When the silence extends long enough to make it clear he’s waiting for an explanation you fill in the gap. “The little guy,” you gesture with your elbow off to the side at the nervous, little curly-haired boy standing next to the lid of the dock’s grate. He flushes in embarrassment, pushing his shoes through the sand, “Dropped his keys under the dock. I’m going fishin’ for ‘em!”

Somehow Seto’s scowl softens into a confused frown. “Why not use something to grab them? Your arms are just burying them further under the sand.” The little curly-haired boy peaks at you nervously through his lashes. You laugh in good nature, resisting the urge to ruffle his adorable hair with your soggy hand. You’re certain his caretakers wouldn’t appreciate that.

Your head shakes from side to side, sending small droplets of water around. “This is fine. I’m committed at this point.” You turn back to the grate, intending to start back up again. “My arms are longer than yours, let me.” Seto steps closer.

You wave him away. “No no, I can do it!” Your tongue cheekily pokes out at him. “Besides, my hand is already wet. No need to get yours covered in sea juice as well,” you huff out in exertion. Your body is stretched all the way out at this point, yet you’re no closer to grabbing the keys from when you started.

“You look ridiculous.” Even with the top of the drain blocking Seto’s face from your vision you can still tell that the comment carried no malice. He would never admit it, but you’re almost certain his mouth is pulled into his almost-smile smirk. You can picture the corners of his lips tilted upwards. The way his eyes hold that small gleam of affection when he looks at Mokuba. Sometimes, you swear he even looks at that like you.

Cold water rushes into your ears as you practically dunk your head into the water. Nope, nope, nada. Not doing this today. Your crush—that is, your friendship with Seto Kaiba—isn’t gonna stop you from finding this little boy’s keys!

You can see the shiny metal now. It’s within your now extended reach—yet a new sensation of something firm is pushing down on the back of your knees, preventing you from going any further. You wiggle for more reaching room and you feel another presence tug down the back of your skirt.

It’s probably Seto, you realize. You appreciate his prevention of your school uniform accidentally flashing someone. Seriously, how the hell is it appropriate to issue to students?! Well it is Japan, the nation of cute things and the skirt is pretty adorable on you, so it gets a pass.

You finally reach the keys. Your hand clenches around them as you pull back up. The sudden movement causes water to splash everywhere. You rub your eyes of the salt water, opening them back up to see the annoyed look Seto’s giving you.

“You’re drenched,” he points out flatly. You whisper to him as you pass by him, hoping the English would prevent the little curly-haired boy from understanding, “No shit.” Fingers brush against his hair in a tease as you walk by.

The keys fall back into the kid’s chubby fingers nicely. “Don’t lose them again,” the scold is gentle. He’s been feeling bad enough. “I have to go, so I won’t be able to get them again. And this,” your finger points at the docks behind you, “Is illegal to swim in. So only adults can reach down to get your keys. Okay?” His little head nods like a soldier on a mission, eyes shining with determination. So cute.

The little curly-haired boy trots off. His keys are clenched so hard in his hands you think he might hurt himself if he grips them any tighter. “Be careful!” You call after him for good measure. “So, what are you doing out and about?” You don’t have to turn around to know he’s come up behind you.

Surprisingly soft fingers meet your nape. Pampered hands that have lived in lavish for a majority of his years. Seto’s hand brushes your wet hair gently to the side, stopping it from dripping down your back. He hums, “work.” His voice is soft like his hands. “You’re soaked.”

A giggle brushes past your lips. His touch tickles without meaning to. Tiny sparks of warmth and existence and just, him. “You’re gonna get sick.” It’s the first thing he says to your face as you turn around. He looks frustrated. His normal expression. He’s fine. Your heart should calm down now, yet it pangs in your chest as if you still need to hold your breath under the bubbles.

“You need to dry off before you get sick,” his expression hardens again as he nags you. You roll your eyes. “Yeah yeah, I heard you the first time.” You squeeze the ends of your hair. Water oozes from between your knuckles onto the concrete below. He flicks your forehead. “Hey! You can’t just—” “Where’s your bike?” He interrupts you.

You glare at him through your lashes, hands coming up to protect your noggin’. “Home. Flat tire.” His eyebrow raises. “Train?” You shook your head, “Walked. It’s only a half an hour from the shop.” Strong arms cross over his chest. Your eyes pull away from his pretty face for a second before you regain self control.

You can practically see the stormy clouds start to form above his head. “Why are you out here to begin with?” You wince. It’s the one question you were hoping to avoid. “To get a job?” You grimace. Seto’s eyes narrow, it feels like he can see through you. His tone is haughty when he says, “Domino High doesn’t allow its students to work part time, unless you’ve forgotten.” You hadn’t. “It’s bad enough you work out at that run down, antique excuse of a game store,” he scoffs.

War it is. “Excuse me?!” You holler. “That ‘antique’ lets me have room and food for free so long as I help out on weekends!” Mocking the way he says “antique” isn’t the most mature thing to do, nor is standing on your tippy toes to get closer to his obnoxious height. But hey, you never claimed to be mature.

A finger waggles in his face, “You leave the Kame Game store alone!” He brushes your hand away with ease, “That still does nothing to explain why you want another job.” A huff shrinks your body back down to its normal height. Arms come up around your chest like a makeshift shield. “I wanna pay them back. The sooner the better,” your eyes search to meet his, “You understand, right? I don’t wanna be in debt to anyone.”

He sighs at your explanation. This… “mess” that brought you to live with Yugi’s family is both a blessing and a curse. Seto knows very well what you mean and why you want it. The freedom of not owing anyone anything would put you at ease, even if your host family has never once asked for compensation for taking you in. Seto will never understand the guilt you feel for being taken care of by someone. It just isn’t how his mind works. If you found your way through this mental block it would make your future a lot easier on him. You. He meant you. It’s your future. As in just yours and not in the collective ‘we’ sort of way, he means.

He turns tail on you. “Follow.” It’s a one word command a majority of the population of Domino City wouldn’t dare disobey. You would, but not today. Your favourite moments with Seto are the ones where it’s just the two of you. Stubborn as you might be spending time with him are few and far between. Even if graduation is just around the corner he’s always rarely come to the school the two of you share. And now that Atem is at rest and Yugi no longer duels as frequently, the number of times you’ve run into Seto has dwindled lower than you’d care to think about.

He stops so suddenly you almost run into his back. “Stay here,” he fails to elaborate any further before going through the threshold of a small boutique. You listen like a dog, not because you’re trying to show off your inner Joey, but because you’re still dripping water and it would be rude to whatever picket-fence, gossiping, midlife crisis, magazine mom owns the store.

The feeling of being slapped in the face by a puffy, dry softness interrupts the increasing number of daydreams you’ve been having all day. You grumble as you peel the—you can now see that it’s a towel—off your face. There’s no need to ask what it’s for, the answer is obvious. It’s your turn to raise your eyebrow like the  judgemental little gremlin you are, “You’re aware that even if I use this my clothes will just soak me again?”

Seto holds a bag out to you in response. You peel the corner back, peeking inside to find a little black dress. You push the bag into his chest, “Seto!” You can feel the hair of your brows furrowing together, “I can’t accept this!” This time the bag is pushed into your chest. “I’m not asking you to. And in case you forget I have enough money to own this city. Trying to pay me back is useless.” He’s firm in his insistence.

You hesitate. It’s true that the Seto Kaiba has enough money to spare, but still! It’s about the principal! “No way, nu uh, not accepted,” the bag gets pushed back to him. “Chump change,” the bag is pushed back to you. “Too expensive for my tastes,” back at him. “Then you need better tastes,” back at you. “I can’t afford better! We literally just talked about me being in debt not even ten minutes ago,” him. “I’ll show you what good taste is,” you.

You pause. You can feel your cheeks get warmer. That’s definitely not what he meant but oh man does your teenage, hormone induced brain send mini cupids flapping their way out of your ears. You toss the thought before they can strike you with their arrows. “Put it on.” There’s no way you can argue back again without embarrassing yourself with a stutter, so you nod and look around for a place to change. Seto stares at you like you’re stupid, which you are, cause the only reasonable solution is to change in the same boutique he bought the dress in. You sigh out your exasperation and walk inside, mentally apologizing before you even enter the shop. Your offer to clean up any mess you make is the last thing Seto hears as you walk in the door.

It took longer to wipe up the puddles inside than it did to change. You hate to admit it—like, really hate because you’re scared of knowing how much he spent on you—but the dress is cute. It’s exactly what you would’ve picked out for yourself after seeing it on the rack, contemplating it between a couple other choices, staring in the mirror while switching back and forth for twenty minutes, and finally landing right back where you started.

The length is perfect too! Mid thigh, you can dress it down or up depending on the day. Not that you would keep it! No way, you’ll march right back out of the store and demand Seto get a refund!

Despite your bold personality, the up and down Seto gives you once you walk out is enough to have your shoes drag across the floor. Just like the curly-haired boy from before, your mind supplies. “You look… comfortable,” Seto looks away as he says it. Well he’s just plain old wrong. You’re anything but comfortable! Your crush, friend you meant friend nobody said anything other than friend, shut up! Just complimented(?) you! You think? It’s hard to tell.

Your eyes meet your feet as they continue to make shapes on the pavement. A square. If Seto doesn’t wanna give you an actual compliment that’s fine. A circle. He doesn’t have to. He’s not required to. A triangle. In fact, him avoiding mentioning anything about your looks is kind. You know what you look like, you’re not stupid. A star. Well, kinda. Your grades aren’t the best even if you ignore the excuse you give your teachers of, ‘this isn’t my first language,’ because who are they to claim what languages a foreigner can and can’t speak fluently? A heart. Yeah, he made the right call not complimenting you. You wouldn’t compliment you either. A zigzag line down the center of the heart.

A foot juts out to stop yours before you complete the motion. “You’d think you know how to accept help with how often you need it.” He’s standing close now, foot still in the same spot it was to prevent the breaking of your heart. Warmth seeps from the towel onto the top of your head. Was it just from his hand? Seto can do the impossible, but even you find it hard to believe that he has a way to warm up towels on demand.

Your vision switches rapidly between light and dark as he ruffles the towel your hair. Not wanting a headache, you close your eyes and let it happen. You hear him let out an amused huff, “How would you survive in the wild?” He’s good at this. Knowing Seto, he’s dried Mokuba’s hair a million times before and will do so a million more times. “Wouldn’t. I’d go out pretty fast.” The joke is morbid and all you can manage to push out with the dampened mood you’re in. He chuckles anyway.

The towel is pulled down to your neck. Your eyes meet his. He’ll tell you what he wants, when he wants it. Seto’s not one for nerves. Your impromptu staring contest is abruptly cut off as he pulls the towel back over your eyes. His hand rests for a second too long on the top of your head. “Let’s go.”

You follow him for the second time that day, because of course you do. You think you just might follow him anywhere if he asked it of you. You have to jog to catch up. He left because he trusts that you’ll join him. Only when you’re ready.

Luckily by the time you meet him his pace has slowed. Probably used to slowing down for Mokuba, you assume. Speaking of his little brother, you’re surprised he’s not making you carry the bag, much like he does with Mokuba. Or is that just the little scamp’s way of making sure Seto keeps him around? Seto would keep him by his side either way, and if Mokuba wants to feel important he likely wouldn’t put a stop to it unless it was dangerous.

Something soft pries your fingers open. It’s his hand, because of course it is. How many times have his hands been on you today? How many times has he touched you in general? You’re being scolded for something, but it’s hard to register what it is over the haze of your previous self deprecation. Something about not looking where you’re going? Or was it paying attention? You can’t tell at this point. Oh well, it doesn’t matter. Seto’s leading you along with his hand either way.

He stops in front of a familiar looking hotel. You glance around for a second, knowing you’ve been here before but quite figure out why. Ah, bingo! The Kaiba Corp. tower looms only a couple blocks over from where the two of you are paused on the street. You’ve walked Mokuba up and down this street enough times after he gets out of school to recognize the hotel. Still, that doesn’t explain why Seto brought you here.

“Do you have a meeting? Someone important who’s staying here that you need to speak with?” Your head tilts at him. The young CEO’s work is never done, you wouldn’t blame him if this is as far as your paths go. It was nice seeing him, even if your head was up in the clouds a majority of the afternoon.

He looks at you like you’re stupid. Normal Seto. You point to yourself, a nervous smile forming on your lips, “Do we, have a meeting with someone?” He tugs you up the stairs. “You’ve wasted enough of my time with your antics as is,” the door is opened for the two of you. Fancy, up to Seto’s taste, “The least you could do is bother me over a meal instead of on the street.” You pull back as he approaches the host, it does nothing but make your feet drag against the expensive rug.

“Woah woah woah woah, I can’t afford to eat here!” You know he’s already rolling his eyes for the nth time tonight. “And besides, I’m not in the apparel to be wined and dined. I look homeless!” You whine, tugging him as he holds up two fingers at the very polite host who’s definitely paid generously enough to ignore your temper tantrum. “I picked out your outfit.” Note to self, Seto does not like it when people suggest he makes poor fashion choices.

“And ruined my hair!” Your yelling has definitely disrupted a lot of old, wealthy people’s dining experience. But screw them, eat the rich as they say! “It looks fine.” “It looks like Mokuba’s before it was tamed,” you send a telepathic apology to the little shit for throwing him under the bus.

None of your protests seem to work since the next thing you know you’re sitting at a table with a cloth whiter than your teeth. Probably cleaner too. Your arms cross in front of you like a child. “I’m not gonna order anything,” you say that like a child too. Seto doesn't bother glancing up from the menu but once to narrow his eyes at you. It isn’t a mean glare, but an analyzing one. His elbows bend rudely on the freshly pressed tablecloth, hands coming up to create a perfect rest to prop his lips against. “You don’t need to,” he murmurs.

He’s right. When the waiter comes by to take your orders he lists off some fancy French steak or something, you’re unsure. You recognize the name, having bugged him about his favourite dish after he did something nice. You wanted to return the favor, but Yugi’s mother is allergic to mushrooms so you ended up going with plan b instead.

You don’t recognize the name of the dish he orders for you either. Your nose scrunches up in distaste. “You’ll like it,” he assures. Did his eyes ever even glance at the waiter beside him? Did yours? “Strawberry or blackberry?” He asks. “What for?” You counter. Seto’s fingers trace the rim of his cup, he wants your drink order, you assume.

“Blackberry,” you tell him, trying to sound like someone Seto would want to be seen having dinner with in public. “Strawberry,” he tells the waiter, like someone who already knew your answer.

His champagne is poured before yours, because of course the options he gave you were the complicated, yummy cocktails you’d never have the confidence to order yourself. He swirls the glass, his eyes close as the drink is brought up to his pretty lips. You move your eyes down so you won’t stare, only to be met with his now notability coatless chest. Since when did he take off his coat?!

Granted he’s always drop dead gorgeous but he looks sooooo much better when he’s in a skin tight shirt instead. It truly is a treat on the eyes! You wonder when the next time he’ll take his coat off is. Oh, maybe if you ask nicely he’ll—you smack your cheeks, keeping your eyes squeezed shut with the force of a soldier going through war until all the evil thoughts are revoked from your head.

You stuffed the plump seam of your lips between the pinch of your teeth, eyes glued to your phone screen as you browsed the internet. It was a cold Saturday morning and you were still lazing on the couch, a plush throw rug bundled in your lap and a hot drink perched on the coffee table. You tapped your chin in thought as you continued to scroll on your phone, the pads of your fingers scraping against the old, worn out protective screen of your phone as you internet shopped. Your phone was really old, ancient according to your boyfriend, and you desperately needed a new one. 

But you couldn’t find the one you wanted for the right price. You had come across one you really liked but it was just a tad too expensive for your budget. You chewed on the dry skin clinging to the corner of your lips as you started to do some mental calculations. Maybe if you went on a plan? Or settled for one a little cheaper. You stared at the screen, the bright light reflecting in your eyes and you almost threw your hands up in frustration. 

“Damn these rising inflations” you mumbled with a soft huff. 

The short puff of air that breezed past your lips stirred small wisps of your hair, blowing them out of your eyes as you reached for your hot drink and took a long, loud sip. You heard footsteps echo down the hallway and you almost flinched when you heard your partner say your name from just over your shoulder. 

“What are you muttering about?”

You swallowed down your mouthful of hot drink, almost sputtering in surprise as you whipped your head around to see Kaiba standing right behind you. If it wasn’t for his steady hand placed between your shoulder blades, you were sure you would have spilled your drink all over your lap. Instead, you were able to place your mug safely back to the coffee table, an idea sudden;y sparking in your mind when you drew your eyes back to Kaiba. He was smart and good with numbers, surely he could help you out. You didn’t hesitate as you drew yourself up onto your knees, a bright and beaming smile lighting up your face. 

“Seto! Just the man I wanted to see!” you exclaimed. 

He raised an eyebrow in question, a smidge confused at your sudden excitement as you perched yourself on your knees, the fluffy blanket in your lap slipping and pooling around your thick legs as you straighten your back. He drew his attention to your phone as you practically shoved it into his hands, tapping on the screen as you showed him your current predicaments. 

“I was just comparing prices for a new phone” you began before Kiaba interjected with what sounded like a huff of relief. 

“Finally decided to get rid of this fossil?” he said, his jab almost sounding teasing.

You rolled your eyes so hard they almost disappeared into the back of your head, a sarcastic laugh falling from your lips as you drew out each syllable.

“Ha, ha, very funny Seto.” 

You lightly pushed his chest and he didn’t even move an inch, eyes tracing the movement of your fingers as you drew them back to your phone screen. 

“I was just comparing prices” you repeated. “And I wanted your opinion. Which one do you think is better?”

There was a soft pinch between his brow as he thought about it, fingers swiping across the screen as he silently read what was on the screen. It only took him a moment before his gaze flickered back to you. 

“Which one did you want?” he inquired. 

You shuffled on your knees and pushed yourself a little higher, looking at your phone screen at an awkward angle as you swiped the screen back to the one you wanted. 

“This one” you said. “It’s got what I need. But its too expensive. If I could find one a little cheaper that does the same thing-”

“Hmm, then I’ll just get it for you.”

Your brain short circuited for a few, brief seconds. Your expression turned shocked, large does eyes threatening to pop out of your head as you gaped up at him in mild confusion. 

“I…Huh?”

That was the only intelligent thing you could muster up. Kaiba didn’t pay you any mind as he gave you back your phone just so he could fish his own out of the pocket of his pants and start tapping away on it. He turned his back to you as he continued to type and it took you another moment to gather your thoughts. 

“Wait, no. You’re not allowed to do that.”

You sprung into action, almost completely launching yourself over the back of the couch as you wrapped your arms around his shoulders and pulled yourself up. He didn’t seem to be bothered at all by your weight as your plump figure clung to the broad expanse of his back, chin hooked over his shoulder so you could see what he was doing. He wasn’t joking. He already had the phone you wanted up on his screen. 

“Wait, don’t spend your money on me!” you griped, fingers digging into the back of his shirt to try and gain his attention.

He only spared you a cursory glance before he continued to type. Your arms dangled over his shoulders as you tried desperately to reach for his phone but you fell woefully short. It made the corners of his lips crack into a ghost of a smile.

“You want it, don’t you?”

“Yes but-”

“Then I don’t see the problem” Kaiba mused. 

One last click and it was already too late. It was paid for. A loud sigh pushed past your lips as you bunted your head against his shoulder, lips tugging into a frown as you sulked. You sagged in defeat, slowly sliding back down into your spot as you gathered your blanket into your lap once more. You didn’t expect him to do that. You weren’t trying to coerce him into getting you anything and now you felt a little guilty about it. You had money, you could get it yourself.  

“You don’t need to buy me things” you grumbled. 

Kaiba placed a hand on your head, gently ruffling your hair as the soft wisps curled around his fingertips. 

“You’re too frugal with your money. And I know I don’t need to. I wanted to” he replied. 

You turned your head as he leaned down, face hovering closer as you slowly lost the pout tugging at your lips. It felt a little silly to be this upset with him. You knew he was only just trying to help and make it a little easier for you. But you were horrible at accepting gifts, always arguing that you didn’t need anything. It took you another long moment to let his gesture sink in, a smile tilting your lips as you leaned in close and kissed his cheek.

“Thank you, Seto. That helps a lot” you said, arms coiling around his neck as you hugged him.  

A smile tugged at the corners of his lips as you clung to him again

“You’re welcome. If it makes you feel better, it didn’t even make a dent in my savings.”

When you guys get into arguments (it's not a question of if, it's a when) he becomes the pettiest bitch on Earth

Constantly does things to spite you when he's angry with you

For example, if you have some sort of pet peeve he knows of, he'll be sure to trigger it at least once

He loves you, but he values his pride more at times. That's something you'll have to come to accept if you want to be with him

He's also quick to shut you out at the slightest sign of negativity

Has a hard time telling you when he's upset

Is ultimately terrified of letting you in, even if he loves you

Thinks you'll become another abuser if he lets you in

He's got a lot of problems with trust, which leads to him getting...not jealous, but possessive very easily

He's not jealous, he's Seto Kaiba

He doesn't like you hanging around Yugi and the others, especially Joey/Jonouchi

Will do everything in his power to take you away from Joey, even if its insulting him heavily and physically pulling you away

Thats another thing you two might get in fights over

Don't think he's above the silent treatment, cause he's not

Also a huge hypocrite, he can tease you about things but if you tease him? It's dueling time so he can regain his pride

If you win the duel, he's going to give you the silent treatment for a week and actively avoid you

If you two ever got to the point of screaming in each others faces, he would throw you out of the house for the night. He doesn't care where you stay (as long as its not with Joey), but expects you to come back to him the morning after

Probably values Mokuba more than you, and will consider his ideas way more than yours

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