Waking up the next Morning...

Over the next few days, Jou spent his time with Kaiba and Mokuba. Enjoying the games he could play with the younger Kaiba, or even just listening to Kaiba type away at the keyboard. He found it interesting when he could notice the different sounds in the keyboard like the space bar or the delete key.

It had gotten to the weekend, Mokuba was out with friends, and he was starting to get antsy from sitting still for the whole day. Kaiba noticed the reactions that Jou gave, as he sat there minute after minute. Kaiba put his laptop down and picked up Jou. It was about lunchtime anyway, so he thought he’d take the boy out of the room before he went insane.

Kaiba opened the door heading out into the hallway, he barely walked 2 steps before he stopped in his tracks. Jou heard some sort of noise, but he had no idea what it was. Kaiba turned around instantly, placing Jou back on the bed.

“I’ll be right back,” He said before leaving again. Jou was very curious, he wasn’t sure what it was that had gotten to Kaiba, but he wanted to know. Jou waited just enough to hope Kaiba wouldn’t notice him.

Jou stood up, the pain almost completely gone, but the wrappings not allowing him much movement. He walked out the door and headed towards the stairs, he could make out some voices that he guessed were coming from the door. Maybe that’s what had spooked Kaiba, a guest coming and not wanting to show his weak, kind side. Jou walked most the way to the stairs, lowering himself to the ground as he inched his way to the top step where he sat, knowing it wasn’t a smart idea to go down the stairs.

Jou listened closer, not that it was hard as the voices got louder also. He knew the voice that was echoing through the large entry way that was just down the stairs.

“Please Kaiba, we’re just asking for a little help,” The voice pleaded, it was obviously that of Yugi’s, but Jou couldn’t guess what Yugi would ever need from Kaiba.

“He’s been missing for almost a week now Kaiba, and you know that you’ve got the best resources for finding him.” A more demanding voice continued. It wasn’t Yugi, but Honda this time, someone who would never ask anything of Kaiba. Jou thought about what they were saying when he realized it was him they were looking for. He didn’t know what to think, of course people would be wondering about him after this long, and yet not for one moment did he ever think to call someone and let them know.

Kaiba backed up, attempting to avoid the two that were in his face about needing his help. He backed up enough that he noticed something at the top of the stairs, he huffed knowing he could never tell Jou to simply stay put. He turned back to the group of Jou’s friends, more diplomatically this time. “Just give me a moment and I’ll be right back. Please stay where you are.” He said as he walked up the stairs towards Jou.

Jou finally realized that Kaiba had seen him, a guilty look spread across his face, as he attempted to smile it off. Kaiba shook his head lightly before bending over to talk to Jou’s face. Although the gang, had kind of scooted to the side to see where Kaiba was going, Kaiba made sure to bend over in just the right way that they wouldn’t see Jou.

“Do you want to go talk to them now?” Kaiba asked seriously. Jou thought for a moment, but knew he really didn’t have a choice. He felt bad that they had gone to these lengths to find him, and he couldn’t just disappear now.

“Yeah, I really need to.” Jou said, giving a weak smile. He prepared himself to be picked up, after finally having gotten used to it. Kaiba carried him down the stairs, Jou’s pride hurting along the way. He’d gotten most of it back, knowing that he needed to take care of his ankle, but there was something about being carried by Kaiba, princess style as his friends watched horrified that just hurt him.

“Hey,” He said softly as Kaiba helped him stand up. Honda looked at Jou questioning in his eyes, Anzu, as uncharacteristically quiet as she was, was smiling, just happy to see him alive. Then Yugi, who’s eyes were welling with tears, he too seemed just happy to see Jou alive. Yugi was starting to run to Jou to hug him before Jou held out a hand, “No Yugi.” He said terrified. Yugi stopped in his tracks, confused.

Jou actually laughed a little, before explaining, “A hug is fine, but I’m not stable enough for you to be running at me.” Jou finished as he even held out his hands to hug Yugi back. There was no way to stop Yugi from hugs, Jou had learned long ago to embrace them. As Yugi gave a hug to Jou he asked innocently, “What happened to you?”

“Yeah, and why the hell are you here,” Honda asked, glaring at Kaiba, as Kaiba just glared right back. Jou rolled his eyes, not really caring that the two were having a bit of a staring match.

“Well about the time of Yugi’s birthday party, I twisted my ankle pretty badly. And I didn’t really take care of it… so when I happened across Kaiba in the park, the day that I last saw you guys, and I kinda fainted there, he was kind enough to bring me here and brought his doctor. The doctor wrapped my foot and said not to walk on it for, well, about a week.” Jou said, leaving the details for maybe some other time. He made sure to play up Kaiba’s kindness, as it might be the only way to break up the staring match that was still going.

“Why would Kaiba ever be nice to you?” Honda asked, meaning to be more of an insult to Kaiba, but hurting Jou along the way.

Kaiba smirked at Honda, “At least I see him as competition, can’t loose a good rival” He admitted, “You on the other hand…” Kaiba said as an evil grin came to his face.

“Ok knock it off,” Jou said as he stepped towards the two to physically pull them apart, something that was usually Honda’s job towards him. As Jou stepped forward he lost balance, he began to fall. Kaiba gracefully caught him one arm out before helping his straighten up. “You are so clumsy,” Kaiba said, as if it was the utmost burden upon him.

Everyone noticed the difference in atmosphere between Kaiba and Jou, when Jou didn’t respond with a punch. All that was hear was a simple growl, as Jou focused his attention back to the gang.

“When are you going to be back in school,” Yugi asked obviously having missed having his best friend to sit near in class.

“I’m not sure, but soon I hope,” Jou said, scratching his head. “I mean I did try to escape to class once, but I had a guard dog.” Jou pointed towards Kaiba, unable to resist the urge in getting to call Kaiba a dog for once. Yugi tried to keep a straight face, knowing why Jou called Kaiba a ‘guard dog’, but he had a little trouble. “Well I guess most teachers will accept it if you’ve got a good doctor’s note.” Yugi mentioned focusing on their conversation.

Jou looked to Kaiba, who smirked having said almost the exact same thing, not even a week before. Jou nodded agreeing silently with Yugi. The conversation continued a bit, minor arguments went between Honda and Kaiba, and a few laughs here and there. The gang was about to leave feeling better after assuring themselves that Jou was still alive and safe.

“Hey Honda,” Jou called as the gang was heading for the door, “Sorry to ask this, but ya think you could tell my dad that I’m alright…. Didn’t really get around to telling him either,” Jou said nervously. “Sure man, I’ll let him know.” Honda said with a smile and a wink. He had his hand out thumb pointing towards his chest, and hand in a fist with a sort of, you can trust me pose, which did somehow reassure Jou.

After the visitors left, most the day was spent in silence between Kaiba and Jou. All though dinner and as they went to bed not a word had been said.

-----~~~~@@@~~~~-----


Jou woke up the next morning to someone poking and prodding his ankle. He almost leaped out of the bed to attack the person, but he was able to realize that it was actually the doctor that was checking it over.

“Well good morning” The doctor said cheerfully. “My name is Tanaka Nishimura, It’s nice to meet you Jou.” Jou shook the hand that was held out for him, but he was surprised that the private doctor of the Kaiba’s what such a happy and upbeat person. Not that he was a bad guy, but it didn’t all fit together in his head.

The doctor looked at the ankle which had reduced in swelling almost back to it’s original size. It was mostly a yellow color, with a hint of green and purple, which was that place right before being fully healed. Jou was relieved that he might be able to walk again, without hurting it more. Dr. Nishimura rewrapped the ankle with a little less pressure this time, and about half the amount of bandages.

“Well if you don’t abuse it again, then you can start walking around on it again. Make sure not to run or put extreme pressure until it’s fully healed, And for about another week, make sure to put some ice on it every night to ensure it’s swelling stays down.” The doctor prescribed to Jou. Jou listened and nodded to assure him that he understood every part.

The doctor packed up his supplies in a small bag to his side about to leave, as Kaiba pulled him over to mention the small matter of a ‘bed rest’ prescription note, for Jou’s teachers. Which Nishimura, assured would be written, signed, and faxed over later that day.

Jou sighed, he was relieved that his ankle had healed most of the way within the short week. After escorting the doctor out, Kaiba came over to join Jou on the bed. He didn’t have his computer, but just sat silently there, next to Jou.

Kaiba almost seemed nervous to Jou, he was fidgety, which was very unlike the proud CEO that he knew. After looking at Kaiba to silently ask if he was alright, Jou got an answer.

Kaiba got off the bed kneeling beside it to get more of a face to face view with Jou. “I promised Mokuba I’d say something,” Kaiba mumbled to himself, before starting to talk directly to Jou.

“I…I” Kaiba attempted to spit out his words, something Jou had never seen before. Kaiba was never at a lack of words, even when he was wrong. Kaiba took a deep breath before continuing again, “I like you, Jou,” He said, his face almost twitching into a smile. The softness in his voice just confused Jou, and Jou wasn’t really sure what he was supposed to say back.

Kaiba’s smile dropped, as he got off the floor and left the room as fast as he could. Jou was still shocked and unsure of his own feelings, he sat there flabbergasted, mouth hanging open and everything. He shook his head to clear his thoughts, and quickly decided that sleep was his best option. He buried himself deep in the sheets, pillows piled high over his head. It was a little warm, but he needed it to force himself to sleep.


-----~~~~@@@~~~~-----

Jou woke up to hear the door open, something was placed down on the table and then the door closed once again. He unburied himself to notice food was sitting on the table, but he didn’t want it. Jou wasn’t hungry, and having food just dropped off, didn’t exactly thrill him. He buried himself again, begging that today would be over.

A bit later Jou was awoken to the same routine, food dropped off and then alone again. He didn’t even bother to get up this time.


-----~~~~@@@~~~~-----


Jou woke up, he was still alone in the bed, but he had no idea what time it was.

When he unburied himself, he looked around at the pitch black room. No Kaiba, and no sign of him anywhere. Jou’s eyes slowly adjusted, as he looked around to find that one clock he knew was there. He found it, numbers glowing red in the dark. It was just after 2 am, which made him, not just wonder about Kaiba, but start to worry.

Of course today hadn’t gone well, and Kaiba was a workaholic, but he had never come to bed so late before. Or in this case, not at all.

Jou got himself out of bed, deciding to wander around, not that he’d be able to sleep now. He left the room and looked around. Jou knew to the left was the stairs, and to the right was Mokuba’s room, but he wasn’t sure what else lie down the hall to the right.

Jou walked slowly, but steadily down the hall, noting when he came to Mokuba’s room. He was glad to find the light out, assuming it meant Mokuba was asleep. Jou smiled at the door, and continued down the hall. He came to the end, noticing that to the right the hall continued just a bit. It was almost an L shape. He turned the corner noticing two doors. One he assumed was a bathroom, or closet while the other was slightly ajar with lights filtering out into the hallway.

Jou walked to the door that was opened towards him, peeking inside, curious to what he would see. Although, Jou found nothing much, it was a medium sized room, with a couch and a few chairs, as well as a desk when Kaiba was sitting. Kaiba had obviously fallen asleep while doing his work, as he was hunched over the desk.

Jou slid his way into the room, trying to make as little noise as possible. He sort of smiled as he watched Kaiba sleep. Jou took a tentative breath, before leaning over to softly wake up Kaiba. He touched Kaiba’s shoulder, which seemed to wake the other instantly. Kaiba jumped back to his seated position about ready to work more, before Jou spoke.

“You should really come to bed.” Jou’s voice was quite, with no intentions or anger to go along with what he said. Kaiba cringed, afraid of Jou’s reaction to what he’d said earlier. “I’ve got to get this work done. I’ll be fine.” He said hoping it would end the conversation.

Jou sighed, he took another deep breath, before leaning over to whisper in Kaiba’s ear. “I like you too,” He said softly. He let the realization sink into Kaiba before he added to it, “I wasn’t trying to reject you earlier, I was just surprised.”

Kaiba took his first breath, after holding it through Jou talking. He looked at Jou, judging his earnesty before fully believing what the other boy had said to him. Kaiba attempted to play it off, “Well I guess, I can just finish this later.” As he closed the laptop and left his work, Jou just smiled and let it pass. Kaiba looked at Jou again, before picking Jou up as he had for the last week. It was just something he couldn’t resist.

Kaiba swiftly turned off the lights and closed the door before walking them back to his room. He placed Jou slowly on the bed, heading to his dresser to change into his sleepwear.

He came back to the bed sitting down next to Jou. He looked down to the boy who was laying down. Kaiba smiled softly, as he held onto Jou’s face, leaning down letting their lips connect. It was simple kiss, but it was important. It was as soft lips connected, the message clear to each participant, that this love was forever. The kiss lasted for a while, more about the conveyance of feelings, than anything else.

It was their first real kiss.


Kaiba pulled away slowly, continuing to smile for Jou. He laid down next to Jou, as he pulled him closer by the waist as they laid face to face, til they slowly drifted off to sleep.

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So this is all I've got for now. I hope you've enjoyed. I may come to make a sequel to this story leading to the relationship, but I've got another story on my mind right now so I'm gonna focus on that for now.

Thanks for all your support. And as always thanks for reading!
Rad