Fall of the Dice

Chapter Four: Take a card and discard from your hand.

The woods were cool and a light breeze blew through the trees and lifted the blond’s hair as he waited by the path for the others to catch up.
He had been hiking before with some of his old gang members and had quickly put on an extra pair of socks before strapping on some heavy boots and waiting at the door.
Honda was already showing signs of improper footwear as he tried to keep up with Jou on the path. He was wearing blue jeans a whit T, and a lightweight brown jacket with only a pair of running shoes.
Seto had no compulsion to keep up, and was taking a leisurely pace along with Ryuuji. He had removed his dressier clothing and now wore some Khaki cargo pants with a loose button down dark blue cotton shirt. Of course, he had sturdy boots, the owner of the shop he’d gone to had told him they were perfect for mountain use.
Ryuuji was perfect. He had lost the paisley skirt for a short knit skirt of red and black plaid over a pair of black thigh high socks with a black turtleneck sweater. His black boots were laced up to his calves around bright silver studs and a matching plaid bolero vest completed his look.
It was a stunning combination on him and at one point as he reached for a shiny black purse on a low table Jou was sure he had glimpsed silky red lace trimmed panties peeking out under the edge of the skirt.
He had almost gotten a nose bleed from the sight and the look Ryuuji had given him as he had straightened back up led him to believe that it was no accident.
Now, as he waited, he watched the subtle way that Ryuuji carried off his masquerade and was very impressed. The simplest thing like tucking his long black hair behind his ear as he turned to Seto or the slightly more feminine sway of his hips as he walked down the level area of an open meadow were convincing and spoke of a great deal of practice.
Ryuuji had definitely done this before, perhaps for years now and as Jou watched he realized how much the dark haired teen had risked by revealing it to them.
Seto was gesturing at a tree and Ryuuji stopped next to him to gaze up at it, a smile graced his glossy painted lips. Jou was struck with a moment of jealousy as he noted how perfect the two looked together. Seto’s height would make formal outings as easy in this geis as a walk in the woods. For even in stiletto heals, the Dice Master would never outsize the CEO.
But Jou was not likely to be taking Ryuuji to many formal outings, so it should still be okay. His ideal date would be the movies and a pizza afterwards. His date hardly needed to wear anything higher than an inch or two for that, and that would make things just right.
Honda was next to him now, and had turned to follow his gaze.
“Damn, Jou.” He said, “How’re we supposed to compete with that? Kaiba can afford to take Ryuuji to all kindsa great places.”
“Don’t count me out so fast, Honda. If Ryuuji wants expensive things, I’ll find a way ta get them for him. And you an me got as much personality or more, than ol, Moneybags. Sure the guy is sexy as hell, but we got a lot going for us, too.”
“I guess. Heck, if we weren’t in the running he wouldn’ta invited us along at all.” Honda said nodding as the couple reached the rise and closed on them. “Which way now, Ryuuji?”
“Take the fork to the left. It’s all downhill from here.” Came the answer, once more in that soft voice that confused the senses when combined with the knowledge they all had.
“Downhill, huh?” Jou said, stepping close. “Then allow me to help keep you from stumbling on the way down,” he added, displaying his elbow before the damsel. Ryuuji stared at it for only a second before placing a manicured hand around it and smiling.
“Thank you, Jou. Come on Seto, Hiroto. It’s not much farther.” And Jou led him forward down the path as the CEO and the shorter brunet stared after them.
“Who knew the Mutt had been trained. He can heal.” Seto said, as he began to follow.
“Hey, we both got manners. You stuck up prick.” Honda shouted following.

Hidachi’s market was a quaint little tourist trap for all of the rich cabin owners that came to these mountain retreats. Most of the local homes were expensive rentals that were used by various wealthy families to take vacations away from civilization.
After so many visits, Ryuuji was well known to the owner and his son who ran the store in shifts.
“Ryo-chan, you’re back this week. I was hoping you would be here. Iraku is home today, he will be sorry he missed you.” The elder Hidachi said as they came through the door. “And who are your friends?”
“Ah, Hidachi-san, this is Jounouchi-kun an old friend from high school and Honda-kun, he saved my life recently. And this handsome one is Kaiba-san of Kaiba corp. They are guests at my house for the week.”
“I see. So, my worthless son has a great deal of competition, eh? Too bad. Let me guess, you have come for my fruit. I will give you extra if there is a pie in it for Me.” The old letch said, winking at the teen.
Ryuuji smiled and patted his hand affectionately.
“You know I always make one for you. What have you in today?”
“Ah we have many berries, and a special treat. We have some perfect bananas and strawberries. I remember the strawberry banana cake you made the first time you came to my store.”
Ryuuji actually managed to blush. Jou stared in shock from his position next to the other teen.
With his free hand, the one not still attached to Jou’s arm, he waved at the man in an attempt to look shy.
“So, was it that good?” Jou asked, leaning on the counter as Honda and Seto moved about the store. Ryuuji swatted at Jou as the man grinned widely.
“Young man, you are in for a treat,” was his cryptic remark.
Honda walked down an isle and browsed among the items. He almost laughed at the arrangement of the stock before him. The shelves seemed to be arranged alphabetically. And he appeared to be in the M-R section.
He wanted to buy Ryuuji a present and as he walked the shelves he came upon something that would be just perfect.
Seto on the other hand, was thinking ahead. He was to have tomorrow night and if he could manage, it would be a very special night indeed.
He grabbed a basket and placed a white linen tablecloth into it. Then he began hunting down the necessary items and stashing them under the cloth out of sight.
Ryuuji selected some bananas and strawberries for his famous cake, than he bought cherries, blueberries and raspberries. He and Jou added a selection of greens and roots for the next few dinners, before Jou caught sight of a freezer filled with meats.
“Ryu, how are you at cooking Barracuda?” he asked. Ryuuji looked in the freezer and smiled. “My treat if you make it,” Jou added as he lifted the glass door and began picking out the fish. Ryuuji pointed at the best selection and the added it to his basket.
Than, he pointed to the back where there was a massive package of octopus.
“I am very good at making Takoyaki,” he suggested and before he could say more Jou reached out and hoisted him off the floor spinning him and the basket in a bear hug.
“Ryu, I think I’m in love,” he shouted as he placed Ryuuji on the floor and grabbed the package out of the freezer.
Once they had each made their purchases and exited the shop, the group re-gathered on the porch and Honda took Ryuuji’s bags, as Jou was loaded down and Seto had his own burden.
This time it was Honda that led the black haired teen home through the woods.


“I’ll make you a foot bath, Hiroto-kun.” Ryuuji said, feeling bad about he brunet’s blisters.
“He’s okay Ryu. It’s just a tiny one. Suck it up, Honda.” Jou said, not wanting to see his friend get extra attention due to his being ill prepared.
“Well, okay. I’m going to make lunch and put away the supplies. If you need anything,” and he turned and headed for the kitchen.
“Why’d you do that, Jou?” Honda groused.
“Cause no one should get extra points for having shit shoes. Now quit yer whining and just deal. Besides it’s my night and you ain’t gonna ruin it by making him worry about yer stupid feet.”
“He has a point. After lunch, I’ll get you something from my things that will help your feet and then we make ourselves scarce.” Seto said.
“You’re helping him?” Honda said, his voice betraying his shock.
“NO, just enforcing the rules. Remember, tomorrow is my night and I don’t want either of you ruining it.”
“That’s more like it. Now you sound like the Kaiba we all know and love,” Jou said, sarcastically
“Careful, Mutt. I might take that personally,” Seto smirked.
“Get off of me, Kaiba.” Jou scoffed. “You know what I meant.”
”Down puppy, I know just what you meant. Now, I’m going to put my things away. I’ll be back when the food is ready.” And the tall brunet took to the stairs.
Honda snorted at him and followed Jou into the living room and plopped down on the couch. Jou looked round the room, shifting a chair back and looking up the chimney, than he went to the firebox and checked the wood supply.
Honda’s eyes followed him around the room.
Finally, as Jou stood in the middle of the room ticking off his fingers and mumbling something the brunet couldn’t hold it any longer.
“Jou, what the hell are you doing?” he asked.
“Planning, buddy. Planning. I’ll be back in time for lunch,” and he headed out the back door.
“What?” Honda said to his back. When there was no answer he rose and decided to bother Ryuuji while he cooked.