Jou Cool

Title: Jou Cool

Author: Puppys_seahorse

Betas: Maggiemay, Kschur, Mofaf1, Wicabeth

Genre: Drama/Dark Fairytale

Rating: Adult+ For violence, swearing and sexual situations

Spoilers: None

Summary: Jounouchi is a homophobic ex-gang leader trying to go
straight. Seto twists that ALL to hell.

A/N: I wrote this hoping to enter it into a contest on ADL. But I
think I will give up on that idea. No new contests in the offing and
nobody responds to my questions about contests. Enjoy all.


****


With a frustrated growl Jounouchi followed. But he knew an evasion
when he saw one. Something was up with his lover and he was going to
find out what.

Even though he kept busy arranging his ‘family’ and
seeing that everyone got where they needed to go with as little
disruption as possible, he managed to keep an eye on Seto. The
brunet was in total control playing CEO to the hilt. He snapped
orders, delegated unimportant details, and managed people with an
enviable skill. But to Jounouchi’s perceptive gaze he was stiff,
distracted, and at times he would seek out one or the other of his
body guards. He wouldn’t say anything, but as if they sensed a
problem they’d touch his arm subtly almost in reassurance.

If he hadn’t been keeping a close watch on his brunet he would have
missed his disappearance. As it was he was aware of his lover
slipping out of the large lobby and into an empty hall behind the
service area. His eyes narrowed thoughtfully as he caught sight of
Marik, the only body guard in sight, following soon after. He
motioned Matani away and discreetly moved around the back of the
small hall, ducking into a small alcove. He’d have to talk to Seto
about covering all entrances if he wanted privacy. But first he was
going to hear what was going on.

Hiding in the shadows he pressed his back to the wall and listened.
Marik’s voice floated to him. “He’s busy with that Matani. What’s
going on? You’ve been…did he hurt you in the limo?”

His love’s deep voice murmured “No not at all. He was…perfect. He
tastes so good. I felt so clean, so right. I expected it to be
like...but he’s not...and he is more responsive than I’ve ever
dreamed. It was …” He broke off. “I ruined it. He started to go
down on me and I just…ruined it.”

Yami’s dark voice soothed “I’m sure you didn’t. You did explain
about why you…have boundaries?”

“No. I couldn’t. I didn’t want to admit it. I...he felt good and
new. I just...didn’t want that to intrude. Damn it I thought I
could move past what happened. But as soon as he took initiative I
just…lost it.”

“Seto, you have to talk to him. He has to understand what’s going on
or he’ll think you don’t want to be with him.” Bakura sounded harsh
compared to the caring of the other guards. “He’s used to being with
willing girls and you can bet that he’s not going to want to wait for
you to be ready unless you explain. You have to tell him what’s
wrong. Tell him if he goes to fast it could cause...well you know
what could happen. Damn it talk to him. If he loves you he will get
it.”

“Talk to him? And tell him what? That I can give pleasure like one
of his fucking whores but I don’t know how to receive it? That it
frightens me when my body gets out of control? Tell him that
my ‘father’ used me as his sex toy for years?” Rage and pain
splintered in Seto’s voice. “Tell him that I could become that
monster? He is so guarded and only partially accepts our world, what
will he do when he finds out that I am not what he thinks.” He held
up his hands to stop their protests. “He would walk out.” Defeat
made the deep voice suddenly hollow. “I wouldn’t blame him.”

He’d heard enough. Jounouchi choked back his volcanic emotions and
slipped away. He needed to think about this and needed some air. He
left through a side door and moved out onto a thick lawn. Mai, her
short cap of golden hair shining in the sun, was sitting beside an
empty fountain. She looked up curiously when she heard the
door. “Hey Jounouchi. Come to find me?”

“Nah. I just needed…” But the woman was rising to stand in front of
him. Eyes sharp with knowledge scanned his features. Trails of
tears were clearly visible and as she watched more traced down his
cheeks. “What’s wrong?”

‘I…” Jounouchi shook his head but refused to scrub his face like a
child. “I…it’s not my problem, but it is.”

A small smile curved her painted lips. “Kaiba?”

The Leader blinked and his tear stopped flowing. “What…how…”

“Yer in love fer the first time ever and you wonder how I can tell
somethin’s got ya spazzed? Jounouchi it’s as obvious as yer blond
hair. Now tell me what’s wrong.”

He turned and walked away then spun back indecisively, turned away
again not wanting to tell Seto’s secret but needing help. Her voice
stopped him. “I remember th’ night ya came ta Rintama ya know. Ya
may not remember it but I was one of th’ people who took care of ya.”

He spun back quickly, his eyes wide with shock, tears drying on his
lashes. He hadn’t remembered. “Fuck, then ya know…”

“Yeah, I know. Is that what’s the problem?” Compassion filled eyes
normally filled with calculation or fake emotion.

“No. It’s not like that. But…it’s…” he trailed off as he realized
what he had to do. “Mai thanks. And…for everything…” He waved his
hand to indicate their past. “I’m sorry. I won’t ferget yer name
ever again.” He hugged her gently.

Dark pink eyes glimmered with laughter and tears as she returned the
hug fondly. “Yer welcome Leader. And thanks.” She leaned back in
his embrace and smiled up at him. “I talked ta the counselor here.
After I do th’ drug rehab I’m goin’ ta school ta be a fashion
designer. Gotta dress all them rich and powerful people ya know.”

“That’s good Mai. I can see ya now makin’ all them rich old bitches
look like a million bucks.”

She laughed “Yeah, me too.” She stepped out of his arms and shooed
him inside. “Go help everyone else now. I’m good.”

With a smile of gratitude he nodded and turned away. “Yeah, you
are.” On the way in he openly wiped the tear tracks from his face.
No sense cryin’ about what he couldn’t change. And he had a plan to
change what he could. It would wait a few hours and he had a family
to take care of. Firmly he set his course.

Seto, watching them from a window, clenched his jaw and whirled back
to his duties. The embrace between the two blondes had been tender
and fond but it hadn’t been passionate. He told himself he had no
reason to be jealous, none at all. But he couldn’t stop the
blackness that burned in him as he thought about the clinch he’d just
witnessed. The darkness inside him grew as Jounouchi avoided him and
his glances for the next few hours.

He was smoothing out a snag with one of the counselors when a
slightly familiar voice hissed beside him. “Kaiba!”

With a small nod he dismissed the counselor and looked down at the
small blue-haired boy glaring death at him. “Noa. What is it?”

“I went to get my room assigned and they said I wasn’t staying
here.” His ward snarled.

“They are correct. You’re coming home with me.” Unperturbed he
started to shift his gaze but a hard punch to his gut caught him
unawares. His dragon skin body armor deflected the blade that would
have buried itself deep in his gut. Seto’s air left him in a
whoosh. Everyone in the room froze as the bent knife clattered to
the ground. They knew this was going to be bad. The Leader had
warned Noa. Attacking the Commander would get Noa killed. Before
Seto could react Bakura grabbed Noa and lifted him by his throat,
slowly strangling.

Several undercover social workers and cops started forward,
determined to stop the murder. Gang members blocked their paths.
The outsiders were not to interfere with family justice. Finding
their efforts blocked all they could do was watch helplessly, nerves
stretched and screaming at the slow death of the child.

Impervious to the tension swirling around him Seto watched
impassively as his step-brother first struggled violently, then
turned blue and went limp, eyes closing into unconsciousness. Bakura
lowered the wilted boy to the ground and released him. When he
didn't start to breathe on his own the white-haired man bent and blew
a few breaths into him. The boy gasped and started to heave air into
his lungs.

Several relieved sighs sounded around the room. Only Seto and
the other body guards knew that breath control was Bakura’s
specialty. He was trained to know – to the second – how far he could
go. The boy would have a headache and a sore throat, but not even a
bruise would mar him.

Everyone in the room stared first at the Commander, then at the prone
body on the floor, waiting to see what would happen. Seto watched
impassively as Noa coughed and wheezed, attempting to sit up. Nobody
offered to help him.

Holding his throat, trying to soothe the burning rawness, Noa waited
for the darkness on the edge of his vision to clear before attempting
to stand. “Bastard.” He croaked.

“I assure you I am quite legitimate, unlike you.” Seto glared
coldly. “My bodyguard was too kind. I would not have breathed for
the likes of you.”

“Bodyguard. Ya can’t…” Noa scoffed with difficulty “even fight for
yourself. You even wear a vest.”

Cold laughter, not from Seto, but from the hovering bodyguards
answered him. “What’s so funny?” He panted.

Bakura, Yami and Marik exchanged looks then Yami explained. “He
taught us. He can defeat us with ease. He has people try to kill
him every day with guns, knives, and bombs. A vest doesn’t make him
weak, it makes him smart.”

Marik shifted forward and said coldly. “Commander, what do you want
me to do with him?”

Noa’s eyes widened at the reminder. He’d just attacked the
Commander. His breathing might be a temporary condition. Bravely he
swallowed and glared defiantly at the tall man.

Seto wanted to laugh at the boy but he knew he had to do this right
or he’d lose credibility with his ‘army.’ He shrugged. “Jounouchi
was kind enough to spare him. I will do the same this time but if it
happens again you may take him swimming with the large reptile I keep
for nuisance removal.” A cold smile edged his lips. No need to
mention the sole occupant was a stuffed stuffed alligator Gozoburo
had killed and had mounted after wrestling it. It tickled Seto's
funny bone to have it mounted on a fake rock next to his swimming
pool. It had driven off many bikini clad girls who'd tried to corner
him during parties.

“Can’t do your own killin’ Kaiba?” Noa taunted rashly.

“I’m particular about what I touch. You need a bath.” Dismissively
he turned away, ending the confrontation and reducing Noa’s potential
threat to the insignificance of a grubby schoolboy. Everyone
hurriedly went back to their business.

A loud, “Big Brother!” Hollered in his brother’s unmistakable voice
brought the Commander’s head around again. A huge smile of greeting
crossed the elegant features. “Mokuba! You got my message?”

“Well duh! That’s why I’m here. You really found our brother Noa?
He’s here? Where?” He didn’t pause for an answer. “I came to take
him home and make him comfortable.” The irrepressible black-haired
imp bounded through the parting crowd making a beeline to Seto.

“Yes. He’s…” Seto looked around for Noa, unsurprised to see him
standing in the same spot, “there.” He gestured to the blue-haired
boy.

Noa heard the happy voice and saw the change it wrought on his
Commander. Dark hatred flared and ideas of revenge bubbled until he
saw a black-haired boy of his own age bounding eagerly towards the
Commander. Everything stopped and fell away, all noise receded
leaving him alone to gape at the heavenly creature that’d just run
into the room.

All of the darkness vanished in the light of the boy’s smile. It was
like stepping into sunlight after being in the shadows. Painfully
bright, but warm and good; a place he’d always wanted to be. He
almost fell over in shock when the little angel-boy rushed to him,
wrapping him in a hug. “Whaa…”

“You’re Noa right? I’m Mokuba! . I always wanted another brother
to play with. I just know we are going to be best friends. C’mon,
let’s go. We gotta get your room ready and I want to show you off.
We’ll go to the mall and get you stuff to make your room just the way
you want it.” The smaller boy smiled happily up at him and curiously
ran his fingers through the blue hair. “You look so pretty. Is your
hair real? I just thought about it and I gotta ask, do you really
want your own room? Or do you want to share with me? I bet you want
to share because we are going to be best friends.”

“Uhn…um…” Noa didn’t know what hit him, but he did know that his
angel had said he was pretty and that they could be together…could
share a room. When Mokuba pulled him away, still chattering nine to
a dozen, he followed docilely. He didn’t care about a room or
posters or sheets or even the clothes, all he cared about was the
staying bright sunlight that was dazzling him and making him feel
warm in a way he couldn’t remember ever being. He didn’t notice when
Seto motioned for Yami to accompany them. He was too caught up in
following the angel beckoning him.

Seto, trusting Yami absolutely, turned back to the issues that arose
from housing and caring for over sixty young people. Resolutely he
shoved his problems with Jounouchi to the back of his mind. It would
work out, he just had to stay strong, and let Jounouchi know that he
was there. The rest would work out.

Several long and exhausting hours later Seto climbed the stairs to
his room and reflected on how it was possible to stay strong and let
his lover know he was there when said lover was absent. He hadn’t
noticed at first, but after a while it dawned on him that Jounouchi
was very difficult to find. Sometimes he’d catch a glimpse of golden
hair or hear the sound of his distinctive voice but always when he
turned to look the blond was either a retreating figure rounding a
corner or simply gone. It was almost as if Jounouchi was avoiding
him. He hadn’t been able to find the elusive guy to say goodnight
and that weighed heavily on him. Tendrils of insecurity curled in
his belly making it churn and ache. Foregoing dinner he decided to
shower and try to sleep.

He pushed into his room and closed the door. Two steps into the room
he stopped cold because of a body lying on his bed. Before he could
call out or attack Jounouchi’s voice said softly “I…Th’ first time I
knew about fuckin’ I was nine. My mom and sis was gone fer almost
two years by then. My dad lost his job before dat an’ din’t have no
money ta buy booze. He’d go out an’ steal or wha’evah. Din’t mattah
as long as he got his drink. There was a liquor store down da block
an’ my dad usta go there. The owner was real partial to him and
would always give him credit. He’d give me candy and stuff too. He
always gave me licorice whips.” Jounouchi’s lips twisted bitterly
and his eyes glittered faintly with rage and tears. “I came home
from school that day jus’ like any other. Th’ owner of th’ store was
there. He tol’ my dad that he’d come ta collect. When dad said he
had no money th’ guy laughed and said he’d take it in trade. Me ta
fuck.” Jounouchi’s voice cracked, wobbled, and faded to a strained
whisper. Betrayal and horror sucked him deep into the memory.

Seto didn’t need a road map to know where this was going. He crossed
to his love and knelt beside him on the bed. “Sh…you don’t have…”

But he continued as if he didn’t see or hear Seto. He didn’t. He
was caught in that long ago terror. “He…my dad laughed an’ said ‘Yer
serious? Ya wanna fuck the little brat?’ And th’ guy just laughed.
He thought it was funny ya see. So my dad…my dad…just waved his hand
and said ‘Fine whatevah but I wan’ more credit an’ a little green fer
his virgin ass.’” Tears bled from the corner of wide blank golden
eyes. “He…when I tried ta run my dad held me down, tied me with his
belt and he …he stuffed my shirt in my mouth ta stop my screamin’.
He…th’ store man wasn’t really violent…he used lube and he…but he
hurt me so much and I was bleeding and cryin’. He tol’ my dad he’d
be back in a week fer when I healed up. I still remember what that
felt like, ta have him come in me. Burning hot, like acid,
eating me from the inside, and marking me for life, like it’d never
go away.” He gulped back the urge to vomit and scrub himself inside
and out for the millionth time since it had happened. “I…I ran away
that night. I ran inta th’ arms of the Rintama. They took me in and
took care of me until I healed. I found out later they paid a visit
ta my old man. He ain’t ever sold me since. A couple days later the
liquor store burned to th’ ground and the owner died in it. He was
tied ta a chair.” Tears continued to slide down his tanned cheeks “I
ain’t looked back and I ain’t had a use for…for fags since I realized
what dat man did ta me.”

Throat tight and hurting Seto nodded “But you know he was not gay
Jounouchi. He was a pedophile. It’s not the same.”

“Yeah, I know. I also know that some people say that once ya been
raped ya go one of two ways. Ya either become slutty because ya
don’t value yerself or ya become like a virgin because yer scared ta
let people close ta ya. I know I was slutty.” Jounouchi reversed
the grip of their hands, capturing Seto’s in both of his. “An’ I’m
bettin’ ya went in the other direction din’t ya?”

Seto gasped and reared back slightly but was held fast by the hold on
his hands. “I…release me.”

“Uhn uh. I told ya an’ now ya have to tell me.” It was an mplacable
demand and a heartfelt plea.

“You have it figured out why should I tell you anything?” Curt and
cold Seto glared then looked away.

Jou could see shame in every line of the brunet's long body. Pain
curled through him as he saw the pride he loved humbled. He couldn’t
allow it. “Because…because that was th’ deal. And I need ta know as
much as ya need ta tell me. Now don’t make me get tough. Just tell
me so we can start fresh.”

Dead silence reigned for long, long moments then Seto lowered his
head and curled onto Jounouchi’s chest. “My real parents died when I
was seven and Mokuba was three. Mokuba was fragile then. The
orphanage was not the healthiest place and he...he was so weak. I
was afraid he would die. And then I heard about Kaiba coming and
researched him. I figured out that if I could make him want us
Mokuba would be all right.”

Self-loathing and mockery twisted his features into a mask. “He came
to the orphanage for P.R. and I challenged him to a game of chess. I
beat him and he was impressed by me; wanted me. I refused to be
adopted without my brother so he took us both. At first we had it
all; everything we could ask for was ours. All I had to do was
learn. I like learning, I like exercising my mind. He knew that,
saw that in me. Every test he set for me I overcame. It was
exhilarating and exciting. And Mokuba was so healthy and happy. I
thought that maybe our new father was growing fond of us too. I was
stupid.” Seto’s voice faltered slightly then strengthened. “One
night he came to my room and ordered me to strip. I…I said no. And
when I did he said that I was a disappointment to him. I could never
be what he needed if I refused to learn what it took to succeed and
that we would go back to the orphanage the next day. I…I…couldn’t
allow that. Mokuba would die there, I knew it.” An audible gulp and
choke escaped his throat as he remembered. “So I allowed him to
teach me. I learned all the positions, all the tricks, everything.
It…it was just another lesson. At least that’s what I told myself.
I didn’t enjoy it and I didn’t want it. I was relieved on my
fourteenth birthday he told me that part of my education was
complete. If I’d known…” Seto shuddered and buried his face against
Jounouchi’s chest seeking the comforting warmth.

Instantly the hands holding his released their grip and wrapped round
him tightly. Reassured he continued.

“About three days after that I went to my brother’s room to read him
a story. He’d been upset earlier and hadn’t wanted to go to bed.
When I walked in our adoptive father was holding Mokuba by the hair
trying to force him to suck his dick. I lost my mind. I picked up
one of the statues and hit him with it. He was knocked unconscious.
Mokuba was crying and gagging. I sent him to his bathroom to clean
up then I dragged Gozoburo outside the bedroom. I didn’t know what
to do. Then Mokuba came out and apologized to me. He said Gozoburo
had come to him the night before and threatened to throw us both out
if Mokuba didn’t do as he said. We’d have to go back to the
orphanage now.” Rage coursed through the slim body making it
vibrate. “Like hell. I had been his sex slave and toy for five
years. I’d earned the right to everything he had through blood and
humiliation. I dragged him further down the hall to the stairs.
There are twenty-eight stairs on an arching grade. I grabbed the
snifter of brandy he’d brought to Mokuba’s room, wiped it of prints
the slipped it into his hand. Then I shoved his body down the stairs
face down, ass first. He was heavy enough that his head hit every
step on the way down. I angled his body so that he hit the pedestal
at the base of the stairs. His momentum knocked the marble bust off
its pedestal and crushed his skull.”

Jounouchi tightened his grip further. “Damn, that was good.”

“Yeah it was. The best part was that because I am slim, and at the
time I was almost as short as Mokuba is now, nobody even considered
it to be anything other than an accident.”

To make sure Seto knew that he supported him he said, “If ya hadn’t
killed him I’da helped ya. Sick bastard shoulda been awake though.”
When his love only relaxed sligtly he changed the subject. They’d
given enough to the bastards. He knew his genius lover would
understand. It was over, the slate was clean. Time to move on to
important things. “Ya were short? Sweet.” The image of a chibi-
sized Seto teased Jounouchi’s brain making his heart melt. “Ya musta
been cute.”

Seto relaxed completely and chuckled, nodding, “Adorable. I have
pictures, would you like to see?”

“Yeah…hey yeah! I’d love ta.” Jou smiled and nuzzled into the
brunet hair. “But not right now. Right now I have ta ask ya
somethin’.” He could feel Seto tense, but knew they had to be honest
if they were going to keep it real. “Do ya like me? I mean, do ya
wanna have sex with me? Do I get ya hot and bothered? Or is it that
ya…I dunno, feel like ya should like someone and ya chose me ‘cause
ya didn’t think ya stood a chance?” He allowed the brunet to pull
out of his arms and swing into a standing position. When the silence
had gone on too long he sighed. “Right, okay, I guess that means
somethin’. I’ll head back to th’ hotel now. See ya tomorrow.”

His hand was on the doorknob when Seto’s voice whispered, “Wait…just
wait.”

“Wait for what? Ya didn’t deny it so that’s that. I ain’t gonna
pant after ya. I jus’ wanna be clear.” As the doorknob turned a
strong elegant hand grabbed his wrist.

“I couldn’t answer. I…hadn’t ever considered it so I didn’t know the
answer. When you said it I realized that it could be true so I had
to think about it.”

“What’s ta think about? Either ya want me or ya don’t. Simple.”

“Yes it is simple and it’s also complicated as hell but I do want
you.” He gently pressed a kiss on Jounouchi’s frowning
brow. “Heart, soul and body.”

“So…I ain’t gonna ask if yer sure ‘cause ya had yer chance. Now I
gotta ‘nother question.”

“Full of questions today hmmm?”

“Well yeah. What happened in th’ limo today?”

“You really aren’t going to let anything slide are you?” When
Jounouchi shook his head Seto sighed and nodded. “Didn’t think so.
I have control issues, but besides that, when you…you…went down on me
I had to stop myself from grabbing your hair and forcing you to take
all of it. It reminded me of what Gozoburo did to me and tried to do
to Mokuba. It killed the mood in a hurry.”

“I noticed.” Jounouchi nodded “Okay, got that. But now ya have to
get somethin’ inta yer noggin. I ain’t no little kid yer trickin’
inta sex and ya sure as fuck ain’t forcin’ me. Ya’d hafta kill me
before ya could force me ta do that. And I’d knock ya to yer ass if
ya tried it.” The blond’s lips set firmly. “Ask Hirutani. He knows
personally.”

“I heard about that. Flying lessons? Sounds like an effective
deterrent.”

“It was.” Dancing golden eyes flirted with somber blue. “One more
question.” Dark brows lifted in silent enquiry.

“Are you a cover hog? I get cold at night and…” He stopped and
watched as his love broke down into relieved laughter. A sly smile
curved his lips. It made him happy to know he could make Seto laugh.

“And if you get cold you can use me as a blanket.” The brunet
chuckled and pulled him close. “But somehow I don’t think you’ll get
cold.”

Jounouchi snickered “Probably not.” He tilted his head back and
looked up seriously. “But if yer thinkin’ sex yer thinkin’ wrong. I
ain’t ready yet.”

“I…” Seto tried to protest but Jounouchi was shaking his
head. “Nope, and it ain’t because of you. It’s because sex is easy
and th’ first time we are together it’s not gonna be easy. I’ve
fucked a lot of easy lays, but I ain’t never loved nobody. I wanna
get ta know ya so we can relax an’ really love each other.” He
grinned cheekily “But if ya have th’ urge ta blow me ya got my
permission ‘cause ya got a wicked mouth on ya.”

“Generous.” The brunet observed dryly. “I’ll be equally generous.
If you have the urge you can blow me too.” Seto smirked and
added, “I’ll give you tips.”

"Yeah, yeah, laugh it up, but I gotta tell ya, that little freckle of
yours is the hottest thing I've ever seen and it tastes even better."

"Freckle? What are you talking about." The brunet was genuinely
baffled.

"Yeah, on the head of yer dick. I…"

"I do not have a freckle." Seto was indignant. Freckles were for
fresh faced kids and did not belong on any part of Kaiba Seto, much
less the head of his cock.

"Yeah, ya do. Cute and hot and great tastin’." Jounouchi's hentai
grin did nothing to distract the brunet.

"I do not have a freckle." Cool, positive and unmoving. He did NOT
have a freckle.

"Look, I've seen it twice so I know it ain't pocket lint. I got ta
lick it so I know it's attached. Besides I love it so whatcha bein'
so grouchy about?"

He sniffed disparagingly and looked down his nose at his blond
lover. Jounouch would have to understand, Kaiba's did not have
common freckles. "It's not a freckle. It's a beauty mark."

Jounouchi felt his jaw unhinge slightly then he laughed, and laughed,
and laughed. Tears were streaming down his cheeks and still he
laughed. Seto watched coolly waiting for the storm to abate. When
it showed no signs of stopping he sighed. “Fine, you keep laughing
you hyena. I’m taking a shower. If you want to be useful go fix
something to eat. Your stomach is growling and so is mine.”

Still belly laughing Jounouchi turned and left. Seto could still
hear the chortles as the blond made his way down the hall.
Involuntarily he chuckled too. Having Jounouchi around was going to
be a challenge. He loved challenges.

Jounouchi finally got his laughter under control as he descended the
steps. An occasional giggle would break through as he remembered the
snooty expression and ridiculously prim sniff. Living with Seto’s
ego was going to be a constant test of his sense of humor. Good
thing he loved the subject.

In the kitchen his hilarity died completely. He’d forgotten that Noa
was part of the setup. The sight of Noa and Mokuba standing side-by-
side looking in a well stocked freezer reminded him. “What are you
guys doing?” It was the best thing he could come up with.