Small Favors

Jou sat up in bed, pondering the day’s events. He was not really so disappointed anymore about the end of his infatuation with Yugi. Sure, he was heartbroken at first. It was just like Seto said; nothing mattered anymore. Man, ifo hao hadn’t shown up just then. . . . He had done a lot more than just give Jou a ride home.

Jounouchi replayed the trip in his mind and smiled. Of course he was aware of how handsome Seto was. That meant nothing when they were bitter enemies. Now, Seto’s attractive featurere mre magnified by his improving personality. They had become closer in that one, short ride than they had been since the day they met. As Jou lay down and closed his eyes, he decide woe would not mind being a bit closer.

*~*~*

A few weeks passed without any sudden, drastic changes. Jou still kept in contact with Yugi, but the almost obsessive need to see him and talk to him was fading. Meanwhile, his casual friendship with Seto steadily grew. The two boys playfuexchexchanged insults when they saw each other, and began meeting on weekends. They never talked about Seto’s favor; that memory was left to slowly settle itself into a corner of Jou’s mind.

Even Seto let himself forget the details of the lucky day that he finally got on his puppy’s good side. In fact, it was the last thing on his mind as he shared an after-dinner drink with one of the most powerful men in Japan, Otoji Toyoshima. So far, everything was going smoothly. Seto smiled confidently as he watched the businessman enjoy his sake, but he did not dare congratulate himself yet. There was sttimetime for something to go wrong, and this man could crush Kaiba Corp without even blinking.

Toyoshima leered at Seto. “Now that your brother is tucked away in bed and the servants are . . . occupied, why don’t we discuss some more personal matters?”

Seto’s smile faltered only momentarily before he replied, “As you wish.”

“Your brother is growing up to be a handsome young man. He’s got quite a bright future ahead of him, hmm?”

Where is he going with this? Seto nodded, trying not to appear worried.

“You know, I have a few friends in businesses . . . unmentionable in polite company who would give a lot to have a boy like Mokuba working for them.”

Seto barely avoided dropping his glass.

“What do you want with Mokuba?”

Toyoshima chuckled. “Why, nothing at all, if you give me what I want.”

Seto stopped pretending to be calm. “And what would that be?”

Toyoshima leaned towards him and attempted a charming smile that only succeeded in being disturbing. “You, Kaiba. For one full night.”

This time, the glass shattered.

“Of course, you are free to refuse, but,” Toyoshima placed his hand on Seto’s thigh and ru it it appreciatively, “you know what the consequences would be.” He stood up. “You have one day to decide. I will return tomorrow evening.”

Witat, at, one of the most powerful men in Japan turned and left the room. Seto shakily got to his feet and pressed a button.

“Please send someone to see Mr. Toyoshima out safely, and have his servants alerted to his departure.” The total helplessness of his situation finally hit him, and he struck the wall in anger. A few loosely hung paintings dropped. Seto pressed the button again. “Also, there has been a small accident. Pleasve ive it cleaned up.” Seto bowed his head and slowly walked to his bedroom.