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.


Final Chapter
@.@


Blades stared in horror at his Leader. He hadn’t even thought of Rintama or Jounouchi since meeting Mokuba.

Mokuba laughed, “You’re Jounouchi. Seto told me about you. You’re going to stay with us too. You know Noa don’t you?”

“Yeah.” He nodded to the blue-haired boy. “So we’re all stayin’ huh? Good. But whatcha doin?”

“We were hungry and came to get some ice cream.” Mokuba explained cheerfully.

“Hmmm…I was going to make a meal. I didn’t get ta eat earlier and neither did S…Kaiba. He’s takin’ a shower, so I’m gettin’ some food.”

The younger gang member blinked and shook his head slightly. “Leader, I’ll cook for you and the Commander. You sit down.”

“Nah, I got it. Why don’t you guys keep me company?”

“But…”

“No buts. This is our home now. We gotta act like it because the servants and shit will gossip. We don’t want nobody ta figure out our plans. And since we’re gonna be like a real family here we gotta act like it.”

“Rintama is real family.”

“Yeah it is, but this is like…ideal shit and makes a good picture. Mom, Dad, and kiddie type shit.” After searching Jounouchi began to assemble the ingredients for omelets. They were the only dish he knew how to cook and he wanted to show off a little.

While ‘kiddies’ gaped he cracked eggs and whisked them. He waited for the pan to heat and began to pour the eggs in.

Mokuba finally choked out, “Mom, Dad, and kiddies?” He began to snicker. “Who’s Mom?”

Seto, hair damp and towel dried, wrapped only in a long silk robe, laughed from the doorway. “Stepped in that one didn’t you?”

“Oh shaddup.” He mock glared. But he caught the stiffening and undisguised hostility that flared briefly in Noa’s eyes. This could be trouble if he didn’t nip it in the bud. “So, I been givin’ dis situation some thought and I think we need ta talk. All of us.” Jounouchi clarified. He plated the omelets and passed them around, motioning for everyone to sit. “Since I’m gonna be stayin’ here keepin’ an eye on th’ new Commander and Kaiba’s new ta th’ game, I think there could be some troubles.” Jounouchi cleared his throat and gave Seto a direct look. “My sister got attacked ‘cause of th’ family. That makes yer brother a target. He’s gonna need a body guard. Someone smart and fast, someone nobody would expect.”

Comprehension replaced the question in Seto’s gaze. He could see the sense of Jounouchi’s plan. He nodded imperceptibly for Jou to continue.

“Blades, yer supposed ta be here ‘cause Kaiba’s yer guardian or whatever. We both know ya could be gone in a second so it ain’t a real deal. He ain’t got no rights over ya like that. But he does have the rights of th’ Commander of the Rintama. It’s yer job ta follow his orders. His and mine only. Ya got that?”

The resentment he’d been carrying faded slightly and the blue-haired youth nodded. He could handle taking orders from Kaiba because he was Commander, not because he was Kaiba.

“Good. ‘Cause yer gonna have one of th’ most important jobs in th’ family.” Leader stared down at the blue-haired boy sternly. “Yer job is gonna be ta make sure nothin’ happens ta yer Commander’s brother. Mokuba will be yer responsibility. Ya can’t do dat as Blades of Rintama. People will expect ya to be tough if yer Blades. Yer gonna be under cover as Kaiba’s ward. Nobody will expect Kaiba Noa ta be able ta protect Mokuba. So that’s it. Yer gonna be Kaiba Noa until someone fucks with Kaiba Mokuba then yer gonna whip out Blades and kick ass. And just ta let ya know, if anythin’ happens ta him ya can bet yer ass ya won’t be breathin’ too good. Got it?”

Blades nodded and turned to Mokuba. “I understand.” With a smile that was deadly in its purpose, he said softly “I will protect you always.”

“Pro..” Mokuba was confused, but his brother gave him a slight nod signally he should go along so he did. “Thank you.” He accepted the vow gravely.

“Now that the issue is settled, Jounouchi you make a good omelet. I think you are more suited to be Mom.” Seto teased.

“Ya…ya…” The blond sputtered and turned dark red.

Mokuba laughed and joined in the game. “Yes, and you’re pretty too. Don’t you think Noa? He’d look good in a dress ne?”

Noa expected Jounouchi to fly off and start to pound on the smaller boy. Instead he snarled and burned even redder. Daringly he teased. “Yes, he’d be pretty in pink.”

There was dead silence as hard golden eyes bore into him mercilessly. “Ya damn…just for dat ya ain’t gettin’ no ice cream.”

Mokuba and Seto laughed and the black-haired imp pointed out “There, you see, just like a mom.”

Jounouchi, already dark red turned umber. “That’s it. I’m not gonna take this. From now on ya can cook fer yerselves.” With a disgusted huff, he scooped up his plate, pointedly leaving the other empty dishes, and stalked to the sink. A glance at the hand held sprayer made him snicker inwardly. When the others continued to chuckle and bring their dishes he turned the water on full, picked up the nozzle, and aimed in their direction.

Shrieks, laughter, and falling crockery accented the mayhem of running and dodging boys as they tried to avoid the spray of water. It was Seto who finally wrested the pray nozzle from Jounouchi, but not before the brunet received a thorough dousing. “Damn. I already took a shower.” But laughter danced in the blue eyes.

Jou, still relatively dry, looked around the room smugly. He was amused to see the boys standing in growing puddles of water. “Yeah? So?”

“So you …you…”

“I ain’t yer momma. And since I cooked I ain’t on dish duty. You guys go ta bed after the kitchen is cleaned.” With a smug smirk the triumphant blond strolled out of the kitchen.

It was almost an hour later when they finished the kitchen. By that time Jounouchi had showered and changed into boxers. He was waiting quietly on Seto’s bed staring up at the ceiling when the brunet opened the door.

“So you make a mess and don’t bother to clean it up?”

“I cooked, you guys clean up. That’s th’ rules.” Jounouchi’s eyes didn’t stray from the ceiling.

“What’s wrong?” Seto tensed at the odd, grim tone in the other teen’s voice.

“Wrong? Nothin’. I just was thinkin’ that this time tomorrow I might be dead.”

Seto caught his breath as his heart skipped a beat. “Don’t talk like that.”

“I know ya don’t like ta think about it, hell I don’t either, but too many things could go wrong tomorrow. Everyone’s gonna have guns an’ ya can bet bullets are gonna fly.”

“Then we have to protect you. I have a bulletproof vest you can wear and I…”

“I’ll take the vest thanks, but you ain’t gonna be anywhere near th’ mess when it happens.”

“I’m you’re Commander. I’ll be with you.”

“No. You have ta take care of them if somethin’ happens ta me.” Jou sat up and faced his love urgently. “Promise me.”

Seto hesitated for a second, torn between wanting to be with Jounouchi and wanting to ease his mind. In the end he did what he could. “I promise they will be taken care of.”

The blond sank back on the bed. “Thanks. Now slip off that robe and come lay next ta me. Ya know…no sex don’t mean I don’t wanna see ya.”

“I’m aware of that. You probably want to see me almost as badly as I want to see you.”

Jounouchi shimmied out of his boxers and dropped them to the floor. With a welcoming smile he held out his arms. “Look all ya want.” He crooked his fingers in invitation. “Now c’mere we got some serious lookin’ ta do.”

Seto untied his robe and let it slip to the floor. He could feel Jounouchi’s golden eyes moving over him and he deliberately straightened, showing his long, slim body without shyness. “Not nice to stare.”

“Yeah, yeah it is. Very nice when I’m starin’ at you. Dayum, yer long and built like a wet dream. I’m almost sorry we ain’t gonna do it. ‘Cause I swear I could come just lookin’ at ya.”

“Really? Just looking hmmm?” A naughty idea danced in the brunet’s brain. Before he could change his mind he ran his hands down across his chest and fondled his cock lightly, bringing it to life.

“Ah man, fuck that ain’t fair. Ya know I think that’s hot.”

“Hmmm…yes I noticed the day of school physicals.” Deliberately he stepped forward and at the same time started to pump his cock slowly with his fist.

Jounouchi stared at him completely fascinated and aroused. His own hand dropped to grip his hardening flesh. “Yeah, I thought ya mighta noticed. It was all I could do ta leave ya alone. I wanted ta taste ya and touch ya so bad it hurt.” Two steps brought Seto to the bedside and Jounouchi instinctively knelt, his eyes fastened on the rhythmic movements of Seto’s hand. He automatically adjusted and began to stroke himself in time. “I was really brain fried. I...couldn’t accept that I...”

“I saw that. That was what made me decide to throw a party. I realized that you may want me, but that you were too far in the closet to ever admit it. It broke my heart.”

A small bead of glistening come seeped onto the head of Seto’s cock highlighting the freckle Jounouchi found so hot. Unconsciously he wet his lips and leaned forward wanting to taste both. “I…I…sorry.” He managed to mumble. “But I didn’t think…well what would ya have done if I’da…I’da…” He lost his train of thought as another bead appeared and slid to join its mate.

“If you’d done what?”

“Kami…hot…Seto…” Golden eyes, dazed with hunger and desire met blue for a moment before falling back to the shimmering droplet. “Lemme…I gotta…” Hand still working his own painful arousal Jounouchi leaned forward and captured the glistening honey, lapping it fervently before delving into the tiny slit in search of more.

Choking off a moan Seto released his cock and balled his hands tightly, forcing himself to stay perfectly still. No matter how much he aced for more he would not force Jounouchi to go further. He was not a monster and he wouldn’t become one. It was Jounouchi who set the boundaries, not him. His knees wobbled and he had to grab the side of the bed when his love opened his mouth wide and sucked him deep.

Jounouchi caught Seto’s fists, pressing them open and placed them in his hair. Reluctantly he lifted away from his treat. “Now ya gotta show me what ya like.” A plea beamed up at him from golden eyes. “Please show me how ta make ya feel good?”

Beyond words the brunet nodded and gave his love what he asked for. Skillfully he taught Jounouchi how to move, lap, suck and deep throat in all the ways that gave him pleasure. When the blond had mastered those skills he moved his eager student on, showing him how to stroke his balls, the slight tugging that made him want to scream in pleasure, and the deep caress at the back of his sac that made his world fade to white, his knees buckle and his cock give up its seed.

When he came back to himself he was sprawled across the bed in an abandoned wreck. Jounouchi was lazily dropping kisses on at his navel and nuzzling his belly. Low on his calf he could feel the hardness of his lover’s unsatisfied body. Instantly he started to shift, eager to give Jounouchi the same pleasure, but the blond held him in place. “Nuh uh. I wanted ta do dis. I wanted ta taste all of ya before tomorrow. But I don’t want no nobless obleez. You just lay there and feel good. If I did somethin’ ya don’t like say so. ‘Course if I did something ya liked, ya gotta say so too.”

Relaxing back into the bed he nodded and ran his fingers through Jounouchi’s golden hair. “Don’t like? Hmmm…I don’t like a lot of things but nothing you did falls into that category. And as for liking…I didn’t like any of it.” When his lover gasped he chuckled “I loved it. You are a natural cocksucker, Jounouchi.”

Torn between outrage and humor the blond growled and mumbled something into the slim belly he was kissing.

“What?” Seto hadn’t quite caught that.

“Katsuya. Tha’s my name. In bed, call me Katsuya.”

“All right…Katsuya fits perfectly with the natural cocksucker you are.” Seto couldn’t resist teasing.

Irritated golden eyes glinted through mussed blond bangs. “Do ya hafta say that? I mean it ain’t like I’d suck just any cock. Just yours. The thought of anyone elses…well let’s just say I’d puke…after I bit it off of course.”

“Of course. Just mine hmmm?” Relaxed and teasing as he could never remember before, he baited some more. “So what’s so special about mine? I mean, I know I’m fantastic but…”

A bonk of a pillow ended his egocentric spiel. “It’s that freckle. It gets ta me every time.”

“I told you I don’t have a freckle.” Complete denial.

“Ha, it’s mine so I can call it what I want. And I say it’s a freckle.” He caught Seto’s swing of a pillow and countered with one of his own. Soon the room was filled with flying feathers, deep laughter, and taunting jests. From the hallway Mokuba lifted his ear away from the door and smiled happily. His brother was going to be okay.

As he walked down the hall Noa stepped out of their room. “I was just coming to look for you.”

“I’m fine. I wanted to speak to my brother. He’s…sleeping.”

“Are ya okay? Is there anythin’ I can get you?” Noa was anxious to protect his dark little angel.

“No I’m good. But…well…do you think you could sleep with me tonight? I’m kind of afraid of the dark.”

A brilliant torch lit inside Noa. If his angel was afraid of the dark he’d be right there with him. “I’ll be right next to you.” He vowed ecstatically.

The next afternoon Jounouchi looked around the familiar warehouse with amused disdain. Some people snoozed, some were kissing, and a knot of guys huddled in the corner playing a game of dice. The cops that were hanging out weren’t bad but they weren’t Rintama. Anyone who knows them would recognize it. But Jou knew their bosses wouldn’t bother to know them so the cops would pass.

A quick glance at the sun’s position told him that it was nearing time. Mentally he steeled himself and unconsciously smoothed down his loose t-shirt, feeling the firm bulletproof dragon skin under its cottony softness. He allowed his mind to flit to Seto one last time before he took his place. Last night they’d fallen asleep amid the tangle of bedding and feathers. Waking in the morning to that gloriously talented mouth working eagerly on his arousal had been one of the best things he’d ever felt. And saying goodbye as Seto went to his business and he met with the cops had been one of the worst. Before he could dwell on it too much a large semi-trailer pulled into the old loading dock and a large black limousine stopped at the front of the building.

Tension filled the room and Jounouchi had to force himself to relax and meet the bosses of the supply chain. He was shocked to recognize the head of the Snake himself walking into the room. Rushing forward he slipped into his assigned role. “Masters, this is a surprise! If I had known I would have made sure to have refreshments and some kind of room setup.” He bowed deeply, groveling.

The silk-suited man removed his sunglasses and motioned his bodyguards out of the way. “I need none of those things. I have heard some disturbing things and came to discuss them with the Leader.”

“Of course. I am Leader now. How can I help you?” Jounouchi kept his voice humble.

“That is one of the things I’d heard. It was confusing because we’d heard you had been killed and then we heard you’d killed Hirutani. Perhaps you will explain.”

“Glad too.” Jounouchi stood and nodded. “You know what happened before I left?”

“Yes. You handled the insult to your family well. You have earned great respect.”

“Thank you.” This was the tricky part. “While I was letting the situation cool I ran across a business opportunity for our family. I came back to discuss it with Hirutani. He was involved in a double cross that would have destroyed us so he…became expendable.”

“I see. What business deal?” No real curiosity, more of a patient humor, as if nothing Jounouchi did would ever be of real interest.

“I met Kaiba Seto. He has anythin’ he can buy except one thing. His own trained and selected army. That’s where we come in. He wants to train us and teach us to be his soldiers. He’s got plans that go beyond our streets, fuck beyond our country. He’s gonna own it all and we’re gonna be with him.”

Shock dilated the dark eyes. “And I am to believe this? That you, a bunch of street punks with no class or manners would be chosen by one who already has the ear of the leaders of the world?”

Jounouchi clenched his fists. “I…” Behind him a soft step he recognized. Inwardly he began to curse but he maintained his composure.

“You may not believe him but you will believe me I trust?” Seto drawled coolly. “Class and manners can and will be taught. As will explosives, armament, sciences for chemical and biological weaponry, doctors, lawyers, politicians. I will have them all from this group of street punks.” He smiled thinly. “Mutts are smarter and more loyal than pure breeds. That is a statistical fact.” With a cold glare he said with satisfaction, “I will use all resources available to their utmost potential.”

The drug lord nodded. “I see.” He couldn’t fight Kaiba. He would lose before he began. Kaiba was known to be ruthless and cunning. Killing him would unleash a political backlash that would destroy him and many other people. The best he could hope for would be some kind of remuneration. “But they are my foot soldiers replacing them will not be easy or cheap.”

“I see, so now you think I should pay you for them?” Seto’s voice was thoughtful as if he were considering it, then he snapped coldly, “No. If any wanted to stay with you they were given the option. Loyalty cannot be forced or bought. There are many more where they came from who would be eager for the opportunity.”

The sound of the truck’s engine revving caught their attention. Jounouchi shrugged and stepped forward. “Here is the inventory of what you took. It was everything Hirutani purchased and stored. Not a bullet is missing an th’ box with the blue X on it has yer shit. We’re square.” He nodded curtly, his stance cocky. “We’re done. I gotta new boss.”

The Head of the Snake nodded. He was slightly angry but not enough to risk any kind of retribution. “Then I congratulate you.” He inclined his head to Kaiba and tucked the list into his pocket. “I thank you for your courtesy even if it wasn’t shown by your mutt.”

Jou growled and stepped forward. Seto grabbed him back. “Jounouchi! That is enough. I will speak to you on the roof. Your lack of manners was very apparent.” He glanced back at the other man. “Excuse us please, but I’m sure you can see your way out.”

The door to the roof closed behind them with a sharp clang. Jou grabbed the metal bar and slammed it across the frame to stop the door from opening again until they chose to open it. When Seto turned to him he grabbed the brunet and pushed him up the stairs and through the outer door, repeating the bracing action. “Fucking hell Kaiba what the fuck are you doing here?”

“Where else would I be?” The sound of gunfire erupting below them made him flinch slightly. Jou growled and pushed them both onto the large piece of inch thick metal he’d dragged up to the roof to protect himself from bullets coming through the roof.

“How about at yer fucking office. Ya promised…”

“I promised I’d take care of them and it’s all arranged. If something happens to me Yami and the rest of my crew will take care of your family.”

A round of gunfire rat-tat-tatted and the roof around them exploded with flying pieces of wood. The metal they were standing on vibrated and pinged with the force of bullets hitting it. “Fucking hell. I knew it would come to this. Seto tell me yer wearin’ Dragon Skin too.”

“I’m wearing Dragon Skin too.” But something in his tone made Jou’s head come up alertly. “Fucking hell.” He grabbed the tall brunet and whirled him around so that he was shielded by his own body. “When we get home I’m gonna kick yer ass inta next week.”

“I love you Jounouchi.”

“Even if I’m a mutt with no class and manners?” He sniped and hunched around the brunet to give more protection as the sound of bullets and flying splinters filled the air.

“Even then.” Over the sound of gunfire there was a huge rumbling explosion and a fireball rose high along side the building releasing a big black cloud of smoke into the air above them. The building shuddered from the force of the blast and began to list to one side.

"Ah, goddamn it. They fucking blew the truck. Stupid damn cops." Jounouchi was already moving. If they didn't get off the building they were dead. "C'mon Seto. Let's go." The blond ran to one of the ropes he'd strategically anchored around the roof of the sagging building. "I learned my lesson with Hirutani. I wasn't gonna get stuck up here again. They won't be expectin' us and we can just slide right down into the alley and go to the other end. Have yer car meet us there." Seto nodded and opened his cell. His guards didn’t waste time on questions, just agreed and disconnected. He’d have to remember to give them raises.

Jou stripped off his shirt and ripped it in half, then quarters. The building shuddered again as he handed two pieces to Seto. “Wrap ‘em around yer hands. This is nylon rope and we are gonna be slidin’ fast. They’ll help ya.” He tossed the rope over and watched it fall. Carefully he glanced up and down the alley. “Okay you first. Controlled fall, no fancy shit. Just move that fine ass.”

Seto moved rapidly, wrapping his hands tightly. With a quick glance at his landing zone he grabbed the rope and heaved himself over. He disappeared the exact second the doorway they’d blocked collapsed under a hail of bullets and a small explosion. Jounouchi spun to face the bloody and filthy Head of the Snake. “Traitor.” The man hissed. Jounouchi stepped sideways to hide the rope Seto was still using.

“Nah, I’m th’ mutt remember?”

“You’re dead.” He raised the muzzle of his gun. Jou dove to one side, rolled then spun and dove again, this time over the edge of the building, barely catching the rope. Pain screamed through his shoulders as his arms caught his weight and the strength of his dive. Holding on as tight as he could he descended in a controlled his fall. He glanced up, and to his horror he saw the grinning drug lord aiming his gun directly at his face. With a scream of denial of his fate he threw himself away from the building and backwards. He didn’t understand what he saw next because instead of a hail of bullets the building he’d just been crawling down seemed to crumble and fall away, the rope going limp in his hands and the triumphantly sneering, bloody face simply disappeared.

Seto, moving away from the falling building, looked up at the scream and felt his heart stop. Jounouchi was free falling the last fifteen feet. Instinctively he moved to catch the blond. Pain whooshed through him for a second before the world disappeared around him. The last thing he knew was that his blond love was landing on his chest.

Jounouchi felt the jarring of his landing. It stole his breath, but surprisingly he was still alive. He must have landed on something soft. Strange, it didn’t smell like trash. In fact it smelled like… Horrified realization filled him as he recognized the scent. “Seto…oh fuck.”

Uncaring of any injuries he might have he rolled off his love and moaned at the sight. Brunet hair in disarray, pale skin ashen blue and eyes closed he was the most beautiful sight in the world. And the harsh rasps of his breaths were music to Jou’s ears. A loud crash of more falling debris mad him groan slightly. They had to get outta here. Urgently he grabbed Seto and pulled him onto his back. Not feeling anything but the reassuring breathing against his neck he hurried towards the end of the alley.

Yami stared at the apparition coming towards him in disbelief. Jounouchi was carrying Seto piggy back. And the lolling of Seto's head told him that his boss was unconscious. With a shout he called to the others. They rushed to the injured couple, gently taking Seto's weight, and once his precious cargo was safe, catching Jou as he staggered then crumpled to the ground.

When he woke he was obviously in an emergency room. His first thought was Seto. He did an instant assessment of his condition. He ached and had a few scrapes but nothing too bad. His leg felt heavy and throbbed, but not too bad. Determined to find Seto he moved to swing out of bed only to find he was pinned by the heavy weight of a cast that started mid-thigh and covered all the way down to his toes. “What the fuck?”

His yell was heard several cubicles over and Yami nodded to Bakura. In just a moment the white-haired body guard was by his side. “Calm down. You broke your leg and ankle in three places. You passed out and they gave you something to keep you out until they set it.”

“I don’t fucking care about that. Where’s Seto? Hw is he?”

“He’s got broken ribs along his sternum and a concussion. He’s been in and out of consciousness and asking for you. He is just waking again.”

“Yeah? Good.” Not caring about anything else he yelled. “Yo, Kaiba, ya dead?”

“No, but you scared ten years off my life with your free falling stunt.” The deep voice called back immediately.

“Well…I…” He hesitated then yelled “I din’t tell ya to do that ya jerk.”

“Hmmm…I know an opportunity when I see one. If I save your life it belongs to me. I own you now.” There was smug amusement in the answering call.

“Yeah right, like ya din’t before?”

Seto chuckled only to break off with a pained gasp. “Don’t make me laugh you fool. Broken ribs hurt.”

Jou shifted restlessly. He wanted to be with Seto. He wanted to soothe that pain. “Get me to him Bakura. Now.”

The older man exited and returned a minute later pushing a wheelchair. “I’m not carrying you. That cast weighs a ton.” But he helped the blond maneuver into it. He decided not to mention the interesting view the hospital gown afforded of his backside.

Seto’s eyes widened and darkened when Jounouchi was wheeled into the room. He wouldn’t admit to anyone that he was happy and relieved to see him. “What are you doing out of bed?”

“Couldn’t sleep.” Was the pert answer. Then Jounouchi maneuvered over and stood on his good leg. “Scoot over, I need my teddy bear.” He didn’t want to admit it but he really did want the comfort of Seto’s warmth. His leg was throbbing painfully and he still hadn’t recovered from seeing his love so pale and still.

Kaiba didn’t budge an inch. “We can’t do that here. Get back in the chair; you’re giving the guys a great view.”

Too exhausted by the effort of standing to argue he sank back into the chair. “Fine but we’re sharin’ a room if we’re gonna stay.”

“It’s all arranged. Both of us stay the night for observation then home tomorrow. A downstairs room is being prepared for us right now.”

The doctor and three large nurses came into the cubicle. "We are moving you up to your room now. Nurse could you grab a blanket for Jounouchi-san? He's a bit exposed right now."

Jou flushed and gave Bakura a glare as he caught him looking up his short hospital gown. "Ya damn pervy fag."

Jounouchi couldn’t convince Seto to share his bed in the hospital but he was too happy that they were both alive and relatively unharmed. The next morning Seto’s bodyguards and their lovers came to pick them up.

Once safely home Jounouchi maneuvered himself into bed next to Seto and gripped his hand. “I feel like a mushroom. Bein’ kept in th’ dark. Okay guys, spill it.”

Yami glanced at Seto and nodded. “We can’t give you the official version, but we can assure you that none of the Snake left the building alive.” He didn’t mention that he and the others had made sure of it. Any survivors not identified as a police officer didn’t leave the site breathing. “Honda will be here in a few minutes to give you the official version.”

Jounouchi gave them all long looks that said he knew there was more but it also said he wouldn’t push.

Honda, escorted by Otogi, Yami, Malik, and Ryou, entered the room and broke the knowledge-charged silence. After the requisite exclamations and pats or sympathy Honda sighed and spoke. “You know what happened up until you left. The official version of events is that the drug cartel tried to buy weapons and the deal went sour.”

Honda took a breath and continued. “The reality is that I was outside on the dock as we’d agreed when the driver they’d brought recognized me from the states. He was the guy who did my dad. He tried to shoot me. I fired back. The whole thing erupted then. Cops started shooting and people started falling. Then someone got a lucky shot and the whole damn truck blew. People inside started to run out but the Head wasn't one of them. We found him in the rubble. We don't know where he went, but he wasn't killed by gunfire. His neck was broken." Honda drew a deep breath. “Funny thing is that he was pinned by a beam, but relatively unharmed. He had obviously been alive because there was evidence that he tried to move the beam, but somehow his neck got broken.”

Dark silence met his revelation. When nobody volunteered any speculation he nodded and went on. "The final body count is twenty-three Snake and six officers. Rintama is not mentioned in any of the paperwork." His lips twisted bitterly. “Aside from a few injuries that is it. You two are listed as innocent bystanders injured by a falling building.

“All right. Thank you.” Seto nodded briefly. “Is there anything we need to do? Anything that concerns Rintama?”

“No. It’s all been handled.” Honda stood and bowed stiffly. “Thank you for your assistance Kaiba-sama.”
Without another word he turned and walked from the room before anyone could stop him.

Otogi choked off a gasp and turned to follow but Marik caught his arm and shook his head. "No. He's told you, you're too young for him. He's a cop and going near you could ruin his career and put him in jail. Do you want that for him?"

Green eyes glittered with tears for a moment as he accepted the inevitable. “No.”

“Then let him go for now.” Marik tugged the ebony ponytail playfully. “We have patients to care for.”

***

They returned to school the next Monday. Several students greeted Seto and Jounouchi respectfully before going to their classes. The blond hobbled painfully to his locker while Seto moved to his. A big surprise waited for him there. Honda Hiroto, dressed in school uniform, was leaning against Jou’s locker. Hurrying as fast as his crutches would allow he hobbled up to the cop and hissed. “What th’ hell are ya doin’ here?”

“New assignment. I’m supposed to keep an eye on you and Kaiba. Make sure your intentions stay legal.” He gave a smug grin. “You’re stuck with me until you graduate.”

Jounouchi caught sight of teary green eyes staring at them. “Yeah, well, I get that but I’m warnin’ ya, Otogi’s got it bad fer ya. So make up yer mind and stick to it ‘cause he’s family and yer just a cop.”

“Otogi…” Pain flickered in the dark eyes. “I…will do my best to avoid him.”

“Do that. But if yer gonna hang with me ya better know right off that Seto and me are together. And I won’t let ya bash gays around us.”

“No, I get that. Now let’s get to class. I volunteered to carry your books for you.”

He slung his backpack at his watchdog cop and nodded. “Fine. I’m gonna go catch Seto.”

Strong hands descended on his shoulders. “I caught you, remember?”

Honda’s heart cracked with pained regret when the golden blond turned his head and smiled lovingly up at the CEO. That open love was something he wanted more than almost anything and even though he didn’t love Kaiba or Jounouchi being around it was going to break his heart; especially with his own hearts desire standing so close. He couldn’t resist a quick longing glance at where he’d felt Otogi standing just moments before.

His breath left him in a hurry as he met tearful green eyes. He tore his gaze away and with a mumbled excuse rushed to his first class taking Jounouchi’s books with him.

Otogi’s tears were drying and jade eyes sparkling. Honda did want him and with some time and care the dark-eyed brunet would love him. The age and career obstacles still existed but now Otogi had hope and he could live on that until they figured out a way.

***

Twenty years later Jounouchi fastened his cuff and straightened his tie. Matani walked in and smiled. “Looking good Commissioner.”

“You too Mayor Matani.”

Honda stepped through the door. “The ceremony is starting. Jou they need you at the podium to accept your post.”

“Sure thing Lieutenant.” As always when he saw his friend he felt a tug of sadness. Honda had reached the highest level he could in his career. The scandal of being caught with an eighteen year old gay lover had ended his promising climb to the top. And although Jounouchi knew Honda didn’t regret it, evidenced by the wedding band he wore proudly, it still saddened Jounouchi.

Putting the thought away, the blond adjusted his tie one last time as they left. A whisper of sound behind him made him smile. “Seto, I didn’t think you’d make it back in time.”

“Hnnn…I wouldn’t miss my husband being made Police Commissioner for all the tea in China.” Familiar hands rubbed up his chest and adjusted the tie. “You look great. As hot as you did the first day I saw you. Now let’s go.”

As they walked down the hall Jounouchi reflected, “Seto, ya know, it’s all worked out just like we told everyone it would. I mean all the family are…well…in positions of power. And it’s all thanks to you. That’s pretty great.”

“My plans always work out. The first was of course to get enough politicians in to legalize our marriage and now they are in place to make all the changes we could want. Our doctors are doing their part, and so are our scientists.” Seto allowed himself a smug smile. “I love it when plans work perfectly.”

“Seto…” For some reason Jounouchi was uneasy. “When we got together the plan was an excuse. It wasn’t real. You’re not really going to take over the world are you?”

The smiled deepened and he turned to give his naïve love a kiss. “I love you Jounouchi, but that wouldn’t have been enough to make me take on all the responsibilities you brought with you. I look at the bottom line.” Giving him a slight push he smiled again. “Go on Commissioner.”

As he looked out over the crowed of people, the mix of powerful and elite and recognized them as Rintama or Rintama controlled he gulped down disbelief. There was no way…Seto couldn’t have planned this all that time ago, he couldn’t. But as he glanced back at Seto and saw the love, intelligence, and ruthless pride, he had to wonder.

Even as he considered the possibilities his uneasiness faded. He trusted Seto and if that meant ruling the world at his side, then so be it. There was no place he’d rather be. And he’d been Commander before. He would do it again if he needed to.