Adult-FanFiction.org : Yu-Gi-OH

Superman and Fairies - The Bottom Line	By : lostintheheartland Category: Yu-Gi-Oh > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 3413 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I don't own Yugioh or make any profit from this story.

Chapter List
- 4
- 5
- 6
A loud crash and several pungent swear words brought Honda Hiroto out of his beer-induced sprawl on the floor. "Huh? Wha..." Blearily, he looked around. "Ah man, ya knocked my pyramid of pricks down."
Jounouchi picked himself up off the floor. "Pyramid of pricks? What the fuck is that? And why th' hell are you drunk on the floor. I thought you were at Kaiba's." Ruthlessly he opened the blinds to let in the morning sunlight.

"Tha's prick number two, right after prick number one - Otogi. Assholes kicked me out right after you left." He moaned when the brightness hit his face. "Fuck man what are you doing?"

"I'm waking you up. While we're cleaning up you can explain why you killed almost a case of beer - and are back to calling Kaiba and Otogi pricks and assholes." The blond turned back to the scattered cans. Careful to keep his face averted he started to shovel them into a plastic garbage bag.

Honda pushed himself to his knees, then sat back on his heels. "I told you, they kicked me out."

"Well hell man, we kick people out all th' time. Why that piss ya off?"

"Ya don't understand. Otogi was... upset. Said he knew the guys that was killed. He was... He was...upset. I tried... I wanted to help. He told me to get out." He swallowed back nausea and clutched his middle. "Said it was my hate that caused the... dead guys."

Jounouchi lowered the bag and dropped his head forward, allowing his hair to cover his eyes. "We knew 'em too. Hiroto you remember th' guys at th' gym? Tayaka and Morimoto? Couple weeks ago they came in with matchin' diamonds and sayin' they was married?"

"Of course I do. They..." Honda clutched his middle tighter. "It was them?"

"Yeah, they was murdered." He choked up a little. "They didn't die easy."

"Oh fuck." Shaken out of his misery, he looked up at his friend, noticing for the first time the pale skin and unusual stillness. "You had to clean it up?"

"No, I lost it. It's Dad's case. He had someone bring me home in th' van. There's a text on m'phone from the boss saying he picked it up early this morning." He bent back to the scattered cans.

"Oh god. Oh fuck. Jou I don't know what to say," Honda said helplessly.

"Nothin'. Nothin' you can say will make it better." The blond gave him a small glance, but it was enough for his friend to see his swollen, bloodshot eyes. "But you can get your ass moving. Th' cop dad sent me home with left a note that said Dad would be here before our first class. That's in less than two hours. We gotta get this pit cleaned - now."

That brought the muscular brunet to his feet in a single bound. "Oh HELL." And with more energy than either thought to have, began to frantically clean. His dad wasn't a neat freak, but he demanded at least basic cleanliness. Their house met the minimum standard on a good day, but today? After a night of drinking enough to create the pyramid of pricks? A look at the clock and Honda groaned. There wasn't enough time.

He was wrong about that, but not by much. Jou was mixing him a glass of juice with Kampai to cure his hangover and Honda was sprawled on the futon trying to stop the world from spinning around him when the pounding on the front door made him stop groaning and drag himself to his feet.

He'd know that demanding knock anywhere. Honda just hoped his mom wasn't with him. He'd ignored several calls from her in the last day and anything was possible. "Coming," he called.

Honda swung the door wide and squinted through the sunlight at his father. Relief coursed through him when he saw his father was alone. "Man, five more minutes and..."

"And you think you would hide a hangover from me?" Ito laughed at his foolish son. "Go sit down before you fall down." He glanced around the room as he shut the door. "Where's Katsuya?"

"I'm here, Dad," the blond said softly as he entered the room. He forced a slight smile as he handed Hiroto the drink. "Guess you're here to ask us about Tayaka and Morimoto, huh?"

"Yes. I'm sorry, but it's official. Sit down and let's get comfortable." He took out his interview recorder and pushed the red button. "Honda Ito, Detective first-class, recording interview with possible witnesses, Honda Hiroto and Jounouchi Katsuya, regarding multiple cases as noted earlier."

"Multiple..." Jounouchi started to question only to be silenced with a look from his adoptive father. Now was not the time to ask questions.

"Jounouchi-san, you were called on scene last night as an employee of Crime Scene Cleanup Incorporated. What is your position with the company?"

"I'm team leader for the north side crew. I take call once a week on a rotation with other team leaders."

"Thank you. You knew the victims at that scene?"

"After I heard their names, I knew who they were. I go...went to college with them."

"What was your relationship to them?"

"Rela... Oh well we weren't really friendly. But we bumped into each other sometimes. Traded a few words, mostly insults, but nothing heavy or anything. No real feeling either way."

"Did you see them outside of school? Clubs? Parties?"

Jounouchi thought for a moment then shrugged. "Just the gym. That's where they told us about the earrings. Remember I told you last night?"

"Yes, but this time I want you to tell me more. Tell me where you were, who was involved in the conversation, who was around that might have overheard. Tell me everything you can remember."

Not liking the vibe he was getting and, for the first time since he'd met the man he called 'Dad,' Jou was acutely aware of the cop inside the father. "Ah well we were at the gym. Hiroto was workin' behind the desk and I was gettin' a towel for the sauna when they walked in." With as much detail as possible, Jounouchi took him through the entire scene. He had done a lot of thinking that morning and decided that he would not hide anything or sugar coat it. He'd been an ass to them and they had never done anything, but be themselves. They hadn't ever done anything to instigate his or Hiroto's remarks - harmless as he thought them at the time - and now he owed it to them to redress the balance.

After he finished his account, the blond looked over at Hiroto. He was surprised to see the other man was still pale and seemed to be on the verge of puking. "What..."

"Ah... still hung over." He gave his father an imploring glance. "Can I do this another time. I'm really sick."

"Do you concur with everything Jounouchi has said? Is there any more you can add?"

"Yeah, he's got it right. And he noticed more than I did. It was busy at the desk and I wasn't really paying attention." If Detective Honda had been looking at Jou's expression of surprise and denial at the time, he would have known that something Hiroto said was off. As it was, he completely missed the look.

A brisk knock at the door was a sign to end the interview. The detective turned off the recorder and became a dad. "You really look like hell Hiroto," he observed as Jounouchi went to open the door. "You need a shower and should drink some water."

The deep voice that greeted his second son caught his attention. "Jounouchi, I was hoping you were home."

"K...K...Kaiba? Uh... Hey. What.. what's up?" Jou's voice was broken and slightly hoarse. It held a nervousness that was rare for the blond to ever exhibit. Honda Ito turned to see who could cause his son to lose his composure just by standing on the doorstep. The two were standing face-to-face, staring in a way that made Ito's parent meter rise. Something was definitely up with these two.

"Hmmm Jounouchi Katsuya! I raised you better than to leave a guest on the doorstep. Bring him in and introduce us," he barked in his best 'Don't piss me off boy' voice.

It was the exact note needed to calm his blond son and break whatever spell was holding him. "Hee... yeah sure Dad. Ya heard th' man Kaiba. C'mon in and meet our dad."

Seto nodded and followed Jou into the living room. Honda Hiroto lay on the futon, pale as milk and looking ready to bolt for the nearest bathroom. A tall man who bore a strong resemblance to the sprawled man stood when he entered. Jou introduced them quickly. "Honda Ito, Detective first-class meet Kaiba Seto, CEO of Kaiba Corp, our classmate, and," he paused for a second then added a touch defiantly, "Our friend and neighbor."

"Across the street actually," Kaiba corrected slightly. "An honor to meet you sir."

"Honor to meet you too. I like your company. Good clean fun for kids without all the sex and hype that some companies go for. You make fun toys that stay fun."

Briefly, Seto thought of the scantily clad holograms of some of the very sexy duel monsters then dismissed it. Perhaps the officer had never seen the holograms. And he didn't design the cards; Pegasus at Industrial Illusions designed and hand painted the prototypes for every card ever made.

"Across the street? Only house over there for a city block." Not by a flicker of an eyelash did Ito betray that it had been his next stop.

"I like my privacy," Kaiba accorded politely.

"Yeah, I get that. Especially with these two miscreants as your neighbors. Loud punks." He leaned back. "Don't let me keep you from your business with th' boys. I'm just going to make a few notes.” To highlight his intention, the elder Honda drew out his ever-present notebook.

"Honda - Hiroto - and Jounouchi - I... came to invite both of you to dinner. We are having Shabu-shabu. Our evening last night was cut short and we have a lot more to discuss." Seto bowed slightly even though it galled him. "Otogi was upset last night and he wants to apologize for his behavior. Unfortunately he is too... distraught by the loss of our friends to leave the house. Please, both of you, come for dinner and let us make amends."

Trapped by the good manners his father drilled into him even though all he wanted was to be alone, Hiroto nodded. "That's fine. I understand. We knew them too and... well tell Otogi that if he needs anything he can call me any time, day or night."

"Too kind. I will relay the message." Seto turned and looked at Jou, seeing his face properly for the first time. "You... Your eyes are red?" It came out as an accusation. He hated the idea of the blond in tears and it pissed him off. Of course he was accusatory. Jounouchi was making him feel things he didn't want to feel.

"I... I'll handle it. Thanks for th' concern. But I'll get through. Thanks for th' dinner offer too while we're bein' so polite. What time?"

"Seven? You both are normally home about that time." The slim brunet could have kicked himself. He'd just demonstrated that he watched what they did and paid enough attention to know their schedule.

Thankfully, it went over the blonde's head. "Yeah sounds good. Want me to bring anythin'?"

"No, just your appetites." He turned to the elder Honda. "It was a pleasure to meet you."

"Likewise. Since we're leaving at the same time I'll walk out with you." Hurrying without seeming to, he caught up with the CEO. "See you guys later. Your mom's worried about you two and was bringing over some of her special soup. I'll tell her you have plans for the night and to hold off 'til tomorrow," the elder Honda called carelessly. When they were away from the door and out of earshot, Ito said, "A moment Kaiba-san." His voice went from 'dad' to cop before he said more than half a syllable. "I was coming to visit a resident of your home after I left here. Otogi Ryugi. You said he is upset. It's because of the murders... because they are similar to his own attack isn't it?"

Shocked, enraged and all too aware of the ears and eyes around them, Seto snapped, "We will discuss this in my home. It is not fodder for public venue." Icily proud, he led the way across the street and marched into his house. Detective Honda barely made it through the door before it closed with ominous quiet behind him.

"My son introduced me as a Detective. I am with Domino Police and Security. I was at their place on official business before I came to see Otogi Ryugi. My research shows he lives here."

"I'd like to see your ID." Not that Seto didn't believe the man. He was just being pissy. He excelled at being pissy and the cops were a waste of oxygen in his opinion.

Concealing his frustration, Ito handed the slim brunet the bifold that contained his ID and his badge. He grit his teeth to hold back the snarl when the other man perused it for maybe half a second and handed it back negligently. "Fine, Detective. What can I do for you?"

"Otogi Ryugi lives here?"

"Why? is it a crime if he does?" Insolently, the CEO turned away and crossed to a chair. With deliberate rudeness, he sank down and crossed his legs, blatantly not inviting the cop to sit as well.

Having Jounouchi and Honda for sons had given him an iron grip on his temper. Some days he thanked god for that. This was going to be one of those days. "I would like to speak to him about his case."

That set the icing on the cake. All gloves were off for Seto. "His case? Do you mean the theft of his earrings - when they were ripped out of his ears while he was being raped by two men who kidnapped him outside a bar and beat him half to death?" He rose from his chair and drew himself up to his full height. "Is that the case you mean? The theft?”

The veteran cop knew when to draw down. The system had failed Otogi Ryugi, thanks to a bad cop. Now was not the time to get defensive, but to try to redress the balance. "Yes and no. The case has been reopened and reassigned to me. It's being treated as an assault and battery with hate crimes as aprimary investigative track."

Rather than calm him down, the explanation incensed Seto further. "Oh so you finally get your heads out of your asses? It only took two deaths and numerous other attacks for you to figure out there was a problem? Do you have a clue how many others have been attacked? Have suffered?"

Still trying to calm the other man down, the detective said evenly, "We have case files on over thirty."

"Thirty! And those are the ones reported! But now it's a priority because they finally killed, something they've been building towards for two years." He paced angrily to the other man, getting right in his face. "Get out of my home. You want to speak to Otogi then you can contact my lawyers and setup an appointment - at his convenience - because he sure as hell isn't speaking to you at yours."

Rather than react to what Kaiba said, Honda ran it through his mind, twisting the possibilities. Unlike his sons he knew exactly who Kaiba Seto was, and what he was capable of. "You sound like you know more about this than you are telling me," he observed, watching the wealthy, powerful man carefully. "Building towards... That sounds like you've been tracking them, maybe hunting them yourself."

Seto froze. Every part of him became still as the grave and colder than ice. "Get out. If you don't, I'll have you thrown out and arrested for trespassing."

"Seto wait," a soft, slightly hoarse voice interrupted. "This isn't the same cop. If he got the case because of the the deaths... he's been working it all night, and he's here now. Just... wait." A slim, fragile, completely bald man with large green eyes drifted slowly into the room. "I am Otogi Ryugi. You are?"

"Honda Ito, Detective first-class, Domino Police and Security. I've been assigned your case." He frowned slightly. "My picture of you shows you with long black hair. It's..."

"I cut my hair off after the attack. They held me down by it. When I leave the house I wear a wig made of my own hair, but when I'm home... this is more comfortable and allows my scalp to breathe. A wig will come off if... if... Anyway Detective, what can I do for you?"

Swallowing down his reaction to that pitiful statement, he bowed as low as he could. "Otogi Ryugi, I formally apologize for the mishandling of your case by my predecessor. He... has been disciplined. We are investigating several like crimes targeting the homosexual community. Not just gay men, but lesbianstoo. I'd like to go over your statement and see if you remember anything else that may be of help."

"You just opened yourself and your department up for major litigation, Detective," Seto pointed out silkily. "I'll have my lawyers..."

"Seto that is enough!" Otogi snapped. "He's trying, and it's not his fault. Look, I can't relive that at the moment. I simply am not strong enough. But, Seto," He sent the brunet a look that combined tears and demand, "has a lot he can share with you. He hired a private firm right after you... the other officer blew me off."

The brunet CEO growled. "Fuck. Otogi! This was..."

"Seto I know they have suspects and I know they believe they know where they operate out of. But they have no evidence or way to secure it. Just let the cop help." For a moment blue and green eyes met in a duel then the blue eyes cut to the detective.

"Fine," Seto grunted. "I'll get the reports from the agency and arrange for them to meet you." But it was obvious he was not happy with the decision. "I'll go..." The chime of the doorbell made him sigh, "and answer the door."

He was surprised and a little hesitant to see Jounouchi's blond head in the peephole. Opening the door he greeted, "Hi. Didn't I just see you?" He deliberately assumed a relaxed facade. He did not want Jou to realize that the detective had come home with him if he didn't already know.

"Yeah, uh, well..." Jou fidgeted and shuffled his feet. "I know ya said Otogi was stayin' home, but ya didn't say that ya were. Honda has ta go to work this morning and a couple of his friends are picking him up, so I thought we could go ta school together." Seeing the eyebrow raise and mistaking the cause, Jou hurriedly added, "We don't have ta take yer ride. It's a nice day. I thought we might walk together. Maybe just talk a little." A hopeful grin lit his face. "Get ta know each other?"

"I'm staying home with Otogi today," Seto rejected. When the blond looked crestfallen, he gave a small regretful look. "He needs me. Best friend privilege. But any other day I'd be... I'd walk to school with you." When the other man just nodded and looked away, obviously embarrassed, Seto reached out and gently touched his shoulder. "I want to get to know you too. But I have to stay with my friend. You understand that because you're the same way with Honda, aren't you?"

Still embarrassed, but obviously relieved the blond nodded, "Yeah, yeah I get it. Oh well I better get ta walkin' if I'm going ta make it to school on time. See ya tonight Kaiba. I can't wait ta try yer shabu-shabu." He turned and practically skipped away.

Seto watched him for a moment, amused and warmed by the transparency of the other man's emotions. It was obvious by the shining eyes and almost painful sexual vibe that Jounouchi was considering trying more than his cooking. He couldn't wait to see if he actually made a move. He'd have to make sure Otogi was occupied though or Jou would probably be too inhibited to try. He wasn't entirely sure he would or could respond to an advance from the blond, but it would be interesting to find out. Jou didn't make him want to gag the way other would-be suitors had.

He closed the door and went back to the parlor. The cop was seated on a small divan and Otogi was nowhere in sight. "Where..."

"He went to get tea and put on his wig. Said he was feeling indecently exposed."

"I see." Opening his cell phone, Seto hit memory six. His call was answered on the third ring. "Please bring all information to my home. Also have Saito-san with you. He will be giving a complete report to the police." He listened for a moment. "Yes, even the new information and pictures." Another pause then, "Right now - or as soon as possible. Yes, half an hour is fine."

Seto snapped his phone shut. "They'll be here in half an hour. Until then I have work to do. Otogi should be back in..." Movement caught his eye. He turned to see his best friend, wig in place, standing in the door. "This is your idea, you entertain him until the investigators arrive. I have to contact Mokuba. He left a message saying he won't be home for a few days. He didn't answer when I tried to call him earlier and I had to leave a message on Atemu's answering machine." The chime sounded again, accompanied by a soft knock.

"What the hell now?" He growled and stalked to the door. This day was getting worse by the second. He doubted it would get any worse. A look through the peephole told him just how wrong he could be.

He wrenched the door open violently and glared down at the small, spike-haired man. "What the fuck are you doing here Moutou?"

Amethyst eyes gazed up at him soulfully. "You called - about Mokuba I mean. And I wanted to talk to you so... Ano... Kaiba-kun I... I owe you a debt for the wrong done you by..."

"Mokuba?" That was all he cared about. "He's not with you? Where is he?"

"He's with a friend. That's one of the things I need to discuss with you. Kaiba-kun, please..."

"Fuck off," he snarled and slammed the door with enough force to rattle the double-hung windows. If the scrawny runt wasn't with Mokuba then he can take the express train to hell. Spinning around, Seto crashed into something small, soft and warm. His eyes widened in shock as Moutou Yugi hit the ground with a distinct thud and yelp. "What the hell? How did you get... Never mind, I don't care how fast your reflexes are. Get out now before I kick your ass." Without a second glance at the painfully sprawled form, the brunet stalked away.

He only got a few paces when Yugi's light voice called, "Mokuba's in danger Kaiba-kun. He's setting himself up for an attack. He..."

That caught not only his attention, but the attention of the cop and Otogi in the other room. Both were in the hall in a flash. "What do you mean?" Ito asked softly. "And who is Mokuba?"

"Mokuba is my brother. He's just turned eighteen and will graduate high school in a few months." Eyes blazing blue fire, Seto glared at Yugi. "What the fuck are you talking about? What attack? What danger?" Unable to restrain his emotions any longer, he roared, "Why the hell are you here?"

Yugi flinched from the loud question even as he pulled himself upright. Eyes wet with the tears that hadn't stopped falling since the night before, but hard with resolve, met his raging gaze. "I'm here to talk to you - like a civilized being - not the man who stole your lover." The delicate chin lifted a notch. "You have the right to hate me, but you need to hear what I have to say if you're going to protect Mokuba."

When the raging fires didn’t die, Yugi daringly turned towards the room Honda Ito and Otogi had just left. "Lets sit down and talk."

Ghost white and shaking, Otogi none-the-less knew where he was needed. He shambled over to Seto and wrapped him in trembling arms. "C'mon. Hold it together for Mokie. Then you can annihilate him for daring to come here and throwing that in your face."

"Promise?" The word shook with rage and about a dozen other emotions.

"Promise." Otogi soothed. A strong arm clamped around his waist and he was literally half-dragged, half-carried back into the parlor.

Yugi took the seat next to the older man in the room. He gave off an aura of security, something Yugi desperately needed right now. He did not want to be here and he wouldn't be if he didn't owe a debt. "Kaiba-kun..."

"Just tell us." Seeing the amethyst eyes dart to the cop Seto snarled, "He's a fucking cop. Just spit it out. How is Mokuba in danger?"

"Ah, okay." He turned to the other man. "I am Moutou Yugi, ex-lover to Soleil Atemu, Kaiba Seto's cousin."

Otogi felt Seto's flinch, but whether from the 'ex-lover' or 'cousin' was any one's guess.

"Kaiba-kun's brother, Kaiba Mokuba, was infuriated by the attack on Otogi Ryugi, but he was content to let his brother deal with it until about six months ago." Yugi drew in a steadying breath. "Mokuba became involved with an older man, someone he was sure his brother would not approve of. He started seeing the man behind Seto's back, using our home as an escape route." The amethyst eyes tracked to Seto for a moment before dropping to the floor. "We supported him because... we... he seemed to truly be falling in love and to be honest, I believed Kaiba Seto incapable of understanding or supporting true love."

This was where the story changed, and everyone could see it by the paling of Yugi's skin and the way his lips trembled. "They went to a bar, Ni-Chome, just to dance. Mokuba's partner would not allow him to drink. It was just to dance..." To stop his teeth from chattering, he bit his lip hard enough to draw blood. "He and his partner left the club. They were in the parking lot when they were attacked by a group of men. Pe... Mokuba's boyfriend took a blow aimed to incapacitate Mokuba. It... allowed Mokuba to escape back to the club and start screaming the place down."

He gulped back the bile that rose whenever he thought about what happened next. The senseless cruelties of humans towards other humans was sickening. "The men had taken Pe... Mokuba's boyfriend. Several people gave chase and the police were called. When... when they realized they were being followed they... they tossed Mokuba's boyfriend out the back of their van. He... he rolled on the street for a time and landed in the ditch. Everyone stopped to help him and the guys who did it got away. They had mutilated him in the short time they held him. He lost an eye and is scarred."

Detective Honda cleared his throat slightly. "Kaiba Mokuba - he was seventeen at the time?"

Yugi gave him a surprised look. "Yes. How did you know?"

"Because the one case that was being actively investigated until last night was one that involved Pegasus Crawford and an unnamed minor. The events you describe are almost exactly what was in the report and the follow up witness accounts." He hesitated a moment then sent Kaiba Seto a cool glare. "You were unaware that your brother was seeing Pegasus Crawford? You would disapprove?"

"Pegasus is a business rival. I'd be suspicious of anything involving him and my brother. Beyond that I don't have a problem with Mokuba having relationships," he said it with absolute sincerity, but it was obvious he was rocked to the core. "Moutou-me where is my brother? And why are you telling me this now when clearly I should have been told six months ago?"

"Pegasus was severely injured. His brain was damaged and he lost many long and short term memories." Yugi let the insult pass. Kaiba Seto did have reason to hate him and a derogatory honorific wasn't the least of what he could do and still be owed. "He is staying at the Evangeline Hospital. Mokuba stays with him whenever he can. He tells you he is staying with us. That's where he is right now. Mokuba is in no immediate danger. But he plans..." He sighed and slumped back. "He's been investigating for six months. He thought he recognized someone in the group and he's been... watching him. Now Mokuba thinks he has their pattern figured out, their meeting place as well. He... He plans on going there and finding the evidence that... that would put them away. He's convinced once Pegasus knows they are behind bars he will get better. He plans... well... he believes they will be out on the hunt tomorrow night and... he plans to break into their meeting place to find evidence and save whoever they grab."

"Do you know where this meeting place is?" Ito asked, barely able to contain his mix of emotions. People called fags 'wimps', but these men - Mokuba, both Kaibas, even this Moutou and Otogi - they were more courageous in standing up for their friends than the people who had been paid to protect them.

The spike-haired man shook his head. "He didn't say. We thought he'd tell us last night, but he seemed different, reserved. We found out why later, but... but that has nothing to do with this." He looked up at Kaiba. "He hates us both now and I'm afraid that he may try to get the evidence alone. Kaiba if he gets caught - they've already killed twice - they..."

Grim-faced Seto nodded. "Yes, I know. First thing is to see to Mokuba's safety. Then we'll..." The doorbell interrupted him once again. "That will be the investigative company." He sighed and went to answer the door.

He was rudely surprised to find only the agency's office staff at his door. "Where is Saito?" He rapped out coldly.

"He's on his way. He had to pick up a few pictures of possible new members from his studio. He doesn't believe in digital cameras, so the film had to be developed." The woman smiled winningly. "But I have the rest of the file."

In a rare show of exasperation Seto rolled his eyes. "I can't take much more. Fine, you may come in." He directed his gaze to the brunet man just coming up the walk. "I don't have time to entertain you right now and Otogi is not in any shape to..."

"I came to talk to my dad." Hiroto's normally easygoing expression was replaced with grim purpose. "I know he's here - his car is still down the block - and if what I suspect is true he's here to talk to Otogi. I know something about... look I think I know something about what happened to your friends."

Resisting the urge to face-palm, Seto stepped back and gestured him in with an extravagant wave. "Why not? We only need the killers to show up to complete this farce."

"They won't," Honda said somberly. "They have gone to the gym."

That made the CEO stumble and almost hit the wall. "What did you say?" He rasped.

"I'll tell it to my dad." He affirmed as he strode into the parlor where he could hear the murmur of voices. When Seto would have shut the door, he had to hesitate. Barrelling across the street like a burly linebacker was Saito - the private investigator. When the man made it to the walkway Seto called, "Shut it behind you. I need a drink." and made his way to the bar he kept in his study. He really needed something with kick. He eschewed brandy and went straight for whiskey. In one twist of the wrist, he downed enough to burn away the chill that seemed to be taking up residence in his soul. Calm and under control again, he went back to the parlor. God knew who else would show up, but he wasn't tempting fate by hiding away.

Otogi was playing hostess, serving tea from his massive tea set, laying out plates of cookies they kept on hand for when their inner children demanded them, and in general fussing over their guests as if this were a tea party instead of a... what the fuck ever it was. It was his house, so he took the lead.

"I'm Kaiba Seto. I own the place, so don't mind me at all... help yourselves. Make yourselves comfortable," he started out sarcastically. Best defense is a good offense and he was feeling defensive and aggressive as hell. One by one he pointed to the people, saying their names. "Fine, now we don't have to waste time on introductions. Saito, give us a concise, discreet report. Start from the beginning and only give us the pertinent details. Detective Honda I suggest you get out your notebook. If you need another I have some steno pads in another room."

"I'm fine. Always carry three."

Seto shrugged. "Saito, the floor is yours."

The man nodded curtly. He understood that meant he was not to use any names. "Two years, one month, and eleven days ago, Kaiba Seto hired me to find the persons who attacked someone close to him. The police had reduced the incident to simple theft and were not inclined to investigate further, labelling it 'misadventure.'" The investigator kept his eyes trained on the far wall. No way was he going to let anyone see the anger he felt at the way this, and similar situations, had been handled. "I have been investigating since. I have not found any evidence that would bring the culprits to justice for the attack, but I have found several similar attacks. I believe the murders earlier this week were perpetrated by the same group, or members within the group." He drew a deep breath and let it out slowly.

"My interviews with other victims have lead me to believe that the group has six to eight members, and work in teams of two to six. There are descriptions of eight different individuals; however..." He broke off to think of the best way to say it. "Two of them appear to be..."

"Identical twins," Honda Hiroto interrupted softly.

That brought the investigator to a screeching halt - and every gaze turned in the young man's direction. "That's right. How..." Then Saito gasped slightly and gripped the envelop he was holding with a shaking hand. He'd thought the deja vu he was experiencing when looking at the younger Honda was because he bore a strong resemblance to the elder sitting next to him, but now... "You..."

"I think I know... I mean I'm sure that I..."

Seto wanted to snarl and rip things to shreds. Instead he ordered, "Saito complete your report, then we'll hear from..." He threw the young brunet a scorching glare. "him."

"Right, so it took close to a year, but I tracked down all the identical twins in the age range in Domino. Seven sets of twins. And of those, four met the general description. I followed them each for a few months. I was able to rule out all, but two sets. Both attended classes at the college and both hung around the same areas as the victims I'd been hearing about. I am almost sure that I've found them because I was tailing the second set when the victims from this week were taken."

Seto frowned. "Two years summed up in less than five minutes."

"There is a little more Kaiba-san." Saito bristled slightly, reminding himself of the car he'd bought with the payments from Kaiba. These people never realized that it takes time to ferret out information. "If it's the twins I'm thinking, they are recruiting. In fact they've recently pulled in a few new recruits. I don't know if they've been on any jobs, but if not, they probably will be soon. The pictures of the new recruits are in the envelope." Without hesitation, he extended it to his employer.

Hiroto intercepted it, taking it from the other man. Swallowing hard, he asked tightly, "My picture is in there isn't it?"

There was a concerted sound of glass hitting the floor as Honda's father and Otogi both dropped their cups. When the detective gave a silent nod, Honda gulped audibly, but straightened his shoulders and handed the envelope to Kaiba. "Thought so." With a deep sigh, he sank back down next to his father. When the older man turned towards him he held up his hand. "I'll tell it... but... Otogi I want you to know that I didn't know about any of this. I would never..." He broke off and shook his head. "Never mind, I can't expect you to believe me." He looked up to his father. "Dad, I would never... You know that. But... look... there were these guys. They've been coming to the gym where I work since before I started there. I'd listen to them talk. They were all about saving gays from themselves and... well I ignored them for a long time... but a few months ago I was... I felt... I wondered if there was anything to it. Could a gay guy really be saved. I... I've always kinda fought against myself 'cause sometimes I... sometimes I feel like I'd rather be with a guy than a girl," he said it defiantly, as if he expected censure from his father. What he got was a look of patience and understanding.

"Go on Hiroto. What you just said... I've known for a long time you've had those kinds of feelings. I watched you around Katsuya remember? I thought you guys might end up together for a while, but Katsuya has never shown any interest in you like that."

"Yeah well, sometimes I'd get mad, more at myself than anyone else, and I'd say shit, take my anger out on the openly gay guys around the gym. Not enough to get me fired, but I skated the line a few times." He drew a deep breath. "I guess that's why they invited me to their meetings. I... I've been to a meeting a week for a couple months. So eight meetings. A few weeks ago I... I was invited to go on their next 'salvation.' I was supposed to go last week, but Mom wanted us to come home. Remember Dad?"

"Yes." Not for the first time Ito sent up a prayer of thanks for his wife. Her radar for when her sons were in trouble was almost infallible and last week she'd insisted they come home. She was more insistent this week. Ito knew she'd go full Valkyrie-battle-maiden if this ever reached her ears.

"I... they... Last night," He gave Otogi a quick look, only to flinch and turn away as he saw the pony-tailed man burrowed tightly in Kaiba's arms, visibly trembling, even from across the room. "Last night I saw something that made me wonder. We... Jou and I came over here for dinner and Otogi showed me a picture of him and the Kaiba's from a couple years ago. In the picture he was wearing..." He choked slightly, but forced himself to go on, "Earrings, white dice earrings with green stones. They were unique, but I knew I'd seen them before. I didn't remember where until you left this morning. Miyake Kenji has one he keeps on his gym locker key chain." He looked at Saito. "He's an identical twin. His brother's name is Miyake Taro. They are the leaders of the 'gay salvation' group."

"Is Jounouchi part of your group?" Ito took the words right out of Seto's mouth.

"No. He's too easygoing. Besides they are always preaching about salvation. Jou isn't uh.. chaste enough for them. I... I have a reputation of passing up more than I take so..." He ducked his head. "I guess they thought I was more... 'moral.'"

"Never thought I'd be glad of that Gangland attitude towards sex." The elder Honda sighed.

"Gangland attitude?" That caught Seto's attention. He'd never heard anything like it. It was also a good diversion. Ryugi was falling apart in his arms. His friend needed a few minutes respite.

The cop gave him a knowing look, his gaze flicking to Ryugi for an instant, before saying "No other way to put it. Jounouchi is my son and I love him dearly. To my dying day I will regret not finding him sooner, but I can't change the past. Jounouchi's sperm donor abandoned him on the street when he was eleven. For the next two years he lived under the protection of a gang called Rintama. Sex in the gang is not... special. Only thing special about it is the way they sex in new members. Jou was too young to be sexed in, but once in, it was part of the life to have sex as much as possible. He started young and hasn't stopped. To him it's a second nature. He doesn't like or even need to know the person. It's like eating or drinking, just something he does to satisfy an urge."

Otogi, tremors diminishing slightly, glared at Hiroto, but answered Ito's remarks. "So he's completely amoral?"

"Amoral?" The detective took offense to that but was careful to keep his tone even. He needed Otogi Ryugi's cooperation. If the man continued to fall apart Ito knew he wouldn't get the information he needed. He explained quietly, "Not at all. More like he doesn't tie morals to sex any more than you would tie morals to eating breakfast. It's simply the way he was brought into his sexuality."

"So he doesn't know how to be faithful or make a commitment." Otogi was driven to point out, fear fading as outrage began to bubble. Seto was interested in that... that... slut. It didn't occur to the black-haired man that he was lashing out with his own pain, trying to inflict damage on the person he cared for most.

"Can't say that. I've never known him to make a personal, romantic, commitment to anyone. But I do know he's made other commitments, like to straightening out his life, going to school, getting scholarships, and many more instances. I think if he commits his heart to a person he'll be faithful." Ito shrugged slightly. "It would have to be someone very special though because there is a lot of competition. But... if he finds that special someone, I'm sure it'll be for life too. Once he commits there is no going back for him." Seeing Otogi was standing straight and no longer shaking he cleared his throatand changed the subject. "Back on topic. Hiroto, the dice isn't enough - not to get them for it all. Do you know where they keep their... trophies?"

Glumly, the younger brunet shook his head. "There is a secret place that they mentioned a few times but they don't bring you there until you help with a 'salvation.' I'm pretty sure that's where they keep whatever they take." He shook his head vehemently. "No I'm positive of it because about a month ago Miyake Taro showed me a huge diamond - four carats at least - in a round cut set in platinum. His brother almost took his head off saying that it was supposed to stay at the sanctuary. They left to put it back and returned in about twenty minutes."

"So the sanctuary is within ten minutes of the gym." Detective Honda nodded. "All right then. Hiroto when is the next meeting?"

"Tonight. They are going to plan the next salvation. I'm supposed to meet them at the gym after it closes."

Saito leaned forward urgently. "According to pattern they will attack someone tomorrow night from Ni-chome."

That made Seto smile slightly and Otogi wrench out of his comforting embrace. "No! No way!" He looked around the room wildly. "Tell him no!"

Detective Honda gave the pair a warning look. "You're not planning on interfering with a police investigation are you?"

Seto's look became angelic, something that sent shivers up and down the spines of everyone in the room. "No. I'll simply keep my monthly meeting with my third shareholder - Atemu - at the place he chose - Ni-Chome."

Detective Honda stood and faced the other man down. "You will do no such thing. You'll stay away..."

"Oh I don't think so. I'm not under arrest and I'd like to see you try to stop me. Well, if that's all gentlemen and lady, I suggest you get out of my house - all of you." He gave them a shark-like grin, baring his pearly whites in warning. "Or I'll have security remove you." The predatory look became sharper. "Cop or no cop."

With gentle hands, Seto pressed Otogi into a chair then, overriding their protests, ushered them all to the door. "Bye, don't be strangers..." He said in a bright, overly cheerful tone. "Oh wait, yes be strangers. Nice of you to visit, but never come again."

"Fucking hell." Ito summed it up best as he found himself summarily dismissed and standing on the doorstep next to his son, a private detective, an office drone, and... well that was it. Where was that little spike-haired kid who looked like he would start crying any second? "Hiroto let’s go to your place. We need to talk. I have a plan I want to discuss with you."

Inside, Seto sagged against the door tiredly. Fuck what a day, and it wasn't even noon yet. "Kaiba-kun..." The soft voice of his cousin's lover interrupted his litany against the day, adding to the list - his ever growing list.

"I know I shoved you out the door. How the hell did you get back in?" The brunet wondered aloud.

"I'm magic," Yugi deadpanned. "I'm not done. There are issues I need to discuss with you."

"Oh fuck. Is this about the meeting with Atemu? Because if so, it's nothing. It means nothing. He chose to have our share-holders meetings there in hopes of interesting me in some other man." Seto shifted uncomfortably. "It's not a date and he's never once hinted that he wants to be with me again." Much to Seto's disappointment over the years. He may have been dumped by the asshole, but he still remembered how good it felt to be 'anointed' by his cousin.

"Kaiba-san, Atemu and I are through. Thats not why I wanted to speak to you." Yugi bit his lip and looked down at the floor.

"Fine, god, could this day get any worse? What the hell do you want? You have one minute before I throw you out - and magic or not - you will stay out this time."

Abruptly, Yugi dropped to his knees, prostrating himself at Seto's feet. "I am sorry. Forgive me! I had no idea that you were still in love with Atemu. Not when we got together or even now. I... He told me you had cheated on him and left him behind. I believed him. Please forgive me for believing his lie. I should have known your hatred and virulence was because of his actions. I've always considered you fair except in this one aspect. Now it makes perfect sense." The begging man looked up. "Please, I would never have spoken to him if he had told me the truth. Forgive me. Stealing from you... stealing your lover! It is a debt I don't know if I can ever repay."

"Get up." Embarrassed and angry, Seto stepped over the prone form. "If you hadn't spoken to him you would have died. He explained it all to me when he dumped me. He even told me he lied to you about me. Atemu is an asshole, but he's always been honest with me." Snarling down at the smaller man he declared "You don't owe me shit. But if you did, just by getting out you could consider your debt paid."

"Then... why... oh... what..." Yugi gave him a confused look as he clambered to his feet.

"Just because I know why he dumped me doesn't mean it didn't hurt. He was my first lover, we swore to be eternal companions. We went through so many things to bind us together and then just like that it was over. All along he trained me to be his perfect mate, I was happy to be his, and he just tossed me away. For you! Do you actually think I shouldn't feel pain or betrayal because he chose you over me? Do you? He trained me for years to be his. He owned me then like I was a stray he threw me away! I..." He turned away, ashamed of what he revealed. "You have your answers, but you will never have forgiveness from me. Now, get out."

"Why didn't you tell me he lied? You had to know I'd run from him if I knew."

"Because!" The betrayal and pride screamed through Seto. "He chose you! From less than an hour's meeting, he chose you! I would never settle being second in his heart. I meant nothing to him compared to you - after one meeting." He drew a ragged breath and said coldly, "You can have him because I don't want him - I won't take any one's leftovers." And he meant it. It was a moment of dawning truth. He meant it! He was free... finally free of Atemu, of yearning for the illusion he'd lived in for years. He almost staggered with the realization. He didn't want Atemu any longer. He was an asshole who didn't deserve the waste Seto left in the toilet. Let him have Yugi. He truly didn't care any longer.

He had more important things to do than rehash a meaningless past with the newly ex of his ex. "This time I mean it. Get out and don't come back. I'll tell Atemu to attend the shareholder's meeting like a normal board member after tomorrow." Without looking back at the kneeling man on the floor, he went into the parlor. He had a brother to lock up safely, a dear friend to comfort, and after that he had to run to the grocery store. He was making shabu-shabu tonight for his new... friend - and the damn housekeeper had called in sick.

*****
- 4
- 5
- 6
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Superman and Fairies - The Bottom Line