Part II

“Tho’ we may be fully convinc’d that the latter object excels the former, we are not able to regulate our actions by this judgment; but yield to the solicitations of our passions, which always plead in favor of whatever is near and contiguous.” – Hume, Treatise of Human Nature

Seto Kaiba’s steps on the linoleum floor of the extravagantly-designed mansion were measured and quiet. His gait was strait and he had every intention of getting what he wanted, even as he reminded himself that really, he already was–albeit slowly–getting it. The subject of his want, that is. When the doors leading to the study opened and the affronted look on Daichi Mutou’s face greeted him, Seto neither felt compelled to appease him nor cower behind. His smirk was ever antagonistic as he stopped before the older man and bowed, shrivel of respect apparently maintained for the Mutou elder.

“Obviously, Mutou-san, your household help does not understand the reason behind my visit and has rather foolishly, may I add, led me to the wrong Mutou,” was Seto’s bland manner of greeting the host. Daichi, true to his word, nodded silently and offered the study for his use. The man was foolish in gambling with things he had no control over; however even Seto could understand the ferocity by which the politician tried to follow through with his promises. It made him a good politician. Alternatively, it made him a poor businessman, as well.

“Yami has not been home since yesterday, I’m afraid,” Daichi started, heading to his wine cabinet. “What can I get you, Mr. Kaiba?”

Seto kept to himself for a while, ignoring the question. Not home, his groom-to-be’s father had said. Funny. He never knew Yami had other places to go to in this otherwise Kaiba Corp-controlled city. He sighed. “I would very much like to know where he is, Mr. Mutou,” he answered back, meeting the man’s stare levelly. He was seated comfortably by the fireplace; legs crossed and positioned a couple of feet from Daichi. Although he was seated, his voice held authority that Daichi didn’t contest.

“I don’t know where he is.”

“Come again?”

The one thing Seto knew about Daichi Mutou for certain (aside from the fact that he’s a gambler and a very good one… just not as good as him, anyway) was that his smiles were ever heartfelt. Wry smiles that bleed cynicism in every sense of the word were simply, absolutely absent from his angular, aging face. So to see one at this moment, as he poured whiskey onto a glass for himself, Seto felt inclined to sympathize with the man’s situation. His and his son’s relationship was rocky, to say the least, and it teetered on the edges. And yes, even Seto knew that.

“We don’t talk about his personal life, as you have most likely known, Mr. Kaiba,” the man confessed and it sounded like it came from an exasperated, defeated father than the politician who gamely invited himself into Seto’s trap. “I doubt it shall change now.”

“Your internal problems hardly interest me, sir,” Seto replied. Lies, he thought to himself. He wouldn’t deny that he was hardly apathetic. It was a game, see, and problems, as he found out, were never really problems at the end of the day. They were opportunities waiting to be pursued and Seto was their willful suitor. He stood up and made a show of looking annoyed to read the time. “I’m leaving. Kindly tell your son, Mr. Mutou, that I would very much like to talk to him in the nearby future. Preferably tonight, in my mansion.”

“Mr. Kaiba–”

“Goodbye.”

“No, wait!”

The CEO turned around and waited for a response. He could pretend all he wanted but this was a free day. His PA made sure of that upon receiving an early call from him two days ago. (Let it not be said that Seto Kaiba was a poor planner.)

“Yes?”

“Surely you will not reconsider?” Daichi sounded helpless, like any desperate father would. And ironically, Seto was only annoyed at the thought. He didn’t have to have this man as his father. He had his own, thank you very much; but he knew and experienced enough things to convince himself that the thing that people say? About apologizing even if it was too late? It was quite very horribly wrong. It didn’t matter now.

So he feigned forgetfulness.

“Reconsider what?”

“The deal. Can it not be revised?”

“Ah, you mean that deal where my company supports your campaign and your eldest son dutifully marries me?” Seto quipped, eyes blazing with sarcasm and intent.

“Please, Yami… he will not like it.”

Seto looked at him in disbelief. This man…

“And you only say that now? Mr. Mutou, Yami already despises it. However, a deal cannot be breached and your folly cannot be erased. I’m sorry but the marriage pushes through.”

His reply was cold and merciless. It had to be.

“He doesn’t love you, Mr. Kaiba!”

Well, that stopped him. Seto’s glare intensified and his smirk, cruel.

“I am not after love. Surely you understand this now? And really, Mr. Mutou, why now, of all times, do you show your concern for your son? He was under your roof for the most part of his life—until you sent him away, anyway,” the CEO made sure to inform Daichi. Daichi instantly sobered and looked sullen, grieved. “Or… would you rather that your youngest do not enter college?”

“Of course not!”

“Excellent! Your son’s happiness for your other son’s future. Isn’t that just tad dramatic, though?” Seto chuckled to himself and shook his head. Daichi opened his mouth to say something but Seto interrupted, his tone dropping drastically. “You’ve done what you could, Mr. Mutou. You’re good at warming people’s hearts and getting their trust… but remember: you can’t be a politician and be a father at the same time. Your career demands sacrifices. Now, you need to make one again. Goodbye.”

If Daichi Mutou gaped at his timely exit, Seto didn’t feel the need to acknowledge it.

Problems were opportunities; and these opportunities?

They were soon to be his.

~*~*~*~*~*~

The party was at its climax and people were having a good time socializing with others from the same wealth bracket. There was music and continuous flow of alcohol, beautiful women and equally handsome men. There were no other children and this party bored the hell out of 11-year old Seto Kaiba. Having spotted Isono, who followed him everywhere, making way to the punch table, Seto decided it was time to get away. He slipped through the balcony and jumped from the ladder; and quite luckily, the bush below broke his fall. Good thing for nearby was the most enthralling fountain he had ever seen.

It looked like any other fountain except for the dragon that stood at the middle, fierce and strong. It was a majestic beast, the dragon, and it had always fascinated him. Seto’s eyes were wide as he slowly approached it. Unlike other fountains, he noted, this one wasn’t elevated. In fact, it was erected from the ground and from what it seemed, the water was deeper at the center. So distracted was he that he didn’t realize he was about to step into that particular portion of the pool; until someone grabbed the back of his dress shirt and pulled.

They fell into a heap on the shallow waters and he instantly stood up, angered.

“You pulled me!” Seto accused.

The other boy was shorter than him but his hair was wild and his eyes shone fiery red. Seto had never seen such color of eyes in his short 11 years of life. Even though it fascinated him, the boy still pulled him!

“I’m sorry for saving you. That part of the water is really deep, even for someone with your height,” the other boy explained. He had crossed his arms and he hadn’t stood up, looking up challengingly.

“I can swim,” Seto argued.

The boy shrugged. “If you want to get wet and all that, go ahead. You want to swim? The pool’s over there,” he rebutted, pointing over his shoulder. “Then again, knowing you, you’d probably hit your head on the concrete while diving in.”

“You don’t know me, so don’t judge me. Besides, are you calling me stupid?”

“No, I’m telling you you’re being stupid. There’s a difference.”

Seto stared at him in disbelief before turning around and walking away in a huff. He had managed to walk into the gardens when his drenched state finally started affecting him. He started to shiver in the cold and he sneezed. Just then, he heard someone sigh from behind him and he rolled his eyes as the boy stared back.

“You’re an idiot. I was going to drag you inside so you can change clothes,” the boy remarked, pulling him close that they were a few inches from each other. At Seto’s silence, he shook his head and took out a scarf from his pocket. “Fine, be quiet for all I care.” He wrapped the scarf around Seto’s neck snuggly before stepping back. “Aren’t your bodyguards looking for you or something?”

The question took Seto aback and it was then that he finally noticed the state the other boy was in. His dress clothes were equally drenched and his hands were slightly trembling. From the dress clothes, Seto gathered they were custom-made and he didn’t doubt for a second that this boy was either a guest here or was the host’s son.

“Hello? Earth to whoever you are?”

Seto swatted the hand the other boy waved in front of his face. “I’m fine. The party was a waste of time,” he admitted. Then surprisingly, at his response the boy smiled.

“Finally!”

“So what now?” Seto asked after a while. They had settled for lying on the grass and looking at the stars, oblivious to the on-goings of the party inside the house.

“I’m Yami.”

“Hello,” Seto greeted. Yami punched him and he cried out at it. “What?”

“Your name, you moron.”

“Don’t call me that!”

“Name.”

“Seto.”

“Hello, Seto,” Yami grinned. He sat cross-legged and looked at Seto. Seto, wondering why he sat up when he was previously laid on the grass, followed suit and they were staring at each other before breaking into laughter.

Seto rolled his eyes at Yami, who stuck his tongue out childishly. They were like that until a few minutes later of silent chuckling, Yami sobered and looked thoughtful.

“What is it?” He asked of the other boy.

“My classmates, I hate them.”

“Really? Why?”

“They make fun of my mother,” Yami whispered. His stare was downcast and his posture, embarrassed and vulnerable. For some unknown reason, Seto felt like reaching out. He wrapped his arms awkwardly around Yami and hugged him tight.

“They’re stupid,” Seto insisted in an effort to comfort his what? Friend?

“Thanks,” Yami replied. “You’re good at this.”

“At what? Being a friend? I happen to be the best in the world.” Even though his only friend as of the moment was his brother…

Yami chuckled and shook his head, “Other than that! At twisting words.”

Seto’s lips twitched into a smile and he laid back down on the grass.

“Can I ask you something?” Yami inquired, leaning on him and blocking the view of the nightsky. Seto feigned disinterest but the curiosity that he saw in Yami’s eyes finally piqued his own.

“Okay.”

“It’s like a favor and I just really, really want to know…”

“Yami–”

“I’m serious! See, we have this really big closet in school? For the janitor and I was looking for a place to hide,” Yami rambled, “so I opened the door and I saw two of my classmates kissing each other!”

Seto stared at him, not really finding the link between the question and this anecdote. “So…?”

“I have a favor to ask.”

“Ask.”

Yami sighed, “Can we try it?”

“Try what?”

“Kissing each other!”

“What?!”

“Never mind. I was just curious and everyone’s been asking me about it. The girls especially. Ugh,” Yami grimaced. “And I was thinking… you don’t go to our school anyway and you’re my friend. You are, right? Anyway, I didn’t think you’d mind!”

“Yami, don’t you ever stop talking?”

“No.”

Seto shook his head before leaning up and kissing Yami lightly on the lips. Yami’s eyes widened and Seto grinned.

“Did you just…?”

Seto nodded.

Yami stared and it made Seto uncomfortable.

“So.”

“It’s okay,” Yami replied hastily, his cheeks red. “Let me try it!”

He dipped his head and kissed Seto as well. When they pulled back, they were blushing and their eyes were fixed on each other. Seto was about to say something when they heard the sound of twigs breaking nearby and they sat up, instantly alert. Isono came into view and Seto sighed disappointedly. He’d rather see a monster than face the fact that he was caught.

“Seto-san, I’ve been looking all over for you!” Isono exclaimed worriedly as he dragged Seto to him, checking for injuries. As Isono started to pull him towards the direction of the mansion, Seto looked back and saw Yami waving at him. He stole another glance and Yami wasn’t there anymore.

The next day, he heard from the news on TV that someone named Yami Mutou was in a car accident and that he came from a party. He was a young boy and the bodyguards with him in that car all died. He only sustained head injuries.

Seto never heard or saw Yami again.

~*~*~*~*~*~

The sound of the doorbell snapped Seto from his unexpected slumber on the couch in his living room. He heard the door open and before he knew it, he heard the angry steps of the guest headed for where he was. Seto yawned and placed the book he was reading before he fell asleep down and faced whoever it was. Quite expectedly, it was Yami.

“Hello, Yami.”

“You’re an annoying prat, how dare you demand me to go to your mansion?” Yami quipped angrily. Seto shook his head and walked towards Yami, who predictably stepped back, to which Seto frowned on. He wouldn’t have that. He sighed and framed Yami’s face with his hands, for a moment startling Yami to stillness before he claimed the man’s lips into a kiss. It was warm and welcoming, but of course Yami insisted on being unresponsive and letting Seto have his way. Well, alright then. His lips fell on Yami’s neck and he sucked on the juncture of his neck and shoulders until he felt Yami pushing him away.

“I won’t have you ordering me around, Kaiba.”

Seto smirked, “And?”

“You can’t just kiss me because you want to.”

You tried to, once, Seto couldn’t help but think.

“You sure about that?”

Yami was quiet, and although Seto won this argument, he couldn’t help but feel guilty about it.