to fight back, and before we knew it, we were thrown into a game of tug-of-war. The stakes? A pair of offensive pink, fluffy-light slippers that I hated on sight but couldn't get rid of.
I thought I had hidden them well; well enough so that even Mokuba never got a glimpse of them, though he knew I wasn't going to throw them away like trash, but it would seem not well enough for an overly curious and sneaky dead spirit who should have never been rummaging around my room.
"What do you think you're doing, Kaiba?" Yami had finished laughing and was now narrow-eyed and determined in his quest to keep the damn slippers and tease me for all of eternity. I wasn't just going to let that happen.
"What do you think?" I half-snarled and pulled, wondering if I could maybe just trip him up.
"Oh, don't you dare cheat, you arrogant jerk." He knew how I thought. Damn it.
"Me? Cheat? You don't know what you're talking about," I bluffed, but he just kept on looking at me suspiciously. "You're being childish. Now, let go," I nearly yelled, even though it was certainly undignified.
"You let go."
He held on stubbornly, and we glared at each other, each no doubt thinking of ways to gain control of a pair of slippers; this was when I thought about how absolutely weird my life had become. There was no way, no how that I, Seto Kaiba, was fighting with my greatest adversary over a pair of stupid pink slippers. Absolutely not, couldn't be, except I somehow was, and I wanted to laugh hysterically. This was what my life had turned out to be?
"Come on now, Kaiba. You know you don't want these," Yami coaxed. "Why don't you just give them to me?"
"Like hell I will," I snapped out. "You're not getting any blackmail material."
"Oh, come on. The worst I could is tease you." He tried to roll his eyes, but in the end, couldn't because he was too busy watching my every move.
"Exactly."
And that was my final say. We glared; we pulled; we made growling noises; we became undignified savage beasts and still, we didn't stop. We were going nowhere, and for once, I was absently considering a compromise. There were very few who could out stubborn me -- Mokuba was one but he didn't count because we were related and I would do anything for him -- but there were very few who were like Yami: someone who was just as stubborn and didn't fear me to the point where he gave up. We were, quite literally, stuck.
I decided on a compromise. Certainly, Yami kept his word and perhaps an exchange of goods and services was the way to go.
"How about a proposal?" I asked.
"Depends on what kind," he said carefully.
"I propose that I keep the slippers," I continued, interrupting his protest, "While I teach you all the modern things, since you were so successful with the phone and because you are going to be living in this era, that you will need to learn."
I could see him looking thoughtful, giving the slippers and me equal consideration while he made his decision.
"I suppose that…is an adequate proposal," he finally said. "But -- I want to learn about everything."
Now it was my turn to think. It didn't sound too bad, his renegotiation, and certainly, I could share my knowledge, but I didn't think he'd be inventing games or duelling disks anytime soon.
"Fine, but there will be no mention of this, or the abomination. Is that clear?"
"Very." Yami grinned. I knew something was up.
"No. Mention. Got it?"
"Yes, yes. You are so paranoid, Kaiba." He succeeded in rolling his eyes this time, but that was only because he had let go, and now I was in possession of the pink abominations.
"Hn. You make it sound like it's a bad thing," I said, casually taking a step back. "And don't go into my room again."
"Don't blame me for this, Kaiba. Yugi had some sort of plan about cleaning out the entire mansion or something and dragged me into your room, as well as several hundred other guest rooms, not that I was counting."
"Wait." I stiffened. "Yugi found this? Yugi?"
"Yes." Yami was grinning evilly, grinning like some sort of sadistic freak who lived in a puzzle that hung around the neck of his more child-like clone. "I'm sure Mokuba will hear about this -- after Yugi cleans up your room."
Damn, damn and damn.
"You are a brat. An unwholesome, stubborn brat."
"Seth," Atem whined, pouting unbecomingly. "You promised you were going to teach me how to swim! What if, suddenly, I fall into the Nile and all those people following me are too shocked and stunned to save me? What will happen then? I'll have to swim, that's what. And if I don't know how to swim, then how will I save myself?"
I looked at him, stony-faced. "You don't. I'll save you."
He made a face, pouted some more and then said, "Aw. But that's stupid. What if you can't reach me, huh? What if I'm suddenly on the other side?"
"Then I'll swim across," I said, and he crossed him arms sulkily.
I had never actually seen anyone sulk as well as he could; his every movement indicated annoyance, impatience and the general sense that the world was being so unfair and stupid. My answer would have been because he was being reckless, but he didn't want to hear it; unfortunately, because he was mine to protect, at least until he was older, he had to listen to me for the time being.
"But what if a big animal gobbled you up and you couldn't reach me?"
"I will still reach you."
He looked frustrated at my answer. Obviously, he wanted to learn how to swim quite badly, I thought dryly. His reasons for it were imaginative, to say the least, and I was a little impressed he had managed to keep up the argument for this long. Usually, new things distracted him easily enough and I didn't even need to finish saying no a second time before he was off doing what ever that had caught his attention for a brief moment. This time, he didn't give up so easily.
"Well, what if that animal was big, with lots of fur and sharp teeth?"
"I will still --"
"You don't have to say it," he shouted, uncrossing his arms in a huff. "That's so unfair."
I sighed and wondered if there was some way the situation could be salvaged. An angry, pouting Atem was dangerous indeed; when ever he didn't get his way, he found other means of satisfaction -- and in the process, avenged his slight. It was horrible for his guards -- especially me -- and I didn't want any suffering. I was already long-suffering enough.
"How about this: I teach you how to swim a couple of times -- but -- only a couple of times. Any longer and I'll get the others. Got it?"
He nodded quickly. "Yep, got it, can we start now?"
"Yes."
He led the way to one of the streams that trickled from the Nile while I trailed behind him, suddenly feeling extremely tired. He always took a lot of energy, I thought, sighing again. If I sighed anymore I'd be as put-upon as poor Hapsut, who made his every complaint known to the rest of the world but not to the Pharaoh.
"Right. We're here, brat. I suppose we can begin," I groused, preparing to take off my clothing.
"Yes!" Atem said, jumping up and pulling off silk cloths as he ran into the water.
"Wait!"
I rushed after him, watching him panic with an expectant and sinking feeling, but that quickly turned to relief when I reached him and he stopped splashing around frantically, wrapping himself tightly around my body. I walked towards land, arms straining against the weight I was carrying and legs struggling not the water's current get the better of me. Atem was much heavier than I expected, I thought absently, and almost wistfully, because Atem was growing up and I haven't even noticed it. Or maybe I didn't want to notice it.
The thought would have gnarled and twisted in my mind like a fearful sand storm if I hadn't forced myself to focus on Atem, who had just stopped shaking and was now looking back into the water with a dubious expression.
"Maybe we should do this slowly?" he said warily. "And more than a couple of times?"
I couldn't, and didn't, ignore Atem's hopeful tone. "Fine," I eventually said, releasing a sigh, but I really wasn't that displeased.
MotherChowGoddess: Thanks! Very sorry I didn't reply sooner -- my only excuse is that I upload at late nights and late nights are very bad for the eyes. XD I'm glad you're finding Kaiba to be in character; Mokuba and him are very aw-worthy together sometimes. I've given myself an opening in case Kaiba decides to teach Yami to use anything else. <grins>
Blue September: Thanks for the comments! I love it when I can make the readers think. :D I do think that Seth and Atem were much like Kaiba and Mokuba; I also think that Kaiba's subconsciousness has a lot to do with his protectiveness. As for the foreshadowing...not going to tell. ^^; From now on, Kaiba will remember every dream they have.
halowing4: Hope this is worth the wait. ^^; I'm glad you've enjoyed the previous chapters and that it holds up to scrutiny. I can never reread past chapters without wincing. -_-;
phoenixfire17: You are very right. Atem = Yami, albeit younger. Glad you're enjoying a bit of nice Kaiba. He's pretty cute when he's long-suffering. ;-)
ChibiHarika: Heh...uh, I guess now shouldn't be the time to say I have no idea when the next chapter's coming out? Heh, heh. I'm happy you think so. Most of my writing's pretty average to me, but it makes me feel good when readers enjoy themselves.
Karachi: Thanks. I only hope I'm not softening him too much. The interactions are usually more fun to write.
goddesskali: Heh, heh. That was a one time thing. ;-) I'm afraid my updates will be much slower. Thanks for the sugar! I'm going to need it; hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Mistress Ethereal: I agree. Mokuba and Yugi do that innocent thing so well that I just can't resist having them gang up on Kaiba (and sometimes Yami). Thanks for the review!
Yuen: No problem. Glad you're enjoying the chapters I've gotten out so far. I haven't thought about Mokuba and Yugi scheming together...I'll have a good brainstorm later on. I had estimated Irksome Nature to last around ten chapters but ...well, I guess I could include some extra things.
Skycat: And here I thought I was useless at plotting WIPs; one-shots are my usual thing. ;-) Thanks for the review! I agree about my organisation needing work. I have the outlined chapter but then, I usually get random ideas and chuck it in. I too, am looking forward to seeing them get together. Hopefully it won't take too long, enclosed spaces and all.
Puffin and Siiarrei: S/Y's my favourite pairing too. Hope you enjoy this chapter.
Author's Notes: Well, it looks like I finally finished chapter six, tiredness notwithstanding. Had fun writing this chapter, but most likely because of Kaiba and his pretty slippers. Other than that, I can't say this chapter is anything special. My writing hasn't been the best.
Much thanks to Moe for her funny, funny ideas and comments and to Jessica for taking the time to beta this drudge.
Responses to reviews at the bottom - including those I missed last time. ;-)
::chapter 6::
I waited impatiently for the Hiberts to pick up his cell phone. Usually, three rings was all it took for the man to pick it up, but today, it was slipping into six rings with no sign of an answer. And I was growing worried. Not that any hint of my concern had to do with the well-being of private investigator Hiberts, who had a debt of no less than three grand, a younger sister whom he was estranged from, a cat that was currently being attended to by his neighbour in a moderately middle-class apartment, and an addiction to cards on the occasion. However, he held a reputation for being one of the quickest, and the best in his field; and who last I heard, held within his hands very useful documents I had hired him to procure. Very useful, Hirato-related documents that apparently were worth quite a bit -- and Hiberts insinuated as such -- and contained further importance. I itched to take them. But first, precautions had to be taken.
It wasn't exactly being deceitful if leaving things unsaid were for the good of all. Mokuba didn't need to know; he would only worry, and Yami and Yugi definitely had no business in my affairs -- except Yami had saved Mokuba once before, and Yugi was...well, Yugi. I couldn't describe him, much less know what to do with him when he and Mokuba got into one of their moods.
I sighed in frustration and irritation, and hung up on the twentieth ring. Worry lingered stubbornly, but already, my mind was paving alternate routes. If Hiberts, and I didn't think it was a very big if, had somehow been stopped, then it would mean Hirato had figured out my plans. Had not only figured it out, but was probably well on his way with his counterattack; something I would have relished in past times, but was only a worrisome nuisance right now when I knew it wouldn't be directed just at me. Yami could no doubt take care of himself -- I believed he was powerful though I wasn't going to tell him that -- but Yugi and Mokuba were a different story. Could Yami protect both of them at the same time? Inconclusive. If both were simultaneously in danger, could Yami protect Mokuba while Yugi was in harm's way? No. I didn't blame him; I understood him all too well for that, but it also meant I couldn't not hate him in such a situation.
Leaning back on my chair, eyes facing forward but unseeing, my mind raced as I plotted and schemed, and formed several concurrent strategies for the theoretical consequences of an unanswered phone call. Of course, my mouth quirked in disgust, Hiberts could have just left his phone or turned the volume down as he trotted away to sate his need for his addiction. I snorted at his weaknesses and then finished off my planning. I had several others whom were not as successful as Hiberts, but they would have to do for now, and while one tried to retrieve the information from Hiberts -- dead or alive, I didn't particularly care -- the other could attain it straight from the source. It was an acceptable option, I decided.
Just when I was about to pick up the phone again, Mokuba entered the room, looking particularly determined and sober. I wondered if he was going to question me about that night a couple of days ago, and inwardly winced. How could I explain? Oh, I just somehow ended up sleeping next to Yami on the couch in the middle of night because I was too tired, and he wouldn't get off the couch. So we had to share since I couldn't be bothered chasing him off and he didn't mind sleeping next to the guy who was obsessed with beating him. And no, Mokuba, don't laugh. We didn't end up -- wait a second -- what would you know about sex?
I rubbed my temple tiredly, and thought wryly that Yugi was right. I had been suffering more headaches ever since they came home with us; I knew I was probably keeping the pharmaceutical companies in business with all my purchases.
"Seto," Mokuba said calmly as he sat in front of me, across my desk.
"Mokuba." I nodded, and instantly went on full alert. Mokuba wanted something, something I wasn't going to like.
"Don't be like that, big brother," he rolled his eyes. "I'm not going to talk you into doing stuff." He looked at me seriously, and then said what almost made me jump out in a bout of frustration. "I'm just here to give you relationship advice."
I twitched slightly, just a little because I was trying to keep myself calm and steady, but it was there nonetheless. We had this conversation before, with Mokuba and I coming to an understanding, or so I thought. How unfortunate that it was not to be as incident after incident -- or just Mokuba's plain stubbornness to see me happy (which somehow or another turned into seeing me in a relationship) -- proved differently, no matter how much I protested.
"Mokuba, are you okay?" I asked, not wanting to hold it in any longer. I had been trying to sound casual, pretending that since Mokuba had come out unscathed from that attempt on his life, I didn't really need to be so worried, so on edge. It did no good, because all I managed to do was pretend nothing was wrong, that I wasn't just a hair's width short of a mental melt down that would result in crazy proactive measures to take Hirato out permanently. Only my silent promise to Mokuba and the respect that Yami seemed to have for me kept me from plunging head on.
As frustrating as this slow process was, I was glad that I didn't sink to Hirato's level. I wouldn't have been a year ago, but I was now; whether this made me a better person remained to be seen. I certainly didn't think so.
"Yeah, I am, Seto. I'm all right, see?" He stood up and turned around; there was no need to explain because he already knew and was one step ahead of me. My little brother, so grown up even though I had tried to give him as much time for his childhood as I could, but I could only do so much given the more dangerous aspects of our lives and of my enemies.
"Yeah, I see." I let my eyes roam his uninjured body and gave another silent thanks to Yami for his part in keeping it in that condition. When I finally relaxed -- Mokuba knew exactly when -- he sat back down, and with the stubbornness that seemed so much like my own, he prepared to get us back on track: relationship advice, he said.
"So, about you and Yami…are you guys having problems?" he asked, concerned.
"No, we're not having problems," I said stiffly. "Why do you think we are?"
I hoped that I could correct his misunderstanding or at the very least, make sure he won't interfere.
"You were getting along really well before and now you're not. I mean, not after that night when you slept together."
"We didn't sleep together. We slept next to each other."
"Slept together, slept next to each other -- whatever. You're not changing the subject so easily, Seto." He looked at me solemnly. "The fact is," he paused for emphasis, "you guys were close, and now you're not. And I don't want you guys to break up again so I'm here to act as a go-between."
I started into his serious eyes, and thought my life couldn't possibly get any worse. Oh yes it could, I reminded myself and wondered if maybe keeping Mokuba busy like this would be enough to keep him distracted and near me (and the guards I would have surrounding us) until Hirato was gone. It wasn't a bad idea, now that I thought about it some more. Mokuba wouldn't be out where I couldn't keep an eye on him, doing Mokuba-things, and since his plan was to act as a negotiator between Yami and me, that meant Yami's own eye would be on him as well. It was, as they said, food for thought.
"All right then."
"Now Seto, please think about this -- " Completely surprised, he lost his place and I could see him regrouping, a frown scrawled across a usually frown-free face. He watched me suspiciously.
"All right then? You mean that?" he questioned, perplexed and furiously thinking and disregarding the reasons for my easy surrender. I was never that quick to agree, I knew, and so did he.
"Yes. I think it is wise for me to repair relations with Yami as well." And find out why I dream of him so bloody much. But Mokuba didn't need to know about that.
So far, I had avoided him. From a fair distance away, I had watched and judged whether he knew about our shared dreams, eventually coming to the conclusion that he didn't. He had been confused at my avoidance at first, and then grew a bit worried, but when I told him it was Hirato-related tensions, he had left it well alone and had given me my space. I was appreciative of it. Much more so when I realised he didn't know I was sharing his memories; and memories it was because it just couldn't be anything else. The scenes were vivid and so very real; the play of emotions that I had only ever felt towards Mokuba couldn't be false, even when it was directed at someone else. I could have continued on brooding on this, would have if Mokuba hadn't arrived with his news and made me rethink my plans, dragging out my curiosity to challenging levels I didn't want because I could never resist a challenge.
I waited for Mokuba to make up his mind. I had to hide my smile because he was looking very serious and concerned about this, and it was a bit…cute. And Seto Kaiba didn't use words like that lightly.
"Okay," he said finally, but was still reserved. "I believe what you said; I just don't think that's all there is to it. But if it doesn't mess up what I'm trying to do, then it's fine by me. You have to give me your word though."
I nodded, and had to restrain that stronger urge to smile. "You have my word. No interference in your plans."
"All right. Let's shake on it." He stood up and offered his hand.
I took it and smiled.
It wasn't until the next day that I actually got hold of Hiberts, a fact, which simultaneously annoyed me and made me rethink my decision about his worth. Fortunately for him, he was successful in his mission, and I made a note not to kill him in a week's time; something he should be immensely grateful for if he had any brains left from his interlude with a pretty, young thing, as he so casually said, while he was working. I would have fired him on the spot if he hadn't added that he still had the documents.
"But do you have the money?" he had the nerve to ask me.
"Yes, I do," I said stonily and gritted my teeth. It wouldn't do to provoke him yet, I thought, trying to ease tense muscles that were crying out for a round or two in the dojo.
"That's great," he oozed and then said, "Let's set up a contact point."
"Fine. At the set place?"
"Yep. I'll see you then, boss."
I turned the phone off and set it back to the hand-set none too gently, trying to remember the reasons pertaining to the employment of that good-for-nothing moron. That good-for-nothing moron's the only one who's made any progress so far, I reminded myself. Even if he is a moronic, irresponsible sex addict.
I was silently seething, patiently playing out all the ways our meeting could end when Yami popped in, a Cheshire grin broadcasting his devious thoughts on his face.
"Oh, Kaiba," he sang stupidly. "Kaiba, Kaiba, Kaiba."
"What?" I looked at him suspiciously. The only reason he would be in such a good mood was if he had won a battle or had found some eternally damning thing to irritate me with, and since we haven't played since last night (which he still won, damn it), I had a sinking feeling it was the latter.
"Oh, I don't know…" he said coyly.
If I had a throbbing vein for every time he got on my nerves, I would have seen a doctor a long time ago. As it was, I gritted my teeth (note to self: need to see a dentist), and said tightly, "Just say it."
"Well…" he trailed off, and then in less than a second said, "Okay. Just remember, you wanted me to say it." His massive grin never left his face; it got bigger.
"So, Kaiba. Care to explain this?" His grin turned into a smirk as his hands slowly thrust forward something pink and fluffy. Something that belonged to me.
My skin grew surprisingly warm, much as I tried to hide it. He, that bastard, jingled a pair of pink, fluffy, and utterly girly (even without the dark pink bowties attached to it) slippers in front of my face.
"Well?" He shook it some more and maybe even danced a little weirdly. "You're blushing. Wait. The world must be ending!"
He made quite a show as he rushed to the windows and looked wide-eyed at the yard. "Amazing. I think I just saw, as you would say it, pigs fly."
"Shut up," I finally managed to spit out, the strength needed to calm my reddened cheeks stealing my breath for the moment.
"So he speaks," the troublesome Pharaoh teased as he walked back to the front of my desk, slippers still doing a mean dance within his hands.
"Shut up," I repeated, a bit sulkily now. "That's not mines, I mean, it is mines but I never wanted them."
Inwardly cursing in a few languages (one of them Egyptian; I must have picked up some from Yami), I did the only thing I could in my position: I glared like mad. I glared, as I had never glared before, but it came to no fruition as Yami just looked at me with that moronic expression on his face. A bit of laughter, mirth, a mixture of exasperation and glee, and one other that made me slightly uncomfortable.
I glowered and continued. "Like I said, it's mine but I never wanted it. Mokuba gave it to me as a Christmas present."
He grinned, as if to say, Of course, but I don't believe a word of it, and I responded, sulking, "That's the truth. I don't care if you believe it or not."
"Oh, I believe you, Kaiba. Just the thought of you -- in this -- as -- you -- walk around in -- " He burst out laughing before he could finish.
I gritted my teeth and glared at him, knowing as I did so that I was glaring so much these days, the terrifying effect of it had worn off and the victim was often left feeling unthreatened. But that was all I could do so far -- that and trying to snatch the entirely too sickening slippers out of Yami's shaky hands. I guess this was to my advantage, except the damn Pharaoh had the nerve of trying to fight back, and before we knew it, we were thrown into a game of tug-of-war. The stakes? A pair of offensive pink, fluffy-light slippers that I hated on sight but couldn't get rid of.
I thought I had hidden them well; well enough so that even Mokuba never got a glimpse of them, though he knew I wasn't going to throw them away like trash, but it would seem not well enough for an overly curious and sneaky dead spirit who should have never been rummaging around my room.
"What do you think you're doing, Kaiba?" Yami had finished laughing and was now narrow-eyed and determined in his quest to keep the damn slippers and tease me for all of eternity. I wasn't just going to let that happen.
"What do you think?" I half-snarled and pulled, wondering if I could maybe just trip him up.
"Oh, don't you dare cheat, you arrogant jerk." He knew how I thought. Damn it.
"Me? Cheat? You don't know what you're talking about," I bluffed, but he just kept on looking at me suspiciously. "You're being childish. Now, let go," I nearly yelled, even though it was certainly undignified.
"You let go."
He held on stubbornly, and we glared at each other, each no doubt thinking of ways to gain control of a pair of slippers; this was when I thought about how absolutely weird my life had become. There was no way, no how that I, Seto Kaiba, was fighting with my greatest adversary over a pair of stupid pink slippers. Absolutely not, couldn't be, except I somehow was, and I wanted to laugh hysterically. This was what my life had turned out to be?
"Come on now, Kaiba. You know you don't want these," Yami coaxed. "Why don't you just give them to me?"
"Like hell I will," I snapped out. "You're not getting any blackmail material."
"Oh, come on. The worst I could is tease you." He tried to roll his eyes, but in the end, couldn't because he was too busy watching my every move.
"Exactly."
And that was my final say. We glared; we pulled; we made growling noises; we became undignified savage beasts and still, we didn't stop. We were going nowhere, and for once, I was absently considering a compromise. There were very few who could out stubborn me -- Mokuba was one but he didn't count because we were related and I would do anything for him -- but there were very few who were like Yami: someone who was just as stubborn and didn't fear me to the point where he gave up. We were, quite literally, stuck.
I decided on a compromise. Certainly, Yami kept his word and perhaps an exchange of goods and services was the way to go.
"How about a proposal?" I asked.
"Depends on what kind," he said carefully.
"I propose that I keep the slippers," I continued, interrupting his protest, "While I teach you all the modern things, since you were so successful with the phone and because you are going to be living in this era, that you will need to learn."
I could see him looking thoughtful, giving the slippers and me equal consideration while he made his decision.
"I suppose that…is an adequate proposal," he finally said. "But -- I want to learn about everything."
Now it was my turn to think. It didn't sound too bad, his renegotiation, and certainly, I could share my knowledge, but I didn't think he'd be inventing games or duelling disks anytime soon.
"Fine, but there will be no mention of this, or the abomination. Is that clear?"
"Very." Yami grinned. I knew something was up.
"No. Mention. Got it?"
"Yes, yes. You are so paranoid, Kaiba." He succeeded in rolling his eyes this time, but that was only because he had let go, and now I was in possession of the pink abominations.
"Hn. You make it sound like it's a bad thing," I said, casually taking a step back. "And don't go into my room again."
"Don't blame me for this, Kaiba. Yugi had some sort of plan about cleaning out the entire mansion or something and dragged me into your room, as well as several hundred other guest rooms, not that I was counting."
"Wait." I stiffened. "Yugi found this? Yugi?"
"Yes." Yami was grinning evilly, grinning like some sort of sadistic freak who lived in a puzzle that hung around the neck of his more child-like clone. "I'm sure Mokuba will hear about this -- after Yugi cleans up your room."
Damn, damn and damn.
"You are a brat. An unwholesome, stubborn brat."
"Seth," Atem whined, pouting unbecomingly. "You promised you were going to teach me how to swim! What if, suddenly, I fall into the Nile and all those people following me are too shocked and stunned to save me? What will happen then? I'll have to swim, that's what. And if I don't know how to swim, then how will I save myself?"
I looked at him, stony-faced. "You don't. I'll save you."
He made a face, pouted some more and then said, "Aw. But that's stupid. What if you can't reach me, huh? What if I'm suddenly on the other side?"
"Then I'll swim across," I said, and he crossed him arms sulkily.
I had never actually seen anyone sulk as well as he could; his every movement indicated annoyance, impatience and the general sense that the world was being so unfair and stupid. My answer would have been because he was being reckless, but he didn't want to hear it; unfortunately, because he was mine to protect, at least until he was older, he had to listen to me for the time being.
"But what if a big animal gobbled you up and you couldn't reach me?"
"I will still reach you."
He looked frustrated at my answer. Obviously, he wanted to learn how to swim quite badly, I thought dryly. His reasons for it were imaginative, to say the least, and I was a little impressed he had managed to keep up the argument for this long. Usually, new things distracted him easily enough and I didn't even need to finish saying no a second time before he was off doing what ever that had caught his attention for a brief moment. This time, he didn't give up so easily.
"Well, what if that animal was big, with lots of fur and sharp teeth?"
"I will still --"
"You don't have to say it," he shouted, uncrossing his arms in a huff. "That's so unfair."
I sighed and wondered if there was some way the situation could be salvaged. An angry, pouting Atem was dangerous indeed; when ever he didn't get his way, he found other means of satisfaction -- and in the process, avenged his slight. It was horrible for his guards -- especially me -- and I didn't want any suffering. I was already long-suffering enough.
"How about this: I teach you how to swim a couple of times -- but -- only a couple of times. Any longer and I'll get the others. Got it?"
He nodded quickly. "Yep, got it, can we start now?"
"Yes."
He led the way to one of the streams that trickled from the Nile while I trailed behind him, suddenly feeling extremely tired. He always took a lot of energy, I thought, sighing again. If I sighed anymore I'd be as put-upon as poor Hapsut, who made his every complaint known to the rest of the world but not to the Pharaoh.
"Right. We're here, brat. I suppose we can begin," I groused, preparing to take off my clothing.
"Yes!" Atem said, jumping up and pulling off silk cloths as he ran into the water.
"Wait!"
I rushed after him, watching him panic with an expectant and sinking feeling, but that quickly turned to relief when I reached him and he stopped splashing around frantically, wrapping himself tightly around my body. I walked towards land, arms straining against the weight I was carrying and legs struggling not the water's current get the better of me. Atem was much heavier than I expected, I thought absently, and almost wistfully, because Atem was growing up and I haven't even noticed it. Or maybe I didn't want to notice it.
The thought would have gnarled and twisted in my mind like a fearful sand storm if I hadn't forced myself to focus on Atem, who had just stopped shaking and was now looking back into the water with a dubious expression.
"Maybe we should do this slowly?" he said warily. "And more than a couple of times?"
I couldn't, and didn't, ignore Atem's hopeful tone. "Fine," I eventually said, releasing a sigh, but I really wasn't that displeased.
MotherChowGoddess: Thanks! Very sorry I didn't reply sooner -- my only excuse is that I upload at late nights and late nights are very bad for the eyes. XD I'm glad you're finding Kaiba to be in character; Mokuba and him are very aw-worthy together sometimes. I've given myself an opening in case Kaiba decides to teach Yami to use anything else. <grins>
Blue September: Thanks for the comments! I love it when I can make the readers think. :D I do think that Seth and Atem were much like Kaiba and Mokuba; I also think that Kaiba's subconsciousness has a lot to do with his protectiveness. As for the foreshadowing...not going to tell. ^^; From now on, Kaiba will remember every dream they have.
halowing4: Hope this is worth the wait. ^^; I'm glad you've enjoyed the previous chapters and that it holds up to scrutiny. I can never reread past chapters without wincing. -_-;
phoenixfire17: You are very right. Atem = Yami, albeit younger. Glad you're enjoying a bit of nice Kaiba. He's pretty cute when he's long-suffering. ;-)
ChibiHarika: Heh...uh, I guess now shouldn't be the time to say I have no idea when the next chapter's coming out? Heh, heh. I'm happy you think so. Most of my writing's pretty average to me, but it makes me feel good when readers enjoy themselves.
Karachi: Thanks. I only hope I'm not softening him too much. The interactions are usually more fun to write.
goddesskali: Heh, heh. That was a one time thing. ;-) I'm afraid my updates will be much slower. Thanks for the sugar! I'm going to need it; hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Mistress Ethereal: I agree. Mokuba and Yugi do that innocent thing so well that I just can't resist having them gang up on Kaiba (and sometimes Yami). Thanks for the review!
Yuen: No problem. Glad you're enjoying the chapters I've gotten out so far. I haven't thought about Mokuba and Yugi scheming together...I'll have a good brainstorm later on. I had estimated Irksome Nature to last around ten chapters but ...well, I guess I could include some extra things.
Skycat: And here I thought I was useless at plotting WIPs; one-shots are my usual thing. ;-) Thanks for the review! I agree about my organisation needing work. I have the outlined chapter but then, I usually get random ideas and chuck it in. I too, am looking forward to seeing them get together. Hopefully it won't take too long, enclosed spaces and all.
Puffin and Siiarrei: S/Y's my favourite pairing too. Hope you enjoy this chapter.