State of Mind
Chapter 07
ORIGINAL CHARACTERS: Grey-san, Corvin-san, Field-san and the Kravans.
SPOILERS: None really, since the plot is most likely more AU than anything else.
NOTES: A ~ or --- will now represent a change of place or time, to make it easier on my readers. Also, `word' means it is being thought, if anyone is unsure.
SUMMARY: Mokuba is now 15 years old and has grown into a confident young man. In the years since Secrets that Remain Mokuba has become aware of Seto's game and the brothers have become inseparably close. Yet many secrets still remain. As the eve of Mokuba's 16th birthday nears, a new and unusual tension is in the air.
What lies beneath the surface of happy days and silent nights? When the demons of the past will not die, how does one continue to live? "This ephemeral peace will one day shatter and all shall fall away...”
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Yuugiou nor am I making any money from this story. Please give appropriate support toward Yuugiou's mangaka Takahashi Kazuki.
*****WARNINGS: PLEASE NOTE that this story contains direct mention and some description of sexual/mental child abuse between two males. This content is portrayed as a damaging, terrible act of violation toward a child as any type of child abuse is; however, if this subject offends you in ANY way, please do not read.
Contains Yaoi/MalexMale/Homosexual and incestuous situations, mature language, mention of attempted suicide, and various other not nice things.
-Blood.
---Chapter 07---
Seto had been doing the exact same thing for over an hour. Through blurry eyes, Mokuba yawned, staring at his older brother in the seat beside him. Intense cobalt eyes were burning holes through the sleek laptop sitting atop his long legs. Continuous keystrokes punctured the otherwise quiet atmosphere. If he were not already used to the sound, Mokuba might have been annoyed with hearing the noise, especially since he had been attempting to sleep. Instead, the constant drum was a bit soothing.
It did worry him a little though. His nii-sama appeared to have not moved at all since Mokuba had drifted off to sleep shortly after take-off. They had decided a night flight would be the best option. The Kaiba Corp© private jet was available whenever it was needed, but this decision made it possible to reach Ambrosia in the early morning hours. The sun would rise shortly after their arrival, signifying the true start to Mokuba's one-week-getaway. It would be beautiful. Mokuba felt overjoyed just imagining how the water would look beneath colored clouds and how powerful would be the first jet of sunlight as it swept across the horizon. He smiled to himself, listening to the faint rumble of the jet around him and the more distracting click of computer keys.
Wouldn't his shoulders hurt later from sitting so straight for so long? When the brunette was so diligently working, he often failed to notice the passage of time. As Mokuba watched those hard blue eyes that rarely blinked, he began to wonder just how much sleep his brother had gotten lately. For that matter, how much did he get on a regular basis? Very little, the teen assumed. It only made him sigh. Mokuba realized he was suddenly very awake. He was lying across the couch-like seat that he and his brother were sharing. The youngest Kaiba always insisted on being closest to the window because the clouds at this altitude were spectacular. What was Seto doing anyway? He rolled to his hands and knees, pushing off the jacket that had at some point been draped over him. Carefully, he made his way toward Seto, laying his head on this boney shoulder.
"What are you working on?" Mokuba had noticed Seto's fingers hesitate for just a heartbeat at his approach.
"Concepts for a new game," he said simply, his slim digits dancing still.
"Oh." Mokuba read a little of what was on the screen, eyes widening slightly in approval. "Wow," was his compliment, "when did you come up with this?"
"On our way to the air-strip. I was asked by a client to come up with an original game with a few certain ideas in mind, but I've been at a loss for almost a week. One of the specifications was that it had to be an online game." He paused, waiting for the raven- haired onlooker to comment.
The onlooker blinked in surprise, replying, "Online? We've never done one of those before. I wonder, what will our usual buyers think? I suppose our server could handle it."
"Of course it can. This should prove to be an interesting venture. We cannot keep to the same agenda endlessly. I think it will be well-received," Seto said as he seemed to slow down, his hands making fewer jerks and his fingers curled up away from the keyboard. "That will do for now."
Mokuba pursed his lips, "You know, Nii-sama, you aren't supposed to work during my birthday." His grey eyes glared in accusation at the taller brunette.
Seto simply smiled, "I do not plan to work anymore." He closed the black laptop, slipping it nonchalantly into its leather carrier. His full attention fell on Mokuba then, dark eyes asking acceptance now that the offending item was out of sight. "I just needed to make sure the outline for the story was somewhere other than in the back of my mind."
Rolling his eyes, the youngest Kaiba sighed. The amusement in his eyes did not escape Seto as small lips presented a knowing smile, "I understand, Nii-sama. You've always been efficient that way;" his _expression evolved into a grin, "but all work and no play would mean you don't get to spend time with me. So, away with thoughts of work. Let's just take some time to relax, even if it means something gets behind schedule. You promise?"
"If you say so, kid."
"Hey, I'm serious…"
Mokuba was ready to fall into another pout until the weight of Seto's hand settled over his head. "I know you are, Otouto. I promise; no more work until I'm back in the office seven days from now." his eyes were the softest cobalt shadowed beneath chocolate bangs gracing pale skin. This gentle _expression was one that Mokuba was confident had never been seen by any other. His heart slowed to stopping, the beautiful moment more than enough to wash away any of his worries. Color touched his cheeks as he nodded. Large hands ruffled raven hair and the moment faded.
* * * * *
"It's better than I remember…"
"Is it?"
"Well, yes. Now I have the sense to appreciate it more than before. I was only 13, you know." Mokuba propped his chin comfortably atop his hands, "Now I have proof that it wasn't just a dream."
Seto panned his vision along the coast before him. The beach was a glistening sea of diamonds beneath the half moon above, the white sand spanning beautifully before him. A dream? Yes, this island was indeed a scene that must have been drug up from someone's imagination. The clean air and lulling water as transparent as glass, the lush plant life and groups of wild, untouched creatures that roamed freely about; everything about Ambrosia was unnatural in this day and technical age. Just how many businessmen would go to such extreme limits to create such a paradise? Ira was certainly a strange man, but he was also a lucky man infected with the rare illness of `true love.'
Staring out from the ship's deck, Seto at once clutched tighter to the banister, supporting his weight as he leaned overboard. Even with the lesser light of the moon, Seto could see far into the water's depths. He could see the fish fleeing from the larger form of the ship as it invaded their home, just as he and Mokuba would be doing to the wildlife on the island. An irrelevant thought. He felt silly suddenly and righted himself only to notice his brother's eyes on him. He blinked in response to the weird stare, figuring Mokuba must have also thought the action unusual.
"Sunrise is only a few hours away," Seto said, breaking the suddenly thickening silence. He was feeling nostalgic and anxious. He wanted this vacation; it seemed, more than ever. His fingers found an open pocket, diving inside before clinging tightly together.
"I can't wait…" Mokuba replied, "Then we can go swimming, ne? It's probably a little too cold right now."
"Maybe a little." Seto preferred the colder water, unlike Mokuba who would immediately shiver with gooseflesh and refuse to go into the water unless it was at least 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It made the brunette smile, even as the boat shook slightly as it docked.
There was only one small, wooden platform at which any boat could be tied; however, it was strategically placed so that one might unload in the easiest spot to find the path to the mansion. This would be their next trek.
Seto paid the owner of the ship, convincing him to assist with the removal of their bags for a little extra. There were only a few large ones. Two trips would suffice in moving them to their weeklong home. Food supplies had already been stocked a day before. Since Kravan would not allow any of Seto's men to step onto the island, it had been his men that Seto paid for their services. At least he knew anyone who worked for old man Ira would be reliable, so he was sure everything was in place and unharmed. A smirk overtook his mouth as he helped Mokuba attach his bag to his back.
Ambrosia, huh? It was truly amazing what the old man had accomplished with this place. Especially if one wanted to address the technological feat involved. For on the entire island, even with the electricity and running water, not a single power-line or tower had been placed. With a little money and the right resources, anything can be done. It was all a very well thought out system, if Seto had anything to say for it. Sometime this week he would have to explain to Mokuba just how this island worked behind the scenes.