From Rivals to Lovers

Chapter 9

* * *

(That evening:)

Kaiba, Mokuba, and Jounouchi gathered at the dinner table, waiting for the servants to serve them their cooked meals. The young Kaiba brother sat there quietly, feeling the tension in the air emitting from both the older Kaiba brother and their guest. The brunet ignored the glare that was being cast his way, his attention staring at the dinning room's clock. The blond that sat across the table from the CEO was glaring over at Kaiba with intense hate. Both his fists clenched tight until his knuckles turned white. Mokuba quietly looked over to his brother then back over to Jounouchi.

'I hate him. I hate him! And to think I had a dream about him making out on the stairs.' He thought angrily as he turned his head away. He huffed angrily crossing his arms over his chest. A very, very small blush appeared on his face as he tried to fight the image away of Kaiba kissing him.

'Jounouchi's face is flushed and he looks a little pale... I wonder if he's okay...' Thought the raven hair boy as he focused his attention at his blond guest.

The servant finally left the kitchen and headed into the dinning room with three meals for both the Kaiba brothers and Jounouchi. The blond's attention sprung out from that odd thought and focused on the meal that was served to him. Mokuba and Kaiba began eating their meal quietly after they were served. The minute the younger teen received his meal, he immediately begin to eat it in a hurry. This caused the brunet to stop eating and glare over at the blond. He slammed his hand down on the table hard which stopped both Mokuba and Jounouchi from eating their meals.

"Listen you! I will not tolerate such distasteful behavior! Eat like a human! Not an animal, got it!" The CEO's words were harsh as he spoke them, his voice wasn't raised though but authority was certainly in them.

"Nii-sama, don't be so cold to him...!" The younger brother snapped back, his blue eyes filled with anger in them.

Kaiba sighed then glared over at Mokuba. He was a bit shock but more upset over the fact that Mokuba raised his voice at him. "He has no reason to eat that way. He's not in prison nor does he live at his father place. No one is going to steal his food."

Jounouchi wasn't sure if he should be pissed at Kaiba's rude attitude or if he should feel grateful for what the brunet had just said. The blond took a few more bites of his meal and then stood up from the table. Both Kaiba and Mokuba glance over at the younger teen. The CEO stood up as well and took a step forward in the blond's direction.

"Already done?" Asked the brunet, frowning slightly. He felt insulted a bit that Jounouchi didn't finish the meal that was served to him. "Just a few moments ago you were eating the meal like it was the last meal on earth..."

"All of a sudden I am not so hungry anymore... Just a bit tired..." The blond teen walked passed Kaiba, through the parlor and over to the stairs. "Forgive me... The meal was good but I think I am going to go get some sleep now. School's tomorrow..." With that Jounouchi headed up the stairs and then disappeared into his room.

Mokuba finished his dinner quietly and stood up then left the table, heading into the parlor. He stopped a moment and turned to face his brother. "Nii-sama, I know you are somewhat concerned but try to be a bit more kinder. He's only been here a few days..." He then made his way to the sofa and went to watch some television a bit. 'Stubborn lovers... I just know it...'

Kaiba sat back down at the table and quietly finished his dinner as well. Between every other bite he would sneak a small glance to where Jounouchi's half finished meal was and the chair he was sitting at. The brunet expected the blond to stand up and shout back at him with a lame come-back and then resumed to eat in the manner he was eating out of spite. But that never happened, although he did notice that the whole time he argued with his brother the blond had glared at him.

'This whole entire day is extremely uncomfortable...' The CEO thought bitterly as he finished his dinner. He then got up and left the dinner table and joined Mokuba on the sofa. "I didn't mean to ruin tonight's dinner, Mokuba..."

The raven hair boy put the television on mute and turned to look at his brother. "I am not the one who you should be apologizing to, Seto..."

Kaiba sighed then frowned, he stared at the wall avoiding eye contact with his brother. "So I should apologize to the mutt then...?" His tone was flat and uninterested.

Mokuba leaned back against the couch, facing the television, he then nodded slightly. "I think it be the right thing to do, Seto..." He the unmuted the television and resumed watching the show.

"Be in bed at 9pm sharp, Mokuba. There is school tomorrow." Kaiba then got up from the couch and made his way over to the stairs. About half way up the stairs he stopped, looking over his shoulder slightly. "I am going to bed myself. I have an important meeting in the morning. Good night." He then finished going up the stairs and disappeared into his own room. 'I'll just leave a small apologetic note for the mongrel in the morning then before I head off to work...'

* * *

The next morning Kaiba left a small apologetic note beside Jounouchi's bedside before he hurriedly went off to work. Mokuba was already dressed for school and downstairs eating breakfast. It didn't take long for the blond to wake up though, the smell of food was in the air. Soon he was up and dressed in his school uniform. He then raced downstairs and almost tripped as he made his way to the kitchen. The raven hair boy caught sight of Jounouchi and giggled at the disheleved state of his friend.

"Relax, Jounouchi. You have plenty of time to eat breakfast and make it on time to school." The young Kaiba brother finished his breakfast and hopped off his chair, making his way over into the parlor. He had time to watch one morning show before heading off to school. He stopped midway and noticed a small piece of paper that was stuck to Jounouchi's school uniform. "Also there is a small piece of paper stuck on your uniform." After, Mokuba sat down on the sofa and turned on the television.

Jounouchi sat down at the table and picked the small piece of paper off of his school jacket. He carefully looked over the writing on it. It was definitely Kaiba's handwriting which read: Jounouchi, I apologize if my attitude was rude and cold. My intention was not to upset you. I would prefer the atmosphere here in the mansion to be calm, not heavy. Make yourself at home and enjoy it here. Sincerely, Kaiba He took the note and shoved it into his pocket and let out a soft sigh. Soon enough his breakfast was served to him. It was pancakes served with fresh strawberries. The blond decided he would eat his food at a steady pace then head off to school once he was done.

'I am not sure what to make of Kaiba...' Jounouchi sighed as he thought to himself. 'One minute he's a total asshole and the next he's showing concern... I really do hope this month speeds up...'

Soon it was time for both Mokuba and Jounouchi to head off to school. The younger Kaiba brother took the limo to his school while the blond teen walked to his school. The raven hair boy had offered him a ride but Jounouchi had declined and insisted on walking. Besides, Kaiba's home was a lot closer to Domino High than his actual home was. So on the bright side, he would not be late when arriving to school.

* * *

Jounouchi met up with Anzu, Honda, and Yugi during homeroom. They sat together in their small circle and chatted amonst each other. During homeroom, after attendance was took the students had the rest of the time to chat and catch up before the bell rang and school started. Homeroom only last for about twenty minutes before the first class would start.

Yugi looked up at his blond friend with a worried glance. "Jounouchi, you've been absent for two days. Where were you?"

Jounouchi looked over at his tri-colored hair friend and gave, smiling at him. "I was feeling a tad ill those last two days. I'm sorry to worry you like that."

Anzu didn't buy it for a second. She crossed her arms and scolded Jounouchi. "I don't believe you. I bet you were out those two days goofing off at the arcade."

Honda got a bit upset at the accusation that Anzu was throwing at the blond. "You have no right to accuse Jounouchi of that without any actual proof, Anzu!"

'The last two days I was ill because of something that happened to me though...' Jounouchi sighed and raised his hand to interrupted them briefly. "Honda, let her think what she likes. I only know the truth. Frankly, it's not all that important..."

'Something happened to Jounouchi over the last two days when he was absent...' Yugi sighed, still looking a bit worried. He looked at his blond friend then stared out the window. 'I wondered what happen to him...?'

Soon homeroom period ended and the bell rang. Everyone split off and began heading off to their individual classes. Yugi and Anzu shared the first class together. It was history class, World History I. Honda's first class was literature, Classical Literature. As for Jounouchi, his first was gym. He changed out of his school uniform and into his gym uniform. Little did he know that the note in his pocket slipped out and fell onto the floor, landing near his locker. Also, little did he know that a few of his classmates from gym caught sight of that.

* * *

Harshly the blond was shoved against the bathroom wall from one of the five guys that surrounded him. They all laughed in a dark manner as they began cornering in their victim. Jounouchi got into a fighting stance as he glared at all five guys. They laughed at him even more as they advanced closer. The leader of the five smirked as he slipped a small piece of paper out from his pocket. He waved it in front of the blond.

"What the hell is the meaning of this?!" He clenched his fists as he shouted at the leader.

"Oh? I think you should tell him, Koji." One of the guys said as he snickered.

"I will but first, let's teach him a lesson about manners..." Koji said with a devious smirk. He waved his hand slightly giving them the signal to attack Jounouchi. He then crossed his arms over his chest as he watched.

The first guy jumped at the blond, punching him in the stomach which caused him to hold his stomach as he winced a bit. Jounouchi didn't waste any time, he then retaliated by punching the guy in the face. The second guy snuck up from behind and elbowed the blond hard on his back, sending him crumbling to the bathroom floor. The third and fourth guy then joined in and began relentlessly kicking at both of Jounouchi's sides until the blond was curled up in pain.

"Hiroshi, Seiji, secure Jounouchi's arms and hold him up." Koji ordered them both and with that, each boy did. "Hojo, Kyou, that's enough! You can torture him more after I speak with him a bit."

Both Hojo and Kyou backed off and stepped to the side, Koji moved a bit close to the beaten blond. He smirked as he waved the small piece of paper at Jounouchi's face again. A low growl emitted from the blond as he glared up at the older male.

"What the hell is your problem?!" Snapped Jounouchi as he tried to pull his arms away. His efforts seem to be in vain since he was in a weakened condition. "What about that stupid piece of paper?!"

Koji just laughed and took a step away from the blond, straightening the small piece of paper. "Oh? You don't recognize it, Jounouchi? It came from your gym locker." The other four boys just laughed at the blond in a mocking manner. "Perhaps I should read you the note then to refresh that poor memory of yours."

"Why you...!" Sneered Jounouchi, his eyes burning with intense hatred and anger.

"Dear, Jounouchi..." Koji began to read as he grinned deviously at the blond. "I apologize if my attitude was rude and cold. My intention was not to upset you. I would prefer the atmosphere here in the mansion to be calm, not heavy. Make yourself at home and enjoy it here. Sincerely, Kaiba" He crumpled the paper back up and tossed it into the garbage can.

"You bastard!" Jounouchi snapped with a growl following it. He struggled to pull his arms away again. And again his efforts were in vain due to his weakened state.

Koji chuckled darkly as he leaned in closer, his face just centimeters apart from the blond. "How cute. Holding onto that little note." The other four guys chuckled darkly as well. "Tell me, Jounouchi, do you have a crush on Kaiba? Do you like men?" The taller male's hand suddenly grabbed a hold of the younger male's neck, choking him.

Koji signaled one of the guys to guard the bathroom door, so Hojo went over to the bathroom door and secured it. Hiroshi and Seiji released both of Jounouchi's arm and stepped away. All three guys guarded Koji from behind as they stood by and watched. Before he knew it, he was shoved up against the wall by the older male. The grip around his neck tightened, Jounouchi tried to pry the hand away that was cutting off his air supply. Koji's other hand roughly groped the blond's groin, massaging it roughly. A choked gasp sounded as the blond felt his groin being groped. Both of his hands were pinned above his head by the older male.

"S-Stop it!" Jounouchi struggled with all his might, despite his position. Still, his efforts were useless against the taller male, for which his grip was quite stronger. "Let go of me you sick bastard!"

"You may say no but your body thinks the complete opposite, Jounouchi." Koji continued on with groping his groin a bit more. A dark smirk appeared on his face as he did so. "You're even a bit flustered. How cute..." His then snaked up and under the blond's shirt, grabbing his nipple between his index finger and thumb. He began teasing it by pinching and tweaking it.

'D-Damn it... N-Not this shit again...!' Jounouchi turned his head to the side, his face flustered but angered as well. He bit his lower lip, fighting back a moan that was trying to escape.

Koji's hand then slipped back down to where Jounouchi's groin was, stroking his already hardened length. The blond's knees were already weak, his legs trembling as the older male continued to stroke his clothed length. Soon, his pants were undone and pulled down along with his boxers. Jounouchi shut his eyes tight as Koji continued to stroke and pump his length even more. The blond's length already glistening with pre-cum.

* * *

It was now already lunch period and Jounouchi was still missing. Anzu followed by Honda joined Yugi at the lunch table. Anzu sat beside Yugi while Honda sat across from them. Yugi sighed as he looked over at his blond friend's empty seat.

Anzu noticed first at Yugi's worried expression. "Something the matter, Yugi?"

Yugi nodded and looked over at Anzu with worried eyes. "I didn't see Jounouchi second period during Algebra class. Now he isn't here for lunch..."

Honda sighed with a hint of concern and worry in it. "I wonder if he got into a fight during first period in his gym class. Maybe he is at the principal's office..."

Yugi stood up from his seat and gave a slight nod. "Maybe... I am going to check then..." With that, Yugi booked out of the school cafeteria and hurried off to the principal's office.

Anzu sighed as she watched Yugi leave. "Should we go too?"

"Yeah. I am kind of worried a bit myself..." Agreed Honda as he got up from his seat. "We'll keep an eye on Yugi from a safe distance."

Both Honda and Anzu left the lunch table with their lunch trays untouched. They quickly followed Yugi from behind at a safe distance. As soon as they approached the principal's office they hid in a safe distance. Yugi was already inside talking to the principal, both Anzu and Honda listened carefully from where they were.

The principal shook his head and sighed as he looked at Yugi with much concern. "I am sorry, Yugi, but I have not seen Jounouchi all day today. If he had gotten into a fight we would have been here already."

Yugi nodded as he looked down at the floor. "I see, I'm sorry I bothered you then, sensei."

"May I ask the reason why you are looking for Jounouchi?" Asked the principal, a bit curious himself. He adjusted his glasses a bit as he remained looking at Yugi with concern.

The tri-colored hair boy looked up and looked up at the principal. "I have seen Jounouchi since homeroom. I didn't see him second period during Algebra class either. And now it is lunch period and I'm worried something happened to him."

"I see..." The principal rubbed the back of his head then looked off to the side for a second. "Maybe he got during gym class and is in the school infirmary."

With that Yugi hurriedly left the principal's office without another word. Anzu and Honda quickly followed Yugi from behind. Yugi hoped that the principal was right that Jounouchi was injured and was recovering at the school infirmary. He didn't want anything bad to happen to his best friend.

'Jounouchi... Please be safe at the school infirmary. Please be okay.' He thought hopefully as he hurried on his way down to the school infirmary.

TBC...