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Yu-Gi-Oh! Dragon Slayer	By : Smenkhkara Category: Yu-Gi-Oh > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 5745 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 2
Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh! or any of its characters. Yu-Gi-Oh! is the trademark of Kazuki Takahashi. Nor do I make any money from the writting of these stories.

Chapter List
- 3
- 4
- 5
Chapter Four

   Friday morning, Joey sat in front of his laptop staring at a blank screen. The black cursor blinked on and off as if daring him to put his thoughts on paper. And he wanted to, he really did. But, for some reason, he couldn't seem to do it.
   Anger coursed through his veins every time he thought about Kaiba's parting words, and his fingers itched to form that anger in crisp, clean lettering on the laptop's white surface, then it would subside and his fingers would relax every time Roland's voice overshadowed that rich, pompous ass'.

   After Kaiba had left, Joey had remained on the floor, wrestling with his pride and his dignity, nursing his broken heart. That scared Joey and confused him, and he didn't want to think about why. But what confused him, even more, was how a few minutes later a deep, tenor had broken through his suffering and brought him back to the world of reality.
   He never even heard Kaiba's Personal Assistant enter the room. Had never noticed him walking up to Joey and squatting down on a knee in front of him. But he had heard the older man's gentle words.
   “Come Mr. Wheeler, won't do any good to have someone see you in this condition.”
   Joey raised his head as he felt a large hand settle on his shoulder. He blinked through the curtain of tears that clouded his vision only to focus on huge, brown eyes full of compassion. A big, kind smile touched the bodyguard's lips and Joey found himself responding to his tender persuasions.
   He reached for the waistband of his pants and pulled them back over his hips, then he sat down on his unsettled legs, searching for the strength to get to his feet. Joey closed his eyes and ran his fingers though his hair as he tried to figure out why the big guy was there.
   “Sa, wha' does de ass’ole wan'?” He asked, his voice sounded shaky in his ears.
   “I'm sorry, Mr. Wheeler?”
   “Ya're boss?”
   “Yes, Mr. Wheeler.” Roland acknowledge with a slight nod, figuring that was the 'asshole' the young man had been referring to. “What about Mr. Kaiba?”
   “Wha' does 'e wan'?”
   “To go home, I'm sure.”
   “Den, w’y did 'e sen’ ya in 'ere?” Joey asked with confusion.
   “He didn't.” Roland admitted with a shrug. “Mr. Kaiba thinks I'm settling the check for dinner.”
   “O', Sa, wadda ya wan'? Are ya 'ere ta make sure I keep my mout’ shut o' some'in'?”
   “No, Mr. Wheeler.” Roland replied with a shake of his head. “I'm just here to make sure you're alright.”
   “W’y?” He countered as big, honey-brown orbs stared into the bodyguard's compassionate face
   For a moment, Roland was taken aback by the young blond's question. Not sure how to respond, he simply stated, “Because, Mr. Wheeler, that's what I do.” He answered, hoping that would please the boy.
   Joey harrumphed as he took the huge man's offered hand and got to his feet. “Mus' be use ta cleanin' up af’er Rich Boy's messes by now, e‘?” He threw out as he dusted himself off.
   'No.' The middle-aged bodyguard thought to himself. 'Just use to picking up and caring for broken little boys.' He refrained from making any comment as he helped the young man with his clothing and reached out to adjust the blond's suit jacket.
   “There's a small powder room in the back corner if you would like to clean up before you leave.” The Personal Assistant offered when he had finished.
   “T'anks.” Joey said appreciatively as he sniffled to clear his nose. “I t’ink I'll da dat.” And started to make his way over to the tiny room. “Ya knaw,” Joey stopped and said over his shoulder. “Ya've been a real pal. Guess ya're nawt as ba’ as I t’ough' ya was. Makes me wonder wha'cha doin' wit’ a stuffe’ shirt like Kaiba, anyways.” He finished.
   'Protecting him, like I promised I would.' Roland thought. Aloud, he replied, “My job.” Then he turned to leave the room, concerned by the fact that Joey had pulled himself together far too quickly. He'd seen way too many things in his short forty-two years not to know that the young man had also been a victim of abuse.
   As both men reached their prospective doors, Kaiba's Personal Assistant rested his hand on the doorknob and paused. “By the way, Mr. Wheeler.” He began. “I know that, right now, you're hurt and angry but, please, do me one favour.”
   “Yea’, an' wha's dat?” The blond asked as he turned around to look at the huge man.
   “Don't give up on Mr. Kaiba, just yet. There's far more to him than you could possibly imagine. Not to mention the two of you probably have more in common than you'd care to admit.”
   Joey snorted at the impossible suggestion and disappeared into the washroom. On the other side of the room, Roland sighed and opened the door. It was going to take more work than he had first realized to get those two together.

   It was that last statement that had been haunting Joey for the last twenty-four hours. What had Roland meant when he'd said there was more to Kaiba than met the eye? And what things could Moneybags possibly have in common with him? Sure, Joey knew that Kaiba hadn't always been wealthy but that's not what the big guy had been referring to, he was sure of it. Then what had he meant?
   Cursing his stupidity, the blond dug his fingers through his thick, silky hair and growled out his frustration. He had to stop thinking about such things and focus on writing his column. Time was running out and he had a deadline to make.
   As Joey collected his thoughts he had to admit, if nothing had happened between him and Kaiba, the dinner would have been a complete success. And Kaiba's cruelty had nothing to do with Mokuba. Could he really punish the kid because his brother was a jerk? He knew he couldn't, his conscience wouldn't allow it.
   His mind made up, Joey's fingers reached for the keys of his laptop and he began to type. The words flying out of him like a man possessed.

* * *
   Swallowing another large mouthful of the steamy, black liquid Seto turned and looked out the huge bay windows of the kitchen. Doing his best to enjoy the scenic view stretching out before him.
   Kaiba Manor had been designed to resemble something from the Elizabethan era. Three stories high, the house was shaped in a giant E with its wings extending behind the structure. A classic circular driveway complimented the main entrance with a garage on its left and an indoor swimming pool on its right.
   The entire property was bordered with boxwood hedges and wrought-iron fencing. Seemingly uninspiring for a multi-billionaire of Kaiba's stature. But what the average person didn't know about was the proximity alarms, the motion sensors and the built-in security cameras located every six inches around the outer perimeter. Never one to willingly give up anything, including his privacy, the Kaiba Brothers' closest neighbours were over a mile down the road.
   Seto Kaiba sighed and took another sip of coffee as he turned away from the windows and began to pace the long expanse of the kitchen. The dark brew had lost its effectiveness about four hours ago and Kaiba was beginning to feel the weariness of another sleepless night.
   His final words to Joey haunted him and ate away at his conscience. He hadn't started regretting the cruelness of his departure till he'd reached the safe confines of the limo. And Roland's silent treatment and disapproving looks hadn't helped, either. He knew his Personal Assistant had been privy to the final events of the evening. After all, he was the one who'd been guarding the entrance to the dining room. There was no way Roland could have missed the noise the two boys had been making.
   And Saturday morning had come with a vengeance. Kaiba had sent the older man out for the paper as soon as the sun had appeared in the sky. He was terrified that his selfishness was going to cost Mokuba his restaurant and it would serve him right if it did. His thoughts stopped him dead in his tracks and he stared out the windows, hoping for a miracle. He wouldn’t blame Joey if he took his anger out on his little brother but what scared Kaiba the most was, he'd be the one who would have to explain why.
   With a deep sigh, Kaiba tossed the cold remains of his coffee in the kitchen sink and set the mug on the counter. His bare feet slapping the terra cotta floor as he continued his trek up and down the expanse of the room, impatiently awaiting Roland's return.
   'Where the hell was that son-of-a-bitch?' The brunette swore to himself as he looked over his shoulder and glared at the door. Only to come face-to-face with the impassive features of his Personal Assistant. Roland's massive bulk loomed in the doorway like an avenging angel or a gruelling demon, Kaiba wasn't sure which. All he knew for certain was it was time to face the consequences of his actions.
   “Well?” He ventured, his voice wavering with uneasiness. Although he was afraid to hear the verdict, he was also eager to get the torture over and done with.
   Roland, however, was not helping to relieve the tension. His face remained blank and he never said a word. Knowing the silent treatment would only serve to drive the brunette mad with worry. Soundlessly, the huge man entered the kitchen and approached the centre island that separated him from his boss. He carried the morning paper tucked, protectively, under his left arm. When he reached the island, he stopped and stared at Seto, his impassive features finally registering contempt.
   “Did you read the review?“ Kaiba demanded.
   Roland only responded with a short nod.
   “And?” The stoic CEO demanded further, not at all pleased with his Personal Assistant's foolishness.
   “See for yourself, Mr. Kaiba.” The huge man sneered as he tossed the paper in Seto's direction. It slide across the surface of the counter and Kaiba lunged for it like he was a drowning man and it was some kind of life preserver.
   The six-foot-four bodyguard crossed his arms and stood in silence as he watched his boss tear through the paper. As soon as Kaiba had located the column he began to read. The title of the piece was 'Vive la differènce' and Joey's words washed over him like a bucket of cold water.

   'Wednesday evening, this newly founded food critic had the opportunity to experience fine dining at its best.
   Not only was I rewarded with the generous and bountiful meal of a lifetime but I was also rewarded with the company of one of our city's most prominent members of society.
   It seems I chose well when I decided to grace the presence of a quaint little bistro in the heart of downtown Domino. Mokie's, a restaurant most of you already know to be famous for its exquisite, French cuisine, was the setting for the most unforgettable evening I've had, to date.
   As I arrived at the building, teaming with patrons who have heard of the restaurant's fine reputation, the Maitre 'd, Monsieur Pierre Bouchard, was kind enough to seat me at the only available table; the Kaiba Private Dining Room. The Main room, already decorated in the finest quality was nothing compared to the superior design I was cordially ushered into. The classic décor was comfortable and inviting.
   But the most inviting element, of all, was the company. Although the younger Kaiba brother was unable to attend, the elder brother; Owner and CEO of KaibaCorp; co-founder of KaibaLand and world famous Duel Monster's Champion; Seto Kaiba, was generous enough to offer me his invaluable time.
   He graciously walked me through a traditional French fare as he engaged me in polite conversation, then he ended an already fabulous meal with an unforgettable dessert. The Head Chef's Crème Brûlée was the most delicious, mouth-watering treat I've ever had the pleasure of tasting.
   So, if you're looking for a memorable night on the town, then take the time to visit this wonderful establishment. You may just have the pleasure of meeting one of the infamous Kaiba Brothers', and the food wasn't too bad, either.'

   When Seto had finished reading the article, he backed away from the island and leaned against the main counter for support. Shocked speechless by Joey's rave review, Kaiba could only stare sightlessly as the blond's words began to sink in. There was no missing the undertone of sarcasm to Joey's reference to 'the most unforgettable evening he'd had'. Nor was there any way he could miss the negativity in his mention of the 'infamous Kaiba Brothers'. Or Kaiba Brother, as the case may be.
   But the most powerful emotion to settle and take hold was relief. Joey had spared his little brother. Despite all of Kaiba's mistreatment of him, the blond had remained professional and compassionate. Which was more than Seto could say for himself. Joey had shown incredible poise and the stoic CEO was impressed. He did have more brains and talent than Kaiba had given him credit for and the brunette's guilt washed over him and flooded his conscience once again.
   Unable to endure the rollercoaster ride of emotions any longer, the butterflies in Kaiba's stomach took flight and Seto turned to empty its contents into the kitchen sink. Silently thankful that all he had to throw up was the coffee he'd drank earlier.
   When he was confident there was nothing left to spew forth, he reached for the taps and turned on the cold water, dousing his face and the back of his neck with a generous amount from the icy stream. Finally, weak and dripping wet from his endeavours, Kaiba turned around and fell to the floor. A moment later a dish towel landed in his lap and, picking up the cotton cloth, Kaiba dried off.
   Finally, he closed his eyes and leaned back against the cupboards for support. With a deep sigh he bent his knees and tried desperately to find his voice. When he succeeded it was dry and raspy. “Go ahead and say it. I know you're dying to.”
   “You didn't deserve that young man's generosity, Mr. Kaiba.”
   Seto agreed, he certainly hadn't, but Mokuba did and he voiced that opinion aloud.
   “No thanks to you.” Roland snorted back.
   “Careful, old man,” Kaiba warned as he opened his eyes and tilted his head, levelling his Personal Assistant with an icy stare. “You're getting a little too big for your britches.”
   The imposing tower of male flesh only scoffed and stood his ground.
   For a few moments silence filled the room, then Roland risked a tentative glance in his boss' direction pleasantly surprised when he was rewarded with the sight of an empty and lonely expression he had not seen for some time. He had to remind himself that Seto was still such a child, in so many ways, and some of the anger he'd felt towards his boss vanished, only to be replaced with the tenderness he'd always harboured for the lost soul.
   The Personal Assistant sighed and in a gentle tone admitted, “It has always been my concern that over the years my service to you has been overshadowed by the bitterness Gozaburo had managed to in still in your heart. I can only hope there is still some measure of that carefree boy I had the pleasure of meeting so long ago.”
   Now it was Kaiba's turn to scoff. The old man's words were wishful thinking. His adoptive father had been successful in his efforts. He'd managed to effectively beat all forms of benevolence from Seto's tiny body and this cold, hard shell was all that remained.
   “Maybe not.” Roland said into the silence and sighed again, then he added on a hopeful note. “I believe, Mr. Kaiba, that you've underestimated the extent of that young man's compassion.”
   “Shut up, old man, and save your sermons for Sunday. I'm not interested in listening to you preach today.”
   “Very well, Mr. Kaiba. We'll continue this conversation tomorrow.”
   Seto couldn't help but crack a smile at that last remark. He'd never admit it in a million years but he loved the old fool. Roland had been more of a father to him than his real dad or Gozaburo, combined. Instead, he simply shook his head and threatened. “I should have gotten rid of you when I had the chance.”
   “Yes, Mr. Kaiba.” The Personal Assistant agreed, knowing the threat was empty.
   “I still might, you know.” Seto added.
   “Yes, Mr. Kaiba.” Came the automatic reply.
   The stoic CEO smiled again and decided to change the subject. “Knock it off and help me to my feet.” Kaiba commanded in a gentle tone as he raised his right hand. “I've got better things to do than sit around on a cold floor all day.”
   “Would that include hunting down a certain Mr. Wheeler and offering him an apology?” Roland asked hopefully.
   “I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you.”
   “Oh well.” He sighed dejectedly and stretched out his hand. “It was worth a try.”
   Kaiba took hold of the imposing limb and climbed to his feet. As soon as he let go, the phone rang.
   Walking to the end of the counter, Roland picked up the kitchen extension, “Kaiba Residence.” He spoke into the receiver. A moment of silence followed his salutation before he responded again. “Yes, Sir.” Then he extended his arm towards his boss and announced, “It's Master Mokuba, Sir.”
   Taking the phone, Kaiba held it to his ear and said, “Hey there, little brother. What's with the earlier morning phone call?”
   Mokuba's surprised reply came through the receiver with crystal clarity. “Early? Seto, it's nine o'clock your time.” He exclaimed.
   “So it is.” Kaiba stated looking at the kitchen clock, slightly annoyed that his own internal device seemed to be on the fritz. Trying to brush off the oversight the brunette casually continued, “How's everything going?”
   “Fine.” The younger Kaiba drawled not buying his cool demeanour for one minute. Instead of dwelling on his older brother's unusual behaviour, Mokuba decided to state the reason he was calling. “Did you have a chance to read the paper this morning?” The raven-haired youth inquired with enthusiasm.
   “If you're referring to Joey's column, I just finished it, actually.” Kaiba answered as he leaned against the counter. Tucking the phone between his ear and shoulder the brunette crossed his arms and added. “How did you hear about it?”
   “Well, it wasn't because my big brother called and told me, that's for sure.” Mokuba bit out. There was no missing the sarcasm in his tone, but one that brightened at his next words. “Roland called and read it to me.”
   “Did he now?” Kaiba inquired as he turned his head and gave his Personal Assistant a quizzical look.
   “Yeah,” Mokuba's cheery tone burst through the line. “Don't you think it's great, Seto? Joey's a food critic and he ate at my restaurant and loved it, then he wrote about it and they published it in the paper!”
   “I think it's fantastic, Mokie.” Kaiba praised. “You should be very proud of yourself and your accomplishments. I know I am.” He finished with pride. The line was silent for a moment and the brunette could almost hear his little brother blushing on the other end, then the youthful voice returned.
   “Thanks Seto.” Mokuba acknowledged and added. “Can you do me a favour and thank Joey for his review?'
   “Me?” Kaiba cried, almost launching himself off the counter. “Why me?”
   “Because you're closer and can do it in person.” The teenager theorized.
   Trying desperately to avoid such a devastating experience the older brother countered, “It's your restaurant and I think it would mean more coming from you.”
   “Okay. I'll do it first chance I get.” Mokuba agreed and then the line fell silent once more. When Mokuba finally continued, his voice was laced with a hint of disappointment. “Seto, why didn't you call and tell me you had dinner with Joey?”
   Doing his best to cover-up his thoughtless oversight, Kaiba asked, “Would you believe me if I told you I forgot?” He smiled into the mouthpiece.
   “No.”
The older sibling sighed and closed his eyes, his right hand reaching up to pinch the bridge of his nose. “I'm sorry, Mokuba.” He apologized. “But I've had a lot on my mind, lately, and I really didn't think it was all that important.”
   “Not that important!” His younger brother cried. “You wine and dine Joey Wheeler in my restaurant and you didn't think it was important enough to call me!”
   Kaiba sighed again and squeezed his eyes tighter shut, then his hand dropped from his nose and moved to the back of his neck trying desperately to massage some of the tension from his aching muscles. “Look, I know you're mad at me and I'm sorry.” The brunette bit out. “That's all I can say. I really did forget about it, Mokuba, but there's nothing I can do to change that so just drop the subject, will you?” He finished with more force then he'd first intended.
   “Fine.” The teenager pouted in reply, falling silent as he nursed his child-like temper-tantrum. “Anyway, Seto,” The raven-haired teen added a few minutes later. “I just wanted to say thanks and let you know everything's going well on this end. I gotten go and get some sleep. We have an early start in the morning.”
   Kaiba sighed and bit back an inaudible curse, knowing he wasn't going to be able to soothe his little brother's bad mood anytime soon. “Okay, Mokie. You have a good weekend and I'll talk to you Monday.”
   “Yep. Bye Seto.” Came the younger brother's reply and then the line went dead.
   The stoic CEO bit back another curse and thumbed the button to end the call. He levelled his Personal Assistant with an icy glare and snarled. “If you're through interfering with my life, then I have work to do.”
   Roland's only response was a defiant lift of his chin. Hands clasped behind his back, the towering guardian remained an impassive statue and never said a word.
   “That's what I thought.” Kaiba sneered and tossed him the phone. “I'm going to get dressed. Have the limo ready in half an hour.”
   “Yes, Mr. Kaiba.” The Personal Assistant replied as he caught the phone and set it back on its base. He watched as his boss left the kitchen, then followed to carry out his duties.

   Roland nonchalantly made his way down the long stretch of the Right Wing's main hallway thinking about the young man that seemed to have captured his boss' attention.
   He remembered the first time he'd ever had the pleasure of meeting the feisty teenager. It had been during the semi-finals of the Battle City Tournament. He had liked the adolescent's spirited behaviour right away and, apparently, so had Seto. Didn't help, either, that the young man was a handsome blond. It had been one of the first details Roland had learned about the brunette when the boy had first arrived in the elder Kaiba's service. The youth had always seemed to gravitate towards the fairer-haired beauties and the middle-aged bodyguard had always wondered why.
   Pushing aside his memories, Roland began to focus on a plan that would bring the two boys together again. As if reading his mind, the cell phone in his left-breast pocket began to vibrate. Stopping, just before the doorway to the garage, he reached inside his suit jacket and withdrew a Bluetooth earpiece. Placing the tiny device in his left ear he immediately heard the tones that identified the caller. Touching the centre button once to make the connection, Roland started to speak.
   “Yes, Sir.” He began as he continued his trek into the garage.
   “Roland,” The familiar voice countered. “I'd like you to do me a favour.”
   “What can I do for you, Sir?” He asked.
   “I'm going to ask you a few questions and I'd like you to be really honest with me. And depending on your answers, I'm going to need your help setting things right.”
   “I will do my best, Sir. How can I be of service?” He closed the door and entered the spacious passage to the Main Carport.
   “First, I want you to tell me what's really going on between Joey and my big brother.”

* * *

   Joey Wheeler stretched his long legs, working out tired muscles before leaning back and sinking into the comfortable cushions of his living room sofa.
   The blond had made a bee-line straight for home as soon as the crew had finished for the day. Grabbing a few hours of sleep before he had to get up and head to the club, he had awoken refreshed only to be presented with a dark and empty apartment.
   Not that he was complaining. He enjoyed these moments of peace, they were few and far between, and they gave him the time he needed to go over things in his mind. And, of course, the topic open for discussion; Seto Kaiba.
   The stoic CEO's egotistical attitude had always angered him. From the first time they had come face-to-face that day at Domino High there had always been a constant rivalry between the two men and that consistency gave Joey comfort. He never had to guess what was going to happen next. Kaiba's response to his presence could always be counted on. It was the same reaction time and again, no matter what.
   But now, Joey was confused. One minute Kaiba was the cold, heartless prick he had come to know and loathe, the next, he was being kind and considerate as if he and Wheeler were old friends.
   Pushing through all the hate and frustration he felt towards the brunette, Joey focused on the dinner he had shared with the enigmatic businessman and sighed. For the most part, it had been a pleasant experience. The atmosphere, the food and the wine had been first class. So had the company.
   He had to admit, when Kaiba wasn't being an overly obnoxious prick, he was a very charming and very attractive young man. The way he had smiled and laughed had Joey feeling comfortable and relaxed. And the conversation had been delightful. The two men had never sat down and had such an insightful, mature discussion before. Kaiba had seemed genuinely interested in the blonds' life and his attention had been riveted to Joey's tales. He had listened without interruption, taking in all the information the blond had to give.
   And afterwards? What was it that he'd said that had caused the brunette to react the way he did? Had it been Joey's reference to Kaiba's lifestyle? Or had it been something else?
   Honey-brown eyes grew wide with realization. That was it! Kaiba had gotten mad when he thought he was being pitied.
   Before Joey had the chance to take that thought further, the phone rang. Its persistent ring snapped the blond out of his reverie and leaning across the arm of his sofa, he grabbed the electronic device off its base.
   “It's ya're dime.” He sang cheerfully.
   “Hey Joey, how's it going?” A very young and equally cheerful voice replied. Too young and too cheerful. The blond recognized it immediately.
   “Mokuba?!” He cried, his surprise at receiving a phone call from the younger Kaiba Brother causing him to sit up straight.
   “Yep, that would be me.” The raven-haired youth acknowledged with a girlish giggle. “Thought I'd give you a call and see how things were going.”
   “Nawt taw ba’. 'Ow's t’ings wit’ ya?”
   “Pretty good, actually. Building this amusement park has been a surrealistic nightmare but things are starting to look up now.”
   “Yea’, I almos’ forgo‘,” The blond remembered. “De KaibaLan’ in New York. Ya're broder tol’ me 'bout it.”
   “He did?” Came the teenager's surprised response.
   “Yea’,” Joey confirmed. “Kaiba men’ioned it at dinner.”
   “Oh.” Was Mokuba's only reply. He was taken aback for a moment. Seto never discussed business with anyone outside of KaibaCorp, let alone someone like Joey. A moment of silence passed while the raven-haired youth digested this new piece of information, then he continued with his carefully laid plans. “Um, that's what I was calling about.” he added, getting straight to the point.
   “Ya're callin' me 'bout de park in New York?” Joey said with surprise.
   “No silly.” Mokuba giggled again. “I'm calling you about the dinner you had with Seto. I wanted to say 'thank you' for the great review.”
   “A‘, its naw problem, kiddo, anythin' ta help ou’. 'Sides, I really did 'ave a good time an' de fawd was grea’.”
   “That's what Seto said.”
   “Dat 'e t’ough' de fawd was good taw?”
   “No,” Mokuba sighed. Joey really could be clueless sometimes. “Seto said he had a good time.”
   “'E did?”
   “Yep.” The kid confirmed, working hard to suppress another giggle. “He said it was the first time since I left that he felt really comfortable and he said he had a good time talking to you and that he really enjoyed your company.” Mokuba continued with a wicked smile.
   “'E sai’ all dat?” The blond squawked with surprise.
   “He did.” The teenager reinforced pushing down another giggle.
   The plan was working.
   “O', well, dat's cawl.”
   “I thought so.” There was another moment of silence and when Mokuba's voice came back on the line his tone was more serious. “Joey, I really wanted to thank you for that, most of all. Seto would never admit it in a million years but he gets really lonely when I'm not around and when you had dinner with him, you made him feel kind of special. He doesn't get the chance to socialize with people his own age, outside of work, and it means a lot to me that you took the time to treat Seto like a friend.”
   “Well, ya knaw Mokuba, me an' da gang 'ave always tried at 'elp ya're broder fit in.”
   “Yeah, I know and I really appreciate the fact that you're still trying. It means a lot to me and I worry about him so much.”
   “Naw nee’ ta worry, kiddo, we gawt ya're back.”
   “Thanks Joey. Hey, I was wondering if you could do me a really big favour.”
   “Wha's dat?”
   “Would you have dinner with me at the mansion tomorrow night? I want to thank you in person for your review.”
   “I t’ough' ya was in da US.”
   “I am, silly, but I'll be taking the next flight home so I can have dinner with you.” The raven-haired teen coaxed.
   “A‘, I dunno, Mokuba. I mean, I'd really love ta bu’ 'm nawt sure if 'm in da mawd ta run inta ya're broder again.” Joey stalled. He really wasn't ready, just yet, to get thrown into another situation with Kaiba.
   “Why?”
   It was a good question but how did the blond tell the kid the truth? Afraid he wasn't going to be able to back his way out of dinner without a plausible explanation, Joey decided it would just be easier to give in. Besides, he figured if the kid was present then there was less chance of anything getting out of hand.
   “On second’ t’ough', I guess I can make it. W’a’ time da ya wan' me dere?” He relented.
   The youthful teenager responded with an exhilarate 'Wahoo!' before finally answering, “Eight o' clock. And don't worry,” He added as an afterthought. “I doubt Seto's going to be there anyways. He'll probably be at work or something.”
   Some of the tension eased out of the blonds' shoulders and he couldn't resist a chuckle at the kid's reaction. “’K, sounds good, bud. See ya at eigh'”
   “Okay. Bye.” Mokuba sang cheerfully.
   “Till den, kiddo.” Joey replied with a smile and hung up the phone. He heaved a deep sigh as he settled back into the couch. Tomorrow night was definitely going to be an interesting evening.

* * *

   Sunday night, Joey arrived at the Kaiba Estate at exactly eight o'clock. He paid the fair, making sure to give the driver a generous tip, then left the cab and closed the door. The taxi pulled away from the curb and drove off, leaving Joey to stare at the huge wrought-iron gates in quiet trepidation.
   His heart beat in his chest like a big bass drum, fuelled by an overwhelming sense of excitement and nervousness. Excited, because it was the second time since he'd met the Kaiba Brothers' that he'd ever been invited to visit the stately home. Nervous, because he was terrified that sometime during the course of the night he was going to come face-to-face with his handsome nemesis. Although Mokuba had assured him there was a possibility that Kaiba would not be in attendance, the blond was still hesitant, and he found himself wishing the cab hadn't driven away so quickly.
   Squaring his shoulders, he drew on every ounce of courage he had and approached the intercom. Before his shaky fingers had the chance to push the call button to announce his presence, Roland's deep tenor erupted from the speaker with crystal clarity.
   “Good evening, Mr. Wheeler. It's a pleasure to see you again.”
   Shocked, Joey jumped and sucked in a sharp breath. How had the big guy known he was there? His nervous gaze darted back-and-forth between the intercom and the gate before honey-brown eyes fell on the tiny camera built into the high-tech security system. A generous, crimson blush stained his cheeks and he sheepishly reached up to scratch the back of his head. 'Duh,' he chided himself. 'Of course Kaiba would have every inch of this placed wired.'
   Quickly, he pushed down his apprehension and approached the intercom. Clearing his throat, he leaned forward and spoke into the speaker.
   “'Ey dere…um…” The blond stuttered, trying desperately to remember the Personal Assistant's name. “Um…wanna le’ me in?”
   His stilted request was met with a pleasant chuckle and the deep tenor spoke again. “Please, Mr. Wheeler, call me Roland and it would be my pleasure to grant you entry.”
   “T'anks Roland.” He acknowledged with a deep sigh as he turned his head and watched the Main Gate spring to life.
   He slowly made his way up the long, circular driveway to the front porch of the huge dwelling. All five foot, ten inches of his height was immediately dwarfed by the towering oak doors that greeted him and Joey found himself shifting nervously under their massive bulk. What was it with Kaiba and everything having to be larger than life? Couldn't he just live in a normal house like everyone else?
   Forcing down his nervousness, he reluctantly raised his right hand and pushed the doorbell. Joey listened as a pleasant chime rang through the interior of the mansion and he silently waited for someone to answer the door. After a few minutes, without a reply, he pushed the button again. 'The butler must have the night off.' He thought as he settled in to wait.
   Finally, one of the huge double-doors opened to reveal a slightly disheveled and immensely pissed off Seto Kaiba. Whatever words he'd been about to retort died on his lips as his vibrant, sapphire-blue eyes registered who the intruder was. His scowl turned into a smirk as he crossed his arms and bit out, “What are you doing here, Mutt?”
   It was the wrong thing to say to the wrong person at the wrong time.
   All the anger and resentment that Joey had harboured over the last four days welled up inside of him like a restless volcano. And just like a restive volcano, all it took was one more ounce of pressure to set it off. Kaiba's 'Mutt' comment was it.
   Clutching his right hand into a fist, Joey lashed out and struck the brunette square across the jaw, dropping Kaiba to the floor of the Grand Foyer like a ton of bricks.
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Yu-Gi-Oh! Dragon Slayer