Inane Superior
Warnings: ANGSTY YAOI LEMON, shoo kiddies.
Pairings: Seto/Jou
Notes: The title does not mean this is another PWP arc, but I do warn you, each part is extremely long.
Thanks: To NEB, the dork who once again, slave-drove me into writing this Arc. He pities the pairings that I don't pay much attention to when it comes to lemons so this one is ALL about the S/J.
~*~
I ran a hand over my forehead, trying to rid myself of the moisture that was gathering there, but not succeeding. The rain was still coming on strong, and my hair was soaked, so my futile attempts at drying my eyes and face off were just that, futile.
I huffed and picked up my pace, trying to get my coat around me more than it was which was impossible being how thin the thing was. I broke into a jog soon after that, the storm strengthening as I finally got to the east side of Heritage Park. My house was just across this wing of the nature preserve, just a couple blocks down from Yu-Gi's home. I glanced over my right shoulder at said young man's house, not smiling like I had the impulse do when I saw him and Yami in the kitchen, arguing over something with Yami wearing that horrible blue apron and no shirt.
I stumbled a couple of times and almost fell while running through the thickening mud, catching my sleeve on a low branch here and there. It thundered above my head and I felt little relief when I came out of this side of the park to an old street littered with potholes. I was nowhere near my house yet, and slowed down to catch my breath. I still had down town Plymouth to walk through.
I bent over slightly, slumping against the wall of a small bus stop that no one used and watched the back street. There weren't any houses here, it was just a road that ran from one side of Domino to the other side of Plymouth, this downtown area being right on the border of the two cities. I looked either ways curiously, correct in my assumption of their being no traffic on the old street. I think I remember seeing that its name was Lotz somewhere, but couldn't be sure.
When my breathing finally returned to normal I stood straight again and shook out my coat, even though I knew it would get drenched again. Running my fingers through my blonde hair I started out into the street towards the small shops at a quick walking pace, heading straight for the Coffee Beanery, the Bean for short, to stay until the down pour lessened.
As I moved further into the shopping streets, the roads became cleaner, neater, the black top still a dark color and the stores mostly expensive diners besides the random bakeries and foreign traders. I would hardly have enough money for a tall mocha, let alone afford to stay in one of these more pricey jewelers or computer stores. That's just the way it was though, and I resignedly walked up the stairs into the Bean, a place where all of us come to just hang out at every Friday night. Well, today was Friday; I guess I was just here early. I knew no one would be here though, it was only 4 and I had to get home.
The warm atmosphere greeted me cheerily, the hard wood floors darkened from the water that had been trudged in and the smell of smoke wafting into this main room from the smoker's side. I ordered exactly what I had money for, a tall caramel mocha and paid, walking towards the window seat in the non- smoking room. I had to pass the smoker's side though, walking through the fog that seemed to billow out of the place, and chanced a glance in, not surprised to see the infamous Seto Kaiba lounging near the darker corner, smoking and drinking something that looked like just a regular coffee.
I shook my head at my self and continued, sitting in the empty booth and found that I could still see the billionaire, who was now busy trying to ignore a fan girl begging for an autograph. I smirked at the sight of the icy blue eyes glaring at his cigarette and the girl in turns.
'Maybe if you weren't dressed so much like a whore you'd get more positive attention.' I thought, looking disgustedly at the tight spaghetti blue tank and the black mini skirt, fish net panty hose and stiletto heels that were discolored because of the mud and rain. I don't think she could have been wearing any more make-up either. Scoffing, I tested my drink gingerly, not quite up for scorching my mouth because of my ever-present arrogance. I sat like that, reserved and perceptive, watching the rain finally start to stop up, and sighed. I didn't want to go home, storm or no storm, that was just an excuse for prolonging the inevitable.
"There's nothing worse than a wet dog."
I turned my head towards the rustic voice, not surprised to see Kaiba throwing away his cup and finishing the rest of his cigarette. I didn't understand why he found it amusing to insult me.
"Love ya' too Kaiba." I murmured sarcastically, returning my saddening gaze to the streets, where the sun was actually coming out. I would have no more excuses for being home late once the rain had completely gone away.
I heard the man snort, but saw him linger from the corner of my eye. I didn't know what he was waiting for, but he left moments later, walking out to the front of the store. I heard him buy another pack of cigarettes, Kool Milds, before his long legs took him outside. My head fell forward slightly, and my depression snuck up on me again, which always happened whenever Kaiba was in the position of walking away from me. I don't know, it just always made me feel rejected.
I stood, tossing my half full cup into the waste bin before shoving my hands in my pockets and leaving the building. I slowed my pace when I went down the stairs though, knowing the walk from here to my home was just under five minutes, and lifted my head to look at all the happy people recently roaming the now clear streets. My eyes stopped on Kaiba, who was leaning on the hood of his car, watching me.
I felt a nervous bubble rise in my throat, and kept walking, though walking from the Bean towards the side walk, because it was set a little further from the street, put me in the position to walk right towards the taller man. He was watching me, which made things worse, cigarette in his hand by his side with his other arm wrapped around his middle lazily. It must be nice running yourself on your own schedule, being old enough to live on your own and adopt your kid brother, being rich enough to afford anything and being intelligent enough to put yourself successfully over everyone else when it came to technology and business. I turned on my heel and skirted around the edge of the grass and onto the horizontal part of the sidewalk, trying to get away faster.
I kept my pace the same, not letting Kaiba get to me with the way he was just staring. His expression had seemed so blank and void, but with the intent he had in his gaze it was getting unnerving.
"Mutt." He called, and I stopped, though keeping my back to him, and waited for his voice again.
It took him a while, but eventually I heard the scuffing of his black leather work shoes as he stood straighter and walked the few paces towards where I was. I couldn't help the nervous reflex of my muscles tensing, the feeling of someone approaching me from behind not something I was very comfortable with. Especially if that person was probably out to hurt me, mentally, emotionally of physically.
"Your soaked." He stated, an obvious observation, and I sighed, turning to face him now, exasperated.
"What do you want?" I asked, voice soft and totally out of character for me, but I was having a bad day.
Not bad as in angry mind you, or I'd be chewing this guy's head off right now, but bad as in depressed. Father was not going to settle lightly for my late arrival, and I was not in the mood to deal with his insults, his pain. Kaiba wasn't helping.
"Nothing in particular." "Then why are you bothering me? Don't you have some other poor low-life to pick on?"
He shrugged and crossed his arms after flicking the butt of the cigarette into the street, afterwards locking eyes with me again. I shivered, but not out of fear or annoyance, out of coldness. It was the middle of November after all, and being drenched like this with the frosty wind, despite the sun's rays, was starting to get to me. On impulse, I brought my hands up to rub at my arms, and tried in vain to stop the chattering of my teeth. Kaiba saw this.
"How much further do you have to walk?"
I raised an eyebrow and frowned. What the hell was he up to? I'm sorry but no matter how much I fantasize about this guy I was not about to soak up any kind gesture from him, especially with our history.
"Why do you care?" "It's just a question, or are you that stubborn to even risk freezing to death when I was going to offer you something as simple as a ride." "You're never this pleasant. What happened, you finally get laid?"
I couldn't help it. I had always wished me and Kaiba were on better terms, had always wondered if we would ever be just friends if I could have nothing more, but this change of attitude was different and too sudden. I didn't mean to snap like I had, but with the combination of my father waiting my return, the fact I was freezing, and Kaiba being suspiciously friendly was wearing at my patience, revealing frustrated anger that wasn't necessarily directed at the man before me.
"Stupid mutt. Can't even accept someone else's kindness. Are you that self- righteous?" He scowled, sentences short and cropped with his own renowned anger.
"Look, Kaiba, today is not the day for you to spring up and start playing Mr. Nice Guy with me. I'm in trouble enough as it is." I broke off in a murmur, down casting my gaze as to avoid his scrutiny. If he only knew what my father would think, what my father would DO if he saw that I had to 'bum' a ride off some rich jerk just to get home.
He would be extremely jealous and beat me, think I was making friends in high places to leave him and beat me, or think I was going gay and beat me, the stupid homophobe. Not to mention what hell he would do to my sister, and I wasn't about to let that happen.
Turning, with one last apologetic glance at the billionaire, I walked off, pace a little faster now that I wasn't just late, but incredibly late. I might not be able to walk tomorrow if I was lucky enough. With the thought of possible molestation on my mind though, I jerked a little too quickly when a strong hand grabbed my elbow firmly. I spun, not meaning to act so defensive because of all my past experiences, and came back face to face with Kaiba.
"What IS it?" I almost shrieked, shaking slightly and fixing my coat vainly, trying to find something for my trembling hands to do other than, well, tremble. I barely noticed the somewhat startled look in the other's expression though, before it faded and he brought his hand back to himself, looking for all the world like he hadn't known why he had reached for me.
Feeling ashamed and slightly embarrassed, I turned and walked off, nearly running towards my home as the rain started again.
~*~
I sighed, slinging my coat onto the floor near the front of the hall and walked towards the living room. Peeking inside, I found my father sleeping peacefully, for once in his life, and not drunk, which I couldn't have been more thankful for.
Closing my eyes and allowing a small smirk to wash across my face gently, I turned the opposite way into the kitchen, and moved to start dinner. Hopefully, I'd be able to stay on his good side tonight, something I rarely ever do anymore. Just as I opened the freezer, I felt a pair of warm arms, bare though to the frosty breeze coming in through the broken window, wrap around my neck. My grin widened, and I turned in Serenity's arms to hug her back.
"I tried to keep him from drinking, I knew you wouldn't be home right away." "Thanks, sis. It means a lot." "Don't worry about it, let's just get dinner ready before he wakes up."
I nodded down at her and we separated to find what little food we had left. I succeeded in finding a pack of Ramen noodles, and Serenity had discovered a bag of mixed vegetables in the back of the freezer. Luckily, they hadn't expired yet, and I set the pans out to make both. This was solely for father though, and my sister wound around the small space, looking for something for us to eat.
I let my shoulders slump as I leant against the counter, eyes closing as the water slowly started to warm up. We needed to go shopping, but I wouldn't get my paycheck until Thursday, and I wasn't about to ask Honda for more stuff. I knew he'd willingly give us something to live off of, but I was tired of having to depend on my best bud. He always yelled at me, telling me it didn't matter, if I needed something, he'd give it to me. I hated using my friends like that though, no matter how much they offered to help.
"God damnit woman, where's mah whiskey soda?!"
I inhaled a sharp breath at the sound of my father's angered voice. He had not drunk yet, but if he was starting, even before dinner, I was in trouble. I turned to the stove and made like I was cooking even if I had yet to wait for the water to boil, and Serenity rushed in, a large handprint on her cheek.
"Jou, where's that bottle of his Canadian whiskey?" She asked, almost breathless, and I reached into the cabinet over the counter to get the half empty bottle my father had somehow managed to buy the night before. I handed it to her and she took off with a large glass and a can of Coke. He always complained if we tried to mix it, so we never did anymore.
I heard Serenity begging for forgiveness and my father's sleepy huffs and 'yeah rights', before he finally shooed her off to the kitchen to get him a bag of chips. I felt my eyes widen at that when my sister came in, just as pale.
"Serenity, we don't have any more chips, we finished them off a couple of days ago."
"I know! Oh my God, what are we going to tell him?"
Our voices were low and panicked, and from the look of my sister, she didn't need any more stress. She had a job interview tomorrow, to be an intern for some firm office that belonged to a lower branch of Kaiba Corp. Ironic wasn't it? But she'd be damned if that handprint didn't go away by morning. I made up my mind in that second, and pulled Serenity towards the stove, and went in her place, hands behind my back submissively.
I glanced nervously out the front window, how wide it was and how the sun shone in and would probably highlight my beating, but was more worried about other things.
"Father?" "Wha do you want?" He snapped, sipping on the straight liquor instead of mixing it. "There are no more chips, sir."
He turned his glare on me from the small TV set blaring an episode of 'Texas Justice', the whiskey bottle halfway on its journey back to his mouth.
"Where the hell did they all go then?!" "W-we.I ate them, it was my dinner a couple of nights ago." "Why you little punk!"
With that he lunged, forgetting the whiskey as it was dropped to the cheap coffee table and shattered. The first hit was off aim and landed where my shoulder turned into my neck, effectively making me fall forwards and in the way of his irate, booted foot as it flew at my gut. I gasped, but did not cry out and rolled to my back, placing myself into view of the window that started at floor level and ended at the ceiling. I couldn't see if anyone was watching because the sun was too bright, preparing to set just beyond the trees of Heritage Park.
"How could you! With what little food we have YOU go and eat it! Who pays for all this shit, huh?! ME! Not you! Now, get up and go make me dinner before I decide you make a better throw rug!"
I did, rolling more towards the window as to be away from the enraged man, who continued uttering curses about his wasted liquor and left the room with a slight limp. At least he hadn't molested me, but that was only because he wasn't drunk yet.
Serenity didn't look surprised when I came into the room, more like guilty, and went to prepare an ice wrap. I smiled weakly at her before returning to the counter I had previously been leaning on, closing my eyes. I wished I could just run away, take my sister and live on our own, to make it by ourselves. I couldn't support us though, and we had yet to find out what kind of money Serenity would be making at this internship. I only earned seven bucks an hour over at Plato's Bakery, and ten an hour at Discount Tire Co. down the street from here. It should have been enough, if it hadn't been for my father having the paychecks written out under his name at the bank.
I opened my eyes again tiredly, as I heard the telltale noises of boiling water, and stood up straight gingerly to dump the pack of hard noodles into the one pan, cutting open the vegetable package and doing the same in the other pot. That's when I looked up and out the cracked window above the stove, and gasped, eyes widening.
There was a car, a very expensive, blood red car, sitting at the curb closest to my house. I could make out a figure in the back seat; nose and hands pressed against the window, but could not see whom it was. The thing that startled me the most though, was the fact Kaiba was there, arms resting against the top of the car with his chin resting on his forearms. He had been standing there watching me the entire time. I couldn't see the rest of his body, he was on the driver's side of the vehicle, but his icy blue eyes were locked onto me, even at this distance.
I couldn't do anything, lost in shock, when Serenity came up from behind me and pointed at the same thing I was staring at, absently holding the icepack against the large bruise forming on the side of my neck.
"Who is that? He's been there for a good fifteen minutes now. Do you know him?"
I turned to look at her, shame clearly written in my features, and nodded solemnly. She didn't see my embarrassment.
"Well, why don't you go say hi! It's obvious the guy doesn't do the whole knocking on doors thing. Don't worry, I'll finish cooking, go ahead." She urged, and I couldn't help but do as she bid, leaving her at the stove and walking slowly towards the front door.
I slipped my shoes on subconsciously, before opening the wooden door, and then the screen and stepping out onto the small ledge of a porch. I didn't continue walking down the pavement, into my yard, and out to the street to stand directly in front of him, I felt this was a safer distance. I had never wanted him to see the dump I had to live in, and all I wanted to do was crawl into a hole and die. He probably thought less of me now, and that's what hurt the most.
"Why did you follow me Kaiba?" I called, voice quiet enough not to alert my father to the visitors but loud enough for him to hear. He said nothing, just continued to stare.
The figure in the back moved, and the back door was opened to reveal a mop of raven colored hair and bright green eyes. He had brought Mokuba as well. I would have thrown up, had it not been for the fact that there was nothing in my stomach to begin with. The child looked appalled as his eyes traveled from me to scan the house I was standing in front of. Cautiously, he walked forward, leaving the door to the Jaguar wide open as he came. I tensed inside, wishing he had shut the door for safety sake in this neighborhood, but I relaxed when I remembered Kaiba still standing there.
"Jou? This isn't where you live, right?"
I looked back down to Mokuba, and smiled sadly at the plea in his young voice.
"Yes, it is Mokuba. I'm sorry you had to see it." "No, I wanted to. Jou, c-can I ask you something?"
I nodded, and the boy took a deep breath before running up to me and latching onto my waist in a tight hug. Startled at first, I let one of my hands fall to rest on his head and the other around his slim shoulders, feeling him shudder in the onslaught of tears. He was trying not to cry, and I wondered what he was thinking.
"Jou, why do you stay? Why do you let that man do that to you?"
I tensed and closed my eyes tightly, not too up for the idea of crying in front of Mr. Big Shot over there, and not to look weakened in front of his little brother. I needed to be strong for his sake. It hurt that they had been there long enough to watch my father beat me, even though it was a minor attack compared to most, and I took several deep breaths in order to calm my beating heart.
"Listen, Mokuba, go home and forget what you saw. I have to deal with this, not you." "But Jou-!" "No 'buts' little one. Go on."
He sniffled, but didn't pull away for some time. Even then he looked up at me with large, glistening eyes and small trails of tears slowly drying on his cheeks. I smiled a little more genuine for his sake and ruffled his hair slightly.
"What'd yah come out here for in the first place anyway, kiddo?" He sniffled again. "Well, I-I wanted to see, if you wanted to come over. Jus' ta hang out. I haven't gotten to see you for a while."
I chuckled gently and knelt down so that he was taller than me, looking up to make eye contact with him.
"Sure, but maybe not today." I answered, if not somewhat grimly, and brightened a bit at Mokuba's relieved grin. "Thanks Jou!" He said and hugged me again, around the neck this time, and I felt my smile fade into his shoulder as I once again met eyes with Kaiba.
After we parted and the kid was safely strapped in in the back seat of the car, I walked up to the other side of the car and face Kaiba at a closer distance. We remained silent, still looking at the other, trying to measure something. It was a comfortable silence, if not tense, and Kaiba stood up straighter, elbows still on the roof of the car.
"Poor puppy.I had a feeling this was happening."
I cringed, but then snarled, crossing my arms tightly over my chest as if to restrain my new hatred for the billionaire.
"This is none of your damn business Kaiba! You had NO right to follow me home and you have NO right now to undermine me in that self-centered way of yours that you ALWAYS do! Save it for school on Monday, ok? That way, I'll be in the right mood to deal with it!" I yelled, turning on my heel and all but stomping back into my house, hands balling into fists at my sides.
"Mutt." He called just as my hand was about to rest on the brass handle of the outward screen door. I didn't answer, like before, and I heard a car door opening. I turned my head to glance over my shoulder, to see that Kaiba had walked around the front to open the passenger's door, standing next to it like one of his fancy butlers might do for him.
My eyes widened a fraction more as I realized it was an invitation to escape, but almost gasped from the weight of reality when I remembered my sister. I closed my eyes, wishing the sight would just go away, and shook my head. Kaiba did nothing for a while, but then stood and closed the door slowly, never breaking eye contact.
"I expect you to be over tomorrow, if it is Mokuba's wish to see you." Was the last thing he said before disappearing into the driver's side and taking off down the broken street.
"I'll be there, Seto."
~*~
TBC
Warnings: ANGSTY YAOI LEMON, shoo kiddies.
Pairings: Seto/Jou
Notes: The title does not mean this is another PWP arc, but I do warn you, each part is extremely long.
Thanks: To NEB, the dork who once again, slave-drove me into writing this Arc. He pities the pairings that I don't pay much attention to when it comes to lemons so this one is ALL about the S/J.
~*~
I ran a hand over my forehead, trying to rid myself of the moisture that was gathering there, but not succeeding. The rain was still coming on strong, and my hair was soaked, so my futile attempts at drying my eyes and face off were just that, futile.
I huffed and picked up my pace, trying to get my coat around me more than it was which was impossible being how thin the thing was. I broke into a jog soon after that, the storm strengthening as I finally got to the east side of Heritage Park. My house was just across this wing of the nature preserve, just a couple blocks down from Yu-Gi's home. I glanced over my right shoulder at said young man's house, not smiling like I had the impulse do when I saw him and Yami in the kitchen, arguing over something with Yami wearing that horrible blue apron and no shirt.
I stumbled a couple of times and almost fell while running through the thickening mud, catching my sleeve on a low branch here and there. It thundered above my head and I felt little relief when I came out of this side of the park to an old street littered with potholes. I was nowhere near my house yet, and slowed down to catch my breath. I still had down town Plymouth to walk through.
I bent over slightly, slumping against the wall of a small bus stop that no one used and watched the back street. There weren't any houses here, it was just a road that ran from one side of Domino to the other side of Plymouth, this downtown area being right on the border of the two cities. I looked either ways curiously, correct in my assumption of their being no traffic on the old street. I think I remember seeing that its name was Lotz somewhere, but couldn't be sure.
When my breathing finally returned to normal I stood straight again and shook out my coat, even though I knew it would get drenched again. Running my fingers through my blonde hair I started out into the street towards the small shops at a quick walking pace, heading straight for the Coffee Beanery, the Bean for short, to stay until the down pour lessened.
As I moved further into the shopping streets, the roads became cleaner, neater, the black top still a dark color and the stores mostly expensive diners besides the random bakeries and foreign traders. I would hardly have enough money for a tall mocha, let alone afford to stay in one of these more pricey jewelers or computer stores. That's just the way it was though, and I resignedly walked up the stairs into the Bean, a place where all of us come to just hang out at every Friday night. Well, today was Friday; I guess I was just here early. I knew no one would be here though, it was only 4 and I had to get home.
The warm atmosphere greeted me cheerily, the hard wood floors darkened from the water that had been trudged in and the smell of smoke wafting into this main room from the smoker's side. I ordered exactly what I had money for, a tall caramel mocha and paid, walking towards the window seat in the non- smoking room. I had to pass the smoker's side though, walking through the fog that seemed to billow out of the place, and chanced a glance in, not surprised to see the infamous Seto Kaiba lounging near the darker corner, smoking and drinking something that looked like just a regular coffee.
I shook my head at my self and continued, sitting in the empty booth and found that I could still see the billionaire, who was now busy trying to ignore a fan girl begging for an autograph. I smirked at the sight of the icy blue eyes glaring at his cigarette and the girl in turns.
'Maybe if you weren't dressed so much like a whore you'd get more positive attention.' I thought, looking disgustedly at the tight spaghetti blue tank and the black mini skirt, fish net panty hose and stiletto heels that were discolored because of the mud and rain. I don't think she could have been wearing any more make-up either. Scoffing, I tested my drink gingerly, not quite up for scorching my mouth because of my ever-present arrogance. I sat like that, reserved and perceptive, watching the rain finally start to stop up, and sighed. I didn't want to go home, storm or no storm, that was just an excuse for prolonging the inevitable.
"There's nothing worse than a wet dog."
I turned my head towards the rustic voice, not surprised to see Kaiba throwing away his cup and finishing the rest of his cigarette. I didn't understand why he found it amusing to insult me.
"Love ya' too Kaiba." I murmured sarcastically, returning my saddening gaze to the streets, where the sun was actually coming out. I would have no more excuses for being home late once the rain had completely gone away.
I heard the man snort, but saw him linger from the corner of my eye. I didn't know what he was waiting for, but he left moments later, walking out to the front of the store. I heard him buy another pack of cigarettes, Kool Milds, before his long legs took him outside. My head fell forward slightly, and my depression snuck up on me again, which always happened whenever Kaiba was in the position of walking away from me. I don't know, it just always made me feel rejected.
I stood, tossing my half full cup into the waste bin before shoving my hands in my pockets and leaving the building. I slowed my pace when I went down the stairs though, knowing the walk from here to my home was just under five minutes, and lifted my head to look at all the happy people recently roaming the now clear streets. My eyes stopped on Kaiba, who was leaning on the hood of his car, watching me.
I felt a nervous bubble rise in my throat, and kept walking, though walking from the Bean towards the side walk, because it was set a little further from the street, put me in the position to walk right towards the taller man. He was watching me, which made things worse, cigarette in his hand by his side with his other arm wrapped around his middle lazily. It must be nice running yourself on your own schedule, being old enough to live on your own and adopt your kid brother, being rich enough to afford anything and being intelligent enough to put yourself successfully over everyone else when it came to technology and business. I turned on my heel and skirted around the edge of the grass and onto the horizontal part of the sidewalk, trying to get away faster.
I kept my pace the same, not letting Kaiba get to me with the way he was just staring. His expression had seemed so blank and void, but with the intent he had in his gaze it was getting unnerving.
"Mutt." He called, and I stopped, though keeping my back to him, and waited for his voice again.
It took him a while, but eventually I heard the scuffing of his black leather work shoes as he stood straighter and walked the few paces towards where I was. I couldn't help the nervous reflex of my muscles tensing, the feeling of someone approaching me from behind not something I was very comfortable with. Especially if that person was probably out to hurt me, mentally, emotionally of physically.
"Your soaked." He stated, an obvious observation, and I sighed, turning to face him now, exasperated.
"What do you want?" I asked, voice soft and totally out of character for me, but I was having a bad day.
Not bad as in angry mind you, or I'd be chewing this guy's head off right now, but bad as in depressed. Father was not going to settle lightly for my late arrival, and I was not in the mood to deal with his insults, his pain. Kaiba wasn't helping.
"Nothing in particular." "Then why are you bothering me? Don't you have some other poor low-life to pick on?"
He shrugged and crossed his arms after flicking the butt of the cigarette into the street, afterwards locking eyes with me again. I shivered, but not out of fear or annoyance, out of coldness. It was the middle of November after all, and being drenched like this with the frosty wind, despite the sun's rays, was starting to get to me. On impulse, I brought my hands up to rub at my arms, and tried in vain to stop the chattering of my teeth. Kaiba saw this.
"How much further do you have to walk?"
I raised an eyebrow and frowned. What the hell was he up to? I'm sorry but no matter how much I fantasize about this guy I was not about to soak up any kind gesture from him, especially with our history.
"Why do you care?" "It's just a question, or are you that stubborn to even risk freezing to death when I was going to offer you something as simple as a ride." "You're never this pleasant. What happened, you finally get laid?"
I couldn't help it. I had always wished me and Kaiba were on better terms, had always wondered if we would ever be just friends if I could have nothing more, but this change of attitude was different and too sudden. I didn't mean to snap like I had, but with the combination of my father waiting my return, the fact I was freezing, and Kaiba being suspiciously friendly was wearing at my patience, revealing frustrated anger that wasn't necessarily directed at the man before me.
"Stupid mutt. Can't even accept someone else's kindness. Are you that self- righteous?" He scowled, sentences short and cropped with his own renowned anger.
"Look, Kaiba, today is not the day for you to spring up and start playing Mr. Nice Guy with me. I'm in trouble enough as it is." I broke off in a murmur, down casting my gaze as to avoid his scrutiny. If he only knew what my father would think, what my father would DO if he saw that I had to 'bum' a ride off some rich jerk just to get home.
He would be extremely jealous and beat me, think I was making friends in high places to leave him and beat me, or think I was going gay and beat me, the stupid homophobe. Not to mention what hell he would do to my sister, and I wasn't about to let that happen.
Turning, with one last apologetic glance at the billionaire, I walked off, pace a little faster now that I wasn't just late, but incredibly late. I might not be able to walk tomorrow if I was lucky enough. With the thought of possible molestation on my mind though, I jerked a little too quickly when a strong hand grabbed my elbow firmly. I spun, not meaning to act so defensive because of all my past experiences, and came back face to face with Kaiba.
"What IS it?" I almost shrieked, shaking slightly and fixing my coat vainly, trying to find something for my trembling hands to do other than, well, tremble. I barely noticed the somewhat startled look in the other's expression though, before it faded and he brought his hand back to himself, looking for all the world like he hadn't known why he had reached for me.
Feeling ashamed and slightly embarrassed, I turned and walked off, nearly running towards my home as the rain started again.
~*~
I sighed, slinging my coat onto the floor near the front of the hall and walked towards the living room. Peeking inside, I found my father sleeping peacefully, for once in his life, and not drunk, which I couldn't have been more thankful for.
Closing my eyes and allowing a small smirk to wash across my face gently, I turned the opposite way into the kitchen, and moved to start dinner. Hopefully, I'd be able to stay on his good side tonight, something I rarely ever do anymore. Just as I opened the freezer, I felt a pair of warm arms, bare though to the frosty breeze coming in through the broken window, wrap around my neck. My grin widened, and I turned in Serenity's arms to hug her back.
"I tried to keep him from drinking, I knew you wouldn't be home right away." "Thanks, sis. It means a lot." "Don't worry about it, let's just get dinner ready before he wakes up."
I nodded down at her and we separated to find what little food we had left. I succeeded in finding a pack of Ramen noodles, and Serenity had discovered a bag of mixed vegetables in the back of the freezer. Luckily, they hadn't expired yet, and I set the pans out to make both. This was solely for father though, and my sister wound around the small space, looking for something for us to eat.
I let my shoulders slump as I leant against the counter, eyes closing as the water slowly started to warm up. We needed to go shopping, but I wouldn't get my paycheck until Thursday, and I wasn't about to ask Honda for more stuff. I knew he'd willingly give us something to live off of, but I was tired of having to depend on my best bud. He always yelled at me, telling me it didn't matter, if I needed something, he'd give it to me. I hated using my friends like that though, no matter how much they offered to help.
"God damnit woman, where's mah whiskey soda?!"
I inhaled a sharp breath at the sound of my father's angered voice. He had not drunk yet, but if he was starting, even before dinner, I was in trouble. I turned to the stove and made like I was cooking even if I had yet to wait for the water to boil, and Serenity rushed in, a large handprint on her cheek.
"Jou, where's that bottle of his Canadian whiskey?" She asked, almost breathless, and I reached into the cabinet over the counter to get the half empty bottle my father had somehow managed to buy the night before. I handed it to her and she took off with a large glass and a can of Coke. He always complained if we tried to mix it, so we never did anymore.
I heard Serenity begging for forgiveness and my father's sleepy huffs and 'yeah rights', before he finally shooed her off to the kitchen to get him a bag of chips. I felt my eyes widen at that when my sister came in, just as pale.
"Serenity, we don't have any more chips, we finished them off a couple of days ago."
"I know! Oh my God, what are we going to tell him?"
Our voices were low and panicked, and from the look of my sister, she didn't need any more stress. She had a job interview tomorrow, to be an intern for some firm office that belonged to a lower branch of Kaiba Corp. Ironic wasn't it? But she'd be damned if that handprint didn't go away by morning. I made up my mind in that second, and pulled Serenity towards the stove, and went in her place, hands behind my back submissively.
I glanced nervously out the front window, how wide it was and how the sun shone in and would probably highlight my beating, but was more worried about other things.
"Father?" "Wha do you want?" He snapped, sipping on the straight liquor instead of mixing it. "There are no more chips, sir."
He turned his glare on me from the small TV set blaring an episode of 'Texas Justice', the whiskey bottle halfway on its journey back to his mouth.
"Where the hell did they all go then?!" "W-we.I ate them, it was my dinner a couple of nights ago." "Why you little punk!"
With that he lunged, forgetting the whiskey as it was dropped to the cheap coffee table and shattered. The first hit was off aim and landed where my shoulder turned into my neck, effectively making me fall forwards and in the way of his irate, booted foot as it flew at my gut. I gasped, but did not cry out and rolled to my back, placing myself into view of the window that started at floor level and ended at the ceiling. I couldn't see if anyone was watching because the sun was too bright, preparing to set just beyond the trees of Heritage Park.
"How could you! With what little food we have YOU go and eat it! Who pays for all this shit, huh?! ME! Not you! Now, get up and go make me dinner before I decide you make a better throw rug!"
I did, rolling more towards the window as to be away from the enraged man, who continued uttering curses about his wasted liquor and left the room with a slight limp. At least he hadn't molested me, but that was only because he wasn't drunk yet.
Serenity didn't look surprised when I came into the room, more like guilty, and went to prepare an ice wrap. I smiled weakly at her before returning to the counter I had previously been leaning on, closing my eyes. I wished I could just run away, take my sister and live on our own, to make it by ourselves. I couldn't support us though, and we had yet to find out what kind of money Serenity would be making at this internship. I only earned seven bucks an hour over at Plato's Bakery, and ten an hour at Discount Tire Co. down the street from here. It should have been enough, if it hadn't been for my father having the paychecks written out under his name at the bank.
I opened my eyes again tiredly, as I heard the telltale noises of boiling water, and stood up straight gingerly to dump the pack of hard noodles into the one pan, cutting open the vegetable package and doing the same in the other pot. That's when I looked up and out the cracked window above the stove, and gasped, eyes widening.
There was a car, a very expensive, blood red car, sitting at the curb closest to my house. I could make out a figure in the back seat; nose and hands pressed against the window, but could not see whom it was. The thing that startled me the most though, was the fact Kaiba was there, arms resting against the top of the car with his chin resting on his forearms. He had been standing there watching me the entire time. I couldn't see the rest of his body, he was on the driver's side of the vehicle, but his icy blue eyes were locked onto me, even at this distance.
I couldn't do anything, lost in shock, when Serenity came up from behind me and pointed at the same thing I was staring at, absently holding the icepack against the large bruise forming on the side of my neck.
"Who is that? He's been there for a good fifteen minutes now. Do you know him?"
I turned to look at her, shame clearly written in my features, and nodded solemnly. She didn't see my embarrassment.
"Well, why don't you go say hi! It's obvious the guy doesn't do the whole knocking on doors thing. Don't worry, I'll finish cooking, go ahead." She urged, and I couldn't help but do as she bid, leaving her at the stove and walking slowly towards the front door.
I slipped my shoes on subconsciously, before opening the wooden door, and then the screen and stepping out onto the small ledge of a porch. I didn't continue walking down the pavement, into my yard, and out to the street to stand directly in front of him, I felt this was a safer distance. I had never wanted him to see the dump I had to live in, and all I wanted to do was crawl into a hole and die. He probably thought less of me now, and that's what hurt the most.
"Why did you follow me Kaiba?" I called, voice quiet enough not to alert my father to the visitors but loud enough for him to hear. He said nothing, just continued to stare.
The figure in the back moved, and the back door was opened to reveal a mop of raven colored hair and bright green eyes. He had brought Mokuba as well. I would have thrown up, had it not been for the fact that there was nothing in my stomach to begin with. The child looked appalled as his eyes traveled from me to scan the house I was standing in front of. Cautiously, he walked forward, leaving the door to the Jaguar wide open as he came. I tensed inside, wishing he had shut the door for safety sake in this neighborhood, but I relaxed when I remembered Kaiba still standing there.
"Jou? This isn't where you live, right?"
I looked back down to Mokuba, and smiled sadly at the plea in his young voice.
"Yes, it is Mokuba. I'm sorry you had to see it." "No, I wanted to. Jou, c-can I ask you something?"
I nodded, and the boy took a deep breath before running up to me and latching onto my waist in a tight hug. Startled at first, I let one of my hands fall to rest on his head and the other around his slim shoulders, feeling him shudder in the onslaught of tears. He was trying not to cry, and I wondered what he was thinking.
"Jou, why do you stay? Why do you let that man do that to you?"
I tensed and closed my eyes tightly, not too up for the idea of crying in front of Mr. Big Shot over there, and not to look weakened in front of his little brother. I needed to be strong for his sake. It hurt that they had been there long enough to watch my father beat me, even though it was a minor attack compared to most, and I took several deep breaths in order to calm my beating heart.
"Listen, Mokuba, go home and forget what you saw. I have to deal with this, not you." "But Jou-!" "No 'buts' little one. Go on."
He sniffled, but didn't pull away for some time. Even then he looked up at me with large, glistening eyes and small trails of tears slowly drying on his cheeks. I smiled a little more genuine for his sake and ruffled his hair slightly.
"What'd yah come out here for in the first place anyway, kiddo?" He sniffled again. "Well, I-I wanted to see, if you wanted to come over. Jus' ta hang out. I haven't gotten to see you for a while."
I chuckled gently and knelt down so that he was taller than me, looking up to make eye contact with him.
"Sure, but maybe not today." I answered, if not somewhat grimly, and brightened a bit at Mokuba's relieved grin. "Thanks Jou!" He said and hugged me again, around the neck this time, and I felt my smile fade into his shoulder as I once again met eyes with Kaiba.
After we parted and the kid was safely strapped in in the back seat of the car, I walked up to the other side of the car and face Kaiba at a closer distance. We remained silent, still looking at the other, trying to measure something. It was a comfortable silence, if not tense, and Kaiba stood up straighter, elbows still on the roof of the car.
"Poor puppy.I had a feeling this was happening."
I cringed, but then snarled, crossing my arms tightly over my chest as if to restrain my new hatred for the billionaire.
"This is none of your damn business Kaiba! You had NO right to follow me home and you have NO right now to undermine me in that self-centered way of yours that you ALWAYS do! Save it for school on Monday, ok? That way, I'll be in the right mood to deal with it!" I yelled, turning on my heel and all but stomping back into my house, hands balling into fists at my sides.
"Mutt." He called just as my hand was about to rest on the brass handle of the outward screen door. I didn't answer, like before, and I heard a car door opening. I turned my head to glance over my shoulder, to see that Kaiba had walked around the front to open the passenger's door, standing next to it like one of his fancy butlers might do for him.
My eyes widened a fraction more as I realized it was an invitation to escape, but almost gasped from the weight of reality when I remembered my sister. I closed my eyes, wishing the sight would just go away, and shook my head. Kaiba did nothing for a while, but then stood and closed the door slowly, never breaking eye contact.
"I expect you to be over tomorrow, if it is Mokuba's wish to see you." Was the last thing he said before disappearing into the driver's side and taking off down the broken street.
"I'll be there, Seto."
~*~
TBC