A Year With You

Malik blinked at Yami, not sure he heard the snooty almighty one right. He shoved his finger in his ear cleaning it out and looked to Bakura for clarification. “Let me get this straight, you want us to spy on Kaiba, to figure out his secret past?” Yami nodded head held high and he snorted. “I’m concerned for Jou. He is very fragile and Kaiba’s past is a mystery. I want you to solve that mystery.” He felt a slow smile creep over his face and he nodded as Bakura just looked at Yami blandly. “What’s in it for us? I know what’s in it for you but what do we get?” He stared at Bakura as Yami glared. “I can’t think of something that would amuse you.” A slow wicked smirk took over Bakura’s face. “You, we want you to do what ever we say for one day. I swear we would never make you do anything to hurt anyone. Also, what ever happens will stay between the three of us.” Yami nodded slowly and he almost giggled in glee. “Fine. I will do what ever you say for one day after you find out about Kaiba’s past and I do want all of his past.” He nodded eagerly.

~~~
Mokuba tracked down the two ancient spirits of trouble. He smiled sweetly at first then glared. “Alright, listen up. My brother and I need your help. Come to Kaiba Corp at midnight. You will be well compensated for your work. We will talk terms and what we need done when you show up.” The two spirits nodded and he grabbed them both close. “You will show you. If you hurt my brother or cause him any problems I will cause you pain. Just know that I have endless resources and when it comes to my brother I will hold nothing back. Are we clear?” Both nodded and Mokuba happily skipped off.

~~~
Jou held his breath waiting to talk to Bakura. The ancient thief looked at him with a board gaze. Jou felt him self smile nervously. “Bakura, I need your help. I know it’s not my place but I really need to find out more about Seto’s past. Just tell me what ever you can and I’d be grateful. So will you help?” The spirit nodded absently and he nodded swiftly leaving to go to his next class.

Bakura mused in silence. He and Malik had gotten three offers all revolving around Kaiba. He wanted to know what the big secret that Kaiba hid was. There was just one small problem. He was terrified of Mokuba Kaiba. The Kaiba brothers had very few scruples when it came to hurting one of their own. However, Kaiba seemed more reluctant to hurt other people than his brother. He had the feeling that Mokuba would and could torture them slowly and painfully until they once again begged for death. He knew he would be at that office tonight he just didn’t know if he would tell Yami and Jou what he found out. He decided it deepened on the information and what Kaiba needed. Maybe Kaiba needed a business rival taken out with blackmail. The favor Kaiba asked could have nothing to do with his past. Then he could still please Yami and Jou. He just needed to think of a way to get around Mokuba. That was the major problem on his mind.

~~~
Jou looked at Seto across the room feeling a little guilty. Seto had been good to him and he had gone behind his lover’s back. Blue eyes locked on to his and Seto gave him a small flicker of a smile. He smiled back feeling all the more guilty. He loved Seto and he knew Seto loved him. He sighed deciding he could no longer face his boyfriend. Tears came to his eyes as he thought about all that Seto had given him and how he had betrayed the brunet. He thought over the other day and what they had done and sighed. He didn’t think he could give Seto up but he had to be honest with his lover.

Yugi watched Jou carefully. His friend was suffering. He glared at Kaiba who was looking at Jou with a deep concern. He blinked and looked back at Jou. His friend was clearly torn about something. He looked to Kaiba who looked worried, guilty, and hurt. He sat back confused. He wasn’t sure if he should be mad at Kaiba or if he should ask Jou what was happening.

~~~

Seto snagged Jou as class ended and his lover gave him a pained look. Guilt hit him full force about what had transpired the other day. “Jou, I’m sorry.” He whispered softly and his lover gave him a puzzled look. “Why for what?” He opened his mouth then snapped it looking around then dragged his puppy off to an empty classroom. Jou gave him a guilty look and he was suddenly puzzled. “So what are you sorry for, Seto?” He looked at his puppy and stroked his face. “The other day when we…well I just feel that I pushed you into something you weren’t ready for.” His lover chuckled stroking his face and kissing him deeply. “Seto, don’t feel guilty. I was more than ready for what happened. I love you and what happened the other day was so wonderful and so right now I would never think other wise.” He smiled relaxing and kissing his puppy softly. “So tell me pup, why are you acting so anguished?” Jou heaved a great sigh resting his head against Seto while he gripped his lover’s slender wrists tightly. Seto wanted to hold Jou but the death grip on his wrists prevented him from doing much.

Jou felt tears sting his eyes and he took in a few shuddering breaths. Seto might hate him and he knew he would rather die and hurt the brunet. “Seto, I did something stupid. I did something that can hurt you very badly. I just don’t want you to hate me.” His lover went stiff and tried to pull away but he just held on more tightly. “Jou, let me go. Tell me what you did.” His lover’s voice was cold and he flinched. “I asked Bakura to look into your past. I know it was wrong but part of me needs to know. I’m sorry.” Seto went still and then chuckled pulling him closer. “Silly puppy. All you had to do was ask me. I am a little more ready to talk about it now than I was before. We’ll talk when we get home, ok?” He nodded against Seto’s shoulder trying to calm his pounding heart. “Do you hate me?” He asked softly and Seto chuckled kissing his head. “Jou, I don’t hate you. I don’t think I could unless you cheated on me or hurt Mokuba.” He laughed softly and wrapped his arms around Seto’s waist. “I love Mokuba so I’d never hurt him. I’d never cheat on you because you are just too sexy and no one could ever compare and I love you too much to even consider it.” Warm hands stroked his hair. “Good. I love you, too, pup.” He laughed snuggling into Seto just savoring the moment.

~~~
Seto looked at Jou then sighed deeply looking at Mokuba for strength. His little brother stood and took his hand. “You can do this, Seto.” He nodded and looked at Jou once more. His lover stood and kissed him, softly stroking his face while Mokuba continued to hold his hand. “Seto, if you aren’t ready don’t tell me.” He smiled at Jou and took his lover’s hand. “Jou, Gozoburo used to rape me. I let him because he said if I didn’t he would go after Mokuba. I’m afraid of sex and of some other things because they have always been forced on me.” Jou’s eyes filled with tears. Seto gripped Mokuba’s hand as he saw his puppy slowly fading away from him.

Jou hugged Seto tightly, feeling like an ass for pushing his boyfriend as far as he did. He cried into a strong shoulder and a hand came up and slowly rubbed his back. “Seto, I’m so sorry! I’ve been pushing you and pushing you and here you are afraid. I’m such a jerk! Seto, forgive me.” His lover hugged him tightly, kissing him deeply. “There is nothing to forgive, puppy. I love you and I have wanted us to get as far as we have. If I hadn’t, we wouldn’t. Trust me, pup.” He nodded kissing Seto back with reckless abandon. He could feel it in his bones that if he held back, Seto would be deeply hurt. He held nothing back, not the pain he felt for learning of what his lover went though, nor the love he felt for the strong man that he cherished.

Mokuba smiled, happy that Jou had accepted what his brother had gone though. He was also glad Jou showed no hesitation in loving his brother as he had before. He knew it was one of Seto’s fears. He was happy but he was also irritated because he brother still had a vice like grip on his hand. “Hay Seto, you can let go of me any time now.” He said as he watched Seto and Jou move steadily to second base. He started to tug his hand but he couldn’t free himself from his brother. “Seto, I swear if I see any tongue between you and Jou while you are still holding on to me I will bite you.” His brother pulled away from Jou and grabbed him in a fierce hug. “Thank you for supporting me, Mokie. Now we have a meeting to attend.” He nodded shoving his brother off of him.

~~~
Bakura looked at the security guard who nodded and swiped a card then turned a key opening the doors to Kaiba Corp. He nodded once and glanced at Malik as they walked though the dead hall ways. It was late enough that even the cleaning crew had gone home for the night. He walked over pressing the button for the elevator and the machine arrived with a silent hiss. He stepped in jamming the button for the top floor.

Malik remained quiet feeling Bakura’s silent tension. Kaiba was a dangerous enemy. He sighed as they reached the top floor as the doors slid open. Their only clue on where to go was the glow from a light under one of the doors. He and Bakura walked over and he expected to be stopped once more but they were able to open the door with out hindrance. He looked around noting where the others in the room were. Kaiba was by the window staring at the city. Jou was dozing on the couch and Mokuba was sitting at the computer. Blue eyes regarded him though their reflection in the window and he felt ill at ease.

Seto smiled not saying a word for a long moment just staring at the two ancient spirits. His hand touched the cool glass next to him. “Have you ever wondered what it would be like to fall from a 100 story building?” His voice was soft as he was more asking himself than the others in the room. “What are we here for Kaiba?” Bakura all but growled and he smiled. The spirit was uncomfortable. He turned slowly studying the two before him. “I killed a man.” His eyes drifted back to the city watching all the shining lights glimmer in the darkness. “I pushed him from the window of the Kaiba Corp building when I was fourteen. It wasn’t this building, mind you, I had the old one brought to the ground and built this one in its place. It’s nice don’t you think?”

Bakura grew tense and nervous watching the cool and calm brunet talking about murder. He thought Kaiba to soft for murder but he was wrong and he knew it now. He saw it in the way Kaiba’s eyes would flick to Mokuba or Jou. If any one hurt the ones he loved he would make them pay for it. “I’m sick of your games, Kaiba, what the hell are we here for?” Those piercing blue eyes turned to him once more and he felt his body betray him by taking a step back. “I play no games, Bakura. What I brought you here for is difficult for me to speak of. It is hard for me to ask this favor but it is something I can not do on my own.” Kaiba’s body language changed. The teen billionaire went from being in charge to being venerable. It scared the hell out of Bakura. “Are you two hungry or thirsty?” Mokuba asked softly from his seat while staring at his brother. Kaiba leaned against the window one hand by his head while the other wrapped around his torso. Blue eyes lost in thought stared at nothing while the city lights made them glow.

Mokuba knew how much Seto was asking and how hard it was for his brother. Seto was trusting two people he could hardly stand to be in the same room with, with a secret that could very well destroy him. Malik looked at him and nodded as did Bakura though the latter had a stiffer nod. “I’ll get some sodas. Seto, do you need anything?” His brother shook his head and he nodded heading to the break room. He grabbed a few sodas and then headed back to the room, handing them to the two spirits. “Have a seat, guys.” He gently motioned to the open couch and the two sat. “Mokuba, it is much too late for you to be having soda, please return it.” His brother said gently and he pouted but did as told.

Seto took a deep breath as his brother returned. Warm arms slid around him and he glanced at Jou who nodded. “The man I killed was my stepfather, Gozoburo Kaiba. I killed him for many reasons; one being he threatened my brother one too many times. However, he haunts me. The memories of the things he did torment my dreams. He used to beat me, rape me, use me, and other such things. I found out recently he taped them. However, I can’t find the tapes. That is where you come in. I need you to find those tapes.” He faced to two spirits locking eyes with both briefly. “Will you help me?”

Bakura saw the sudden truth. He saw what years of sexual, mental, and physical abuse had slowly done. He saw the glimmer of what Kaiba could have been with out the man that had adopted him. He also saw a friend who understood what he had suffered long ago. “Yes, we’ll help.” Malik said softly surprising him. “I need you to do something for me.” Jou said his voice low and dangerous. “Speak of what you have learned here to no one. Don’t tell Yami, Yugi or any of the others. If by chance your hikaris do find out make sure they tell no one.” Bakura nodded slowly. “I swear on Ryou’s love for me I will tell no one.” Malik swore the same and Jou nodded stiffly.

Jou looked to Seto and kissed his neck softly. He knew telling others had taken a lot out of his lover. He looked to Mokuba who looked stuck on what to do. The kid was so young and this had been a lot for Mokuba to learn and to support his brother through. “Should we go home?” He asked softly and Seto nodded not looking at him. “Where do we start looking?” Bakura asked softly and Jou looked to Mokuba. “The third floor of the mansion. You can start tomorrow. For tonight, get some sleep.” The young raven haired boy said gently looking to him in return.
~~~

Jou stepped into his room trying to dry his hair. He thought over all that Seto had told him and sighed flopping into his bed. The brunet had opened up and now he was able to study and understand the tip of the iceberg. However, there was still the tremendous mystery that loomed under the surface. He sighed heavily deciding he should really stop comparing Seto to a huge block of ice but sadly it was the best analogy he could think of. He had the facts but was missing details. He honestly wasn’t sure he wanted to know much more. He sighed deeply thinking of how frightened Seto looked tonight. He jumped up and sprinted to his lover’s room. He knocked softly and no answer was forth coming.

Seto thought he heard a knock but ignored it. Mokuba was asleep before they even got home and Jou had walked off to take a shower. He felt hurt. He thought Jou loved him and was willing to support him but his lover had ignored him. He went back to looking over the new game code he was working on because he had no plans to sleep tonight.

Jou poked his head in the door and spotted Seto at his desk. He walked over slowly knowing his lover must feel hurt and alone. “Seto?” His lover didn’t even look up at him and he felt tears flood his eyes. “Seto, I’m sorry. I was an insensitive jerk that left you alone when you needed me. I was tired and I wasn’t thinking straight. I’m sorry. Can I sleep in here with you tonight?” Blue eyes studied him for a long moment then Seto heaved a sigh running a hand through his hair. Jou studied Seto and noted signs of stress in the tight neck and shoulders. He also really noticed dark circles under deep eyes. “You haven’t slept well in a while have you?” Jou asked softly. His lover just looked at him but said nothing. Jou sighed and sat on the edge of Seto’s desk. “How about I give you a massage and we just relax and cuddle on your bed for a bit. We can watch movies or something then say ‘Screw the world’ and stay home tomorrow.” He got another bland look but again Seto said nothing. Jou sighed grabbing Seto’s chair and turning it to face him and slid into Seto’s lap and kissed him deeply. “So, how much more do I have to grovel before you’ll talk to me?” A slow smirk spread over Seto’s face and Jou knew he was in for trouble.

Seto smiled petting his puppy and reached into his desk drawer pulling out a pair of dog ears and placing them on Jou’s head. He pulled out a tail and handed it to Jou as well. His lover gave him an incredulous look but sighed attaching the tail to his pajama bottoms. Seto wrapped his arms around Jou’s waist letting his hands ghost over Jou’s bare stomach. He rested his chin on Jou’s shoulder and smiled. “I’m well on my way to forgiving you. Is that massage offer still valid?” Jou glared at him but then smiled and nodded. Seto gave in and kissed his puppy letting Jou lead him to the bed. He pulled off his shirt and handed Jou the oil trying to relax. His puppy was so good to him.
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Hello again sorry for the delay. Thanks to all my lovely reviewers and to my beta Tetsuya. Oh quick question does any one know how to get italics on this site. I put them in then they vanish when I post the chapter. thanks again I hope you all enjoyed this chapter.