Like Crushed Velvet

Like Crushed Velvet

Summary: Seto looks down on everyone but his chosen circle. Marik abuses everyone but his chosen circle. Can an Ice Prince and a High School gang leader see eye to eye?
Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-gi-oh. If I did…*begins to laugh evilly*
Warning: Beat ‘em Up.
Author’s Note: Not Kimi ga Iru! >w<

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Ryou and Yugi stood next to each other on the sidewalk, both looking cranky. Neither were morning people and when Seto’s limo pulled up, they both got in without words.

Seto raised his eyebrow and Yugi muttered introductions, while Ryou used his back as a pillow.

“Looks like we’re going for coffee then?”

Yugi nodded and curled up on the seat.

They drove a distance and Seto got out, returning sometime later with a cardboard holder with three coffees. They all took one and with one sip, Ryou was awake.

“How did you know I liked tea Kaiba-kun?”

The young CEO blinked at the boy. “You’re British.”

“But I might like coffee, you couldn’t have known.”

Yugi finished adding packets of sugar. “I think we’ve all known, since elementary school. You always declared, since you got here in fourth grade, that you were a proud citizen of the Queen and that no one knew how to prepare a decent cup of tea.”

“And it’s true too! It’s so atrocious the English accents you all walk around with, god save our English class.”

Seto chuckled and pointed to Yugi. “You mean Yugi? He can’t speak English to save his life!”

Ryou nodded and chuckled behind his hand. “How do you say ‘I’d Like to go to the airport’ in English Yugi?”

The spike haired boy didn’t take the bait and just huffed, drinking down his coffee. “You can both go to hell.”

When they got to school, Ryou thanked Kaiba for the ride and went off to join the rest of his friends who were already waiting, Malik giving a wave to Yugi before the group headed inside, leaving Yugi and Kaiba to their own devices.

“Ah, you know, they already have the club sign up for next year out! Do you want me to go get the list Seto-sempai?”

The boy rolled his eyes. “Don’t call me that crap! And no I don’t –”

Yugi was off before he could stop him and the CEO sighed wondering if it was such a good idea giving Yugi coffee at all. He went inside the school and went to his locker, flipping through some biology notes a last time before the bell was to ring.

He felt someone behind him and turned, scowling.

“Well if it isn’t the resident low-life? What do you want Marik?”

The Egyptian grinned, cat like. “I just wanted to apologize for yesterday. People with our status within school shouldn’t fight. It’ll confuse the other students!”

Seto frowned. “Our status? You must be out of your god damned mind. You’re no where near me you filth and don’t ever forget it.”

Marik growled. “You asshole, I’m trying to do a good deed here –”

“In a million years! Not now! You’ve got some plan I can see it in your beady eyes!” Seto pushed him away. “Now get lost, you’re breathing up all the clean air. Now I’ll have to wash my hands –.”

The spike haired boy punched him and Seto paused, raising his hand to his cheek. “You shouldn’t have done that.”

“‘Why rich boy, did it hurt?”

Nearby, some of the other Iron Spikes watched with growing interest, as did some other students.

“No, because now, I have the right to kick your ass.” Seto lunged forward then, Marik starting to block his face, when he was kneed in the stomach. Someone yelled fight and it was on.

They were rolling around on the floor kicking and punching, Seto’s hands around Marik’s neck.

“You piece of filth, my clothes cost more than anything you own! How dare you even touch me!”

Marik punched him in the face again, Seto’s lip bleeding. “When I’m done with you, you’ll need all that money to fix your face –Arg!”

Seto slammed his head into the floor, getting up to kick the boy in the side. Marik scrambled up, catching the knife Bakura tossed him and flicking it out.

“This is it for you…” he growled, spitting blood.

Seto wiped blood with his mouth and over his eye, taking a defensive martial arts stance. “We’ll see.”

Yugi came through the edge of the crowd and gasped. What was going on.

“Seto!” he cried.

Marik laughed. “Sure you wanna keep going Kaiba? Wouldn’t want to traumatize your boyfriend!”

“Yugi isn’t my boyfriend and I want to kick your ass more than anything right now. I can’t believe I’ve tolerated you scum for this long –”

He stopped as Marik was grabbed by the collar, the knife swatted from his grasp by the school security officers. He stood up straight and crossed his arms as the principal arrived.

“Kaiba-san, fighting will not be tolerated here at Domino Central! What do you have to say for yourself!”

“I was ridding our halls of this scum.” He looked at the man. “I’ll take whatever punishment may come, but surely you realize Marik and his kind have been terrorizing the student population for quite sometime?”

Marik was being hauled away, cursing and fighting, his friends behind him. The principal waved Seto forward and the boy went to the office as well.

Yugi watched this anxious to go and eavesdrop, but not wanting to miss class. He put his books in his locker and hurried towards the office, hoping he wouldn’t get in trouble.

When he arrived, most of Marik’s gang was outside the office, making Yugi seriously rethink his decision, especially when Yami started staring at him.

“Look, it’s rich boy’s bitch!”

Yugi swallowed and shook his head. “I was just coming to get…an excuse note –ah, I was just leaving…” He started backing away until he ran into something solid. He slowly turned around and looked up.

It was Varon and he looked pissed.

“Wot’s yer boyfriend done now y’lil squirt?!”

“N-nothing I –he isn’t my boyfriend!” he yelped as he was dragged by his collar into the midst of the group. Varon slammed him against the wall and pointed in his face.

“You’re going to go in there and get Marik out of this! We’re toired of you types getting’ off whoile the rest of us get the short end!”

Yugi didn’t know what to do. Why was Varon doing this? His back was really starting to hurt and as he was shoved again he just whimpered, the glasses being smacked off his face.

“And whoile we’re at it, you’d betta ‘ave our payment!”

The boy’s violet eyes widened. He didn’t have payment not even –He remembered the money from yesterday and started to open his backpack when it was snatched from him and dumped on the ground. He looked at the secretary, but she just averted her eyes, typing away at something.

Yugi watched as his books were stepped on, his pencils were broken, and his papers were torn up, even though the money was in plain sight. Marik came out of the office looking pissed and when he saw what they were doing to Yugi, he walked over and punched the boy in the stomach.

“Stupid bitch! I got suspended because of your stupid prick boyfriend!”

Yugi doubled over, beginning to cry. “He isn’t my boyfriend…” he whispered, looking up as they all left. Varon was the last to leave, shaking his head in disgust when he finally disappeared.

The spike haired boy collected his things, shoving the secretary away when she tried to help. Seto came out of the office and looked down at Yugi.

“I got suspended.”

“Just great!” the boy sobbed. “Who cares!” He stared into Seto’s face. “Why do you always have to do these things? Why do you have to be an asshole? Couldn’t you have just left it alone? This is just like in seventh grade! Every time you do stuff you just make it worse and everyone beats me up instead! I don’t know why I’m even your friend!”

He cried more, shoving things into his backpack. “I hate you Seto! Varon doesn’t like me at all now! Everyone thinks I’m your boyfriend!”

He got done and whipped his face, still crying. “I hate you, I don’t want to be your friend…”

The spike haired boy got up and ran off, the young CEO frowning and glaring at the secretary. “They were out here doing this to him. What did you do?”

“There were like five of them –”

He went back in the principals office then came back out and left. The man came out and rubbed the back of his head.

“Mrs. Saki?”

“yes Sir?”

“You’re fired. I’m sorry. I can’t afford to make someone like Mr. Kaiba angry. You understand.”

The woman’s mouth fell open and the principal went back in his office. She fell into her seat, crying.

**

Yugi ran out of school, stopping before he left the main gate. All he could think of was Varon’s face.

Now he’ll never like me…and it’s all Seto’s fault.

He turned onto the side walk and headed for home. It was only nine in the morning.

**

Seto sat through his classes, at least allowed to stay this day before he was suspended for the next three.

Did Yugi really hate him? Over this? Didn’t the boy understand that people like Marik had to shape up or learn their place in life?

The boy made a fist. Listening to all that bastard’s self righteous bullshit in the office had really pissed him off. He wasn’t some arrogant jack ass. He didn’t look down on people. He knew his place that’s all and he made sure others knew theirs.

He took some notes ignoring the girls that were giving him eyes or giggling behind their hands.

Fuck you Marik.

****

Jou held Malik to him as they were both pushed down and kicked repeatedly. The young boy cried out in pain, begging them to stop.

“We paid you –we paid –Ahhh!” he was dragged away by his hair and punched in the stomach by Honda and Yami.

“Yeah, well, you were two yen short.” Marik growled, leaning against a tree. He was pissed and wasn’t even supposed to be on school grounds, but he was going to take care of this today.

Nearby, Ryou was struggling in Bakura’s grasp, trying to get away from the wild eyed boy.

“Oh come on, I just want a taste. I’ll bet you taste good too, so exotic and foreign!”

Ryou pushed him away and ran for it, realizing Jou and Malik were still in trouble, the blond was being worked over by Varon and Raphael. He set his jaw and ran back, shoving Bakura out of his way.

He took a flying leap and tackle Raphael to the ground, hitting the boy the best he could.

“LEAVE US ALONE!” he shouted, Bakura grabbing him by his hair. He turned and bit Bakura on the wrist, kicking Raphael in the shin. He pushed Varon off Jou and was punched in the back, trying to help Jou up.

The blond caught his wind, wiping blood from his face. “Help Malik…”

Malik was crying and screaming as Honda held him down, Yami trying to undo his pants. Ryou went over and kicked Yami in the side, throwing sand in Honda’s face. He helped Malik up and took his hand.

“Are you okay?”

Malik wiped his face. “I will be, let’s get out of here –RYOU!” the boy screamed as he slumped forward in his arms.

Marik cracked his knuckles. “Two yen short boy. We’ll beat it out of you.”

Jou came beside Malik, taking Ryou. “I’m glad Kaiba kicked yer ass dis mornin’! It’s about time we all stood up t’ ya! I can’t believe you guys! You all used to be okay! Why do ya gotta do this! Even afta what happened t’ Otogi, why can’t ya just leave people alone!”

They all flinched, Yami helping Honda get sand out of his face. Bakura growled and unsheathed his knife.

“Marik, let’s just get this over with. I know how to do non-fatal wounds –HEY!”

Jou and Malik were running off, an unconscious Ryou over the blonde’s shoulder. Varon looked at Marik and the Egyptian shook his head.

“Forget it. I say we got one yen today. We’ll collect when I’m allowed back at school.”

“We’re givin’ up?” Raphael gruffed.

“Nah, I don’t ever give up. I gotta get Kaiba back first, that’s all.”

Varon crossed his arms and frowned. “You want a ride home Boss?”

“Hn. Make sure you all go to class. I mean it. Come on Varon.”

Everyone dispersed and as they walked to the parking lot, Marik talked.

“You were wrong today Varon.”

“What?”

“That pipsqueak likes you. It wasn’t right what we did to him. I was angry. I shouldn’t have hit him.”

Varon unlocked the car and shrugged. “Who cares? He’s Kaiba’s bitch. I could care less.”

“I don’t think so. I know you gave him that money.”

Varon didn’t say anything as he got in and started the car. “Who cares?”

Marik sat there as they drove. You do. The fight with Kaiba is mine, don’t mess up your chances because of me.

“And when you all get home tonight, make sure to remind me to talk with Yami and Honda. We’re not about that.”

“Right.”

“And take Bakura’s knife. They’ll be looking for it on him later.”

“Okay.”

“Remind Raph to get Otogi later, I don’t need Bakura bitching…”

“Right.”

“And remember to get some eggs and leeks at the super market.”

Varon laughed and Marik looked at him. “What’s so funny?”

“You. Got a list?”

“yeah…” Marik dug it out of his pocket and handed it off.

When they made it to the house, Marik got out, punching Varon on the arm. “Bring my work home okay?”

“Yeah. See ya man.”

He watched Marik go inside and leaned over the steering wheel. Maybe Marik’s right…

****

Ryou sat in the nurse’s office with the rest of his friends, the woman simply shaking her head as she fixed them up. When she was done, she sent the all off, Ryou wondering if he could get out of Gym because he got beat up.

He soon found out his answer.

No.

“Get your ass on the track Ryou. A little pain never hurt anyone.”

“Yes sir…”

When he was done running, his legs felt like stone. He went over underneath a tree and collapsed into the shade.

I just want to die! Marik hits hard!

“What the hell happened to you?”

Ryou looked up and saw Amelda. He stood up as quick as he was able.

“I, uh, I had a run in with the Iron Spikes! Heh…” He rubbed the back of his head and pointed to Amelda’s cigarette. “Does coach know –”

“And if he does? What then?” Amelda went around the back of the tree and inside, Ryou was on cloud nine.

A whole sentence! I can’t believe it! And I talked back! Usually he just stares at me weird or tells me to go the fuck away!

He composed himself and went around the tree, giving a smile. “So, what have you done today?”

“Why the fuck are you always talking? Shut up!”

Ryou blushed and nodded, shutting up. They stood there awhile until Amelda handed Ryou the cigarette. The boy stared at it and Amelda rolled his eyes.

“Get rid of it dumb ass!”

The white haired boy put it out and crushed it under his foot. “So, are you gonna play baseball or volley ball or –”

“I said shut up.”

And Ryou frowned. “you know, you’re always so mean to me and I’m trying to be nice to you because I always see you alone –mmm?”

The red head kissed Ryou on the mouth and he shut up, hopping closer to him and squeaking when he pulled away.

“Wanna skip”

Ryou’s mind ran over all the possibilities and shook his head. “I can’t my brother would be so mad and –”

“I have a car.”

Brown eyes just blinked. “I don’t get it.”

Amelda rolled his eyes and walked away, Ryou waving after him. “Will you meet me after school?!”

Amelda just kept walking.

****

Seto told his limo to stop and he checked his watched, it was almost five. He got out and went into the Kame game shop.

“Hello Mr. Motou. Is Yugi upstairs?”

“Yes, but he isn’t feeling well and he also told me to tell you he didn’t want to see you.”

Seto expression softened. “oh…did he say why?”

“Something about you being a bastard. What happened at school?”

“I got into a fight with the local bully and they took it out on Yugi…he said I always make things worse. I suppose he’s right.”

Sugoroku smiled. “I’m sure he’s just angry. I gave him some aspirin and he was a asleep a little while ago. I’ll let you know if he’s feeling any better.”

“Alright.” Seto left and went back to his estate. Even though he had tons of work to do, he just couldn’t seem to get started and sat tapping his pen and staring off into space.

Everyway he thought about it, maybe it was his fault. He kept trying to blame Marik, but was that where the problem was? He’d asked a classmate yesterday what they thought of the situation and received a veiled answer that was borderline butt kissery.

He sighed and put his pen down. It was time to use his resources.

****

Marik sat in the garden, watching Koi swim around.

Seto Kaiba, you think just because you’re all rich you can do what you want? Well, I’m just as well off…kind of and you don’t see me just going around treating people like crap -

It hit Marik like a ton of bricks, making him sob in outrage.

They were the same!

“No! No! No! I refuse to believe that! I refuse to believe that!” Marik got up and went back inside to find the only person that could help him.

When he finally found Fujiko she was reclining in a floor seat, fanning herself slowly as she watched the television. She waved Marik inside and motioned to a plate of cookies.

“You were suspended today?”

“Yeah, I’ve been home all day.”

“hm.” She said, fanning slowly. “I was out, I hadn’t noticed. Kaiba huh?”

“Yeah, he’s a jackass. He thinks he can do whatever he wants and treat people like trash.”

“You think you can do whatever you want, you treat people like trash as well.” She smirked and watched the television.

“God, it is true…”

“What?”

“We’re alike aren’t we?”

The brunette nodded, chuckling softly. “I know you hate to admit things like that, he just doesn’t have a gang like you do. You’re both arrogant and full of pride.”

“Do you know that jackass asked to be suspended? Like it was some noble geture! That jack ass principal didn’t even ask me if I wanted to be punished! Doesn’t he know who I am?!”

Fujiko laughed, snapping her fan shut. “You think you’re famous already?”

Marik balled up his fists. “If you’d just let us move up –”

She shook her head. “You become a real gang, I get to watch you all die in prison or in the streets. I won’t see it again.”

“But –”

“Otogi cannot speak! He may never speak again! Haven’t you learned anything? He thought he was tough too!”

Marik shut up. She’d hit a very sore spot and if she wasn’t their guardian he’d have lashed out physically.

“I told you all to get the rest of the money, I’d hoped you’d have gone out to get jobs or something but no!” she slammed her fan down. “You turned into even worse punks! You have longer records than I did when I ran the Blood Cranes and I was the most notorious female gangster in east Fukuoka! And I was the same age as all of you!”

The boy looked down at his lap until he was smacked up side the head.

“Look at me when I’m talking to you! Do you think life is a game?!”

“No ma’am I –”

“Shut up while I’m talkin’ to you! I give you everything and you get suspended! Otogi is about to be kicked out because he tore into some boy today! He hasn’t learned his leasson either! What was I think ing when I adopted all you boys hm? I must have been on opium!”

The woman snapped her fan open and fanned herself swiftly. “You’re all crazy! Just like my husband!”

Marik smiled to himself then. She was upset, but she wasn’t angry, not if she was talking about her husband.

“Sorry…Mom.”

“Oh, don’t try to butter me up! Get of here and go to your room or something! I’m taking away your tv or something! And tell Otogi to turn that music down! Crazy boy!”

Marik left the room chuckling. Everything would be alright then, but the fact that he and Kaiba were essentially the same still bothered him. He went to his room and opened his text books. He’d have a lot to catch up on when he was allowed back to school.

****

Seto smiled as he listened to Mokuba go on about his day. It was so obvious it was pathetic.

“And he just thinks he can do whatever he wants just because his father’s a politician! Well, I’m just as rich as he is and you don’t see me acting like an ass!” Mokuba bit into his onigiri fiercely. “Noa is the biggest ass this side of Bremen Town!”

Seto laughed. “I think you like him.”

“NO WAY!” the boy yelled. “He’s jerk! The biggest jerk in the whole eighth grade!”

Seto laughed again. “You sure do talk about him a lot, I mean all the time!”

“Because he’s always making me mad!” Mokuba stopped ranting and finished off his food. “And anyway, as much as you go on about that stupid Marik kid, maybe you like him too.”

“Yeah right. Why do you think my face is all bandaged? I had a fight today.”

Mokuba’s eyes got large. “Really? Did you win?”

“Stalemate…”

“Aw man…wish I’d been there. I could’ve helped!”

The brunette smiled at his brother and took away his plate when he was done. “Time for homework!”

“Aw Seto!”

“Until dinner.”

“Is the cook here?”

The teen shook his head. “I gave her the night off. I’m making a western dish.”

“Yes! Italian food?”

“Maybe. Go do your homework.”

Mokuba hopped out of his seat. “Hurry Seto, you’re such a good cook! I don’t know why we need that woman at all!”

Seto washed the plate, laughing. “Because I’m always so busy, that’s why. And show it to me when you’re done! NO trying to get half done math past me!”

“AW!” the boy whined, leaving the kitchen.

Seto smiled. His little brother was so dramatic. It was clear that Noa kid was no where near as bad as he made him out to be. He stopped washing.

Did that mean he liked Marik?

The brunette shook his head, laughing.

Not in a million years do I think that bastard’s ass is cute.

Seto stopped again. “Where the hell did that come from…Arg! It’s been a long day…” He finished with the dishes and went back upstairs to work, the phrase “That bastard’s ass is cute” repeating over and over in soft echoes in his mind.

****
*Ahhh, this was a long chapter ne? Man, make sure you’re all caught up. The latest contest is figuring out who Noa is in Home of out Own! Winner gets something nice written for them!
*Also, A Home of Our Own has less smut than maybe any fic I’ve ever written, I hope that fact doesn’t bother you. I am trying to write a fully developed story here. There just aren’t too many moments that are presenting themselves for smut and forcing it with fracture the story pattern. I hope you all understand. Just like with this story.
*This is for Velvetina, who gave me back my fire!
*Schwarzwald hates a whiney Yugi.