Torn Apart

I just have a little change to make, Haruhi is now Haruka, not a big change but I never liked Haruhi - reminded me too much of Ouran host club.

Anyway thanks for the reviews for the last chapter.

yaoirose: Mmm I haven't decided if Mokuba is a traitor or not, I never really explored whether he approved of Seto's and Joey's relationship or not, I'll guess I'll find out as we go on.

maggiemay: Wow you really been thinking about this! As you said I can't really give you a straight answer, don't want to spoil it. I'm sure it will become easily apparent what's going on sooner rather than later. I don't think anything was reallyy right or wrong apart from Haruka's appearance - there really is no special meaning behind it, that's just what came into my head at the time. Thanks for your review. I've enjoyed many of your stories as well.

Yukiko_Angel: I'm glad you don't hate Haru, I didn't want her to be the "bad guy". It's a good job I like Jou otherwise it doesn't look very good for him. Glad you like.

Cody_Thomas: Ooh yo know I can't tell you. It's annoying, I know but you'll have to wait. Sorry I know it's been a while between updates but I go as fast as I can.

KiraRaven: Aww, all I can say is that Kaiba has a reason for this, whether it's a good one or not is up to you. I as well have always loved the "love as no gender" concept, I'm just a hopeless romantic really. So you don't have to worry I could never give Joey an unhappy ending, they are my favourite characters.

Ok here we go - Enjoy

Kaiba emerged from his office a little after 1am, surprised to hear voices coming from down stairs. Making his way to the living room, he walked in to see Haru sitting calmly on the sofa while Mokuba was sprawled on the floor, not so quietly seething.

“What the…?! How the hell are you doing this?”

“What? You mean beating you 15 times in a row?” Haru goaded, receiving the infamous Kaiba scowl from Mokuba. “Hey it’s not my fault.” She added defensively. “You said you were good at this game.”

“I am.” Mokuba replied through clenched teeth.

“What are you two still doing up?” Both looked round to see Seto standing in the doorway.

“Because we’re not done yet.” His brother stated, turning back to the screen and setting up another match.

“He won’t let me go to bed until he wins one.” Haru explained, a smile slowly spreading across her face. “Remind you of anyone?” she asked Seto shooting him glance. Kaiba narrowed his eyes but otherwise made no other outward reaction at her observation about the similarity between him and his brother’s behaviour. He was well aware that in some ways he and Mokuba were very much alike but worlds apart in others.

“I think you’ve taken up enough of her time tonight don’t you?” Seto felt the need to point out.

“No.” Came the sullen reply. “I can beat her, I know I can.”

“Give it up kiddo, we’re done, your brother has spoken.” Haru said getting to her feet. “I’ll give you a rematch tomorrow.” Reluctantly agreeing, Mokuba nodded taking the controller back from her.

“I’ll show you to your room.” Kaiba stated, strolling to the door, Haruka went to follow him.

“Night.” She called back as she left.

“Yeah goodnight.” Mokuba said back in return. Seto led Haru up the stairs and into the right wing of the building. Haru walked just behind him, casting her eyes about her new home.

“Wow! This place really is amazing. You didn’t do it justice when you described it to me.”

“Your place is just as large as this.”

“Maybe, but it still feels more like a home than mine did. Modern buildings can feel so cold can’t they?”

“Mmm…I suppose.” Kaiba stopped suddenly outside one of the many doors they passed. Opening it he motioned for Haru to enter. He paused letting her look round for a moment. “I had all your things put in here but if you don’t like it, you can always move to another room.”

“So we won’t be staying in the same room then?” she asked turning back to him, a hint of hurt in her eyes. Trying not to let his discomfort show, Kaiba replied as levelly as he could.

“I didn’t think you would want to…”

“I’m kidding.” She broke in smiling. “It’s a lovely room and…oh…wow, I even get my own balcony!”

“This may not be one of the biggest rooms but it is one of the nicest. I thought you would appreciate that more.” Kaiba stood sort of awkwardly just inside the door, really, he should just excuse himself now.

“Thank you.” Haruka said uncharacteristically serious for a moment. “I’m really grateful for all this.” For a fleeting moment Haru reminded him so strongly of Wheeler. The way she fidgeted with her fingers in front of her, staring at her shoes, was just the same as Joey used to whenever he was nervous. Acting completely out of reflex and before he realised what he was doing, Kaiba reached out and placed a hand on her head. When she looked up at him with blue eyes instead of the amber he remembered, Kaiba pulled himself back together.

“Don’t worry about it.” He said, removing his hand quickly. “Sleep well.” He was about to leave when Haru gently smoothed her fingers down his cheek.

“Make sure you do too.” She said sincerely. “You look like you need to more than me.” Taking her hand away, she leant forward and kissed him softly on the cheek. “Goodnight.” Leaving Kaiba slightly stunned in the hallway, Haru closed the door.

“You know that’s the first time I’ve seen either of you even remotely act like a couple.” Peering round, Seto could see his brother waiting by his bedroom.

“You shouldn’t eavesdrop on people, it’s a bad habit.” Kaiba said strolling purposefully to his door.

“But it’s been bothering me, you’re supposed to be husband and wife but all you’ve done is ignore her. I just want to understand what’s going on between you two.”

“It’s none of your business.” His growing irritation was evident in his voice as he pushed past his brother to get to his bedroom. ‘Why can’t he just leave it alone?’

“It is my business! I’m your brother!” He argued back, getting angry in return. “I mean…what am I supposed to think? I come back and suddenly you’re married! Where the hell did she come from and why on earth did you marry her if, as far as I can tell you don’t particularly care for her at all!” Seto could tell this little tirade had been building up in his brother for a while now. Even so he still wasn’t gonna receive any answers for his trouble. “Why can’t you tell me Seto? We used to be able to tell each other anything…what’s changed? And Joey…what have you said to him?”

“This has nothing to do with Wheeler!” Kaiba snapped. “Just drop it and go to sleep Mokuba!” Closing the door on him, Kaiba let out a heavy sigh as he leant against it. He hated behaving like this towards his brother but he knew that if he told him anything he’d bet good money it would make its way to a certain blonde. And that wasn’t what he wanted. He didn’t want him to hear about it that way, he wanted to be able to explain it himself, if he got the chance. However that seemed very unlikely at present. Not that he could blame the blonde either, especially after the way he had treated him. He probably didn’t want to see his face ever again.

Walking into his room, he picked up the pyjamas that had been already laid out for him on his bed. Besides, Wheeler had probably moved on by now, found a nice girl who he didn’t argue with him all the time and didn’t feel uncomfortable calling her by her first name. Was saying Seto instead of Kaiba really that hard? Changing, he got into bed, lying flat on his back and staring at the ceiling. He honestly couldn’t say if he was glad to be home or not. It was a nice feeling, being able to come home again but it did bring about a lot of complicating matters with it. He couldn’t deny that it would have been a whole lot easier if they had stayed in the States. That had been the plan from the beginning but a change in Haru’s circumstances forced him to reconsider and come back to Japan.

Now being back in his bed, it didn’t bother him so much. What was it about being in your own bed that made you so much more relaxed? However in the all the time he had had this bed he had never thought of it as being too big, but lying in it now he realised just how empty it felt with only him in it. Feeling his exhaustion creep over him Kaiba turned into his side.

“Stupid mutt, always did take up too much room.” He muttered to himself before drifting off to sleep.

===@===

Kaiba came down to breakfast the next morning to see his brother was already sitting at the dinning table. Mokuba stared down at his food when he noticed that Seto was there. Damn it, there was that guilt again. He thought he had gotten rid of it after his nights sleep but apparently not. Not wishing to eat his breakfast in this atmosphere, Kaiba purposely took a seat opposite his younger sibling.

“I didn’t mean to snap at you.” Mokuba looked up at his brother as he spoke. “I’m sorry.”

“You’re still not gonna tell me anything though are you?” said Mokuba tersely, apparently he wasn’t going to be easily forgiven.

“It’s…complicated.” He said lamely, knowing that this would no way help with his brother’s mood. The only thing that would satisfy Mokuba now was the truth and he just wasn’t ready to tell him yet. “Try to be patient. I will tell you, but…not yet.” ‘Please understand.’ Seto thought as one of his servers came in and placed his breakfast in front of him. He thanked her and she left, leaving the brothers alone again. “Be welcoming ok?”

“What do you think I’ve been doing?” Mokuba replied. “Maybe you should take your own advice.” He added quietly. Seto had picked up his knife and fork but paused when he heard Mokuba’s words. Was he really being that cold towards her? The thought worried him as he put his cutlery down.

“Does it really look that way?” he asked to which his brother nodded back. “What do you think I should do?” Mokuba eyed his brother curiously.

“You want my opinion?”

“Yes, that’s why I’m asking.”

“Um…well…I think it would be nice if you took her out today. You know, show her around. She has never been here before after all.” Mokuba got up to leave, letting Seto contemplate his suggestion.

“And where are you going?”

“I’m going to meet up with friends. I’ve got quite a few years to catch up on. See you later.” He said waving. “Have fun today!” After finishing his breakfast Kaiba decided that he would do as his brother had suggested. Not only would it keep her away from Yugi and that lot but also alleviated his worries about leaving her here alone. Coming to a stop in front of her door, Kaiba knock and waited for her to answer.

“We’re going out.” Seto simply stated when she appeared, wrapping her dressing gown around her waist. It was the only way he knew how to do these things. He told people what to do and they did it. Although this probably wasn’t the appropriate way to go about this but old habits were hard to break.

“We are? Where are we going?” she asked.

“I thought it would be a good idea to show you around…you know, get you more familiar with the place.”

“That sounds great.” Seto was relieved at the look of genuine excitement he received at his announcement. “Just let me get ready.”

“Uh…would you like me to have some breakfast sent up for you?”

“That’s sweet of you, thanks.” They left about an hour later, once Haru had dressed and eaten and even after what he had said they still ended up spending most of the morning at Kaiba corp. Seto thinking they should probably get this part out of the way first, that and of course wanting to make sure everything was still running smoothing and efficiently after his long absence. Haru didn’t seem to mind being dragged around though, in fact she seemed to be quite interested in how his company worked. It was such a change from how she had behaved before. All the time they had been in the U.S she had barely spoken to him at all, now however she was full of questions. Perhaps she had enough of acting demur around him and being away from her father made it easier for her to act more like herself. Whatever the reason he was thankful, it made being with her so much easier.

When they finally left Kaiba corp. they stopped for lunch and then went on to spend the afternoon wondering around the city. Since it was now December many of the places were putting up their Christmas decorations and much of the town was having its lights put up. In the evening Kaiba took Haru, after much protest from her, to one of the most expensive restaurants for dinner. As the night drew on Seto found himself walking Haru to an all too familiar place. Where once he had watched the fireworks with Joey so many years ago, he now stood with Haru, who had wanted to see the city all lit up, especially the large tree at the centre.

“Wow, it’s beautiful! You can see so much from up here.” Haru said leaning on the rail.

“Yes it’s…it’s a nice spot.” Kaiba’s eyes drifted over to the bench where he had embarrassingly fallen asleep. Inwardly groaning Kaiba dragged himself back to the present. Turning to look at Haru he saw the relaxed expression on her face, so different from the one she usually shows.

“You’ve been acting different.” Seto found himself suddenly saying.

“Yeah.” Haru said, standing up straight. “I guess I have.”

“Why?”

“Mmmm…” Haru seemed to think about this for a moment. Turning round she leant her back against the railings. “You know when something seems so far anyway that you never really think that it’s gonna happen, but then all of a sudden it is and your like ‘shit this is actually happening, what the hell am I gonna do?’…” Kaiba’s furrow creased trying to understand what exactly she was getting at. “…maybe not.” She said reading his look. “I guess I’ve just been a little shell shock with it all. This sort of happened so quickly and I’ve only now snapped out of it. I remember thinking on the flight over that I can’t continue to be like this, I’m moving to another country for fuck sake, we will have to get on. And I know you said, repeatedly, that you don’t have any friends, but I was hoping it would be ok if we could be. I mean we are supposed to be partners right?” She looked to him, not in the pleading manner she did yesterday but with a much more open and reasonable way, as if offering a simple solution to a problem, which made it hard to argue with her. It was true, they were partners now and they did need to be able to have a good relationship with each other. It shouldn’t be that difficult, it wasn’t as if he didn’t like her, well she was certainly better company now than before. He should probably make an effort as well.

“I didn’t say I was apposed to having friends. Just not those people.” He admitted, remembering all the times Yugi and co had tried enforce their friendship on him and thinking it wouldn’t mind it so much if it was Haruka.

“So you’re saying that’s alright then?” Haru asked watching Seto closely.

“Yeah.”

“Good.” She said jumping forward. “You know what we need now right?”

“What?” Kaiba asked nervously. Haru looked at back at him over her shoulder, a broad smile spreading across her face.

“Alcohol.”

===@===

“It’s true, I have never seen my father’s face that red. Course it was nothing compared to the woman’s whose dress he pulled off when he fell in!” Haruka and Seto were back at Kaiba manor, seated on the floor, both slightly drunk and laughing over the story Haru was telling him about her father. “I think that was the day I lost the fear of my father. I realised he was human, just like everyone else.” Even though he had protested, Haru had insisted that they should go back home and have a few drinks together. ‘It’ll help us to get to know one another better’ she had said.

‘How?’

‘It will help loosen you up.’ She told him simply as she helped herself to his drinks cabinet. Which he never knew why his staff kept replenishing, it just seemed kind of pointless as he never really drank that much anyway. Probably for the very reason Haru had said. He didn’t like to ‘loosen up’, to have something compromise how he behaved was not something he enjoyed, he liked being in control and alcohol took that from him. That’s not to say that he didn’t drink at all, he’d have a glass of wine with a meal or at business occasions but he knew his limit and would never go over. Even with Joey he had never broken that rule. So why was he doing it now? He guessed Haruka was a lot pushier that Joey would ever be cos despite what Wheeler had always said, a small part of him was afraid of him, afraid of his rejection and Haru didn’t have that.

“Were you ever scared of Gozaburo?” Kaiba could feel himself tense at the sound of the name, damn, he’d had thought it would have stopped affecting him by now.

“No.” he stated firmly annoyed by his reaction.

“Oh don’t be like that.” She cooed leaning against him and patting his knee. “You can say if he did. He scared me! I think it was the eyebrows. They were huge! It was like he had 3 moustaches on his face!” She laughed and Seto couldn’t help but smirk as well. Gozaburo really did have an impressive set of eyebrows. He could sense the pleasant laid back feeling spreading through his tense mind and found that it didn’t bother him nearly as much as it should do.

“I wasn’t afraid of him, I hated him.” Kaiba said quite freely. “I hated him for everything he put me and my brother through.”

“But that was kind of your choice though right?”

“Mmm.” He shifted a little where he sat unable to deny the truth of her words.

“Ooh hey! I’ve got a good one.” Haru declared, seemingly completely oblivious to the discomfort she had caused. “How many girlfriends have you had?”

“What!?! Why are you asking that?”

“Because it’s a good question.” She replied easily, leaning in close. “Besides you’re a good looking guy, I would have thought you’d had a fair few. I’m just curious is all. And I’m your wife, I have a right to know.” Kaiba was about to point out that was not really a valid reason when she suddenly moved and settled herself in his lap. “Go on, tell me. I’ll tell you how many I’ve had…boyfriends I mean.”

“How many?” He asked not finding her current position all that unpleasant. It had been so long since he had had some one this close to him.

“Four.” Kaiba really had no excuse to not answer since she revealed hers so easily. It would just seem petty now.

“…One.” He said quietly. It wasn’t that he was ashamed of the small number, it was just all this talk made him think of Wheeler, something he really didn’t want to think about.

“Wow…you must have been with her a long time huh?”

“…Yeah…it was a long time.”

“Mine never lasted that long. I never really saw the point you know?” Her laugh came out humourless as she rested her head on his shoulder. “Woo…you really have some muscle on you.” Haru exclaimed sitting up again, her hand pressed against Seto’s chest.

“Excuse me!”

“Sorry…it’s just you’re so tall and thin I didn’t expect…” She moved placing one leg either side, straddling him, with her hands caressing his front. “…these.” Kaiba reached up to pull her hands away but ended up merely holding them instead. He looked down at his hands, wondering what the hell he was doing. Her hands were smaller, slighter and smoother, thinking about it he had never really held a woman’s hand like this before. Gazing back up again he saw Haru staring down at him, a strange sad longing look in her half lidded eyes. Slowly leaning forward she pressed her lips against his. It was a while before Kaiba responded, letting go he deepened the kiss between them. He had been celibate for so long and he hadn’t thought that he missed it that much but apparently that wasn’t the case. Wrapping his arms around her he pulled her close.


Plz R&R - thankies ^_^