A/N: Well guys. I honestly don't know what you're going to make of this chapter. But this ending seemed right ans was planned all along. I know I said It would be short…well…I lied. Haha, so anyways. I want to say a huge thank you to all my reviewers and anyone who read this story. I had a lot of fun writing it that was for sure. Look out for me in the future.
Disclaimer: This is truly for the last time on this fic. I don't own Yugioh, or Hyacinth Bucket, who is out of a halarious little comedy called 'keeping up appearances'
So anywho. For the last time here guys, I will say enjoy…..I hope you like it.
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His blue eyes travelled carefully over the foyer. Anyone, no matter they're taste, unless they resembled that of Hyacinth Bucket, could argue that he had nice home. It was fairly large, even for a mansion.
Yet, without exploiting all of his money. You couldn't tell that only two people lived there. Yes, there were maids and a cook. But the CEO preferred to only hire the maids now and again; the same went for the cook. But he was called even more rarely.
You wouldn't think that a rich man would bother knowing how to cook. But Seto knew a few things.
He thought; if you wanted an expensive, extravagant meal…go to a restaurant.
Which the two did most weeks, usually every Saturday. Just as a treat and to get out for a while.
There was artistry spread around the place, giving it an interesting air, but it was still a home none the less.
Kaiba frowned at the lack of feet pounding down the stairs.
The thought that his brother might be asleep crossed his mind. But he mentally scoffed at it.
'Oh yes, Mokuba Kaiba who insists staying up till all hours for no reason, would be in bed.' He said to himself sarcastically.
That was a thing the elder Kaiba didn't understand. Mokuba helped a lot in work, as he was vice president. But he stayed up till all hours playing video games and going online.
If Kaiba didn't stay up late working, he reckoned he would have himself in bed before twelve. But the flaw in this was Kaiba never stopped working. So his theory of himself could be totally wrong.
'Maybe I'll try it out some time' he thought, rolling his eyes.
He walked into the nearest room. The double doors were wide open. The large sitting room/library was lit by a warm fire as he went in. He shrugged at this.
'Mokuba must have been in here tonight. I suppose it's warmer than the library upstairs. But there was no sign of his brother in here, so he pressed on.
Closing the mahogany doors behind him, he went the opposite way, into the dining room.
Kaiba walked around the table in the centre of the room and proceeded into the kitchen.
He decided to pursue the downstairs first. For if Mokuba was in his room, he always heard the door. And another think.
The guy was always hungry. It was unnatural. Not in anyway rivalling Joey Wheelers, but even still.
He pushed the swinging door inward, stepping onto the tiles. When a crash confirmed his thoughts.
"Mokuba?"
The noise stopped. No longer than a few seconds, a head popped out from behind a press door.
"Oh, hey Seto" said the black haired brother in surprise.
'I didn't think he'd be home yet' thought Mokuba, cursing mentally.
A little smirk formed on Kaiba's face. "Why, you look surprised to see me little brother?" he said calmly.
"Ah…yeah, I thought you'd be still out with…" It was then Mokuba Kaiba realised his mistake.
He should have run, but instead he mentioned what his brother was going to get revenge for. And that all knowing smug face was telling him so.
"Seto…er…"
"You're still dead!"
"Um…I think I'll just go to bed…"
Mokuba slammed the kitchen press and dashed off in the other direction. Kaiba grinned and sped after him, wincing as he banged his arm into the swinging press door.
The black haired Kaiba ran back around the kitchen into the dining room, out into the foyer and up the stairs, his brother following in the wake.
"Mokuba Kaiba" shouted the other "I'm going to kill you. For placing me in that situation."
Mokuba 'eeped' as he saw his brother was catching up on him. He flew around a corner, but a second to late.
Kaiba managed to grab him.
"Argh" yelled Mokuba as Kaiba did his worst. He had been doing this torture for years. My god, Mokuba couldn't stand being tickled.
He began to laugh as Kaiba grinned.
"Se…to…ha…st..op…" giggled Mokuba. I mean, he was a fully grown man and he still was treated like a child.
"Say your sorry" smirked Kaiba, not ceasing.
"Never" managed Mokuba between fits of laughter.
"Fine" And he tickled harder.
"Alright, alright, I give. I'm sorry."
Kaiba began to laugh instead, as Mokuba, finally able to breathe, mock glared at him.
"You know Mokuba, if ever someone wanted information out of you.
At least I know they won't hurt you. Tickle you once and you cave like a rock slide."
"Har har." Said Mokuba, but then he looked up at his brother slyly. "So…did you have a good night?"
'Of all the cheek' thought the CEO, taken back by the question.
"No!" he said a little too quickly. At this, Mokuba grinned.
"You sure about that?" asked the younger.
"I…yes!"
"Whatever you say big bro…Whatever you say."
Kaiba knew he was in trouble the minute he faltered in his answer.
"Well…it wasn't all bad." He said, trying to sound cold. And would have managed if this were anyone but his brother.
But Mokuba knew all to well, from that statement. That his brother had enjoyed himself.
"Wasn't too bad eh?" Mokuba grinned evilly at his brother. "So the great Seto Kaiba admits he enjoyed himself doing something other than duel monsters or work?"
He had Seto right where he wanted him.
"I…" Kaiba was getting flustered. But he sighed, then smiled slightly.
"Alright. Fine. I did. Happy?"
There was a pause, then Mokuba jumped into the air.
"Ecstatic. Seto, now you can go out more and enjoy yourself like I've been telling you to do for the last…forever."
Kaiba rolled his eyes as his brother jumped. "What age are you? Five?"
"Almost" winked Mokuba.
The CEO shook his head. Mokuba hadn't left that childish side behind.
'Thank god'
"And also…" Kaiba's gazed fixed on his brother as Mokuba continued.
"I've been really worried about you Seto. For years I wished you would just have fun. I thought you'd work yourself to death some day. But now maybe, you won't."
Before Kaiba could answer, Mokuba gave a little smile and walked past Seto, down the hall way to the games room.
Kaiba wanted to go after him. He had never realised Mokuba was so worried about him. And for so long.
He smiled slightly, he knew how happy his brother was. And he was right. Maybe now he would start enjoying himself.
Realising he wasn't hungry anymore. It was a few hours to late to test his theory, but for once, by-passed his office and into his room.
Sighing, he closed the door.
"What a night" he said to himself. Shaking his head, he opened the drawer across from his massive bead and pulled out pyjama bottoms. He didn't bother with a top. While he changed, he swept over all that had gone on that night.
'It's so…unreal' he mused. 'I mean, this morning I would have laughed at the thought of ever even considering being friendly with any of them.
Now I'm…friendly with all of them. Something seriously screwed up is going on but, if this is screwed up. Than why wasn't my life like that a few years ago.'
He pulled the drapes closed and turned out the light. Clambering into bed, he pulled the duvet up as far as his waist.
'I mean, I'm having a drink with Joey Wheeler next week. With the mutt! And the weirdest part is I'm actually looking forward to it.'
He chuckled to himself. 'The Irony'
Turning over on his side, he frowned. 'Why didn't this happen years ago. I never realised how much I wanted my life changed, until it actually has the chance to.
But I would have had more time. And not have wasted ninety nine percent of my time working. I've never taken a day off. I should have.
Mokuba must have been lonely a lot. And he needn't have been or wouldn't have worried so much. Yet, I know he did, I can see it in his face.
He's always been happy. But when I told him that tonight. There was more joy there than ever. Typical.'
He closed his eyes, reluctant for this night to end. 'Damn thoughts will keep me awake all night' he growled sleepily.
"Actually…maybe not. Stupid workaholic you are, Seto Kaiba." he whispered
Then fell asleep.
Many hours later, after what he felt like was the best sleep ever, Kaiba groaned.
Something was making a very irritating noise.
The CEO's first thoughts were whatever it was would meet its end very quickly.
He opened an eye groggily. Rubbing his head, he sat up, looking around.
'What the…'
Growling, he swung his fist down on the offending alarm clock. It crushed and shut up immediately under his touch.
Swearing at it, he looked around. His blue stare found a duel disk on the desk across the way.
'Funny' ht thought 'I didn't notice that there last night.
Shrugging, he reluctantly swung his legs out of the bed and got to his feet. He gave a loud yawn. 'I must have set it so early for work' he figured. 'But you know what. Since things have changed. I'll take the day off.'
Just the thought was foreign to him, but it relaxed the man's mind.
He was about to get back into bed and sleep in, for the first time in probably his whole life since the orphanage, but he didn't have the chance.
His door burst open.
"Seto" cheered a voice.
Kaiba turned around and nearly dropped dead at the sight.
"Mokuba…you're hair…"
"Oh, not this again Seto. I don't want to get it cut short. I like it long"
Little did Mokuba know, it wasn't the want for getting it cut that had Seto Kaiba astounded. But the fact it wasn't short like last night.
Kaiba gaped at him. Mokuba looked confused now.
Getting a good look. His brother wasn't tall. He was as short as Yugi had been. And his face. He looked…around thirteen? What was going on.
"Um Seto…" said the boy, wondering why his brother was gaping at him like a fish.
But his older brother didn't answer, but walked swiftly to the wardrobe mirror. There looking back at him, was a face…about a decade younger than he was.
He frowned in utter confusion, putting a hand to his cheek.
There were no frown lines. His skin was immaculate.
Blinking, he turned back to his now little brother. Who was looking at him weirdly?
"Mokuba…what er…year is it?"
The boy blinked, at first wondering if he'd heard right.
"Um…2008 and eight big brother."
"What?" said Seto sharply. He was now utterly confused. It was supposed to be 2023.
Mokuba's sigh, brought him back from his wonder.
"You need to work less big brother.
It's affecting your brain. Or else it could be the first day of school fever. I know I have it" he smiled. "I just can't wait to see my friends again. I know I'll have homework and hate school by tomorrow, but I can't wait at the minute. Speaking of which, haven't you better hurry. The way you're acting, god knows how long you'll take."
Mokuba laughed.
"Although, this is your graduation year. I suppose that must be weird. See you downstairs." Smiling, Mokuba left the room.
"Graduation year?"
Kaiba sat on his bed, holding his hands on his head. 'A dream…It had all been a dream.
But, it felt so real. What on earth…or was it seeing the future? Wait a minute, don't start believing in that stuff' he scolded himself. But still…
"Oh, get back down to earth Seto, you have school apparently." He scolded himself.
Still pondering over his predicament, Seto headed for the bathroom and climbed into the shower.
He let the hot water calm him. This was too weird. When he was finished, he switched off the water and lifted his hand to grab his towel.
That was when he noticed something. There, just above his elbow. Was a fresh bruise. By the looks of it, it happened fairly recently.
He stood there, examining it. And then the last thing you'd expect from Seto kaiba at that moment happened.
He smiled.
That bruise, it was proof. Well, maybe not proof, as it may have happened elsewhere.
But that was the exact spot, where he had bashed while chasing Mokuba…older Mokuba.
He kept staring at it, silently hoping, wishing.
That…dream, he had. It…was it real? It couldn't have…but was it?
He stepped out of the shower and headed for hi wardrobe, towel wrapped tightly around his waist.
Opening it, he saw all his old clothes. Nothing he had purchased 'recently' was there. And he saw it, his old school uniform.
Frowning, he got dressed. His thoughts never leaving his predicament.
Even as he ate breakfast with is now small brother, he was only half listening as he sipped his coffee. Al least that habit hadn't changed.
The limo dropped Mokuba off and then arrived at Domino high school.
Fascinated by the building, Kaiba stepped out. Everywhere he saw people he recognised from years ago…
I mean 'now?'
It was like deja vous.
Taking a breath he walked toward the entrance. He was a little early, but that didn't matter.
Considering the possibilities and likelihood of what had happened, actually happening. A thought struck him.
Didn't he say. 'If only this had happened all those years ago.' And by 'this' he meant, getting friendly with 'them.'
He had said it. Well, if it had happened he said it. But never the less. Kaiba soon came to a conclusion as he walked the hallways of his school.
Regardless of whether it was real or not. That 'experience' had shown him what he wanted and needed. He knew it.
And Yugi's friends turned ut not to be so bad. In fact, he found himself liking Joey Wheeler.
But that was old Joey. Young Joey was different.
'Or was he?' thought the CEO. He didn't know. But what he did know was this. He had found something that he didn't want to give up.
'And who knows, maybe now all that stuff won't happen. Me over working, worrying Mokuba, life staying the same for all those dreaded years…Yugi's life, being that much better?'
Then he stopped. Had he actually considered someone else's feelings. It made him laugh. But, it was true.
Seto Kaiba had been nudged slightly on a better path. Weird as it was, he felt better with himself.
But…'If I want any of that to pass…I have to be the one to start it this time. They came to me, but that won't happen for a long time. So what if I…came to them?'
He came to his homeroom. The worry of whether they would accept him hung over him. Which he found preposterous. Why should Seto Kaiba be worried if they accepted him or not.
The truth was…because he wanted them too.
Shaking his head in his new found amusement, he entered the room.
'Bloody typical'
There staring at him were the very people. Yugi, Joey, Tea and Tristan.
'Crap' he confirmed.
"Hi Kaiba" said Yugi cheerfully. The now small duellist was back to his old self. Which was in fact, was kind of nice. What he had become was himself with a shadow over him.
"Moneybags" said the blonde, eying Kaiba.
Tea smiled at him, while Tristan did nothing.
"Hello mu…Joey" he said. 'Damn that sounded pathetic Seto' he scolded himself.
But Joey was taken back. Not knowing what to do, he just looked at Kaiba in confusion. "o…k…"
"Yugi" nodded Kaiba and he did the same to the others. Frankly, they were amazed. They're eyes followed him as he sat down.
Yugi always asked, but now he felt though he wouldn't be mocked and ridiculed.
"Do you want to sit with us Kaiba?"
The request stopped the man as he was making his way to the back of the room.
"Uh…"
He looked back around. Tristan shrugged "It's fine with me dude, but no insults."
Tea smiled "Sure, it'll be fun"
But Joey was the person Kaiba was concerned about.
"Hey Kaiba. I have an idea. Let's have a duel. If I win, you have to have lunch with us for the rest of the year." He smirked.
The blonde had intended this to be a punishment and also for the man to sneer at him and tell him something along the lines of 'Oh please, It would be more challenging playing with a kindergartner' But to his shock, Kaiba nodded. "Fine, but later ok?"
"W…what? Aren't you going to insult my duelling skills or something?"
"Do you want me too?" asked the CEO slyly.
"Nah…I like this side of you. What happened last night? Get abducted and replaced with an alien. Cus' it aint doin a very good job."
Kaiba smirked and was about to reply when Joey interrupted.
"No. no…it's you alright. Who else could ever smirk so smugly."
The others laughed and Kaiba gave a wry smile.
It was funny how things went from there. Kaiba did sit with them that day. And they talked.
He found out, they weren't so different from their future selves. Except for Yugi, but Kaiba never minded him to begin with.
He kept his word about the duel and had every intention of losing to Joey that day. Completely on purpose.
It took Joey a week to figure out it was intentional. Although he was disappointed that he didn't actually defeat the CEO, he had a new found respect for the man. They all knew
Kaiba would never lose like that. And never really knew why he was suddenly likable. Even if he did act the as the same cold, icy person to everyone else, but them and oddly Mai and Bakura?
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Kaiba had to admit. It was strange how things worked out that way. Even now as he sat at a bar with a drink, he never did figure out whether it was all a dream or not. It had happened so long ago now.
He sipped the orange liquid, checking his watch.
He still never liked waiting. No amount of visions or dreams could change that.
It was funny to think. This was the same day, he had promised Joey that drink. And had stayed true to his word. Although it wasn't hard. They did do this every weekend now.
"Damn tardy mutt" he said to himself, grinning at the use of his old name. 'Although I expect he was organising that anniversary of his.
As, shocked and grateful as I once was to be invited …and blackmailed, into going to it. It was still better to be at the wedding.' He chuckled. Funny the way that one worked out.
A lot of the things he had 'dreamt' about had come to pass. Especially the personalities of his friends. Well, except for Yugi, but he was always hard to figure.
Kaiba was glad to say Mr. Moto would be attending the anniversary next week.
Also that Tea was doing very well at Kaibacorp. Although she has been working there for years now.
He was still a workaholic, but not half as bad as he used to be. He actually took days off now. Much to Mokuba's relief and delight.
Rolling his eyes, he looked at his watch again.
Just as he was about to say Joey was late again. A blonde head burst through the door.
"Sorry… Seto" he panted "Couldn't find…parking."
"What? Oh come on, my driver could find parking for the limo for crying out loud. And you can't manage to fit your car in somewhere?"
"Oh yeah, flaunt to everyone you have a limo" grinned Joey. "You are such a show off."
"I am not!"
"Sure Moneybags…sure."
Rolling his eyes once more, the brunette passed the blonde a glass.
"Who ever knew I'd like Bulmers?" said Kaiba, drinking the last of his glass.
"Me" laughed Joey, taking a sip.
"Yeah, I almost forgot" smiled Kaiba, ordering another. "But after this, I'm getting a brandy."
Joey scoffed. "You are such an old man."
"I am not."
"Are too"
"Am not!"
This went on for a while, but Kaiba was sure happy with their childish antics. 'Funny the way it took a dream…to wake me up.' He thought.
'Oh well, it was for the best. No matter which way it happened.' He was driven out of this thought by Joey, who was looking at him slyly.
"So, have you asked Tea out yet?"
"No" was the grumble "I still don't kn…Wait! What?" He almost shouted. Joey burst out laughing.
Kaiba fumed beside him.
"I have no intention of doing so"
"Yeah…because you're too scared" snickered Joey. "Terrible, a grown man…scared of a date. Chicken!"
"I am not a chicken!" said Kaiba threateningly.
"I told you money couldn't get you everything richboy."
'You have no idea Joey' he thought, momentarily forgetting the discussion.
"Oi, stop spacing out on me. Ha! Seto, you're getting senile in your old age."
"I'll show you senile" growled the other.
"What are you going to do? Duel me?" laughed the blonde.
"Oh I would." He said casually. "But I wouldn't want to completely destroy you" he smirked.
"Hey. I was just as good as you were when we were kids!"
"But…that's not possible" he grinned.
"And why not?" said Joey suspiciously.
"Well, last time I checked…Mutts can't duel."
Looking at the half amused, half furious look on Joeys face, made him laugh.
'Life is more than what I thought it could ever be. Thank Ra for irrational thoughts then'
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I truly believe in that statement. haha, well.
I finished a fic. "Throws sprinkles everywhere in celebration.
I hope the ending wasn't too suckish. I did want to have a good last farewell with this. So as always, let me know what you think. And I did think it would be better if Kaiba could discover his friends for himself too. R&R please.
Seto having a drink with Joey styled cookies with PURPLE sprinkles for all. You cannot escape them. Aww, they're so cute, I don't wanna eat it. Actually..never mind. Im hungry. Haha, thanks again guys for all your reviews and sticking by this humble little fic. Bye, I'll be back. I already have a plot forming ;) give me love now, bye guys….R&R
Luv , B.H.G.E….(aka)…Ash.