The Offer

Title: The Offer 3/9

Author: Puppys_Seahorse

Rating: NC-17

Pairing (s): Seto/Jounouchi Mokuba/Yugi

Beta: Rroselavy

Spoilers: Minor for Noa Arc

Disclaimer: I don't own Yugioh or make any money or profit from this
work.

Summary: Seto believes Jounouchi left him for someone else. But he
discovers he was wrong and his lover had received an offer he
couldn't turn down.

A/N: First ever Puppys_Seahorse fiction ever posted. Be kind and
send Rroselavy a major huggle for helping me out with it.

AFF READERS! 15 Reviews. You guys Rock. Check out the bottom, I have some shout outs for you.

****

“Mr. Wheeler will see you now Mr. Kaiba,” the businesslike voice of the tall blond secretary announced from her desk. “If you will come this way?” She asked as she stood and swayed toward the heavy oak doors that guarded Joey Wheeler the First’s private office.

With every sign of patience and courtesy Kaiba Seto folded the newspaper he’d been pretending to read and stood. “Thank you.” He deliberately deepened his accent knowing that most Americans thought that a heavy accent signified a lack of intelligence. Deep inside the rage he’d felt at the treatment of his lover burned hotter and hotter. He would succeed—failure wasn’t an option—and it all hinged on convincing the man in the next room that he was nothing more than a harmless, ignorant boy.

Joseph ‘Joey’ Wheeler sat behind his desk and watched as his very surprising visitor stepped through the door. He was pleased to see the younger man’s eyes widen in appreciation of the classic richness and hints of his own power that filled the room. His superior status was assured by that simple look; he stood and bowed to the younger man in the Japanese tradition.

“Welcome Kaiba-san,” he greeted in fluent Japanese. He stifled a laugh when the tall brunet looked at him uncertainly for a moment before returning his greeting.

“Thank you for your courtesy, Mr. Wheeler. Please speak Engrish. I speak some fluently.” Eyes guileless, and accent very heavy, he added, “I need to plactice.”

“As you wish,” the older man smiled his approval. It stroked his ego to have someone rumored to be so powerful bow down to him, but he was also surprised; this boy could barely speak English. They might need an interpreter. Gozoburo had been fluent in several languages and should have trained his son better. “Please sit down. You’ve had a long flight.”

With every sign of appreciation Seto sank into the offered chair. “You are kind.” All traces of amusement strictly controlled, he got straight to the point. “You want see why I want to come with Wheelers?” Seto continued in character as amusement and disdain flashed across the older man’s features.

“Well yes, I do. Forgive me, but I don’t understand what we could have to discuss. You, as I understand it, are in the entertainment and toy industry, and I develop and manufacture products for my government.” The older CEO deliberately drew the comparison between them, not so subtly making Seto’s work sound childish and worthless.

The brunet shifted uncomfortably, stifling the urge to rip the other man’s throat out. “I…yes. My father, Gozoburo Kaiba dealt in weapons. When he died I tried to follow but I found I was not able to go to his level. So I listened to my younger brother. I am happy to say we reached a peak.” Seto faked a frown and filled his expression with concern. “But now I have fallen and am not sure what to do. I wish my father’s death could have lasted longer.”

Wheeler blinked and sorted out the meaning. “I see. I am sorry for your troubles.” He was more than intrigued. This idiot was supposed to be a genius? The definition must have changed. “What is the problem? It obviously concerns me, so maybe I can help.”

Seto hesitated just long enough to sharpen the other man’s appetite. Then, as if coming to a decision, he nodded. “Yes, please. I have Father’s designs for a new weapons technology. I also found notes that he thought you were the other person who could develop it. He was afraid you would steal it,” the brunet shrugged. “He is gone, I can not develop it, but you can.”

“It?” Then the elder caught himself. “Wait don’t tell me, first tell me why you need to sell it.”

Seto, with thoughts of Jounouchi to help him, forced color into his face and made his eyes evasive. “I …” he coughed and sputtered then tried again. “My lover has trouble. I need to … terminate situation. The family is very rich and powerful and will not forgive. I can not let this become public so I must do it in secret.”

Wheeler stared at the young man, his face a mask of concern and understanding, but inside he was jeering. Old Kaiba must be spinning in his grave to realize his son was a spineless weakling who couldn’t keep his zipper closed. “I see. Of course you must do what you have to. Why don’t we discuss the technology? You do understand that it is several years old, and may have no value?”

“Yes Mr. Wheeler, I understand. My father was considered a genius and his ideas have not expired. You will find they are beyond you of today.” Seto picked up the briefcase he’d set beside the chair. “I understand the plan because my father taught me this thing.”

For the next hour the arms tycoon was stunned and amazed by the genius of ‘Gozoburo’ Kaiba. If the proposed technology could be brought to fruition, it would revolutionize modern weaponry. But above that, it could make his plans for the future more secure and speed up his timeline. He was so caught up in the possibilities that he didn’t notice the hour he’d set aside for the meeting slipping past. Nor did he notice the next thirty minutes fly by. He was brought out of his thrall when his door flew open. “Grandfather!” his grandson rushed in.

Instantly the older man’s head snapped up, ready to lay into the person foolish enough to interrupt him. But when he saw the too thin, young, pale copy of himself he bit back his ire. His grandson was too valuable to him. “Joey, is it that time already?”

The young man glanced uncertainly at the chair-obscured visitor. “Yes, sir. I…I just wanted to speak to you about ...” another hesitant glance, “About Becca, Sir…”

The older man sighed. His grandson had been trained to be unquestioning and malleable, but on this one point he was digging in his heels. “Joey, we can discuss this later. Mr. Kaiba and I are having a meeting.”

But Seto was already on his feet. “I am so sorry. I have taken too much of your time.” He gathered the plans and tucked them into his briefcase, and with a low bow he added softly, “If you are interested in the item I will be at the Empire Suites.”

“Kaiba-san wait! Please. Of course I’m interested. It is a breathtaking concept and it dovetails right in with some of our own projects.” It was a blatant lie. The concept was far beyond their capabilities but the idiotic toy maker didn’t need to know that. He didn’t want that technology to walk out the door without a firm commitment. “Please let me introduce you to my grandson, Joey Wheeler the Second. Joey this is Mr. Kaiba from Domino, Japan.”

Seto gathered his courage and turned to face his lover. What he saw made his breath catch and his heart ache. Jounouchi was too thin and too pale, and his golden hair had been cropped far too close, but still he was Jounouchi …his Jounoucni. “Ah, I see, an honor to meet you. Mr. Wheeler-san.” He held out his hand and watched as Jounouchi’s eyes settled on him. At first they were merely curious, and then he saw the dawn of interest, and something more. A fire started to glow deep within his golden orbs. It warmed the brunet in a way nothing else ever had or could. The finely boned hand gripped his, and Seto decided to feed the fire. In a move that could be mistaken as unintentional he rubbed his thumb into the blond’s hand in a caress that he knew would send thrills racing through his lover, and he wasn’t disappointed when Joey pulled away as if burned. He knew his puppy had sensitive hands and his little action had probably shocked the hell out of his love. With a show of regret he turned to his host. “I must apologize. I find myself unable to continue. The flight was long and I have not checked into my hotel yet, and I must contact my brother. Perhaps we can schedule a meeting in the morning?”

“You haven’t checked in to your hotel?” the businessman grasped that dangling lure with both hands. The boy must be desperate to deal and Joseph could almost taste success. “Stay with us, I have plenty of spare rooms. Please, it would be an honor.”

Seto wanted to laugh. Ignorant prejudice would be the downfall of Joseph Wheeler. Instead, though he maintained his act and paused as if to find the correct word. “It would decomposition you.”

“It would not be an imposition,” Joseph corrected. “I insist. You are alone in this large city. A nice boy like you needs a safe place.” Giving his guest a smile meant to reassure, he nodded to his grandson. “Joey call the limo and see our guest home.”

“Grandfather I need to speak to you about Becca!” Joey protested.

Tugging at his grey hair Joseph sighed. “Later. Please see to our guest.”

“But …” seeing his grandfather’s resolve Joey swallowed back his protest. “Fine. But we’re going to talk when you get home tonight. Becca is a huge problem, and a real pain.”

“We will talk then.” He turned a rueful smile to his guest. “Please go with Joey.”

An obviously furious and resentful blond led the way to the private elevator. During their downward ride Seto, fighting the urge to snatch Joey into a tight hold, stepped back slightly and bowed. “I am sorry Wheeler-kun.” As he straightened he deliberately brushed the top of his hair against Joey’s zipper. “Your grandfather insisted.” Staring at his love intently, he said softly, “I need to be with you.”

Joey gulped and stepped backwards. For a split second, when the other man had bowed, he’d had the crazy image of his unwanted company kneeling before him with that prim mouth wrapped around his cock. Far from disgusting him, as Becca’s touch had earlier that day, he felt his body twitch in response. To hide his reaction, he spun away to face the button panel. “It’s not your fault. Besides, I’ll talk to him later.”

“You are very generous Wheeler-san.”

“Don’t mention it,” the shorter man said as he looked away.

The remainder of the elevator ride passed in silence; Seto kept his eyes lowered and Joey averted his face.

In the limo, the brunet deliberately sat next to the blond, and after a few minutes of tense silence Seto asked quietly, “Do you want to discuss problem? ‘Vent’ is the word, I think. I am told I am good listener.”

“Yeah, so it can go right back to my grandfather. No thanks.” Joey gave him a bitter smile.

“I promise you, nothing you say to me will reach your grandfather. Not from my lips,” Seto swore in all sincerity. He knew that it was too soon, and that his lover didn’t know or trust him, but he wanted something … anything … to feel close to Jounouchi again.

“Not from your lips, but probably the surveillance tapes in here. Forget it.” Frustrated, Joey crossed his arms and sat back.

Seto noticed that they were stuck in a traffic jam and likely to be there for a while. He forced a confused look, as if he didn’t understand what the blond had said. “Hnn…yes. Tell me, what is your favorite food?”

“I … don’t have one. Why?”

“Because there is restaurant across street. I am hungry. We can leave the car and go eat?”

Troubled golden eyes stared out the window for a second and then turned to look at his guest. “I haven’t been to a restaurant since I got back to the city,” the blond reflected wistfully. The hopeful light died. “No thank you though. I’m not hungry.”

Seto’s senses sharpened; his pup was always hungry. There was definitely something wrong. It reminded him of when they were first dating and Jounouchi wouldn’t go out to a restaurant with him. He’d thought the blond was embarrassed to be seen with him when in reality he’d been unable to reciprocate. It had taken an argument that nearly ended their relationship to break through Jounouchi’s pride.

Taking a shot in the dark he asked softly “Please? My … my … treat? I would very much like to do this thing.”

He must have hit on exactly the right ploy because Joey’s golden eyes lit up. He was amused to see his love try, unsuccessfully, to hide his enthusiasm with a casual, “If you insist.”

“I do. Please tell driver to unlock doors?”

The blond’s eyes widened slightly. “Oh yeah. Didn’t know they were locked.” With a casualness that Seto could tell was fake he reached for the intercom. “Barry, would you unlock the doors? Since we’re stuck, we’re going to go across to that restaurant and grab some food.”

There was a hesitation then the chauffeur said apologetically. “I’m sorry sir; my standing orders are to take you straight home.”

Fury and embarrassment flooded the smaller man’s face. “I’m changing that. Open the door.”

“I can’t do that unless Mr. Joseph okays it.” The man sounded apologetic, but firm.

Jounouchi dialed the car phone, putting it on speaker. When his grandfather’s secretary answered, he snarled, “Let me talk to him.” In less than ten seconds Joseph’s voice came over the speaker.

“What’s happened Joey? Has there been a problem? Are you all right?” Concern made the normally smooth voice loose some of its polish.

“Happened? I’ll tell you what’s happened. Our guest is hungry and has invited me to eat and Barry says he won’t let us out unless you tell him its okay.” To his credit and Seto’s admiration Joey managed to keep from screaming.

“I see. Well, simple enough. Have Barry pick up the extension and I will give him the okay.”

“You’re on speaker. He can hear you.” Joey’s voice was surly and triumphant.

“Oh, all right then. Barry, the orders from Joey’s convalescence, has been rescinded.”

“Yes, Mr. Wheeler.” Before the driver could add more the phone was disconnected by the blond’s hand.

“Barry, unlock the doors.” The nearly silent click was his only answer.

When Joey stepped out into the stalled traffic it was like a shackle dropped away from him. He felt lighter than he had in … in his entire remembered life. Impulsively he turned and pulled the tall brunet from the car. “C’mon Seto, let’s go eat.”

The CEO stumbled slightly. Not because of the hard tug, but because Joey had called him Seto. Joseph hadn’t been introduced to him as Seto Kaiba, or Kaiba Seto, but as Mr. Kaiba. There was no way the blond could know his name, unless, on some level, Jounouchi was still around and recognized him. Wanting to test his theory, his hope, he murmured in Japanese, “Impatient as usual.”

The supposedly American man turned and gave him an inquiring look. “I’m sorry, I just …”

“No apologies. You reminded me of my lover is all. Please, lead the way and be as excited and happy, as you like. It makes me happy.” Suddenly, Seto decided to drop the phony accent and seeming limited vocabulary; he refused to trick Jounouchi. Catching up to the blond he laughed, his heart content for the first time in months. “Let’s eat, airline food is disgusting.”

A traditionally dressed man politely seated the laughing and chatting men and brought them hot tea, promising to be back in just a few moments for their order. Seto’s heart smiled with memories as Jounouchi craned his head around trying to take in everything.

“Wow. Look at the size of that fish! That’s the just about the biggest goldfish I’ve ever seen!” Jounouchi nodded to the decorative Koi tank.

“They are called Koi, and are highly prized in Japan.” Kaiba replied. Seeing Jounouchi frown down at the menu he gently took the placard. “If I may, I’ll order for you. I am familiar with the dishes.”

Relieved, the blond nodded. “Thank you,” then an uncomfortable look crossed his face. “About earlier, with the lock. I think I should explain.” Absently he reached up and tugged at his short hair.

“If you would like to. I did offer to listen.”

“I…uh…well about seven months ago I was in a plane crash, and my head got injured. For a time after I learned to walk and talk again I wasn’t right. I kept running away from home and then the hospital. I don’t know where I was going, but I kept trying to get there. The doctors think it’s because the flight never made it and I felt compelled to finish the flight, sort of get to my destination.” Seeing no judgment, only warm understanding, Joey admitted, “I don’t buy it completely but it’s the only thing that fits. So it’s not like I’m a prisoner. The orders were just to keep me safe.”

“I understand. But you are better now and the orders have been dropped. That is a sure sign that you are back to normal.”

Joey sighed. “I wish it was that simple.”

“Oh, more problems?” Seto scooted closer.

“Yes. I still have to take medicine. If I don’t take it I start to shake and feel sick. And…I have nightmares. I dream about dragons and monsters of all kinds.” He took a deep breath and confessed, “But the strange part isn’t that I’m afraid of the monsters, it’s that I’m running to them, not away. That isn’t the worst of it. I … look, you have a lover right?”

“We have been apart for several months, but yes.”

“There is this girl. She’s my girlfriend according to my family. They and she are talking about marriage. She … I …” Joey blushed and looked away. “The problem is, I’m not … I don’t want …” taking a deep breath he blurted, “When she touches me, all I want to do is puke. I told her that today, and I also told her I wasn’t marrying her no matter what.”

Seto’s breath caught and he had to grip the edge of the table to stop himself from grabbing his love and kissing the daylights out of him. Joseph Wheeler might have changed Jounouchi’s memories, but he hadn’t managed to change his soul.

Hiding the tremors in his hands, Seto forced himself to present a calm, concerned mask. “That was a good decision. If you cannot bear her to touch you it could lead to a troublesome marriage.”

“No joke,” Joey stared up at him with vulnerable eyes. “Tell me about your girlfriend.”

“Not girlfriend,” Seto corrected. “Lover. And he is the center of my heart.” He allowed some of his pain to show. “He is lost to me because of family pressures. But he will always be my love.”

Joey’s breath hitched. “You’re gay.”

“If my lover was a woman I would be straight. As he was born male, I am homosexual.”

The blond didn’t know what to say. He knew his grandfather would be appalled, but he wasn’t, in fact, he wasn’t even truly surprised. It just seemed right. “So will your lover come back to you eventually?”

“I hope so, but it has been so long that I truly don’t know. I have found out that his family wants him to marry. He is the last of his line.”

“I know how that feels,” golden eyes met blue with absolute sincerity. “If it were me, I would tell them to adopt. Plenty of kids in the world need a family. Why make someone miserable?”

Seto couldn’t stop himself from reaching for Joey. With a shaking fingertip he traced over the earnest features. “Thank you.”

Tenderness and understanding passed between them. Unconsciously they leaned closer, eyelids lowering as their lips touched lightly. Seto could have died in that instant and been totally happy. His Jounouchi was kissing him.

To Joey it was as if a blindfold had fallen away. Comforting warmth and pleasure curled deep inside, and a revelation burst through him. This was right; he belonged here feeling the hard thump of the taller man’s heart and tasting the other man on his lips.

A discreet cough broke them apart. They both looked up to find the waiter politely averting his face. “May I take your order?”

Seto gave his soft-eyed love a self-mocking smile and nodded. “Yes, we’ll both have chicken curry with rice. He will have a starter of chicken sticks and I will have the squid.”

The waiter hurried off and Seto turned back to Joey only meet a hard gaze. “Is something wrong?”

“Your lover is an idiot, he left you for family. And you’re an idiot to wait for him,” Joey frowned fiercely. “I think you need to find someone new.”

Seto’s eyes rounded and his jaw dropped, and then he realized his expression and had to forcibly repress his smirk. After one kiss his puppy was ready to stake a claim. Of course that is the same thing that had happened when they’d first gotten together. An argument had gotten out of control and ended with them falling into an accidental kiss. After that Jounouchi had simply chased off anyone he considered a rival and taken every opportunity to kiss him. Seto liked to tease him that he’d only given in to preserve his sanity and get some peace.

“Oh? And are you suggesting yourself?” he couldn’t resist teasing the other man.

“So what if I am? I don’t gross you out and we are about the same age. And you are gay.”

“I see. And what of your grandfather? Somehow I don’t think he would approve.”

“I don’t care,” Joey snapped. “I’m sick of him controlling me.”

Seeing that the blond’s volatile temper was about to explode, Seto defused him as carefully as he would a ticking bomb. As much as he wanted to see his lover’s fire, they couldn’t afford a scene right now. “Then, if you truly think that, I would be happy to get to know you better.” Seeing the golden eyes start to shine, he held up his hand, “But first, we need to get to know each other as friends. Then, if there is more, we will explore it further.”

Hot eyes stared at him boldly, reminding him of the teenaged Jounouchi during a duel. “Okay, we can take it slow. But just so you know. When you kissed me it felt like I belonged in your arms. It’s the first time I can ever remember feeling like that, and I want it again.”

More than anything Joey had said or done during their brief time together, that statement shredded his heart. Seto could barely stop the words that wanted to tumble out. Thankfully, though, the waiter brought their food out before he could say something that could jeopardize the situation. He still had to find a way to get Joey away from the elder Wheeler’s clutches, and safely to where the tachi waited to nurse him through his recovery and any addiction treatment needed. The drugs Jounouchi was taking were known to be highly addictive.

The waiter, having delivered the food asked, “Chopsticks?”

Seto nodded, and seeing Joey shake his head, he chuckled. “I’ll teach you. So yes, two sets of chopsticks please.”

Seto watched in loving amusement as Joey ‘mastered’ the utensils with ease and after the first few cautious bites devoured what had been his favorite food.

“What are you laughing at?” his love asked sharply, catching the quiver of laughter on his lips.

“Laughing?” The blue-eyed brunet tried to deflect, but not very hard. He was just too happy.

“I can tell you are laughing, baka. What’s so funny?”

Seto’s eyes widened and danced with wicked laughter. “You just called me an idiot in Japanese. And nothing is funny, I’m happy.”

“I did?” For a moment Joey seemed nonplussed, then a wide grin split his face. “Maybe some of my memories are coming back. I lived in Japan for years and that’s where the plane crash was.”

Gravely, with the utmost sincerity, Seto said, “I hope so Joey. I hope so.”

@@@
Shout Outs


loverskeeper Thank you very much. Hope this is soon enough for you.


kisa Thank you very very much. I like to think Seto would need to be alone when he realizes the truth.
 

Anono I aim to please. Thank you
 

setoaddict Thank you very much. Hope I am updating fast enough..
 

lokivsanubis Here ya go! As I said before the fic is finished, just posting in time with reader demand.
 

Kitsune Seven I think you’re going to love it Kitsune. Not quite what you want but close enough.
 

catti Glomps. CATTI-DONO, Maggiemay is my sister, she has shown me some of your reviews of her works. J And yes I have a folder at LD, But it only holds the fic I am working on currently that hasn’t posted anywhere. I will put The Offer in ASAP. Thanks
 

loverskeeper Thanks, and let me reassure you. Seto will get back Jounouchi…
 

NineTailedVixen And I thought I was being subtle. Sankyuu
 

Sammei When I first read your review my heart dropped to my stomach. I thought my story was horrible! But thank you SO MUCH! As for Seto’s anger, in the original series and manga Kaiba is lethal. So is Jounouchi for that matter. I have hated the way the American dub eradicated that from his personality, making him seem like a work-aholic wimpy boy. To put it in perspective he KILLED Gozoburo Kaiba, and attempted to Kill Yugi, Yugi’s grandpa and the tachi…for the BEWD. He wouldn’t do any less for his Koibito now would he? LOL, my opinion only.
 

Wolke Streit I sent you an email about this. It confuses me. But thank you for the review.
 

lokivsanubis Ah, they are forgotten. Although truthfully, I was expecting something like this. My sister (you may know her as maggiemay) wrote for this site quite a lot until about six weeks ago, just a few hours before some major change, someone went in and deliberately rated one of her stories (Sapphire Queen) with 1 star 18 times and dropped it from 5 stars to 2 stars (as there had only been 30 previous ratings it dropped quickly). It devastated her. She simply quit. She says if the over two hundred people who read every one of her stories couldn’t be bothered to click a simple button, much less review, to show thanks/appreciation, then it wasn’t worth it. I see her point because she works hard on all of her stories but I also don’t think she should let jealous losers push her around. She says she won’t post any more until that particular story is back up to 5 stars. Too bad too because she has finished all of the stories she has listed and started two new ones. J I digress. THANK YOU FOR THE REVIEW!
 

KrystalChronicals Happy to oblige!
 

kisa Thank you so much for the advice! I had though that showing his killing rage and the sickness he felt at what had happened to Jounouchi was enough, but now I see that it wasn’t. I will work on it.
 

setoaddict I LIKE a deadly Seto. *purrs* so sexy.