Healing

Healing


First Things First: Not to beat a dead horse, but once again, I just want to thank everyone who read my first YGO fic, So In Love With Two, again. Especially everyone who reviewed it. There will eventually be the sequel, So in Love With You, which I’m already playing around with, but in the meantime, I thought I’d write a couple of shorter stories, and anothongeonger story for your perusal. This is one such story. I love Seto/Joey stories a lot, but I had to do the Seto/Tristan thing at least once before I finished writing my next Seto/Joey story. Anyway, this story will not be the epic the first one was, there won’t be as many chapters, and even this chapter is shorter than any of the other chapters from the first story. Anyway, please review it…it would make me ever so happy. Thanks.

Disclaimer: I own nothing but my 2000 Toyota Camry…well, I will once it’s paid off in September. As for Yu-Gi-Oh, there’s no ownership on my part. There’s also a lemon or few in this story and YAOI relationships. Not that that’s a rarity in this fanfiction section. Finally, there’s some foul language here and there, and although I personally don’t think this story is anywhere near the angst level as the first one I wrote, there’s some less than fluffy subject matter here and there.

Summary: (Seto/Tristan. Although there is mention of other couples). Seto Kaiba has always been standoffish and cold, preferring to handle situations on his own, even when Tristan and the others get thrown into the mix of things against their will. But Seto’s latest “family problem,” Mokuba’s serious illness, has everyone supporting the Kaiba brothers, even when Seto insists he can handle the situation alone and becomes more hostile than usual. Tristan’s feelings for the oldest Kaiba brother drive him even though Seto is resistant. Everyone in the gang is more than willing to sacrifice a few afternoons to be there for Mokuba. And Tristan takes it upon himself to be there for Seto. Even if it’s against the other’s will. Or is it? (okay, I know… that summary wasn’t the best thing you’ve ever read…)

Chapter 1: Family Business


Seto Kaiba didn’t see Yugi as he ran around the corner of the hallway Wednesday morning and collided with him. Yugi moaned, falling to the ground with a thud. The taller teen fell back onto his haunches, his suitcase flying out of his hands and sliding across the floor. “Damn it, Yugi, why are you always getting in the way.” Seto stood up and dusted himself up. “You’re just lucky I’m busy right now.”

“You ran into me, Kaiba,” Yugi grumbled, standing up and picking up the suitcase. Seto snatched the leather bag from his grasp.

“Out of my way.” Yugi watched, confused as the brunet made his way down the corridor. He had been rather spiteful. Rivals or not, Yugi had the strange feeling something was going on with the young CEO. Early in the week Yugi had watched him yell at a girl from their history class for standing in the doorway. There was something going on, Yugi was sure of it. He told Joey about it when he saw him in their gym class later on.

“He’s an asshole, Yug. What makes you so sure he’s upset about something?” Joey was changing into his gym clothes, watching Yugi tie his sneakers. They were both in the locker room, about to be late for class if they didn’t hurry.

“He looked upset. And he didn’t even see me when he ran into me this morning.”

“Yug, you’re like two feet tall, no one can see you.”

“Joey!” His fair-haired companion, laughed. He sure did love to tease. “Be serious.”

“Well, maybe it’s work related,” Joey offered, putting his shoes on in a hurry. “Come on, we’re gonna be late. Let’s make this quick.”

~.~

Meanwhile, on the other side of the school building Tristan was in physics class, making his way up to the front of the classroom to ask his teacher about their last homework assignment. Seto entered the classroom curtly, cut in front of the other brunet and slammed his suitcase onto the desk.

“I’m going to need the rest of the week’s homework assignments, and I need them in about six minutes. Not that I think anything you’ll be assigning will teach me anything I don’t already know…”

“Excuse me, Kaiba, I was here first.” Tristan gave Seto an unimpressed look and stood next to him, flashing his notebook in the teacher’s face. “Sir, I was wondering, about that last equation, I tried to…”

“You didn’t carry the six,” Seto retorted, glancing at the notebook and dismissing it and its owner in the same instant. “Mr. Yamamoto, I’m going to need the homework assignments, I won’t be here for the rest of the week. I’m sure you’ve already spoken to my academic advisor…”

“Hey, I just said I was here first, Kaiba… if you don’t mind…”

“I do, I already told you, you didn’t carry the six, now why don’t you scamper back to your desk so I can get on with the rest of my day. Mr. Yamamoto, the clock is ticking, I don’t have time to waste. I have an appointment.”

“You have some nerve, Kaiba, just who do you think you’re talking to?” Tristan barked, giving the CEO a disgusted look.

“Nobody of any importance.” Seto turned to look at the chocolate-eyed teen directly. “I’m not going to tell you again. Sit down, shut up, and let two adults finish here.”

“I’m so not in the mood for you today, Kaiba. Don’t think we can’t settle this right now…”

“Please. Don’t insult my intelligence.”

“Mr. Taylor, Mr. Kaiba, please!” Their timid teacher was attempting to get a handle of the situation. He looked at the taller of the pair. “Mr. Kaiba, I haven’t devised what the rest of the week’s assignments will be, it’ll depend on how far we get in class. I can give you tonight’s homework.”

“That’s unacceptable.”

“What’s unacceptable is how much of an asshole you’re being to Mr. Yamamoto.”

“Mr. Taylor, please. Take your seat, I’ll go over the homework in a moment. I need to help Mr. Kaiba right now.”

“Why? What makes his appointment more important than me?” Tristan asked, giving Seto the once over. “I’m so damn sick of his bullshit. He walks around this place like he owns it or something.”

“Watch your language, Mr. Taylor, or you’ll be out of here.”

“But Mr. Yamamoto…”

“You’re holding me up, Tristan, now do yourself a favor and find your way back to your seat. Mark my words, if I’m late for my meeting because of your childish antics I’ll make sure you live to regret it,” Seto promised.

“I have no intentions of responding to your ths…” s…”

“Tristan.” Tristan turned to look at their teacher again. “Please. Take your seat. Mr. Kaiba has a more pressing issue right now.”

“This is bullshit.” Tristan turned to walk back to his lab station.

“Mr. Taylor, I’d like to see you after class.”

“Whatever.”

~.~

Tristan slammed his math book onto the lunch table. Ryou jumped. “What the Hell, Tristan, you scared me half to death,” the white haired teen grumbled. Tristan slumped into his seat.

“What’s the problem, Tris?” Joey asked, half his bologna sandwich hanging from his mouth.

“I think your problem, Joey, is that you’re talking with a mouth full of meat. Chew, swallow, then talk,” Ryou insisted, giving the blond a devious smile.

“Shut up, you know how much you like it when my mouth is full of meat. Especially when it’s yours.”

“Oh gross guys! That just gave me a bad image. Must you talk about your sex life in my presence?” Duke complained, wrinkling his nose up. “You guys have to be the mushiest, liesliest, most annoying couple I know.”

“Guys, try to focus. Tristan’s obviously upset. What happened, Tristan?” Yugi asked, changing the subject. He wouldn’t admit it, of course, but conversations about the sexual element of Ryou and Joey’s relationship bothered him as well.

“We’re sorry, Tris. What happened?” Joey asked, swallowing his sandwich in a big lump.

“My physics teacher yelled at me after class because Seto Kaiba is an asshole.”

“What?” Duke asked.

“I wanted to speak to our teacher, and Kaiba interrupts me. He’s rude to the teacher, I tell him to stop. Kaiba’s rude to me. We’re yelling, and I get in trouble because Mr. Yamamoto is insistent in kissing that rich prick’s ass.”

“But Tristan, I thought you liked Kaiba,” Yugi asked, quirking his eyebrow.

“Yeah, like maybe for like three days. That was a long time ago.”

“Weren’t you talking about how you thought he was purposely brushing against your arm in science class, like last week?” Duke thought.

“He’s an asshole. And he was really nasty to me today. More so than usual.”

“Yeah, that’s what I was telling Ryou today in health class. I was at my locker Tuesday morning and he was really nasty to me,” Duke recalled.

“That’s funny, that’s what I was telling Joey in gym. He knocked me over in the hall and he was really mean about it,” Yugi added.

“Hello! This is Seto Kaiba we’re talking about here. Why is any of this a surprise?” Joey asked, taking another enormous bite of his sandwich.

“No, there was definitely something different about him. He’s always been unfriendly and blunt, but since Monday he’s been especially cold. I’m convinced there’s something going on,” Yugi decided.

“Well, what do you think it is?” Tristan asked, lifting his eyebrows.

“I don’t know. Maybe I’ll ask Mokuba. He hasn’t been to the arcade for a while, he had a nasty cold last I spoke to him. I meant to ask him if he was feeling better. I dropped by some soup over a week ago and I haven’t spoken to him since.”

“Yeah, last time I spoke to Mokuba he was on his way to the doctor to get some antibiotics, cause the cold hadn’t left. He was thinking it could have been the flu,” Joey thought.

“He came in last week to get some ice cream because he had a sore throat,” Tristan added. Tristan worked at Scoops, a local ice cream parlor. “He didn’t say anything about something making his brother act like an asshole, though.”

“Kaiba’s not happy unless everyone else is miserable, I wouldn’t take it personally, guys,” Joey explicated.

“Still. I’d feel better knowing everything is okay,” Yugi insisted. He watched Joey sigh. “I’ll call Mokuba this afternoon and find out what’s gotten Kaiba so upset all of a sudden.”

~.~

Tristan was dreading seeing the subject of their lunch period discussion in his Japanese literature class. But after fifteen minutes, it was clear Seto wasn’t coming. That could only mean one thing, whatever was troubling the blue-eyed duelist was work related and Kaiba was probably screaming and carrying on at Kaiba Corp. Tristan was relieved that he didn’t see Seto anywhere as he left school for the day. Whatever was eating the CEO, Tristan could care less; he had the afternoon free, with only a minimal amount of homework and cabinet full of groceries to dig into. He was trying to decide what to have first when the phone rang.

“Hello,” Tristan answered, twirling the phone cord in his hand.

“Tristan, it’s me, Yugi. I found out what’s gotten Kaiba so upset,” Yugi began, pacing back and forth on his end.

“Oh, did you call Mokuba? Is it work?”

“No. Well, I tried calling Mokuba, but he wasn’t home.”

“Don’t tell me you talked to Old Blue Eyes himself.”

“No. He wasn’t home either. Mokuba’s in the hospital, Kaiba’s there with him.”

Tristan’s mind reeled. Hospital? “What are you talking about, Yugi?”

Yugi sighed sadly before he spoke. “I called the house and one of the housekeepers answered. Mokuba got admitted into the hospital last night, his cold developed into acute bronchitis about a week and a half ago and he was put on antibiotics, but they didn’t seem to work and last night he vomited and coughed up mucus with blood in it so Kaiba took him into the hospital for X-rays. The servant said Mokuba was running a high fever before he left and Kaiba wasn’t really telling anyone any details until he knew exactly what was wrong with Mokuba, but it’s a fair guess that the bronchitis developed into a more severe respiratory illness.”

“You can’t be serious,” Tristan started, thoughts of Joey’s younger sister’s eye surgery and subsequent hospital stay pervaded his mind.

“Yami and I wanted to go visit him in the hospital, we can come by your place and pick you up if you’d like to come with us.”

“Yeah, okay, let me just change out of my uniform.”

“We’ll see you in about ten minutes.”

Tristan was just glad he had off the rest of the week from work. There were two perks to working in an ice cream parlor. The most obvious one being of course, that it was all the free double chocolate fudge ripple and rainbow sprinkles a teenager could eat, and the other being that there was an overabundant amount of free time during the winter months since most rational residents of Domino City didn’t frequent that business enterprise that time of year.

Tristan couldn’t have been happier about the latter, especially since it was now winter and he could spend most of his time behind the counter reading or doing homework. The only types of customers who didn’t seem to understand the concept of not eating cold foods in the frosty weather wereldreldren. Their insatiable sweet- tooths led them into Scoops after school in droves. The location couldn’t have been more suited, with the place being less than a hundred feet from the elementary school’s main driveway.

Tristan got a kick out of serving the prepubescent kids, watching them gossip about each other while they dripped French vanilla on their school uniforms. The rush only lasted for half an hour or so, before the kids were off to go find more trouble to get into. It was easy to figure out what kinds of teens and adults the kids would grow up to be. There were the shy kids, the popular loud mouths, the nerdy kids. Tristan could see himself doing a psychology project on the phenomenon. All the kids fit into categories, they were all easy to analyze. All except Mokuba Kaiba.

Mokuba was as enigmatic as his brother was stubborn. Part of Tristan’s curiosity wondered what kinds of things were in Mokuba’s head. It seemed he could eat his frozen dessert with anyone he wanted, but choose his own company. The boys were fascinated by him, the girls were in love, yet he was too mature for them, he was wise beyond his years, and he didn’t seem to want to be bothered. For months Tristan studied the children in the ice cream shop, made predictions about what kinds of people they’d become, and Mokuba was still a mystery.

It was through that curiosity that Mokuba and Tristan began conversing. Mokuba’s love and idolization of his older brother plagued Tristan once he had decided that Mokuba seemed to be a wonderfully intelligent and sweet kid. But as Mokuba spent lazy fall afternoons explaining the finer points of his brother’s persona it became quite clear to Tristan why Mokuba adored Seto. And before long, Tristan found himself adoring him as well.

By the time winter had arrived Tristan found himself intrigued with the idea of Seto Kaiba. Even if in real life he’d never do anything about his crush. He had learned when and what to say to the older Kaiba, and in doing so Seto and him actually had developed a civil relationship. In their Japanese literature class Seto and him often exchanged insights about the readings with each other before the period began. And during their physics lab Seto had actually asked Tristan to be his lab partner, explaininat hat he thought Tristan was probably one of the only people in the class that wasn’t a comatose moron. Coming from the slender CEO that was quite the compliment.

It made no logical sense, but Tristan was completely infatuated with the other brunet. And that was nice. Tristan never imagined actually being with Seto Kaiba. In fact he wasn’t sure he really wanted to. He just felt somehow privileged that Seto seemed to respect him, to value his partnership in their science class, to give him an almost friendly look on occasion while they passed each other down the hall. Mokuba was to thank for it all, and Tristan enjoyed his company on the afternoons Mokuba and him spoke. He could see what Joey and Yugi had been talking about months ago when they became friends with him.

Which was why Yugi’s news disturbed him. The thought of Mokuba being in the hospital frightened him. And Tristan couldn’t help thinking how upset Seto had to be feeling, recalling the emotions Joey had experienced while Serenity was being treated. Seto’s latest actions today didn’t erase Tristan’s feelings towards him, and now all he wanted to do was be there for him, be there for both of them, although that was the last thing he saw actually happening.

Seto Kaiba had to be the most stubborn person on the face of the Earth. Especially when it came to any situation that concerned him and his brother. Mokuba was the only family he had and he’d die for him if necessary, but he’d be damned if he’d let anyone else see his vulnerability when it came to situations like this. Seto would never allow himself to take aid from others, especially Yugi and his friends, even though Seto and them had to work together on more than one occasion.

True to his word, Yami and Yugi arrived in front of Tristan’s house ten minutes later. Joey and Ryou were sitting in the back seat already and Tristan slipped in to to the white- haired teen.

“Tea and Mai said they’d met us at the hospital, they were studying when I called Tea’s house,” Tristian began, giving Joey a look. Normally the idea of the two girls studying would have been a funny one, especially since everyone knew not much studying ever got done when the couple was together. Today however the thought crossed no one’s mind as humorous and everyone sighed silently as Yami headed into the hospital parking lot.

“Do we have to be related to see Mokuba?” Ryou asked, locking a car door.

“Um um, as long as we’re over the age of twelve you can visit anyone you want. I meant to ask the housekeeper for the number in Mokuba’s room so we could call first. At least we have the room number, she was telling me that Kaiba would probably have admitted him under an assumed name, to prevent any press or something from getting wind of his illness.” Yugi opened the hospital door and they followed him into the main lobby.

“I guess that’s why Kaiba didn’t tell us,” Tristian thought, sitting in a chair.

“Well, who knows if he would have, he doesn’t like us very much,” Joey pointed out.

“He’s a solitary guy, he doesn’t like getting involved with others if he can help it,” Ryou agreed, taking a seat next to his lover.

Yami and Yugi sat down across from the other two. “I guess we’ll just have to be there for Mokuba against his wishes,” Yugi decided.

“Just don’t be surprised by Seto’s resistance. We have all seen first hand how stubborn he can be. We’ll just have to remain composed and persistent,” Yami added.

Yugi frowned. “Joey, what’s wrong, you’re being awfully quiet.”“Déj“Déjà vu. Sitting in this hospital, wondering if my sister would be all right. Of course Tristian was here for her. And you were all very supportive, I don’t think either of us would have gotten through that without you guys.”

“Hey, that’s what we’re here for,” Tristian offered with a smile.

“And that’s what Kaiba and Mokuba need right now. Face it, I’d say we’re probably the closest thing to friends Kaiba has,” Yugi continued, giving Joey a smile.

“Yeah, well, it’s his own damned fault. We’ve tried repeatedly to be polite and friendly to him and he wants no part of it. If I didn’t think of Mokuba as a little brother I wouldn’t care either way,” Joey replied.

“Look, Mai and Tea are here,” Tristian announced. The girls smiled warmly at the others.

“Sorry it took so long. Mai had to stop at her house and get her purse. We figured we could all chip in and buy him a get well card and some balloons or something,” Tea explained.

“That’s a great idea. Come on, let’s go to the gift shop.” Yugi was beaming from ear to ear.

~.~

Mokuba was watching television, barely. His eyes couldn’t focus for long on the flashing images on the screen. Seto was by his side, where he had sat most of the day, except for the two hours he had to go to school and work to square a few things away. Now Seto was fast asleep, sitting in the uncomfortable chair, holding his younger brother’s hand in his. Mokuba felt like he was drowning, he couldn’t lie down without fearing the fluid in his lungs would choke him.

He was just about ready to try to sleep again when there was a timid knock on the door. “Come in,” Mokuba answered, trying to clear his throat enough so that he could be heard. I didn’t call for a nurse, is it time for more medicine already?

“Mokuba?” Yugi asked, leading the pack. Yami took up the rear, closing the door behind them. The room was huge, it was in a private area of the hospital, in a restricted wing. At first they thought it was because it was ICU or something, but soon reasoned it was probably for Domino’s more affluent patients. Mokuba’s eyes widened, could it be? It was. The raven-haired youth sat up a little bit more, dropping Seto’s hand without the sleeping CEO being any the wiser.

“You have to be quiet, Seto’s asleep, he needs his rest. He’s been up all night with me.” Mokuba’s voice was only just audible. The seven looked at each other tentatively.

“We brought you some balloons,” Yugi began quietly, walking over to the boy and handing him a sextet.

“And a teddy bear,” Tea added, coming up behind the diminutive teen.

“And one of those obnoxiously big get well cards,” Mai finished, placing it on Mokuba’s lap.

“We came as soon as we heard,” Tristan started, smiling at the patient warmly. “Are you feeling better?”

“Better than last night. And I feel even better now that you guys are here,” Mokuba answered meekly, giving them the best smile he could manage.

“Do they know what’s wrong with you yet?” Joey asked, making his way to the other side of the bed to stand next to Tristan and Ryou.

“Pneumonia, caused by the bronchitis, they have a lot more details but no one’s really said anything to me. I guess they don’t want to scare me.”

“I’m sure you’ll be fine. You’ll just be feeling icky for a couple of weeks,” Yami guessed.

“Hum?” Seto shifted, coming back into consciousness. He looked around the room, groggy, his eyes adjusting to the light and coming to rest on the only brunet male standing in the vicinity. Suddenly Seto was very awake and sat up straight in the chair, his attentions darting from person to person, but invariably landing back to Tristan.

“What are you doing in here?” Seto asked, directing the question to everyone in the room save Mokuba, but keephis his eyes on the greatest offense. Tristan Taylor.

“We came to visit Mokuba and make sure he was alright,” Yami answered, giving Seto a look that finally got the brunet’s attention off of Tristan. “We heard he was admitted in the hospital last night with a high fe”
”

“Mokuba will be fine. He doesn’t need any visitor’s right now, he needs his rest,” Seto began, standing up.

“Seto, I want them to stay. I’ve slept all day,” Mokuba complained.

“Mokuba, you’re too sick for company. Besides, I’m sure your friends have other obligations,” Seto continued, turning his head back to the others. “As appreciative as my brother is of your visit it’d be in his best interest if you were all on your way.”

“No, Seto,” Mokuba insisted. Suly hly he was plagued with another round of coughs and began hacking. Seto leaned over and rubbed his back, gently, grabbing his left hand. Tristan pulled out a tissue from his jean’s pocket rea reached over and cupped the boy’s face from the other side, catching the mucus that began exiting his mouth.

“Aibou, hand me a cup,” Yami asked, picking up the pitcher of water sitting to the side of the bed. Yugi grabbed a cup and Yami began pouring. Tea who was on Mokuba’s other side grabbed the boy’s hand and held it, Mokuba squeezed it as tears welled up in his eyes and he leaned forward, more fluid fighting to be released from his lungs.

When the coughing fit ended, Yami handed Seto the cup, who took it from his hands without a word. Seto carefully brought the cup to Mokuba’s lips. He swallowed it and leaned back against the pillows he had been propped up on.

“Are you alright now?” Seto asked, searching his brother’s gray eyes. Mokuba nodded.

“Sorry if I scared you,” Mokuba mentioned, looking at the other teens in the room.

“No apologies required, Kiddo,” Tristian said, smiling. “As long as you’re okay.”

“At least your fever’s gone for now,” Seto thought, not regarding the others in the room as he pushed the raven locks back from Mokuba’s forehead and placed a small kiss where the hair had been.

“Don’t make them leave. Please, Seto,” Mokuba asked, giving his brother a look that could have melted the coldest of hearts. Of courn Sen Seto’s case the only warm spot in his heart belonged to Mokuba anyway.

“We’d love to stick around,” Tristan assured them, throwing the tissue into a near by trashcan. Mokuba smiled up at the brunet and reached his arms out. Tristan leaned over and gave him a warm hug.

Seto stood back up, ready to say something when there was a knock on the door. “Enter,” Seto answered, watching with the others as a nuralkealked into the room.

“Oh, I see Mokuba has guests. How wonderful. It’s time for your medicines, we we want to check your blood pressure and temperature,” the nurse began, smiling at the other teens.

“We can wait outside if you’d like, Mokuba,” Yugi offered.

“Sounds good. This should only take about six minutes or so,” the nurse explained, pulling out her stethoscope.

“Okay, we’ll be right outside then,” Mai promised. They exited the room. Seto followed them closing the door behind them.

Tristan anticipated what the brunet was going to say so he changed the subject before he had a chance to start explaining once again that they needed to go home. “Mokuba told us he has pneumonia, it’s nothing serious I hope.”

Seto was a little surprised, but looked at the seven teens guardedly. He had been very careful not to let anyone know about his brother’s condition, but couldn’t help but be slightly impressed by their diligence in coming to see him. They had to have known Seto would not have permitted their presence but had made the drive to the hospital anyway. The least he could do was give them something, even if he didn’t let them back into the room.

“Mokuba contracted acute bronchitis from his cold, which he began receiving treatment for but the viral illness caused bacterial pneumonia. Bacterial pneumonia is more severe than the viral kind. In most cases pneumonia is only life threatening for the elderly and the person usually recovers in two to three weeks, but because it’s the bacterial kind, and because it was brought on by the bronchitis it’s estimated he could be sick for as long as six to eight weeks, if not longer.”

“Oh Gods,” Yugi thought.

“We didn’t realize he had pneumonia until last night when they ran some tests and took x-rays of his chest and saw the fluid in his lungs. Last night Mokuba was feeling quite sick and began running a high fever. While I was on the phone with his doctor Mokuba yelled for me because he was vomiting. I called back his doctor and then called my helicopter and he was air-lifted here. On the way over however, Mokuba showed another symptom of the illness, coughing up mucus tinged with blood. The bronchitis is not completely out of his system yet, which makes his condition even worse.”

“I didn’t know you could have bronchitis and pneumonia at the same time. How long will he have to stay in the hospital?” Joey asked, concern written all over his features.

“They’ll release him as long as he responds to the antibiotics. Generally, doctors don’t have to identify what specific bacterium is causing the illness unless he doesn’t respond to the treatment. They wanted him to stay today because he didn’t respond to the bronchitis treatments, which is part of the reason he developed pneumonia in the first place. With the fever, the vomiting, and the severe chest pains we agreed it would be best if he stayed for a day or two, just to make sure the treatment is actually working. If this antibiotic is affective we should know within two or three days. If all goes well, he’ll be home and recovering by Friday afternoon.”

“What happens once you get him home? Have you hired a nurse or something?” Yugi asked.

“Yes. I also used some of my vacation time, so I’ll be home with him for the next two weeks, only stopping in at work if completely necessary. I’ve gotten him a tutor so he doesn’t fall to far behind in his studies as well. And I’ve set up his room for any unforeseen needs he may have, so as soon as he’s released everything will be ready for him.”

“What about school?” Ryou wondered. “Are you going to be missing some classes?”

“I’m planning on stopping by in the morning to drop of my homework and pick up tomorrow’s assignments.”

“Well, that’s silly. Why don’t you let us do it for you, no sense in you leaving and coming back here,” Tristan decided, meeting ocean blue orbs. Seto looked at them, suddenly remembering whom it was he was talking to.

“I am quite capable of handling this situation alone. This is family business, I don’t need your interference.”

“Kaiba, think about it, if you keep leaving and coming back to the hospital someone’s bound to see you, and the last thing you need is for this private circumstance to be all over the news, we’ll be happy to pick up your homework tomorrow morning, and then we can drop off any other homework you have in the afternoon,” Mai explained.

“We’re in two of the same classes, I wouldn’t mind at all,” Tristan assured him, giving him a look.

“No. I don’t need you, or anyone else taking care of anything for me.”

“Stop being an asshole, let someone help you for once,” Joey complained, bluntly.

“Joey!” Yugi groaned. The door opened.

“Okay, well we’re all done. Mokuba seems to be doing fine, for now. You guys can all come back into the room.” The nurse smiled as she left.

Seto looked at all of them ready to tell them that their services were no longer required when Tristan said, “At least let us say goodbye to him before you send us away.” Seto sighed and let them back into the room.

“Mokuba, Kaiba’s right about you resting, we’ve probably over stimulated you enough for one day. But we’ll back to visit you tomorrow, okay?” Tristan promised leaning over and kissing his forehead the way Seto had done.

“Okay. Thank you for the things, and thank you for coming.”

“Of course Mokuba,” Yugi said warmly.

“We’ll see you soon, okay?” Joey added.

“Yeah, so get some rest so you can get out of here,” Mai continued. They left.

“Seto,” Mokuba asked, yawning, “How did they know I was here if you didn’t tell them?”

“Not quite sure about that. Think about it later, you should go back to sleep.”

“Okay, Seto.”

~.~

“Thanks for the ride guys, I’ll see you tomorrow.” Tristan waved a goodbye and headed into his house. Tristan didn’t say much to his parents during dinner, and when he got upstairs to his room the only thing on his mind was how heartbroken Seto looked.

Seto looked exhausted, probably sleeping in Mokuba’s bedroom at home while Mokuba’s illness got progressively worse. And vomit, tinged with blood. That sounded god-awful. Tristan didn’t see Seto doing much else but sitting and comforting his brother for the next several weeks, at least until the illness was under control. But of course Seto really couldn’t miss that much school, or work. Especially work, there were countless days in their classes when Seto grumbled about having to fire people for incompetence. In fact, it didn’t seem there was a week that went by that he wasn’t complaining about someone in his company screwing up somehow or botching up something.

Yugi was right, they were the closest things to friends Seto had. And Mokuba was like a younger sibling to all of them. Even someone as capable and smart as Seto Kaiba couldn’t handle this alone. Between his obligations to Kaiba Corp, his schoolwork, and Mokuba Tristan knew it wouldn’t be too long before Seto cracked under the pressure. His actions all week before Mokuba was admitted into the hospital spoke of that.

Yet something else dawned on Tristan. In school Seto had been nasty and harsh the last few days, obviously upset with Mokuba’s condition. Yet when they all went to visit Mokuba at the hospital today the teen billionaire was almost pleasant to them. He was certainly still cold and standoffish, like he usually was. But he had willingly offered the entire history of Mokuba’s pneumonia to them. And he had seemed almost eager to do it. During Mokuba’s coughing fit Seto watched them carefully as they helped him comfort Mokuba. And even though he had told them to leave, it was fair to assume that part of it was because Mokuba did need his rest.

In fact, Tristan reasoned, Seto was almost glad they had visited his brother and that they knew what was happening. When he said how appreciative Mokuba was for their visit, was it really a stretch to think Seto was also appreciative? It was clear the CEO would never have asked for their help, but if it was given to him, forced upon him, perhaps he would take it. Of course he was going to be stubborn about it, but maybe if they were persistent enough Seto would give in.

Tristan couldn’t imagine having to deal with something like this all alone. And even someone who relished in privacy would find it difficult to shoulder such a burden. Certainly pneumonia was a potentially fatal illness if not treated properly, that thought had to have crossed Seto’s mind on more than one occasion. There was no way he was going to let Seto handle this solo. And of course Tristan knew neither would the rest of his friends. He just had to figure out a way to gain Seto’s trust. Tristan wondered about how to do that the rest of the night.

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

There was a loud knock on the hospital door the next morning. Seto rubbed some sleep out of his eyes and looked over at the door. He had spent a second night on the uncomfortable chair, although the hospital staff had been kind enough to make up the other bed in Mokuba’s room in case Seto wanted to sleep in it. Seto declined, he wanted to be as close to Mokuba as possible, let Mokuba fall asleep with his hand in his.

There was the knock again. “Yes, come in…” Seto managed, not wanting the noise to disturb Mokuba’s slumber. The door handle jiggled and in walked Tristan, Joey, Yami and Yugi. Seto sat up fully, confused, and checked his watch to make sure he hadn’t been sleeping all day and it was now the afternoon. He figured they’d try seeing Mokuba after school, but it was early in the morning, and they were here.

“Hope we didn’t wake you, we came to pick up your homework,” Yugi said, smiling warmly. Seto narrowed his eyes. They had to be kidding him.

“And Tristan thought we should bring you some breakfast,” Yami added, taking the lead and walking towards the stunned CEO.

“Yeah, eating that hospital food could be deadly. I don’t know how many pounds of the stuff I shoveled in my mouth while Serenity was in here,” Tristan agreed, placing a cup of coffee on the table. “We got you an egg sandwich from that deli around the corner. Here.” Tristan handed the bag to Seto who took in his hands, still too shocked to say anything.

“Oh, is this your homework?” Yugi continued, picking up a few stray papers. Some with equations on them, some with answers to questions. “Tristan got us a copy of your schedule, so we’ll just stop by the classrooms and ask what else you need to get done.”

Seto was trying to find any words to say, any at all. But he couldn’t get anything out. He was truly speechless. “Tristan, Mai and Ryou will be back later today, Yugi and I have to help his grandfather with the game shop’s new shipments. But give Mokuba our love.” Yami’s crimson eyes looked at the CEO who was now standing up, swallowing hard.

“Yeah, got to get going, Kaiba, don’t want to be late for another endless day of classes. You better eat that before it gets cold,” Tristan retorted. “I’ll see you, later. Okay?”

“I…I…” Seto was stumbling with what to say. What the fuck…they’re actually here. I don’t understand….

“Don’t sweat it, Kaiba. It’s okay. I don’t want you thinking about this too hard,” Joey joked.

“Listen here you little mongrel, I don’t want you to think that you can come waltzing in here whenever you please.”

“We told you we’d come by to pick up your homework. We’re trying to be nice here, or did you forget that school’s in the opposite direction.” Sgavegave Joey his glare.

“Puppy, I don’t need any of you making special trips to come over here. Nor do I need you involving yourself in something you know nothing about. If I ever needed help, which I don’t, you and your pack of idiot friends would be the last place I’d turn to.”

“You’re not the only one worried about Mokuba. And besides, Kaiba, I’d think you’d be appreciative that we’re also concerned about you. Have you taken a look at yourself, recently?” Tristan asked. “You look like five miles of bad road.” Seto narrowed his eyes at the other brunet.

“Don’t concern yourself with me or Mokuba. This is a family situation.”

“And I consider myself extended family. Mokuba’s like a little brother to me, I love him too…”

“Seto?” Mokuba was waking up. Seto turned his attentions back to the raven-haired boy in bed.

“Morning, Mokuba. We’d like to stay but we’re going to be late for school. But Tristan will be back later, okay?” Yugi explained giving Mokuba a sweet smile.

“Okay. Have a good day at school…” Seto gave the others another look.

“Come on, let’s go. We don’t want to disturb this family reunion,” Joey grumbled, leaving the room. Yugi sighed and ran after him.

“You didn’t have to snap at him like that, we’re only trying to help here,” Tristan started, narrowing his eyes at the CEO.

“I never said I wanted any help.”

“Have it your way.” Tristan left. Why did we bother? Yami and Seto exchanged a look.

“I know you don’t like us much. But we’re all willing to bury the past and call an end to our rivalry for the time being. Fighting and bickering are the last things Mokuba needs from you at the moment. Just know that we’re here for both of you. you you need anything ask, you don’t have to let your pride lead your decisions.” Yami gave Mokuba one last look and left the room.

~.~

“I don’t even want to go by there again, he’s such an arrogant prick. He doesn’t want our help, let’s just let it be,” Joey complained during lunch.

“Joey he he didn’t want our help he wouldn’t have let me take his homework out of the room. And think about it, he even left it on the table for us to take,” Yugi tried reasoning.

“I don’t know about all that. But he did let you take his homework. Besides, he is really stubborn, he’s not used to people doing things for him,” Tristan continued.

“Well, I guess I’ll go visit Mokuba again. I’d go today, but I have work. I tell ya tho Kai Kaiba is really driving me nuts. He’s lucky Mokuba’s sick….otherwise….” Joey didn’t finish his threat.

“Joey, don’t say such things,” Ryou insisted, giving his boyfriend a displeased look. “Oh, Duke, you should have seen him, he looked so…so miserable.”

“Kaiba did look really miserable,” Tristan agreed.

“I think Ryou was talking about Mokuba,” Yugi said, giving Tristan a look.

“That’s who I meant,” Tristan said, trying to recover. Yugi and Duke exchanged a look. “Yeah, Mokuba’s really sick, Duke. You’ll see when you come by tomorrow.”

“I guess so. I just hope I don’t get the same reception Joey got. I think Kaiba dislikes me about as much as he dislikes him.”

“I’m sure it will be fine, Duke. You just have to be patient with Kaiba. He’s been pretty snippy and hostile. But yesterday, I think he was glad we came to visit Mokuba. Even if just a little,” Yugi thought.

“Well I don’t want to have to keep visiting him there. Hopefully he does get out of the hospital tomorrow afternoon. Like Kaiba thinks,” Ryou added.

~.~

Seto was actually surprised when Ryou and Mai came into the hospital room later on in the afternoon. Mai had a cardboard tray in her hands with four drinks in it. She placed it down on the table and leaned over and gave Mokuba a little kiss. Ryou did the same.

Mai walked over to Seto. “Your homework assignments as promised. Your math teacher told us not to worry about you finishing them all tonight. He said you can hand them back to him at your leisure,” Mai said, handing Seto a folder.

“That’s really nice of you guys,” Mokuba beamed. “Seto, you should say thank you.”

“I don’t appreciate you guys airing my personal life to the teaching staff at Domino High School,” was Seto’s response.

“We only told them that your brothas ias in the hospital. We didn’t tell them any details, besides, we know you already talked to the principal anyway, so it’s not as if your teachers were completely in the dark about the situation,” Mai explained.

“People have been asking us if we know what’s happened to you. Fan girls mostly. The official story is that you’re on an extended business trip,” Ryou added, giving Mai a look that told her to keep her cool. They didn’t need any arguments right now.

“Where’s Tristan, he didn’t come?” Mokuba asked, heartbreak in his voice. Seto turned to look at him. “Did you make him angry this morning, Seto? Is that why he hasn’t come to visit me?” Seto looked away. No one told him to come by this morning…

“Actually Tristan should be here in a minute,” Ryou answered. And then as if by magic Tristan came into the room.

“Sorry, about the hold up, that took too long.” Tristan crossed the room and gave Mokuba a little kiss. “Stupid people at that stupid restaurant, they forgot half the French fries so I had to run back, because we didn’t want to lose our space in the parking deck.”

“Oh, can I have some?” Mokuba asked, sitting up. Seto gave Tristan a look.

“Well, maybe like two, I don’t think you need any greasy fast food in your stomach,” Tristan answered. He handed Mokuba two, who ate them with a smile. “Besides, we stopped by work, and I got you some vanilla ice cream.” Mokuba’s smile widened. He handed the container to the younger boy.

Tristan then turned his attentions back to the fast food bag in his hands. “Okay, Ryou, this is yours, and Mai this is yours.” Tristan pulled out their meals, and Mai went over to thele tle to distribute the drinks. “This one’s mine,” Tristan continued. Placing his on the other end of the table, he glanced into the wastebasket and noticed the bag from the deli in the garbage, crumpled up. Tristan looked back up. Cinnamon eyes met artic orbs.

“I wasn’t sure what you wanted to eat,” Tristan began, factually. He held the nearly empty bag in his hands.

“It’s fine, Tristan.”

“Well, I got you some fries and a cheeseburger, I figured even rich guys like you can appreciate fine American cuisine.” He took out the fries and foil wrapped burger and placed it in front of the teen billionaire.

“We got you regular soda instead of diet too, cause the last we checked you were looking pretty skinny,” Mai explained, taking a sip of her drink. Ryou had pulled up a chair. Mai was sitting on the edge of the bed. Tristan was still standing in front of Seto.

“Say thank you, Seto. Stop being a jerk. They went to a lot of trouble to bring you lunch.” Seto glanced at his brother coldly. “He’s thankful. It’s not like he’s eaten much since I got really sick. Actually he didn’t eat dinner last night, and your egg sandwich was the only thing he had all day.”

It was clear they weren’t planning on leaving him and Mokuba alone. And despite Tristan and his argument this morning, the brunet had returned. Perhaps he did really love Mokuba, perhaps they all did. “How much do I owe you, Tristan?” Seto asked, digging in his pocket to pull out his wallet.

“Don’t start, Kaiba. Leave your wallet where it is. Consider it on the house, alright?”

“I insist,” Seto said. He was too hungry to refuse to eat it but he didn’t want to owe them anything, especially Tristan.

“Kaiba, eat your damn food will you. You not looking like shit ran over you twice anymore will be more than enough.” Seto narrowed his eyes at the rude remark but slowly started unwrapping the burger, before he nearly devoured it whole. “Hungry much?”

“Shut up,” Seto yelled, his mouth full of food. Mai and Ryou smirked. Tristan full out laughed.

“Damn, Kaiba, if I had known you were that hungry I would have gotten you the quarter pounder.” Seto tried to swallow his food as fast as he could. Even Mokuba started laughing, until another coughing fit returned.

Mai and Ryou put their food down and since they were closest to Mokuba, they began rubbing his back and giving them their hands. “It’s okay, Mokuba, it’s okay.”

“Here, here’s a napkin.” Tristan handed it to Mai, who placed it under Mokuba’s mouth and caught his phlegm. Seto was on his feet, trying to put his sandwich down but Tristan stopped him. “Sit, it’s alright, Mai and Ryou have it under control.” Seto stood, but said nothing, watching Ryou lovingly rub Mokuba’s back, while Mai squeezed his hands.

“Tristan, get me some water, would you?” Mai asked. He did, and ed Med Mai the cup when Mokuba stopped coughing.

“I’m sorry,” Mokuba chocked out, tears in his eyes.

“No apologies, we’re sorry we made you laugh,” Ryou soothed.

“Now drink this, slowly okay?” Mai insisted, slightly tipping the cup so that Mokuba could take sips. Seto stood, truly amazed.

“I’m okay now. Really. Seto, eat something. Please. I don’t want you to get sick too…” Seto looked at his brother again, and sat down. The four ate their meals in silence, Mokuba slurping down the ice cream, which was a much needed treatment for his raw throat.

“Mokuba, I’m going to get the nurse, she was supposed to come in to give you your medication about fifteen minutes ago.” Seto stood up, tossing the empty wrappers into the garbage.

“Okay, Seto.”

“We’ll stay here with him,” Mai offered, smiling at Seto. Seto wouldn’t have made them leave anyway, Mokuba was already clinging to Mai for comfort, and Ryou was holding his hand and giving him knowing squeezes.

“I’ll be back in a few.” Seto left the room, Tristan following. Seto spun around and looked at him. “Yes, Tristan?” Seto asked, trying not to sound annoyed, the guy had brought him breakfast and lunch, he’d come to see Mokuba three times. He was genuinely concerned, as they all seemed to be.

“He’s so pale, Kaiba. How often does he cough?” Seto’s features softened a little. This really isn’t his business. But I guess he’s made it his business.

“They give him some medications that suppress the coughs, they’re trying to wait until the bronchitis goes away. The problem is since he has both bronchitis and pneumonia at the same time he’s hacking up a lung every time he opens his mouth. And yeah, he is still pale. If he doesn’t show any signs of improvement between tonight and tomorrow they’re going to have to run more tests. I was hoping he’d be out of the hospital by then, but I have a bad feeling he’s not responding to the medication.”

“I don’t understand why they don’t run these tests before giving him antibiotics. Why not identify the type of bacteria causing the pneumonia first?”

“Most of the kinds of bacterial pneumonia can be treated with one or two medications. The chances of someone having rare bacteria are slim, which is why doctors just prescribe these medications first. You have to remember, his pneumonia is already worse than normal because it was caused by the bronchitis. Even if they did give him the right antibiotic he’s still going to be sick for about six weeks.”

“I don’t know how you’re doing it, Kaiba. I would of fallen apart the moment I saw his mucus had blood in it. Mokuba’s so lucky you’re so strong.” Seto considered what Tristan had said. “Anyway, go find his doctor, huh?” Seto nodded. “Oh, and figure out what you want for breakfast tomorrow. Duke, Joey and I are gonna stop by to pick up your homework again. Do you like muffins?”

“Listen, Tristan, I won’t lie and say I am not somewhat grateful for your willingness to let bygones be bygones and your offering of assistance to me. I don’t mind that you and Mokuba’s other friends visit him here, since it’s clear it brightens his spirits. But honestly, I won’t have you doing me favors. I can manage myself.”

“Yami said we’d probably meet with some resistance.”

“Excuse me?”

“Kaiba, I know you don’t like us very much, and that’s fine, I’m not looking for a friendship or something. You’re taking good care of Mokuba, and we’d like to help you by taking care of you. Now we’re coming to the hospital tomorrow morning, and you better damn well like blueberry muffins.” Seto caught himself almost smiling at the other teen. I don’t believe it, he almost made me smile. Tristan missed the expression on Seto’s face and walked back into Mokuba’s room.

~.~

“He’s asleep finally,” Mai said, running her hands through his raven locks. The three teens had spent the better part of the afternoon into the evening with Mokuba and his brother.

“I thought he’d never stop coughing that last time, scared the shit out of me,” Ryou added, standing up.

“I guess we should be going so you can try getting some homework done, or maybe catch a few ZZZ’s,” Tristan finished, glancing at the businessman. He helped Mai to her feet.

“I never sleep when he’s sleeping. I want to be awake in case he needs me.”

“Earlier you told us you don’t sleep while he’s awake either,” Ryou pointed out. Seto gave them a look.

“Kaiba, what the Hell. How is your body supposed to rest? How much sleep did you get since he was admitted into the hospital?” Tristan demanded. Seto stood up.

“Well, if today’s Thursday then I’d saout out five hours, tops.” They looked at him upset. “I’ve lived through a lot less. I’m fine. There will be no worrying about me when Mokuba’s this sick.”

“I take it the antibiotics aren’t doing the job?” Mai asked.

“Doesn’t look like it to me, and I’m no expert. These morons are getting me angry. If they don’t pinpoint which bacteria is causing this pneumonia by tomorrow afternoon someone will pay for this.”

“There goes that Kaiba killer instinct, see, he’ll be fine,” Tristan teased with a warm smile. Seto looked at him and away. “Well, goodnight, Kaiba. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”

“Goodnight,” Ryou and Mai added in unison. They all left.

Seto stretched and sat back on the chair. Mokuba was sleeping peacefully, well, as peacefully as one could sleep being as sick as he was. Seto was already dreading the doctors telling him that the antibiotics they were giving him weren’t working, a fact that was clear to see. Since Ryou, Mai, and Tristan had come by Mokuba’s fever had returned, his coughing had gotten worse, and what little color he had had was slipping away.

Ryou had even joked that Mokuba was getting to be paler than him, which wasn’t a good sign. Mokuba laughed at the comment, saying that if that ever happened he’d know he was in serious trouble. Seto wasn’t sure how sick Mokuba thought he was. Certainly he had to know that something was very wrong when he vomited. And Seto’s looks on his face had definitely been giving some of it away as well. But Mokuba hadn’t asked Seto, and Seto hadn’t said anything. Mokuba just seemed grateful for the company. And even happier that Yugi and the rest of his friends were making trips to see him and Seto.

Especially Tristan. Mokuba had spent many a night talking about how wonderful the brunet was. How smart and funny and nice he was. And Seto supposed if Mokuba was going to get close to any of them Tristan was probably the safest bet. Seto didn’t really have a problem with Ryou either, but Ryou’s yami was a bit of a loose cannon. Seto had never had reason to dislike Tristan. He didn’t duel, he wasn’t an idiot like Joey was, as he proved in their physics and Japanese literature classes. And Seto honestly couldn’t help being thankful for Tristan’s efforts.

He really didn’t need any of their help, certainly he could have sent a servant to school to pick up and drop off his things, if it really came to that. But the breakfast and lunch had been unexpected, and even their concern was something to marvel at. It had been Tristan’s idea to bring him breakfast and lunch, Seto recalling Tristan spending a period of time in the hospital watching after Serenity Wheeler for Joey.

Seto yawned. He finished all his homework and left it on the table again. Tristan was supposed to be by tomorrow to pick it up for him. Tristan. Hum. Seto sighed and thought about Tristan saying he considered Mokuba his younger brother. That comment had definitely caught Seto off guard. Seto decided Tristan wasn’t really that bad. He really never thought he was. But what exactly did that mean? Damn it. Great time for my feelings for Tristan to start up again. I thought I was over him.


Author's Endnotes The end of the first chapter. Longer than I thought it d bed be, but not that long. Anyway, the information about bronchitis and pneumonia is accurate, of course I kept giving Mokuba the worst possible situations to prolong his illness, after all, how else would Tristan worm his way into Seto's heart? There really probably won't be more than four chapter to this. And I'll probably update by Monday at the latest. Most of this story is actually finished, but I need to do some fine toning. Anyway, hope you liked it, please review. And if anyone is curious about what happens next, here's a little preview of next chapter:

"Why can't Tristan spend the night here, how much do you donate to the hospital every year? Who cares if visiting hours are over." Mokuba turned and looked at the nurse and his brother.

"I don't mind spending the night with you, Mokuba, but it is hospital policy," Tristan began, seeing the sadness wash over Mokuba's features.

"If Tristan doesn't mind staying for the evening I'm sure the nurse can make the appropriate arrangements. Am I right?" Seto asked, giving the nurse a look.

"Of course, Mr. Kaiba." The nurse gave the three males a look and left the room. Seto turned his attentions to Mokuba who was smiling warmly and to the other brunet. Tristan co't 't help but blush at Seto's look and looked away.