Adult-FanFiction.org : Yu-Gi-OH

Winding Road	By : lostintheheartland Category: Yu-Gi-Oh > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 5139 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I don't own Yugioh or make any profit from this story.

Chapter List
- 4
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- 6
Seto woke to the feeling of being smothered by warm, sweet smelling silk. It was such a pleasurable way to die that he almost didn’t want to wake up and stop whatever it was smothering him.

He reached up to pull the silken whatever off his nose, then froze as his hand encountered a thatch of hair. Angling his head back he glanced down and stared, his eyes widening in shock as he saw the golden blond head nestled into his neck.

A muffled giggle made him glance towards the little boy laying on his chest. Seto quirked an eyebrow at the boy. Dancing blue eyes teased him for a moment, asking him to laugh too. “Daddy.”

Seto felt his own lips twitch at the infectious happiness. He’d cared for the boy with the same dedication he’d given Mokuba. At first it had been a duty, but as the days wore on he found himself charmed by the boy. His innocent toddler-like mind mixed with knowledge of an older, pre-teen child had been a puzzle he found interesting to work out. And his mannerisms, the way he scratched the back of his neck or hopped around exuberantly, even the way he screwed up his face when angry, brought back memories of the Jounouchi he’d known in high school. Seto was unashamed to admit that he was very close to adoring Vic.

He did have a few questions, such as why the boy never asked for ‘Mommy,’ even though he constantly asked for ‘Daddy.’ Also the boy accepted him easily, as if they were old friends. It was a puzzle and he thought Jou might have the answers.

“Gotta be quiet Kissietoe” Vic whispered loudly. “Daddy will tickoo monster us if we wake him up.”

Having seen Jou ‘tickoo monster’ Vic on a few of his visits, Seto nodded solemnly. The ‘tickoo monster’ was nothing to encourage. It normally left Jou and it’s victim panting on a heap on the ground, their voices hoarse with shrieks of laughter. Vic slid off Seto’s chest. “Potty.” Again not something to mess with. The boy had a habit of waiting to the last minute, narrowly avoiding accidents.

Seto learned that lesson the hard way. He’d taken Vic to a business meeting, unavoidable evil that it was, and told him to wait when the boy’d warned him. A whimper and pattering of liquid hitting the carpet told him that the three minutes the boy waited was too long. He grinned slightly at the memory.

He’d turned to glare at the boy, certain he’d done it just to be a brat. But the red-faced horror and humiliation told him that Vic hadn’t done it on purpose. Instantly his irritation fled in the face of the boy’s misery. “It’s not your fault. I didn’t listen. I have some spare shirts in the office and my assistant can pin up some shorts for you. Then we’ll have this stuff washed and dried.” Giving the men looking at him with a mix of humor and pity a nod he said wryly “As you can see we have a minor problem.” He glanced across at his assistant. “Take him to my private bath and let him shower. I have a couple of t-shirts and shorts in the cupboard for when I work out. Choose the smallest. Pin what won’t stay in place. Safety pins are in the first aid kit.” Opening his regular cell phone he called to his reception and requested a cleaning crew. “Gentlemen, there is another room next door where we will continue our meeting.” He gestured for them to rise. “If you will all follow me?”

He’d moved to lead the way when a sob from Vic spun him around. “What’s wrong?”

“I don’t... I can’t get these buttons. Remember?”

“Yeah that’s right. Okay, she can...”

“No...” Another sob and the boy’s face had scrunched up piteously. “Please you help?”

Seto couldn’t resist the tear-drenched blue eyes. “Of course.” He looked at his assistant and nodded. “Bring in drinks and food, also move the presentation packets and displays. We’ll be about ten minutes.”

They were seven. Kaiba walked in to the room just as one of the members said “He’s divorced the ultimate woman, is a genius and adopting a retarded child. I think Kaiba’s lost his mind. Oh...” The man broke off but he didn’t have the decency to flush or look ashamed when he saw Kaiba standing in the door holding Vic’s hand.

Seto didn’t give that the dignity of a response. With a cool look he suggested “Shall we take our seats?”

When they were seated he glanced down at the miserable face of his little charge. The boy knew he was different, that people looked at him oddly, but he didn’t know why. Coughing slightly to bring Vic’s eyes up, he gave him a small smile and turned to address the table. “I heard your proposal and now it’s time for you to hear mine. Then we can negotiate.” He glanced at the boy to see if he remembered the proposal he and Seto had practiced giving the night before.

It was a highly guarded secret that Seto hated public speaking and practiced his speeches several times prior to giving them. Vic had wandered in while he was practicing, and to his surprise and admiration, began to mimic him exactly. It had been wonderful and a useful tool. It had helped Seto tweak the presentation quite a bit.

This was where Vic was supposed to pick up the presentation and hand it to Seto. But instead Seto picked it up and handed it to Vic. The boy’s eyes flew wide, jumping up to meet Seto’s encouraging look. A smile beamed out of Vic’s eyes, almost blinding Seto, before a cool mask fell over Vic’s face and he took the papers. With barely a glance at the sheets he began to perform the presentation exactly as Seto had rehearsed with him, mimicking his expressions and attitudes perfectly.

By the end of the presentation everyone had forgotten he was a nine year old who’d wet his pants, instead they were seeing Kaiba Seto in miniature with piercing blue eyes, badass attitude and cool intellect. Vic on the other hand was bored. When he finished he looked up at Seto with pleading eyes. Seto knew exactly what he wanted. “Great job. You want to go get dressed? I’m sure your clothes are ready. After that you can go in my office and play on the game console.”

With a wide grin Vic nodded and shot off. Seto’s assistant had only to see her boss glance at her and took off as well. She’d later told him she hadn’t hired on as a babysitter as she quit. Something to do with Vic telling her she smelled like rotten fish. He couldn’t blame Vic though. Her cologne had been heavy, but not heavy enough to mask the odd fishy odor she had that day.

Jou shifting next to him brought him out of his memories and back to the pleasurable and unexpected present. Jou shifted again rolling his head restlessly, freeing Seto’s breathing. Involuntarily he took a deep breath. Suffocation is not for him, Seto decided.

Jou moved again, trying to get comfortable. A sigh just above him brought him to full wakefulness and he froze. He was lying next to a large warm body and he knew absolutely that he didn’t have anyone to sleep with. Then memory hit him and he jerked his head up. “Kaiba...” He breathed as he met the dark blue gaze.

“Apples.” It was probably the most stupid thing Seto had ever said. He knew that this was going to be an awkward scene. Their one buffer, Vic, was in the bathroom and they were wrapped together tighter than a pretzel. Jounouchi was way too skittish for the intimacy of a morning embrace.

“What...?” Confusion made Jou’s brow crinkle. Of everything he’d could expect, that was completely outside the scope.

“Your hair. It smells like apples.” Seto explained. Okay if he was going to look and sound like an idiot he might as well be a logical idiot.

The confusion cleared from Jou’s brow. “Oh. Okay. It’s my shampoo.” He scooted back and sat up. “Where’s Vic?”

Seto missed the warmth immediately. Masking his disappointment he explained. “Bathroom.”

“Oh. Uh... okay.” Jou could feel dark color creeping into his cheeks. “I uh... I hope ya don’t mind but I wanted ta sleep in here with Vic, ta be here when he woke up. Ya were already here an’ I din’t wanna wake you.”

“I figured that out on my own. I didn’t mind and Vic is ecstatic you are here. He didn’t wake you because of the ‘tickoo monster.’”

“Oh.” Shedding his embarrassment like an ill-fitting coat Jou swung off the bed. “I’ll go shower and get dressed. Thought I’d take you guys out to breakfast. It’s thanksgiving in th’ states so we need ta do somethin’ special.”

“I’m aware of it and have plans to cook an American Holiday meal here. Vic was excited and helped me bake pies yesterday.”

Jou looked at him with wide eyes, a huge sweat-drop on the side of his head. “You baked pies?”

Seto slid out of the bed and shrugged. “Coffee started to give me heartburn. The doctor said it was a sign of stress and that I needed a hobby to alleviate stress. Cooking does that and keeps me fed.” He decided not to add that a few times someone had tried to poison him with food and only the knowledge given by Seth an Marik’s intervention had saved him. “But everything’s ready and nothing has to go in for a few more hours. We have time for breakfast. Where are we going?”

“I thought we’d head up to the tourist district. There are a few places that have American style pancakes. Vic loves pancakes.”

“Then we’ll take the Stingray Wagon R.” Seto started out the door, but paused when Jou gave him a startled look. “What?”

“Kei class? Not the limo?”

“Low profile. We don’t want pictures of you and Vic together. He looks different from what he used to but...” Seto shrugged. “We can’t be too careful.” With a nod he left Jou to shower and dress. A few steps later he heard two happy voices shrieking “Daddy!” “Vic!”

Immediately he did an about face and stepped back to the door. He didn’t want to intrude, but he wanted to see the happiness on both of their faces. Heart aching he watched them hug tightly, almost radiating with blinding love. Warmth flooded Seto as he watched the scene. Before they could end the hug he backed away and went to shower. Walking down the hall he could hear Vic’s excited voice chattering nonstop.

They were still in the shower, laughing and talking when Seto, after he showered and dressed, went in and, after laying out their clothes, sat on the neatly made bed, leaning back against the pillow to wait. He had to grin when the door opened and a towel-draped Vic bounced out on a cloud of steam. Vic loved a steamy bathroom and hated the vent. The boy grinned at him. “Hey Kissietoe, you should have come showered with us. We made bubbles with shampoo.” He crinkled his nose. “But Daddy said we had to get out. We’re going to breakfast.”

Jou, towel wrapped around his waist, stared at him from the doorway. “Uh... Yeah, we gotta get dressed.” He gave Kaiba a pointed look as he adjusted his towel.

Seto smirked and nodded “I’m not stopping you. I came to hurry you guys up. I’m hungry.” He grinned at Vic. “I laid out your and your dad’s clothes. Hurry up.”

Unabashed by Seto’s presence the boy dropped his towel and dove into the neat pile Seto had laid out.

Jou gave him a glare that should have curled his hair, and picked up his clothes. It was obvious the blond didn’t want him there while he dressed. Seto didn’t understand it but accepted it anyway.

Seto chuckled and stood up. “I’ll go make sure the car is ready. See you guys downstairs in five minutes.” He sauntered casually from the room.

Jou came down the stairs carrying Vic piggy back. Vic wore a sturdy blue hoody that matched his eyes, a pair of jeans and sneakers. Jou wore a long-sleeved khaki brown t-shirt, low slung brown-black cords, and black boots. Seto laid aside the paper he’d been reading as he sat on the steps waiting. “You will need a hat and sunglasses.”

“Huh?” Jou blinked at him.

Seto handed the blond the newspaper as the boy slid off his back. “Vic, run upstairs and grab the black hat off my dresser, please? And bring down the sunglasses too. They are in the top drawer of my bedside table.”

“’Kay Kissietoe.” The boy scampered off obediently. Jou took the paper, swallowing a gasp as his own picture stared up at him. More to his concern were the smaller pictures next to his own. Mai and Valon’s pictures, obviously a few years old, and more importantly, Vic’s latest school pictures from just before Mai had taken him. It had been the arrival of the pictures that had precipitated his attempt to get Mai and Valon to give him custody. By then he’d had his ‘accident’ and was cursing the gods. The arrival of the pictures from some unknown source had given him will and purpose. He’d decided to get his son back, and to do that he would have to get well, to heal. The trip to Japan had been to find a home, a place to bolt to when he finally had his son back.

“Shit. But he looks different now. I mean, you had his hair shaved off and his features are still growing and healing. He looks younger and not the same. If I didn’t know better then I wouldn’t know he was the same kid.”

“Yes, and it helps that his hair is coming back in more of a strawberry blond than brown, but that isn’t the concern. To the world your child is dead. They won’t look at him and see him as he was. You on the other hand are very recognizable. We don’t want someone to snap a picture of you in Japan when you are supposed to be in the states. Especially with no record of you leaving and not enough time elapsed for you to have flown.”

“Yeah I guess.” With a sigh he sat down next to him on the stairs. “We’re a pain ain’t we Kaiba?”

“No more than usual.” But a twinkle in the glance he sent the blond softened the words. “He’s a great kid.”

“Yeah, he is.” There was a silence that went on just a beat too long. Jou realized it and stood up, moving away from the stairs. “Speaking of great kids, I ain’t seen Mokuba. Is he away at college or something.”

For just a second agony flickered across Seto’s face. It was masked immediately, and Vic bounding onto the landing at that moment, stopped him from asking.

The tourist district was packed like always. The streets full of people of every race and color moving in and out of the eclectic mix of restaurants and shops. Jou, driving the small kei car, made his way through the traffic like the veteran NASCAR driver he was. With a curse he stopped dead in the road as he saw the sign on the building that was his goal. “Dang! Where did IHOP move to?”

“IHOP lost it’s license to do business in Japan several years ago. They closed all of their restaurants.”

“Dang. Now where for pancakes?”

Seto gave him an oblique look and opened his phone to do a search when Vic let out a squeak. “McDonolds Daddy. They have good pancakes.”

Which was true. A little lower brow than he wanted but Jou could adapt. And if the one he remembered still had a play place his little man would be in heaven. “Good idea Vic.” He did a fast turn and in no time was pulling into a toll garage.

They slid out and Jou automatically stretched, enjoying to pop of his spine and pull of his muscles. It felt so good to move painlessly that he forgot that he was still healing. Sitting in the tiny car had made him stiff. Vic climbed out on the passenger side and automatically grabbed Seto’s hand. Together they walked around to where Jou was stretching. Instead of releasing Seto’s hand Vic reached out with his free hand and caught Jou’s. “Daddy, can I have some ice cream?”

“Too early.” Jou shook his head slightly. “But you can have chocolate milk.”

There was a tiny pout then reluctant agreement. “’Kay Daddy.” As they emerged from the garage the group halted. There was no way they could walk three abreast in the throngs of people. “Oh.” Seto frowned then scooped Vic up to ride piggy back. “Let’s try this.” Without thinking about Jou, or any potential soreness of his back, Seto forged into the masses. He’d gone seven steps when Vic’s sharp tug on his hair made him growl “What?”

“Kissietoe! You left Daddy.”

That gave Seto a ‘doh’ moment. Grumbling and embarrassed he stalked back to the man hovering in the entrance of the garage. Seeing Jou’s troubled frown he sighed and grabbed the blond’s arm. “Well come on. This is your idea remember.”

“I didn’t remember it was this crowded.”

“You lived in New York City. You should be used to it.”

“Yeah sorta. But it’s different. I mean...” He glanced around at the sea of people. It felt so alien, threatening. He’d avoided the masses the more famous he’d gotten. And since the scandal with Valon he’d become a virtual recluse, living only to go to the courthouse and back home with side trips to the lawyers and to visit his son.

Seto stepped back into the doorway and released his arm. Without a hesitation he wrapped his arm around Jou’s waist and stepped out into the teeming sidewalk. Jou had no choice but to walk or be dragged. He chose to walk. But he did not step away from the tall man by his side, although he did remove the disturbing arm from his waist and latch on to Seto’s shirtsleeve.

McDonalds was everything Jou remembered. Busy, noisy, cheap, fast and unhealthy. His son was in paradise. The boy wolfed down his pancakes and sausage, bolted his milk in a few swallows and then stood expectantly, staring with longing at the play place. “Yeah, yeah. Go on.” Jou smiled and waved to his boy. With an earsplitting whoop Vic took off.

Jou grinned at Seto’s barely touched sandwich and empty bowl of sliced apples and walnuts. “You don’t like Mickey D’s?”

“Salty, carb and fat laden. I have more respect for my body.” He picked up the sandwich and sniffed it. “It smells terrible.”

“Yeah.” Jou nodded, polishing the first of his three pancakes. “The sandwiches will kill ya you here. But the pancakes are decent.”

Seto eyed him for a moment then quick as a cat snatched his plate away and plunked the wrapped sandwich in front of him. “Enjoy. I’m too young to die.”

“What? Hey!!” But Jou smiled and picked up the sandwich. He’d learned a lot in the last ten years and he thought he had a handle on Kaiba. He had kinda knew him in school, but just the surface. Cold, driven, ambitious and a snob. But now that they were both older he could see beneath that shell. Kaiba had a heart. It didn’t show often or in ways that were expected, but he did. His caring for Vic was proof of that. And Kaiba had humor, something he’d always doubted. He’d originally agreed to be Kaiba’s driver to establish a base and get the feel of things, but now that he’d seen the other man’s heart and humor he had hopes that they would eventually be friends. Okay so he was still against Kaiba setting up his wife, but the last few weeks of watching Mai lose her mind made him slightly more understanding, if not accepting. Unconsciously he smiled directly into Seto’s blue eyes for the first time in ... ever. Seto froze, plastic fork suspended half way to his mouth, pancake dripping syrup. Before he could ask what the smile was for the moment was broken.

“Dad! Come on!”

A shriek from his son jerked Jou’s head around. Setting the untouched sandwich down Jou bounded to the ball pit, jumping in as gleefully as any child, earning shrieks from all of the children watching – and envious looks from the other parents who were too adult to do the same.

Seto felt the glow of that smile all the way to his heart. It was the first one Jounouchi had ever given him. Observing the melee in the play place he nibbled his stolen breakfast and watched Jou and Vic chase around gleefully.

“Who would have guessed the great Kaiba Seto would be found in a McDonalds Play Place?” Mazaki Anzu’s easily recognizable voice drawled from behind him.

Seto stiffened, more alarmed by the possibility of the woman recognizing Jou than being found at such a plebian establishment. “Where I go is nobody’s business – especially not yours.” He didn’t turn to look at her but he did turn his eyes from Jou and Vic to his Styrofoam plate. He didn’t want to draw her gaze to them inadvertently.

A soft voice piped up. “Who’s he?” That made Seto’s head turn again. A small girl, five or six, stood holding the attorney’s hand.

“I’m Kaiba Seto. And you are?” It was formality only. The girl was almost a carbon copy of Mazaki Anzu. The only difference was her liquid brown eyes.

“I’m Mazaki Genmi.” The little girl studied him openly. “Do you have a kid here?”

“I...” He thought fast. “I am enjoying breakfast. The pancakes are good.”

“I had miso and fruit. Mom brought me here to play while she has coffee.” She smiled shyly. “Nice to talk to you Kaiba Seto.” She turned to her mother. “May I play now?”

“Have fun.” Anzu’s blue eyes softened and smiled in a way Seto would have sworn she had forgotten.

Picking up the plastic tray he scooped all the trash of the table and carried it to the receptacle. He hoped she would take the hint and be gone when he got back. Taking his seat he regarded her steadily. “What do you want?”

“I can’t want to visit with an old school mate?” The soft smile was gone, a cool mask in it’s place.

“No. If you want to discuss Kisara you need to contact my attorney.”

“Kisara is no longer my client. I told her to find another attorney the day your divorce was final.” With a shrug Anzu shifted and crossed her legs. “I want to discuss your attorney and the others. Kinnou, Morimoto and Yahima are the spirits returned aren’t they?”

Seto just gave her an ironic look. She was crazy if she thought he’d fall for that kind of trap. “Do you know how strange that sounds?”

Rage flickered for a moment in her eyes before it was banked. “Screw it. Yugi, Malik and Ryou’s others all came back didn’t they?”

He didn’t bother to reply. He didn’t trust her an inch.

She blew out a hard breath. “Look, if they are back there is a reason. If it as dangerous as it was last time I want to know.” She moved her gaze to her daughter. “I have to keep her safe.”

“She is safe.”

“You don’t trust me at all do you? I don’t blame you. But I will make a bargain with you. If I can tell you something that will help you, you answer my question. If you find the information isn’t useful and true you don’t have to tell me anything.”

“I don’t have to tell you anything now.” He glanced at her coldly. “But go ahead. I accept your bargain.”

“Mokuba approached me a few days after the divorce was final. He believes, has believed for years, that you have lost your mind and lost sight of who you are. He is looking for a way to have you locked away – for your own good.”

That made Seto stiffen and his heart clench. Mokuba had accused him of losing his mind when he’d taken up his duties as guide to the returned spirits. Not just the duties, but for a time the memories of Seth had overlapped in his mind and he’d been unable to sort out Seth’s memories from his own. Mokuba had fought tooth and nail to get rid of the influences of the returned spirits, but in the end, during the final confrontation, Mokuba had thrown down the challenge of ‘them or me.’ No matter how much his heart ached, he’d given his word, exchanged his life in a bargain that couldn’t be broken. His brother had walked out that day – never to return and never to call him. Seto had long since stopped being amazed at how two people could work at the same company, the same building and suite, and never exchange a word. They saw each other only in the distance, and that was only if Mokuba didn’t see him first.

“What grounds would he have?”

“Apparently you brought a child in to the office. Nobody knows who the child is and you didn’t introduce him. You allowed the child to give a presentation that should have been given by you. You divorced your wife for infidelity, but you were so unaffected by the act that you stood and took video. You... you have been staying home like a recluse for weeks not bothering to come in to the office, you leave with no warning and return the same. He says you tried to tell him that your lawyer, security specialist and physician were spirits, that they needed your help and you’d bargained your life away for immortality. Those are all questionable acts. Now he... he thinks he has proof of your insanity and the mind control the others have over you.” She held up her hand “I don’t know what it is. He didn’t tell me but I believe it’s fairly compelling. He believed it would finally free you of their control. He has a team of psychiatrists waiting to get their hands on you for testing. He wants to cure you.”

“On the surface he might have grounds but...” Seto frowned and glared at a ridiculous statue of a clown. “Anzu he obviously still trusts you to some extent. Bring him to my home for dinner tonight. Seven sharp.” It was his turn to raise a hand. “All of the answers will be there.”

“I’ll call him in a few minutes.” Anzu’s gaze moved to her daughter as she played with a boy of about ten. The boy’s father, or so Anzu assumed, stood slightly to the side watching as well. A familiarity tugged at her. “If I didn’t know Jounouchi was in the U.S. I’d swear that was him right there.” She shrugged.

“I was thinking the same thing.” Kaiba allowed. “You’re sure he is in the States?”

“Yes. I got a call from Mai this morning about four. She wanted me to help her. She didn’t know Yugi’s number and wanted me to give it to her. She wants Yugi to talk to Jou for her. Do you know what’s happening to him over there?”

“Why should I?” Not a denial, but it sounded like one.

“I thought...” She took a deep breath. “I was at prom, I saw the kiss – everyone did. But I saw more. That night I went out to the back parking lot to get some air. Yugi had to go early because his grandfather was sick. I just needed time alone but I saw...”

Through lips that barely moved Kaiba whispered “What did you see?”

“I saw him climb out of the limo, arranging his clothes. I saw you inside the limo, naked and raging. I heard you yelling for him to stop being a coward. He told you he wasn’t scared of you and he just needed to think. Then he slammed the door.” She closed her eyes and opened them again to meet his narrowed glance. “Mai was there. She saw and heard everything. She was furious but not hurt. I always thought that odd because even that little glimpse I had of you, I could tell you were furiously hurt – not just angry.”

“You’ve never told anyone.”

“No. And I won’t. But I am curious. Why did you let him ride away with Mai that night? Why didn’t you stop it?”

“After... When I went back to the dance to talk to him he was clinging to Mai and swaying like he was drunk. He looked sick to his stomach and completely miserable. It had only been a few minutes so I thought I’d taken advantage and he regretted everything. Just a few minutes later they were gone. Jou never returned to school and I was too proud to go chasing him.” His lips curved slightly, bitterness making it seem more a grimace than a smile. “He’s not mentioned it and doesn’t seem to care. It’s like he’s forgotten it and me.”

Anzu sighed, debating on telling Kaiba what Mai had mentioned to her long ago. Screw it. If she wanted answers she had to be honest. She didn’t owe the other woman anything. “This piece of information is free. It might help you get past your pride. Mai dabbled in drugs for a while. Once, when I complained that Yugi was being resistant to taking our relationship to the next level she offered me something she made. She called it Fantasy. It’s GHB Kaiba, and if she gave some to Jounouchi at prom it would explain why he appeared drunk, then sick. That happens in the first fifteen minutes.” Correctly interpreting his glance she sighed “Look Kaiba, I spoke to Mai this morning. She told me she tricked Jou into marrying her. She did it on purpose because she was pregnant. If he was confused about what happened between you and it threatened her plans she could have given him enough to cause a black out. She manufactured it so she knew the dosage to give. It’s common enough for sleazy bastards to use those drugs to rape people. If Jou woke up with Mai and he believed he had sex during a black out then... well that would explain why he didn’t know what I was talking about when I mentioned prom and why he doesn’t seem to have any... feelings about what happened. Why don’t you ask him what he remembers? See for yourself.” She huffed out a breath.

He stared at her in shock. That had never occurred to him, but it did make sense, if it happened that way. Abruptly he stood up. “Tonight I’m having a dinner at my house. Be there for your answer. Bring your daughter and Mokuba.” He nodded abruptly and turned to walk away. Her voice stopped him cold.

“He probably could use a friend right now. Mai... Mai was married all along to a man named Valon Christianson. It was his kid she tricked Jou into marrying her for. She and Jou were never legally married. Valon came for her and the boy just before Jou had that accident. The day after the reunion, Jou went back to the states and... and went to visit the boy. He... he walked in on a murder scene. Mai says that someone broke in and killed the boy and injured her husband but I looked it up. The newspapers are saying Valon killed the boy out of jealousy. Jou’d probably be grateful for a friend who didn’t pity him.”

Seto nodded silently and continued on his way. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Jou scoop up Vic and whisper in his ear. He saw Vic glance his way and smile. Then Jou slid the boy onto his shoulders, and squatting slightly, exited through the side door, well away from Anzu – and opposite from Seto was walking out as well.

Jou and Vic were waiting by the car when Seto arrived. How they got there before him he had no idea. He would have to ask later. For now he had a thanksgiving feast to prepare.

Vic was quiet for several minutes of the ride. It was the kind of quiet Seto had learned came before an awkward question. The boy didn’t disappoint him. “Kissietoe, was that your girlfriend?”

“No. She is someone who went to school with your father and I.” That was enough of an explanation. Anything else would be too complicated.

“Oh.” The boy sounded disappointed. “Okay.”

“Why?” Seto was curious about the reaction.

The boy shrugged. “I liked Genmi. She is fun.”

“Well that’s good because they are coming to dinner tonight. I expect you to be nice.”

“They are?” Seto smiled when the boy lit up like a sparkler. “Great. Dad, Genmi is coming to dinner. Thanksgiving dinner.”

“I heard.” He sent Kaiba a questioning glance but held his tongue.

The brunet CEO was impressed. Jounouchi had learned control. Pulling out his regular cell phone he pressed star seven three. The conference call connected right away with Atemu and Marik answering on the second ring and Bakura on the third. Conscious of his small audience he greeted them in the language of the Pharaohs. Surprise flitted across their faces but they returned his greeting flawlessly. Satisfied, Seto went on to explain.

“She said she had questions and she gave me information I needed in exchange for answers. I’d like all of you to meet with Anzu and Mokuba tonight. I want them to know what’s going on. They need to know so they don’t screw things up.”

Atemu frowned “Kaiba are you sure? We kept it from them before because of the risks to them. The risks haven’t really changed.”

“They weren’t involved before. But Mokuba is forcing himself in and Mazaki... I know you are angry with her, and I know she is bitter, but it would be more conducive to have her working with us than against us. There are things you don’t know that may make a difference.” He didn’t give them time to argue. He simply nodded and ordered sharply “My home, six tonight.” And closed the phone.

Jou was glaring straight ahead at the road, his posture stiff. When Seto pocketed the phone he snapped “Rude. It’s rude ta speak in a language we don’t know in front of us.”

That made the brunet grin slightly. The blond was curious as a cat. “You know what they say. Curiosity killed the cat.”

“Yeah well satisfaction brought him back. So what’s going on?”

There was no way Seto could let that pass. His deeply hidden streak of hentai surfaced. “You’re satisfied very easily. Hot.” He murmured for Jou’s ears alone. He chuckled very softly when the car swerved for a moment before the blond righted it. He turned to gauge Jou’s reaction and had the pleasure of seeing dark color burn up Jou’s face, his eyes widen, and his throat work several times as he fought for an answer.

When Jou heard the wicked laugh from the brunet riding next to him he caught his breath and forced down his mixed reaction of embarrassment and shock. Kaiba had done it on purpose just to rattle his cage. “Jerk.” He muttered. Another chuckle answered him.

Once back at the mansion Jou shed his disguise, grinned cheekily and announced “Well I guess it’s time for th’ men ta be men and the cooks to get ta work.” He turned to Vic “Let’s go watch TV and leave Seto to... ow ow ow...” Seto was yanking on his earlobe, tugging him toward the kitchen. “Let go.”

“Not a hope. This is your holiday remember? That means you help. Since we are now having at least eleven more guests I need all the help I can get.” Spying a tiptoeing Vic trying to escape Seto gave the boy a fierce glare. “You too young man. Lets go to the kitchen and get to work.”

Vic cringed from the look, fear making his eyes wide. If it were physically possible Seto would have kicked his own ass. Vic didn’t’ flinch from much, but sometimes he would react as the abused child he was. Seto lost the glare in a heartbeat and laughed. “I need you to taste the chocolate chips for the cookies we’re baking, besides who’s going to tear up the toast for the stuffing?”

Vic’s eyes lit up and he smiled brightly, fear fading to a smudge deep in his blue eyes. “Cookies?”

“Yes.” Leading the way, dragging a protesting Jou by the ear he brought them to the kitchen.

Seto got Jou to work peeling potatoes. Instead of the four he’d originally planned he pulled out an almost full ten pound sack. With a smirk he handed the blond a potato peeler, a box and handle potato cutter and large strainer. “Peels go in the Insinkerator.”

After grinning at the disgruntled man he turned to Vic. “Okay you have a really important job.” He brought a large, high backed chair over to the counter a few feet from where Jou engaged in hand-to-spud combat.

“What I do Kissitoe? When do I get to taste chocolate?”

Seto grabbed a small bowl and poured some chips in it. Setting it in front of the chair he boosted the boy into the seat. Opening a drawer he pulled out a large box of band-aids. “You watch Daddy. Give him one of these when he starts to bleed. Make sure he washes the potatoes okay?” Even though his eyes were dancing with unholy glee, Vic took him at his word. “Okay Kissitoe. And I’ll tell you if the chips are good. But I might need more to know.”

“Probably of both chips and band-aids. Just let me know. But we need some for cookies too.” He nodded and rubbed the boy’s downy soft hair. “You guys stay over here. I’m going to be working with big sharp things over there, injecting the turkey. And the oven will be very hot. You stay here okay Vic? And keep your daddy here too.”

“Okay Kissitoe.” The boy smiled sunnily and popped a chip in his mouth. Seto ignored the snarl Jou gave as he passed. With a light step he went to give a spicy injection to a turkey.

Seto finished his bird prep and popped it in the oven just as Vic finished his second bowl of chocolate chips, and Jou became mummy wrapped from the elbows down. “Great, the easy part is done.” He announced cheerfully.

Jou sweat-dropped “Easy part?”

“Yes. Now we snap the beans and shuck the corn.” He pulled out the six ears of corn and frowned, reaching back in to pull out six more. He’d bought twelve thinking he’d like to try it a few different ways, on the cob and creamed. Oh well no hope for it. It would have to do. They would split them in half so everyone got a portion. He wasn’t going out again today, not even to the store. This time was too valuable. “Okay Vic, come sit at the table. I’ll show you how to snap the beans while Daddy shucks the corn.”

“Shuck?” Jou gave him a superior look. “You obviously don’t know the finer points of corn on the cob. You don’t shuck it. You slow roast it inside the husks. Let it steam in it’s natural flavors, then when it’s soft, you pull the husks off.”

“You know this how? You don’t even know how to use a potato peeler without needing a transfusion.”

“I was a NASCAR driver. Lots of concession stands. Corn on the cob is a standard favorite. Believe me it’s the best way in the world to cook it.” He waved to the brunet “Go look it up for yourself.”

Seto nodded, but stopped by and opened the breadbox. “Vic, remember I showed you how to make toast?”

“Sure Kissietoe, you stick the bread in and push the handle down. When it goes pop you pull it out. Never stick your finger or anything in the toaster. It burns.”

“Good.” He tossed a loaf of bread to the boy. “Make all of that into toast and put it in that yellow bowl.”

“Oh KAY Kissietoe. But I think I need more chip tasting.”

“Hmmm... if the toast is done when I get back I’ll bring a surprise.” Which made no sense at all, but Vic didn’t know that and Jou was glaring at the mountain of potatoes. Just to tease he rumpled Jou’s hair. “Good job. Now wash them and put them in the large blue handled pot. It’s in the third cupboard to the right.” Whistling jauntily he strode out of the room. His own whistle brought him to an abrupt halt. He was happy. Genuinely, truly, happy. Vic and Jou in the kitchen, a mountain of cooking to do, guests coming, some potentially hostile, and he was happy. Only one thing would make it better. But that was a pipe dream so he’d take what he can get.

Research and small side trips complete Seto returned to the kitchen to find the pot of potatoes on the counter, and the two Jounouchi’s making the bread into toast houses similar to card houses. “Ahem...” He cleared his throat.

Both jumped and turned to him guiltily. Vic’s expression cleared as Seto held out a huge, plainly wrapped, bar of chocolate. He chuckled as greed lit both of their expressions. “You guys deserve a treat. You eat this while I snap the beans and put the cranberries on to simmer.”

Jou took the bar before his son could reach it. “Kaiba, this is too much sugar and chocolate. Caffeine and sugar will hype him out. I’m surprised he’s not bouncing off the walls already. He needs some fruit or something.” He kept his eyes away from his son’s face. That pout could melt an iceberg.

Seto chuckled “Carob, sugar free. Mokuba used to get hyper from chocolate. It won’t hype him out. It’s made with two percent milk and I add liquid vitamins when it cools. It’s healthier than the breakfast he had this morning.”

“Oh... Oh... okay then thanks.” Giving his son a direct look Jou announced “I get half.”

Vic blinked up at his Daddy for a moment before narrowing his eyes in a way that was reminiscent of Kaiba Seto, ice man. “Why?”

Jou met that gaze with a thrill of amused recognition. His little man was really good at mimicking people. “Because it’s bigger than either of us could eat, because I earned a treat, and because...” He hesitated and pulled out the unbeatable argument. “I’m the Dad and I say so.”

Vic continued to glare, then grudgingly nodded. “Fine.” It was almost exactly how Seto would have responded. It tickled the brunet to no end and raised Jou’s hackles. Vic was his son, why the hell was he copying Seto?

Jou nodded and broke the bar in half, handing a piece to Vic and taking the other for himself.

Seto was amused to see that while Jou was appreciative of the candy substitute he was hesitant to put it in his own mouth. At least he was until he saw Vic looking at him in question. That’s when he took a cautious nibble. Seto’s amusement deepened to outright laughter as both pieces of the pseudo-candy disappeared in record time.

Embarrassed but not ashamed Jou laughed too, and was quickly joined by his son. Seto’s laughter died first, but he continued to smile slightly. “Okay since you finished your treats so quickly, Jou and Vic go tear up the bread for the stuffing. I’ll wash the cranberries and put them on to simmer. Then we’ll all snap the beans.”

Vic pouted up at him “More chocolate?”

“Probably after lunch. Too much will give you a belly ache.” He smiled and rubbed the short fuzzy hair. “Get to work.”

“Slave driver.” Jou grumbled. But he and Vic moved to tear up the bread.

While they worked music started to play over the recessed speakers. Hearing the opening beat of a familiar tune Jou automatically began to sing along. Vic, after listening for a couple seconds joined in. Seto rolled his eyes at the pair and turned back to squeezing fresh orange juice over washed cranberries.

Two hours later the snap beans were simmering in a ham base, potatoes soaking in a chicken stock base, cranberries steeping in orange juice, dressing in a warming pan on the stove waiting to roast, and the delicious smell of turkey was wafting through the house.

Vic was sprawled in a huge bean bag chair, snoozing, and Jou was meticulously cutting and rolling croissants. Seto had just pulled the last of his ‘chocolate chip’ cookies from the oven and moving them to the cooling rack. With the impeccable timing he was known for he started his inquisition with an innocuous observation. “He’s out like a light.”

“Yeah. The bean bag was a great idea. He really didn’t want to leave us but he was tired.”

“Hmmm... learned that the second night he was here. He doesn’t cling but he hates to be alone.”

“Yeah. I...” Abruplty Jou laid aside the flattened bread dough. “I guess I ain’t thanked ya enough fer bein’ there for him. He... I...”

Seto knew what the blond was trying to say and cut him off. “You don’t have to thank me. I didn’t do it for thanks. We need your help.”

“Yeah, I kinda figured that too. You don’t do nothin’ out of niceness do ya Kaiba?” It should have been bitter, angry. Instead it was simple acceptance.

“I’m not a nice person.” He crossed to sit next to Jou. “But I would have helped whether you agreed or not. He... he’s special.”

“Yeah he is. But you didn’t know that at the time.”

“I knew it because he’s yours. You’ve always been special to me.” Okay way too much information there. It made Seto feel vulnerable and scared. He immediately retrenched. “You’re a special Mutt.”

Jou gave him a look that saw straight to his soul. He had a feeling the blond saw more than was comfortable. He was relieved when Jou chose not to pursue it and instead offered him a wry smile “Same old Kaiba. But I ain’t gonna get mad at ya. You helped and that’s all dat matters ta me. I’m grateful.”

“I don’t want...”

“Tough.” Jou chuckled and shook his head. “Ya can’t change what I feel.”

That was true enough Seto supposed, but since he was in such a good mood, it was time to ask the questions that bothered him. “All right. If you are feeling grateful, answer a few questions for me?”

“Yeah, sure.”

“How come he never asks after his mother? Even if he doesn’t remember past age two or three he should still ask after her.”

Jou sat back and dusted his hands off. “Not really. See, after he was born Mai developed postpartum psychosis. She hid it and had a meltdown two weeks after Vic was born. She refused treatment and self medicated with street drugs. Caused a lot of damage mentally. Vic was four months old when she almost killed herself. After that she was in and out of mental hospitals and rehab for almost three years. Me and a bunch of sitters took care of him until she was cured. She... she was on heavy drugs and couldn’t be around Vic alone ‘cause of th’ risk. I brought him to visit her a few times a week and sometimes she’d stay the weekends but... she was suicidal a lot.”

“You took her back after that? Even though she lost her mind?” That reasoning was off to Seto. He’d have cut her out of both of their lives.

“Kaiba I promised in sickness and in health. She was sick.” Jou finished the last of the rolls and moved them to the counter. “She was also dumb, using illegal drugs when she woulda gotten better if she’d just gone to th’ doctor. Later she said it was b’cause my career was just takin’ off and she didn’t want the scandal.”

“Oh.” Not much he could say to that. “You never told anyone back here.” He would have heard.

“Nah, it was kept quiet.” He shrugged uneasily. “It was hard at first. I was used ta her bein’ around. We were lookin’ forward ta bein’ parents together. But we got along okay, and when she got better she came home.”

“Is that why you didn’t have more kids?”

“Sorta. She was always afraid it would happen again. Some women who get that kill their kids or themselves. She was afraid...” He lowered his eyes to the table “I guess that’s probably true but now I wonder if her bein’ married ta Valon an’ not me had somethin’ ta do with it.”

“You never knew? Never guessed?”

“Not a clue. Guess dat makes me stupid. When I look back there are some things that make more sense.”

“Like what?”

Jou was quiet for so long Seto thought he wouldn’t answer. Then the blond whispered softly “She didn’t ever wanna... she... we could go for months without sex. We slept together, cuddled, talked, kissed and sometimes she’d uh... use her hand or mouth but in all th’ years we lived together we had sex once a month, maybe twice if I whined or surprised her in the morning.” He flushed dark red at the personal information.

“You never asked?”

“Hell yeah I did. At first she was pregnant. Doing it while she was pregnant grossed her out. And then she was sick. During th’ first four years of our marriage we had sex three times.” He smiled with self-mockery “Go on tell me how stupid I am.”

“Do I have to?”

“Nah. I already know.”

“What other signs?”

“Signs? Oh of her bein’ for Valon. Yeah that was the biggie. But now that I know what her first wedding date was it explains why she’d get all bitchy around that time. The other thing is that a few times she mixed up my age and birthday. Now I know the mix up was because they were Valon’s.”

“You never played on her?” He asked even though he knew the answer. Jounouchi Katsuya was loyal.

“Never. I swore my first marriage would be my only one. It was for life.” Sadness and bitter disappointment were easy to see on his expressive face.

“Well, as you’ve yet to be married I fail to see...” He broke off when tears trembled on Jou’s lashes. He hadn’t meant to wound. He’d hoped to give him some kind of... distraction? Succor? Something besides the emotions clouding his face.

“Yeah...” Jou’s voice was a bare whisper. “But I don’t think I’ll evah get married ... I... I don’t think I c’n trust no woman that much.”

“Shit what kind of statement is that? It writes off half the entire planet as potential mates. That’s stupid.” He didn’t say which half.

“I suppose.” Jou shook himself slightly and pulled it together. With a genuinely grateful smile he met the blue gaze. “Thanks Kaiba. I know yer tryin’ ta help and I... just thanks.”

“Welcome.”

The blond grinned, a shadow of his normal devil-may-care smile, but still there. “If I evah get married I’ll invite ya ta be best man.”

“I’ll think about it.” Now was not the time to mention that when Jou said vows again he planned on standing beside Jou at the altar and not as the best man. “We’re done for a couple hours. You grab Vic and go upstairs and catch some sleep too.”

“Man I gotta look bad for ya ta make that suggestion.”

“You don’t look bad; you look exhausted. Go upstairs and sleep. I’ve got a few things to do. I’ll wake you guys in plenty of time to get ready for company.”

Jou was reluctant. He was enjoying hanging with Seto. Yeah he was tired but he was lonely too. “I... I’m not that tired.” he looked away in confusion. It was fucking weird to think that he was so lonesome that his old enemy/rival was good company.

Seto gave him an assessing look. The pain and loneliness were just as apparent to has as the exhaustion. But if he let Jou know that he was aware of his need the blond would get defensive. “Hnn... you may not be but I am. I’d planned on a nap for myself but since you don’t want to, I’ll just cuddle Vic.” He smiled and slipped out of his chair, and before Jou could stop him scooped the boy up and strode from the room.

Slack-jawed, Jou stared after his son and Seto for a moment then leapt from the chair and raced after them. Instead of climbing the stairs Seto was just entering a room just down the hall. As Jou dashed in to the room he froze in shock. He’d wondered from where Seto had dragged out the large bean bag chair in the kitchen. Now he knew. It was probably supposed to be a bedroom but it was the strangest room he’d ever seen. No closets or wardrobes, not even a chest of drawers. Instead a couple small beanbag chairs and bean bag tables were scattered around, and one half of the room was taken up entirely by a fleece covered beanbag bed. Mindful of his sleeping son he whispered “Whoa.”

“Mokie went through a phase. He outgrew it, but I... I find it relaxing and comfortable.” Carefully he laid Vic down. He kicked off his house slippers and crawled onto the bed, pulling the sleeping boy onto his chest. Vic only mumbled “Kissietoe.” And nestled into his chest in what was obviously an established habit..

Jou gaped for a moment then unlaced his shoes. “Scoot a cheek Kaiba.”

“Plenty of room on the other side. You can keep me warm.” Closing his eyes and hiding his smile he shifted his arm slightly in invitation. There was a moment of silence, then the thud of Jou’s shoes hitting the floor. A few seconds later a warm body snuggled against him.

“Kaiba...” Jou’s voice was uncertain and a little shy.

“Shh... sleep.”

Jou knew good advice when he heard it. Closing his eyes he tried to relax into warmth. Surprisingly he dozed in just a few minutes.

Seto relaxed as well but he didn’t waste a second trying to sleep. He was much too happy savoring the warmth of being a Jounouchi sandwich. He smiled to himself and wondered when or if it would occur to Jou that with food cooking it was dangerous to sleep.

Five hours later Jou woke alone to a slight chill on his skin. Blinking he sat up, looking around. It took him a few seconds to orient himself, then he grinned at his surroundings. Who would have guessed Kaiba Seto had a room full of beanbag furniture? True it was expensive leather instead of cheap plastic, and he’d bet that the beads were some weird buckwheat husks or something but it was still just fancy beanbag furniture. It was unexpected and immature and completely out of character. Jou liked it.

Following his nose, and the fantastic smells filling the house, he tracked the missing pair back to the kitchen. Empty glasses with obvious white residue, crumbs and remnants of peanut butter on Vic’s face told him they’d had a snack. He leaned against the door frame and regarded them in mock anger. “Thanks for wakin’ me for lunch.”

“Dad!” Vic grinned at him over his shoulder. “You were snoring so we let you sleep. Seto said you needed rest more than food.”

Jou’s eyes widened. Not only because he missed lunch, but because Vic was speaking clearly, more his age, and he’d called Kaiba ‘Seto’ instead of Kissietoe. “Uh, he was right.” He shot the brunet a quick look. “Vic you got gunk on your face. Go wash up.”

“Ah Dad! Seto was going to teach me...”

“He still will. Go wash your face. It’s grossing me out.”

“Awww... okay.”

He waited until the boy was out of earshot. “What happened? He seems older? More six or seven.”

Seto shrugged. “It happens. It’s like the parts of his brain that are damaged are trying to function as they had been. Usually it only lasts for a few minutes. He’s been this way for two hours. Marik says one day it will happen and not go back.” Soft sigh “When he reverts he will be frightened and confused. I normally hold him for a while. He also gets a headache that Marik has to soothe for him. According to Marik it is Migraine times ten.”

“Fuck, why didn’t you tell me?”

“What was the point? All it would have done was added to your stress. The situation is under control.” That was the end of it as far as Seto was concerned. Before Jou could argue Vic returned.

“Okay gunk gone.” The boy smiled. “Seto show me and Dad how you did that trick with the radishes. They’re pretty.”

Seto gave him a brief look. “Pretty? They are works of art.” He pretended to huff and lifted his nose in the air. Vic snorted and poked him in the side. Jou rolled his eyes. “Dat’s da Kaiba I know and love to hate.”

“Oh, yeah. You were in school together?” Vic smiled. “Bet you were best friends.”

“Friends?” Jou sputtered and Kaiba glared at the radish he was carving.

“Yeah, I mean you’re friends now. You even sleep together.”

Jou choked and gasped. “We do not.”

“You guys did last night, and this afternoon. You like to cuddle Dad, and he cuddles you. Only friends cuddle, so you are friends.”

A deep voice chuckled manically. “Oh I gotta hear this one. Go ahead Priest, Mutt.”

Vic spun around and laughed. “Bakura, Ryou. I didn’t know you guys were here.”

“Just got here. Someone” a significant glance at Ryou “wanted to see you.”

“Yeah? Hey Ryou, you brought the Movie?”

“Yes, of course. As promised.” The white-haired man smiled fondly at the boy. “We came early to see if there was anything Kaiba needed for his party. We could make a run to the market.”

“Kind of you.” Seto grunted as he set aside the last of his floral radish sculptures. “But I have everything.”

Bakura grinned as he snitched a treat from a plate. “Including cookies. But answer the boy’s question. I’m curious.”

“There wasn’t a question.” Seto gave him a cool look. “Did the others come...”

“Right here Kaiba.” Malik stepped into the room carrying a few bottles that resembled wine but Seto knew were sparkling juice. “Atem and Yugi will be here in about thirty seconds. Yugi was having trouble with his hair.”

“Make that thirty minutes then.” Marik snickered. He stepped forward and held out his hand to Vic. “How is my favorite patient today?”

“I’m good. My head feels like it has electric eels in it. Not hurting but weird.”

“Want me to look?” He always gave the boy the choice. He would never force Vic to accept his help. The boy had been hurt enough.

“Please?” He looked up with wide eyes. “I always feel better when you look.”

Seto wiped his hands and placed them on Vic’s shoulders automatically giving energy and anything else the boy needed. Used to it, nobody else thought it strange, but to Jou, it was very telling. Seto genuinely cared for Vic. Not just cared because he was Jou’s, or he was a child, but cared – loved him. It was there in the way he laid his hands on Vic’s shoulders. And Vic returned the feeling, that was evident by the way he automatically leaned back on Seto, trusting him to hold them both up.

Without thinking about it he moved to stand beside Seto and laid his hand one hand on top of Vic’s head and the other over Seto’s hand. Marik’s eyes widened for just a moment then he began his exam and healing. Without using more than what was needed to access his gifts he deliberately drew on the energies of both Seto and Jounouchi. He drew them out, merged and shaped them, then sent them into the boy standing quietly under their hands. He found the source of the eels, a misfiring of synapses, and smoothed it out, repairing a few damaged pathways as he went. Automatically he absorbed the pain and then released it. When the misfires were smoothed and as much healing done as possible, he smiled and sat back. “You are almost completely healed.”

“Yeah I know. It’s weird though.”

“Weird?” Concern made Jou’s voice harsh.

“Yeah. After Marik fixes me I always feel like... like I can I dunno how to say it... but like when you drink hot cocoa on a cold day you feel the warm inside? That’s how I can feel Seto and Marik, and now you. But what’s weird is that it doesn’t go away. The warm does, but you guys don’t. It’s like you guys are part of me.”

Marik nodded “That’s right. They are. See when you were hurt really bad they gave parts of themselves to make you whole again. The same way a mom and dad gives parts of themselves to make a baby. And when I heal you with their help it does the same.”

“Oh. Does it hurt them?”

“No. It feels the same to them. You are part of them too.”

“Oh good.” He frowned and took a deep breath. “I have to ask stuff that’s gonna make you mad.”

AN: Yes it is a monster long chapter for all of you!

Mulle! Don't get hung up on Mai... she doesn't end... well.

Shy Phoenix! Welcome and don't be shy. Come on down and pull up a chair. I'll chat with ya til yer ears fall off.
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Winding Road