Healing

First Things First: Thanks for the reviews. ^_^ Anyway, this story is nearly complete… and here is the next chapter… this fic won’t be too long, caI haI have some other stories I’m working on right now that I’d like to post once I get this one completely done. Anyway, sorry this update took a little long, I was trying to write and work and do the school thing all at once. We pick up where the story left off before… It’s Friday morning, and Tristan, Duke and Joey have come to drop off a blueberry muffin and pick up Seto’s homework.

Disclaimer: I still don’t own anything… except my car… and that’s really sad.



Chapter 2: Much Ado About A Blueberry Muffin


Tristan was slightly disappointed when they entered Mokuba’s hospital room Friday morning and discovered Seto was wide-awake reading a morning newspaper. I need to get him to sleep. Maybe I should have slipped some sleeping pills in his coffee cup. He can’t maintain this for too much longer.

“Tristan.” Seto looked up at him. Tristan smiled. Seto didn’t bother to say anything to Joey or Duke.

“Nice to see you again too, Kaiba,” Duke remarked, already irritated. He had promised himself he wouldn’t start a fight with the teen billionaire, but he wasn’t making it easy.

“Don’t take it personally, Duke. Kaiba doesn’t like me either,” Joey explained.

“What would make you say such a thing, Puppy?” Seto asked sarcastically.

“Maybe the Puppy thing? It’s not exactly a term of endearment, Kaiba.”

“Joey, don’t start. Good morning, Kaiba,” Tristan spoke, walking up to the brunet and giving him a bag and a cup of coffee. “Blueberry muffin. As promised.” Seto gave Tristan a pleased look, it wasn’t exactly a smile, but it was definitely grateful.

“This your homework?” Joey asked, glancing at the CEO. Kaiba gave him a glance back but said nothing, turning his attentions back on the brunet standing in front of him.

“How is he, Kaiba?” Tristan asked, sitting on the edge of Mokuba’s bed. The boy in question was sleeping soundly, but his breathing was raspy, and you could tell there was a lot of phlegm in his lungs. “Any improvements at all?” Tristan continued, turning to look at the subject of his inquiry.

“No, he’s gotten worse. They’re supposed to be running more tests today. As soon as they pinpoint which bacteria it is I’m sure things will get better.” Tristan turned back and looked at Seto. “I’m just so frustrated with the incompetence level of this hospital.”

“I’m sure they’re doing all they can, Kaiba,” Duke started, trying to assure him. Seto didn’t acknowledge Duke’s observation.

“I know, it’s difficult. You probably want to have everyone fired and start again with people who know what they’re doing,” Tristan added, giving Seto a little smile.

“If only,” Seto answered.

“It’s going to be okay, Kaiba. Mokuba’s condition would probably be worse if you weren’t maintaining a constant vigil. You can see it in his face when he wakes up and sees that you’re still by his side.”

“It should have been me,” Seto thought, looking back at Mokuba.

“He’s a Kaiba. There’s nothing to worry about.” Seto gave him another pleased look, an almost smile. He pulled out the blueberry muffin.

“Where’d you get this?”

“There’s a bakery I always go to, by my house. They’re good. Speaking of which, what would you like for lunch? Pizza okay? We’re all going to come after school today, so I was thinking we could order a pie or two.”

“Tristan, I honestly don’t need the entire menagerie here,” Seto said, glancing at him over the muffin.

“Bakura feels left out cause he hasn’t stopped by. And besides, we’re all really worried.”

“I appreciate everyone’s concern, but I don’t know if Mokuba getting so many visitors would be appropriate.”

“Kaiba, it isn’t like we wouldn’t be on our best behavior. And I think Mokuba enjoys it. It’s not like we only come for him, you know.”

“Yes it is, why else would we be here? It isn’t for the food,” Joey mentioned. Kaiba didn’t respond.

“Never mind, Joey. Anyway, we should be going. But we’ll be by later, alright?” Tristan stood up. He smiled. “Please, get some sleep, you look so exhausted.”

“I’ll be okay, Tristan. It’s fine.” Seto stood, and followed them towards the door.

Tristan gave him a look. “If you wind up getting sick over this you won’t be helping Mokuba any.”

“I don’t get sick.” Of cOf course not, when cold germs come along Kaiba just glares at them and they disappear,” Duke joked. Joey laughed. Kaiba didn’t look in their direction.

“So after school then. Did you have any pizza preferences?” Tristan asked, also ignoring his friends.

“No.”

“Okay, then. So sausage and pepperoni would be alright?”

“Yes.” Tristan smiled. He has the most amazing smile I’ve ever seen, Seto thought. “Please, will you take a nap?”

“I have work I need to get done. Three days away from Kaiba Corp and those morons are beside themselves.”

“Kaiba, I mean it, please. I’m growing concerned about your lack of sleep. You barely eat, it’s not healthy.” Tristan and Seto exchanged a look; artic blue eyes met nutmeg brown. “Please, Kaiba.”

“I’ll see what I can squeeze in,” Seto answered. Tristan smiled again. Seto couldn’t help but half smile back. Tristan’s smile only grew. Oh my god, he’s smiling at me…Tristan screamed in his head.

“I hate to interrupt this moment but we’re going to be late. Let’s go, Tris,” Joey grumbled, wondering if Duke also noticed the dreamy, faraway look Tristan was currently sporting.

“Yeah, let’s go, Tristan.” Duke followed Joey out of the room, Joey holding Seto’s homework.

“Until this afternoon then,” Tristan continued, another smile.

“I’ll see you then. Thank you for the breakfast. I do, honestly, appreciate it.” Tristan’s smile took up his whole face.

“Tristan! I don’t want detention. Let’s go. Now!” Joey yelled.

“I better go, see ya later.”

“Bye.” Tristan left the room. Seto sighed satisfied, and closed the door, hearing Mokuba giggling softly.

Seto turned to look at the raven-haired patient, his eyes narrowing. “Seto, I think if you ask the staff here they could probably give you and Tristan a private room.”

“What?” Seto asked, walking over to Mokuba, displeased.

“I think it’s cute you have the hots for Tristan. It’s clear he has the hots for you.” Seto said nothing, but sat on Mokuba’s bed.

“Mokuba, I don’t appreciate your…”

“Seto, eat your muffin. It’ll get cold, and then Tristan’s gesture will all be for nothing.” Seto gave Mokuba a look, but did as he asked.

I guess I’ve been really obvious about it. I can’t help it, I don’t think Tristan has any idea how gorgeous he is.

~.~

Tristan was sitting in his math class, and Duke got his attention by handing him a note. Tristan opened it: If you want, we don’t have to go visit Mokuba with you today after school. We wouldn’t want to interrupt your love-in with Seto Kaiba. Tristan rolled his eyes. When the teacher wasn’t looking he handed the note back.

Duke, don’t start. I’m just concerned about Kaiba, that’s all it is. He isn’t sleeping. You saw him, he’s so fatigued.

If you say so. But you can’t tell me you weren’t flirting with him just a little bit.

Mokuba was lying in the bed, sick as a dog. I wouldn’t do something that improper.

Seems Kaiba was flirting with you back. You better not hand this note back, Tristan. I think that girl who doesn’t like me is going to tell the teacher on us. She’s giving us a dirty look. Tristan sighed, folded the note up and stuck it in his book bag.

Duke had to be wrong. Seto wasn’t flirting back. Hell, he wasn’t flirting to begin with. He was simply doing what anyone would do, making sure Seto was alright. He wasn’t sleeping, and he did look like he could come down with something at any moment. That was all. It wasn’t like he was blinded by his feelings towards him or anything. That was out of the question.

And even if he were, which he wasn’t, was that a bad thing? So what if he were motivated by his feelings towards Seto. The important thing was that Seto was going to be okay. And as long as Tristan worried about him and nagged him about getting sleep he would be. After this was all over, things would go back to normal. It wasn’t like Seto Kaiba would be asking him out or anything. He was just doing the right thing. And it had been Yugi who had uncovered the truth in the first place, and Yami who had drove them to the hospital that first afternoon.

Granted he had suggested the food, including the cheeseburger, the egg sandwich, and one very delicious looking blueberry muffin. But what would come of this? Mokuba was sick, and even after Mokuba was healthy it wasn’t as if Seto would be needing any further assistance from any of them. If Tristan actually wanted to make a move he’d have to do it now. But that was ridiculous. He couldn’t imagine putting the moves on Seto while he was so vulnerable. Of course when would he ever get him to let his guard down this much?

What was he talking about? He wasn’t thinking rationally. He had just decided he wanted to be with him? This was making less and less coherent sense. Firstly, there was no evidence that Seto would respond to any of his advances, vulnerable or not, and he’d never live with himself if he took advantage of Seto in this state. Not that he’d do anything with him. But it made no sense to think that he was going to get some weird opportunity to seduce him in Mokuba’s hospital room. Was Seto Kaiba even seducible?

If Tristan really wanted this to turn into something he’d just have to be there for Seto, and hope once Mokuba was in the clear that his gestures were remembered. He wasn’t doing these things to get Seto into bed, and he really didn’t think there would be a snowball’s chance with Seto otherwise, but they had gotten to be friendly the last few months, and if they could maintain an actual friendship, maybe that would make it all okay.

~.~

“It was disgusting, you should have seen him this morning, Mai. I thought Tristan told us he didn’t like Kaiba.” Joey was grumbling. They were in the elevator of the hospital, with the pizza. “And that blueberry muffin. Tristan wanted to make sure he picked out a really good looking one. We must have been in that damn bakery for ten minutes. I’ve never seen someone make that much ado over a blueberry muffin.”

“Joey, did it ever occur to you that maybe Tristan said he didn’t like Kaiba because he knew you’d react like this.”

“He didn’t have to lie about it.”

“It’s not like anything would happen if he did like Kaiba, Joey.”

“That’s where you’re wrong. I think Seto Kaiba likes Tristan back.” The elevator door opened and Mai and Joey made their way into the wing where Mokuba’s hospital room was. “Just watch the interaction between them. It’s sickening.”

~.~

“Why can’t I have pizza?” Mokuba complained.

“I got you ice cream, Mokuba. You can’t have pizza, I told you yesterday, that oily grease isn’t going to do you any good.” Tristan gave Mokuba a cup of mint chocolate chip.

“So how are you feeling, Mokuba? Okay?” Yugi asked.

“Um hum, they did some tests this morning.”

“Have they figured out which bacteria is causing the pneumonia?” Tristan asked, turning back to Mokuba’s brother.

“Yeah. They’ve already started him on some new antibiotics.”

“That’s good news,” Yami thought, smiling at Mokuba.

“Hey, look what I found!” Bakura entered the room with a wheelchair. He spun it around a couple of times, the other people in the room watching, captivated. “Let’s take this baby for a test drive, Mokuba, hop on.”

“Bakura, stop it. Where did you find that?” Ryou asked, glaring at his yami.

“Some old lady was sitting on it.”“Bak“Bakura!” Ryou, Yugi, Yami and Duke complained in unison.

“Come on, Mokuba, let’s go terrorize the kids in the children’s ward.”

“Let’s not and say we did,” Joey answered. Bakura rolled his eyes.

“It would be nice to walk around awhile,” Yugi thought.

“Don’t encourage him,” Yami mentioned. Yami and Yugi exchanged a look. “I suppose, if it’s okay with Kaiba perhaps we could walk to the cafeteria, give Mokuba a chance to leave the room.”

Everyone turned to look at Kaiba. “Please, Seto. Can’t we go walking around the hospital, just a little bit? I know they’ll take care of me. Please!”

“Mokuba, I don’t think that would be…”

“Please. I’ll be fine. Besides, I feel a lot better today. Ever since they changed the medication.”

“He has gotten a lot of his color back,” Mai agreed.

“We’d only walk around for fifteen minutes or so,” Yami assured him.

“Please, Seto! Please, please!” Seto sighed. He was too much of a pushover when it came to his younger brother.

“Fifteen minutes.” Everyone smiled. Tea and Joey helped Mokuba out of bed. Bakura picked him up and flopped him into the chair.

“I’m driving!” Bakura announced.

“Oh no you don’t. Kaiba will never let us visit Mokuba again if you do. I’ll drive,” Ryou insisted.

“We’re going to the cafeteria right?” Yugi asked, throwing his pizza in the garbage.

“Let’s swing by the maternity ward, and take a look at the newborn babies,” Tea added.

“As long as we can take a detour through the morgue,” Bakura said, whizzing out of the room, Mokuba squealing in delight.

“We better catch up to him,” Joey started. They took off out of the room. Tristan lingered behind a little, trying not to look obvious about it.

“You’d at least think they’d have the decency to clean up after themselves,” Tristan started, walking around the room, grabbing plates. Seto helped him.

“Mokuba’s going to be okay with them?” Seto asked, looking at Tristan out the corner of his eye.

“Yeah, they’re a little crazy, but I’m sure as long as Bakura’s not driving it will be okay.” There’s Tristan’s smile again. Heilliilling me. Tristan opened the garbage bag and Seto threw the rest of the trash into it.

“We should probably find somewhere to dump this.” Tristan nodded. They headed out of the room, Seto closing it behind them.

“I wonder if they have a trash shoot or something,” Tristan thought.

“I’m sure we can leave it with an orderly.” Eventually Seto and Tristan found one and did just that.

“When Serenity was here, I used to read to her, she couldn’t do too much else since she had the eye patches on,” Tristan explained. They were sitting in a section of seats facing a set of windows, overlooking Domino City. “It soothed her, me reading to her. I think it helped some.”

“I’ll have to remember that.” Seto gave him a look, then glanced out the windows again.

“So what happens once Mokuba gets home, are you going to go back to school?”

“Yes.”

“What about work?”

“I can’t be gone all day. Mokuba needs me now. He comes first.”

“We could come over after school, check up on him. It’s not a problem.” Tristan flinched a little at Seto’s look. “I know, you can handle this alone, but you can’t be gone from work for six to eight weeks. We could alternate, make a schedule…”

“Tristan, listen. I’m just going to be blunt about this. I’ve always been able to take care of anything that’s been thrown at me. I’ve never needed to rely on anyone. Granted, I am appreciative of your concern Mok Mokuba and I but I’ll figure something out. I don’t think it will be necessary for you to…”

“I’m only trying to help, Kaiba. Why don’t you want me to help you? Why does it have to be you against the world all the time?”

“Tristan, I’ve learned the only person I can always rely on is myself.”

“Yeah, that may be true, but sometimes you can be your own worst enemy.” Seto narrowed his eyes. “All I’m saying is, I’m more than willing to sacrifice an afternoon or two a week so you can get your work done. You make it seem as if spending time with Mokuba will be a burden. I love the little guy.”

“I understand all that, Tristan. I don’t want to argue with you about this.”

“I don’t want to argue with you either, I just don’t want you to dismiss the entire thing. After you bring Mokuba home maybe we can talk aboutagaiagain. See what the situation is.” Seto gave Tristan a look.

“We’ll talk about this then.” There’s that smile of his.

“So, how has everything else been, I mean besides Mokuba. How much sleep did you get last night?”

“Two…three hours tops.”

“Kaiba!”

“I just don’t like the idea of sleeping knowing he’s so sick.”

“And what happens when you get sick?”

“I won’t be getting sick, Tristan.” Tristan rolled his eyes. “Tristan, you don’t have to concern yourself with me.”

“I want to.” Seto lifted his eyebrow. Tristan gave him another look and stared out the window. What is he talking about? He WANTS to concern himself with me? Meaning what. I don’t believe this…

“I’m only trying to help, Kaiba. But if you don’t want me to, I won’t. I guess I didn’t take your feelings into consideration. If you wanted us around you would have told us about Mokuba being here in the first place. It was wrong of me to presume I knew what was best for you.” Seto turned to look at him.

“Tristan…” Now what am I supposed to say?

“I’m not offended. It’s fine.”

“Tristan…listen…” I don’t believe I’m trying to explain this to him…. “I’m not used to taking charity. I’m really flattered you are so concerned.” Tristan looked at him, quirking an eyebrow. “I just don’t want you to feel obligated about being the bigger person and assisting me because of it.”

Tristan looked Seto squarely in the eye. “I’m not doing it because I feel obligated, Seto. I assure you.” Seto gave him a look. Great, now he knows I like him. This is only going to get worse. But what was that crack about being flattered? I don’t believe I said that. This isn’t the time or the place for such feelings. For such nonsense. I…

“I think we should be getting back to the room now, I don’t want Mokuba to wonder what’s become of us.” Seto stood up and headed down the corridor. Tristan sighed to himself and followed.

Yeah, Tristan, that was a really good idea. Good thing pracpraclly lly told him how you felt.

~.~

It was getting late, Mai, Tea, Duke, Ryou, Bakura and Joey had all already left for the evening. Yugi, Yami and Tristan were the only three who remained in Mokuba’s room. Seto sat quietly in the corner. Mokuba and Yugi were busy playing another game of Chinese checkers. Yami and Tristan were watching amused. No one said anything about Tristan and Seto returning to Mokuba’s room nearly a half hour after the others, of course by then they were all busy laughing and carrying on, to Seto’s chagrin.

“I won!” Mokuba announced.

“I think I’m done. That’s three games in a row. Either of you want to try and beat him?” Yugi asked, standing up to stretch.

“No. He already beat me twice,” Yami answered, smiling at his light. “Besides, it’s getting late. Your grandfather will probably be getting worried.”

“Okay. Yeah, visiting hours will probably be over soon.” Yami stood up and helped Yugi put on his jacket. “We had fun today, Mokuba. I hope you did too.”

“Um hum.” Mokuba smiled at the nearly identical teens.

“We’ll be by tomorrow morning,” Yami added.

“Tristan, are you leaving too?” Mokuba asked, glancing at Seto who was still sitting in the corner with his laptop.

“Well, Yami drove over here. I didn’t bring my motorcycle,” Tristan answered.

“Oh,” Mokuba said, a pout coming to his face.

“I’d love to stay though, Mokuba. Honest.” Mokuba sighed, and looked over at Seto, who finallyk hik his cue and looked up.

“If Tristan wants to stay a little longer I can drive him home later.” Mokuba smiled.

“Kaiba, I don’t want you to go through any trouble.” Tristan glanced in the corner. Seto was looking at him over his laptop.

“Least I can do. My way of saying thank you for the blueberry muffin.” Tristan smiled at him.

“Well, then, I guess we’ll see you tomorrow, Tristan.” Yugi said, smiling up at him. Tristan stood up and followed Yami and his lover towards the door. “Goodnight, Kaiba, goodnight, Mokuba,” Yugi added.

“Goodnight, Yugi.”

Yami put on his coat and gave Tristan a look. “We’ll see you tomorrow morning, Tristan. Take care.” There was a hint of something else in Yami’s voice. Tristan wasn’t sure he wanted to know what it was. Seto didn’t notice. With that, Yami and Yugi left.

~.~

The nurse arrived at 10:00 to tell Mokuba that any of his remaining guests would have to leave the hospital. Visiting hours were over. Mokuba and Tristan had been laughing about Mokuba’s friends from school for the past few hours, and Seto had sat in his corner with his computer, seemingly uninterested. The nurse’s appearance had come as quite a shock.

“Tristan, I don’t want you to leave. Please stay!” Tristan looked into those gray eyes, the ones that had Seto Kaiba doing everything the owner of those eyes wanted.

“It’s late, Mokuba. Tristan should be getting home.” Seto stood up, closing the laptop. Tristan was more than a little startled at Seto’s words, he had nearly forgotten he had been in the room.

“Wouldn’t it be great if Tristan could spend the night with us. It’s Friday, there’s no school.”

“Mokuba, be reasonable, Tristan has been here all afternoon, and he’s come the last two days. He’s visited you five times already. He needs some rest.”

“I’d love to stay, Kiddo. But yeardeard the nurse. I have to leave.”

“But you’re family! As far as I’m concerned.” Tristan shuddered at Mokuba’s admission. He didn’t realize Mokuba cared so much. He was truly touched. “Seto, couldn’t Tristan spend the night? Please?”

“Mokuba…” Seto stopped. This was a battle he wasn’t going to win. “It’s not my decision to make, Mokuba.” Seto glanced at the nurse who looked like she was planning on objecting, but as Seto narrowed his eyes he knew the nurse would do as he asked, if she still wanted to be employed at the hospital in the morning.

"Why can't Tristan spend the night here, how much do you donate to the hospital every year? Who cares if visiting hours are over?" Mokuba turned and looked at the nurse and his brother.

"I don't mind spending the night with you, Mokuba, but it is hospital policy," Tristan began, seeing the sadness wash over Mokuba's features.

"If Tristan doesn't mind staying for the evening I'm sure the nurse can make the appropriate arrangements. Am I right?" Seto asked, giving the nurse a look.

"Of course, Mr. Kaiba." The nurse gave the three males a look and left the room. Seto turned his attentions to Mokuba who was smiling warmly and to the other brunet. Tristan couldn't help but blush at Seto's look and looked away.

“You can sleep in the other bed. I won’t have much use for it tonight, I have more work I want to finish.” Tristan looked back at the CEO.

“You’re kidding me, Kaiba. You haven’t been getting any kind of sleep. Why don’t you take a little nap, and I’ll stay up with Mokuba for a while. Then later on we’ll switch.”

“Out of the question.” Mokuba sighed.

“Don’t be so stubborn, Seto. Don’t you trust, Tristan? He’s been taking good care of me all night while you’ve been working.” Mokuba was making a valid point. Even though Mokuba was responding to the medication he was still pretty sick, and three times he had had a coughing attack, and Tristan had been there before Seto even had a chance to get up from his seat. By the third time Seto hadn’t even gotten up, Tristan rubbed Mokuba’s back and gave him water and the incident was over. Setostedsted Tristan completely, he had already proved that he was genuine…Still…

“Kaiba, I’m not going to be taking no for an answer. Take a nap, please.” Tristan had placed his hand on his shoulder. Now that Seto knew things couldn’t get much worse.

“Tristan…”

“Two hours, I’ll wake you up, and you can go back to sitting up all night, worrying. You’re the one getting paler than Ryou, Kaiba. And you’re really not looking good. You had one slice of pizza and part of a baked potato for dinner. That’s like all you’ve eaten all day.”

“There was the blueberry muffin,” Seto added, giving Tristan a look. Tristan smiled. Seto could feel his heart melting. As inappropriate as it sounded, ouldould see himself throwing Tristan onto the other bed and spending the rest of the night penetrating him until the sun came up. He just didn’t get how hot he was, or how he had made Seto fall for him.

“Good, then it’s settled. You’re sleeping. Get into bed.”

“Change into your pajamas first, Seto,” Mokuba insisted. There’s some in your bag. “Tristan, you can probably wear some of Seto’s clothes to sleep in. There’s like three pairs of pajama bottoms in there.”

Seto headed into the bathroom, with a change of clothes, just grateful to be getting sleep. When he emerged Tristan had already slipped into a pair of his maroon silk boxers and an oversized t-shirt, he was lying on Mokuba’s bed, Mokuba resting in the crock of his arm. “Tristan’s gonna read me a story, Seto. But don’t listen to us. Go to sleep.”

“Two hours, Tristan. I mean it, I have a lot of work to finish.” Tristan nodded. Seto was walking over to him. He smiled at Mokuba and placed a gentle kiss on his forehead. “I’ll be right in the other bed if you need me, Mokuba. Okay?”

“Um hum. I’m fine. Sleep. Please.” Seto looked into Tristan’s soft eyes. Tristan smiled. Seto let go, and smiled back. “Goodnight, Seto.”

“Goodnight, Mokuba,” Seto returned, not taking his eyes off of the other brunet. Tristan got a little startled and looked back at Mokuba. Seto sighed, inwardly, and got into the other bed. It would be the first time he got into a sincsince Tuesday evening, and it only took three minutes before, Seto drifted off into a deep sleep.

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.

Mokuba didn’t make it through the entire bedtime story. Tristan stayed awake as long as possible, Mokuba sleeping in his arms. Eventually though he retreated to the land of nod. He woke up around seven in the morning, with a creak in his neck, only getting three hours of sleep. Mokuba was already awake, watching television.

“I see you let my brother sleep,” Mokuba started, giving Tristan a smile.

“There was no way I was going to let him get up after two hours. I’d let him sleep some more if I didn’t know Yugi and everyone would be here so early in the morning. Yami said around nine. I suppose I can let him sleep a little longer though.” Any hour later, after Tristan was dressed in some of Seto’s spare clothes he decided it was time to wake up the sleeping beauty in the next bed.

“I know he’s gonna want a shower before they come by. So I guess you’ll have to wake him. Just be careful, Seto’s not a morning person. And you did lie to him last night, so he’s probably going to be really cranky.”

“I’ll keep that in mind, Mokuba.” Tristan decided he had mine as well get the unavoidable over with.

Tristan shook him, gently, Seto rolled over, with a moan. “Wake up, you blue eyed white dragon. It’s time to rise and shine.” Seto opened his eyes. The first thing he noticed was how bright it was. It was definitely not two hours later.

“What time is it?” Seto asked, nasty, sitting up abruptly.

“Time to get a shower. Yugi and everyone will be here before long. And they’re bringing us breakfast.”

“You’re wearing my clothes.” Tristan looked down at his shirt and back up into blue eyes. “Who said you could wear my clothes?”

“You did, last night.”

“Take them off. Now. I won’t have you walking around dressed like me.”

“Take them off and wear what?”

“Walk around naked for all I care. It’s too early. Go away.” Seto’s head hit the pillow. Tristan sighed.

“Wake up, Kaiba. If you’re not dressed Bakura’s going to make a big scene.”

“I’ll send him to the Shadow Realm. Now leave me alone.”

“Kaiba, do you have any idea how incoherent you sound right now? You’re making no sense. Get up.”

“It’s too early.”

“They’ll be here soon. Get up.” Tristan pulled Seto into a sitting position, harshly. Seto gave him a lethal look. Tristan helped Seto stand up. He pulled him across the room and throw him into the bathroom with something to wear.

Seto was halfway through his shower when what he said to the other brunet only minutes earlier registered. I told him to walk around naked? What am I nuts? Of course the idea of Tristan naked was a wonderful one. Seto could imagine how built Tristan was, how defined and toned his chest was. With that slight tan, and those broad shoulders. Tristan was a Greek god, and the idea of watching him walk around unclothed was definitely appealing.

Seto got dressed and tried clearing his head. He had woke up with a migraine and now he was feeling dizzy on top of it. He hadn’t said anything to Tristan or Mokuba, really not wanting them to complain about his recent behavior as it pertained to his health. And picturing Tristan undressed had been enough of a distraction to keep his mind off the pain in his neck and shoulders. He was fine, he just needed to sit down for a little while. When Seto finally came out of the bathroom Yugi and Yami had already arrived.

“Bagel and cream cheese, and an egg sandwich, we figured you could use the protein,” Yugi explicated, bouncing over to the taller teen and handing him breakfast.

“Thank you.” Seto rubbed his temples and sat down. He wasn’t sure if he could continue standing up for much longer anyway. He wasn’t feeling to well. Maybe he could lay down a little bit, with Yami, Yugi and Tristan all here he knew Mokuba would be okay. Seto sighed. He opened the bag of food and took bites of the sandwich, he wasn’t sure if he should be eating eggs either, but didn’t want Tristan to nag him again, so he swallowed the food down, in large lumps.

“You alright there, Kaiba, you don’t look so good,” Tristan asked, giving him a look.

“You got him to sleep last night, I hope,” Yami asked, handing Seto a cup of orange juice. “He looks quite pale.”

“Yeah, he slept, I felt bad waking him up this morning. Kaiba, you sure you’re okay, you really have lost a lot of your color.”

“I’m fine.”

“You look like you’re coming down with something. Look at him, Yami, doesn’t it look like Kaiba’s getting a cold or something?”

“Yes, Aibou. It does. Kaiba, do want some asprin?”

“I already told you I’m fine. Leave it alone.”

“Kaiba, Yami and Yugi are just worried that’s all.”

“Stop fucking worrying!” Seto stood up, suddenly, and narrowed his eyes. Not a good idea, another wave of dizziness washed over him the orange juice fell to the floor.

“Kaiba? Kaiba?” He looked towards the general blurriness that was in the direction Tristan’s voice was coming from.

“I’m going to be sick…” the CEO half mumbled. Tristan sprang into action and grabbed him before he teetered over and fell to the floor.

“Quick, get him into the bathroom,” Yami demanded, helping Tristan drag him in there.

“Seto? Are you okay, Seto?” Mokuba cried, hearing the familiar sounds of vomiting coming from the next room.

Yugi held Mokuba’s hand and squeezed it. When Tristan, Yami and Seto emerged Seto was being led by the other two, moaning softly. “Aibou, we’re taking him home. Can you stay here with Mokuba?”

“Of course, Yami.” Mokuba and Yugi exchanged looks.

“No, I’m not going home. Mokuba, he needs me…”

“No, Seto. Go home, you’re sick. I’m worried about you. Tristan there’s the access codes for the house in his wallet.”

“Okay.” Tristan grunted and picked Seto up, swinging him over his shoulder. Seto was in no position to protest, clinging to Tristan’s shirt, wishing the room would stop spinning so he could demand Tristan put him down.

“I’ll be back, Aibou.”

“I’m going to stay with him,” Tristan announced they left the room and were on the way to the Kaiba Mansion. Seto was laying against Tristan in the back seat, mumbling barely audible obscenities.

“He’s got a fever, I’m wondering if we should have left him in the hospital,” Tristan thought, wishing Yami would drive faster.

“He’ll be okay, he’s just overtired. As soon as he’s in bed he’ll be fine.”

“Tristan…damn it…I need to be at the hospital.”

“What you need is to sleep.”

“Tristan, I’m going to puke.” Seto made a face. Yami switched lanes and slammed on the breaks, Tristan swung open the door and Seto leaned over him throwing up on the pavement, some of it hitting Tristan, some of it running down his chin.

“We need to get him home right now.” Yami nodded. Tristan took off his shirt, well, rather, Seto’s shirt, and used it to wipen Sen Seto as best they could.

It was another project getting the CEO into the house and up the stairs. “It’s the seventh to the right…” Seto said, as Yami opened the door to Seto’s bedroom. “Put me down, Tristan. Right now. You’re both fired, get out.”

“I’m wondering how much of his ranting is fever induced and how much of it is that old Kaiba charm,” Tristan wondered.

“Find something else to wear, I’ll get him to brush his teeth,” Yami mentioned, as Tristan dumped Seto into the master bathroom. When Yami was done Tristan picked Seto up again, Seto kicking all the way. He slammed Seto hard onto the bed, in frustration.

“He’s like a baby when he’s sick,” Tristan grumbled, just pulling on another shirt. “Let’s change his pants, he got some vomit on them. Seto grumbled about not liking gray sweat pants. “He’s about two seconds away to me punching him in the safe deposit box.”

“Patience, Tristan. There, he’s all redressed. Let’s pull him up and get him to lay down.”

They ged ged Seto’s body into the covers. “Wear this sweatshirt, you have the shakes, Kaiba,” Yami said, handing him the sweatshirt.

“Go fuck yourself, where is Mokuba?”

“Ra, give me strength.”

“Here, I got it from here, go back to Yugi and Mokuba, I’ll call you later.” Yami narrowed his eyes at Seto who kept trying to get out of bed. The sweatshirt flew across the room, Tristan was holding Seto down who was still struggling.

“You sure about that?”

“Yes, Yami. Go back to the hospital.” Yami sighed and left the room, saying a silent prayer as he heard Seto cursing at Tristan some more.

“What the fuck, get out of my room, Tristan.”

“You’re freezing, lay down so I can wrap you in the blankets.” Tristan started tucking them around Seto’s trembling body, but they didn’t seem to do anything.

“Get out, right now, or I’ll call security.”

“Fine, I’ll go.” Tristan sighed, and made like he was leaving the room.

“Wait, where the Hell are you going, I’m fucking freezing!” Tristan sighed again. He went into the bathroom, pulled out some aspirin, nearly forcing them down the other’s throat. Once that project was done he pulled the blankets off of Seto enough so that he could slip in there with him. “I’m not going to sleep with you, no matter how many times you ask, you asshole, get out of my bed.”

“Kaiba, shut up. Stay still.” Tristan wrapped his arms around Seto, who was still violently shivering.

“What are you doing?” Seto asked, yawning, he stopped fighting it and allowed Tristan to press himself into him. Seto curled up into Tristan, his head resting into the other brunet’s chest.

“It’s called body heat. Now lay still and go to sleep.”

“Mokuba needs me.”

“He needs you to be healthy so you can take care of him. Now rest, Seto.”

“My name is Seto. You called me that. Why…why are you here, watching me?” Tristan sighed. Seto wasn’t making any sense. “Why, Tristan?”

“Because I care about you. I care for you, Seto. Now go to sleep.” Why don’t I just tell him I’m in love with him on top of it? Seto sighed, satisfied, and snuggled closer to Tristan, Tristan shivered, but held Seto firmly against him. Seto fell to sleep five minutes later.

~.~

“What time is it?” Seto was wide-awake, and sitting up. Memories of his sickened state were already plaguing him.

“It’s seven.”

“In the evening?”

“Yes. You were asleep all day. You needed it. Yami called more than once to make sure you were okay. Mokuba’s doing well. The doctors said he can leave tomorrow morning.” Seto gave Tristan a slightly confused look and withdrew his knees to his chest. He felt incredibly vulnerable, and he wanted nothing more than for Tristan to leave.

“Your housekeeper washed the clothes you threw up on. They’re over there.” Tristan pointed. Seto shivered, recalling the car incident quite vividly. Tristan gave Seto another look and placed his hand on the back of Seto’s neck. Seto resisted the urge to flinch. “Your fever’s gone. And you’ve gotten your color back. How do you feel? You hungry, I could make you some dinner.”

“I’m fine, Tristan. I need to be getting back to the hospital.” Seto slinked away from Tristan’s touch and stood up.

Tristan sighed. He wasn’t even sure if Seto remembered what he had said to him. But that was probably the least of his worries. Seto was already cold and distant, and whatever had happened between them before was probably now undone. Seto was taking off the sweatpants, and finding a pair of jeans, not thinking about Tristan watching him.

“Seto?” Seto stood still at the sound of his first name. That part hadn’t been a dream then. Tristan had actually said he cared for him, which was practically an admission of love. He didn’t turn around, but quickly put on his pants.

“Let’s be going.” Seto left the room, taking Tristan’s heart with him. Tristan suddenly didn’t want to go back to the hospital. He wanted to die.

“Can you drop me off home, I don’t want my parents to worry about me. They would have gotten home hours ago, and I’m sure they’re wondering why I didn’t come home last night. My mom still checks to see if my bed’s been slept in.” Seto gave Tristan a look and nodded. “Thanks.”

They rode to the Taylor residence in silence. Tristan sighed and got out before Seto had the chance to say anything. Seto watched Tristan retreat into the house and gripped the top of the steering wheel hard enough that his knuckles turned white. What the Hell, Seto? Why did you do that? He hates me, and it’s wn fwn fault for being a moron. This guy who cared for him, took care of Mokuba, who got him that blueberry muffin. And he had wn iwn it all away. For nothing


Author’s Endnotes This chapter’s all done. I’ll post the next one shortly. Reviews are appreciated. Thanks in advance. I know, poor Tristan. But things get better next chapter. I promise. There’s even a lemon. Until then I leave you with this:

“You look sore. Anything I can help you with?”

“Not unless you’re a chiropractor.”

“Actually I took a massage therapy class over the summer. I could help you work out some of the knots.” Seto’s artic eyes were melting at the thought. “What do you say?”

“I don’t want to hold you up if you have to be getting home.”

“Nah, I’m in no rush to go home to an empty house. My parents aren’t getting home until tomorrow. Besides, I could use the practice.”

“Why, are you planning on becoming a massage therapist?” Tristan shook his head no. “Then what would be the motivation behind taking such a summer course?”

“It’s a great pick up line,” Tristan admitted, smiling seductively. Does he have any idea how hot he is, or is he completely clueless, Seto wondered. “Let me ease some of that tension, hum?”