Part fourty-four of epic RP
Laur = Yami, Joey, Mokuba, Mom, Mai
Me = Seto, Serenity, Roland
Mai: *gimps along with Joey towards the building* Alright, where're we taking Sir Burps-a-lot?
Joey: *raises a hand in protest* m' not dat. I'm.. Lord of da GAS!
Serenity: Fourth floor.
Mai: *shakes her head* leave the jokes to someone else, Joseph. *walks him inside and towards the elevator* Who else is coming with?
Seto: *walks as best he can, grunting and wincing slightly from bruised bones*
Yami: *goes to catch up with Seto, offering a shoulder to lean on* Here, let me help you.
Seto: *gimps between Serenity and Yami*
Serenity: Mokuba, you coming too? Seeing as it's like a party at this point....
Mokuba: *nods and falls into step with her, leaning up for a quick kiss as they walk*
Serenity: *makes it to the elevator* Okay, I think we're all here...
Joey: I WANNA PUSH DA BUTTON
Mai: *exasperated* Alright, Joey. Press the button with the big number FOUR on it.
Joey: *reaches for the 4 button and palms his hand against the panel so it makes all the buttons light up*
Mai: *facepalms*
Serenity: Oh...this is going to take forever...
Elevator: *dings at every floor, opening the doors*
Serenity: *waits patiently for the elevator to reach the fourth floor*
Elevator: *stops at floor four, doors open*
Serenity: Okay, everybody out.
Seto: *makes his way slowly out of the elevator*
Joey: *stumbles out first, declaring gleefully* I FARTED
Mai: *snorts and briskly exits the elevator* Okay, now which way're we going?
Serenity: Follow me. *heads down the hall towards the apartment*
Serenity: *reaches for her keys and fumbles with the lock, but soon opens the door* Okay, everyone in, but try to stay quiet. I don't know if mom is still up.
Joey: *under his breath* sneeeaky, sneeaky.. sneeaky sneeaky..
Mai: *elbows Joey in the side to be quiet*
Serenity: *shuffles in with Seto* //Man...part of me is hoping she's not awake right now...//
Seto: *grunts softly as the movement hurts his ribs*
Mom: .....ZZ......
Serenity: *notices mom asleep on the couch* //Oh thank god....now if we just stay quiet...//
Joey: *nearly trips voer the edge of the carpet, holding onto Mai*
Mai: *harsh whisper* stop grabbing my boob!
Joey: I WASN'T GRABBIN YER TIT, WOMAN
Mokuba: *in a hushed whisper* Hssssh! do you WANT your mom to wake up?
Serenity: *freezes, wishing that time would just stop* //Please...don't wake up...//
Mom: *rolls over in her sleep, not saying a word*
Mokuba: *whispering to Serenity* thank god your mom's a heavy sleeper..
Serenity: *heaves a sigh* I know. Last thing I need is her to wake up and see all of this....
Mokuba: No kidding.. *glances back behind him* where are we going to fit everyone?
Mai: *to Serenity* hon, where's your bathroom?
Serenity: Down the hall, first door on your right. *to Mokuba* Well once we get everyone cleaned up and out of here, I'll wake mom up and tell her to go to bed. I figure Joey can sleep on the couch and I think I have a spare sleeping bag I can pull out and Mai can share my room with me. I mean, it's late and I wouldn't mind if you all crashed here, but I'm not sure how mom would like that.
Mai: *nods and helps Joey into the bathroom* c'mon, not that much further. Keep your mouth shut.
Joey: Aye, aye pretty lady! *says the last part in a low whisper, stupid grin still plastered on his face*
Yami: it looks like we'll have to use the kitchen to get Se-- Kaiba cleaned up, then..
Serenity: Yeah, come on, let's get you clean. *leads Seto into the kitchen and sits him in a chair*
Seto: *grunts as he sits down, in pain from the fight*
Yami: *looks around, grateful that Joey isn't around to see, and puts a tenative hand on Seto's shoulder*
Seto: Let's just get this done and over with. I want to go home and sleep.
Serenity: *searches and finds a washcloth, wetting it, then starts to clean Seto's face*
Seto: Oww...oww...that hurts.
Serenity: *scoffs* Well maybe if you didn't get in a fight your face wouldn't hurt.
Mokuba: *chuckles at his brother's predicament, stifling his laughter*
Yami: She -does- have a point, Kaiba.
Seto: *grumbles* I was only trying to teach that scumbag a lesson.
Mokuba: well... you did. Hopefully we won't see him around here anymore.
Serenity: *continues cleaning Seto's face* //And hopefully there won't be any more fights.//
Yami: *absently starts kneading Seto's shoulder, squinting his eyes in the dim light*
Mokuba: Serenity, do you have a flashlight we could use while you do this? Keeping a main light on might wake up your mom..
Serenity: Umm...I think there should be one in the little drawer by the fridge. *continues cleaning up Seto's face*
Seto: *flinches every now and again* Could you be a little gentler? That hurts.
Serenity: *huffs* Well of course it hurts, your face is bruised. And I'm sorry, but getting dried blood and dirt off your face is taking a bit of effort.
Mokuba: I'll go get it. *nods to Yami as he turns and starts searching the drawers* //if you can at least keep him from complaining, maybe it won't be so bad..//
Yami: *notices Mokuba's nod in his direction, and pauses his hand on Seto's shoulder* //is he -encouraging- me to get his brother to settle down?// *looks over at Seto, snickering at Serenity's scolding* //although it looks like Serenity's one of the few who knows how to talk him down these days..//
MEANWHILE, IN THE BATHROOM
Mai: Stop squirming, or you'll lose your nose. *dabs at Joey's eyebrow*
Joey: OWW-NRRRRGH! *bites down on the back of his hand to stifle a groan of pain* motherfuckerthathurts!
Mai: Yeah? Well, GOOD. Maybe that'll teach you not to get into any fights. Didn't highschool teach you enough?
Joey: *chuckles, wincing again as the wet towel is applied again* heh.. it taught me to give as good as I get. An' it wasn't just school.. my dad made sure I learned the hard way too.
Mai: *clucks her tongue* well, hero or not, you should still take care of yourself. *casts her eyes downward, her voice softening somewhat* Y'know, when I was little, my mom told me something similar to what you said about givin as good as you get. She told me "hon, if you EVER get caught in a sticky situation, remember one thing: your mama won't take shit from anyone. You're my little girl, and nobody fucks with that. Make me proud and never back down, even when you're beat."
Joey: *laughs* Sounds kinda cliche, no 'fense
Mai: *a bit defensively* Fine, don't listen to me then. *unfolds and refolds the damp washcloth, using a different corner to get the last of the dried blood off of Joey's face* But that's all I knew, yknow? If I bitched a girl out, it wasn't a question of who started it.. the real question was if I stood my ground or not.
Joey: And didja? *shifts uncomfortably on the tile floor and rises to sit in a kneeling position back on his feet*
Mai: *scoffs derisively* Do you think I'd be who I am today if I let some little stuck-up priss get to me? Of course not.
Joey: *chuckles and playfully elbows her* Careful dere, yer startin to sound like Kaiba..
Mai: *stifles a laugh, her hands flying to her mouth to cover it* Ha! Like Kaiba? No, I don't think we're the same. We might have some of the same views, hon, but that kid has more issues than a magazine.
Joey: *snorts* true dat. He's got so many issues, he mightas well open a bookstore..
Mai: *snickers* you may be good at comedic timing, Joseph, but continuing jokes isn't your forte.
Joey: *looking rather put out* Hey, I try. An' don't call me dat. S'too formal for me, t' be honest.
Mai: *with a look of mock surprise on her face* Whaaat? But I've been calling you that for years and you've never objected to it, except for one time your sister slipped and did it too.
Joey: Yeah, well.. *bites at a hangnail on his thumb* it's.. different when you say it..
Mai: *raises an eyebrow, but keeps her head lowered so as to not let Joey see her reaction* Huh.. you don't say. //what's THAT supposed to mean?//
MEANWHILE.. IN THE KITCHEN
Mokuba: *has retrieved a small flashlight, and whacks the bottom, sliding the switch to the ON position*
Flashlight: *FLASHES MOKUBA IN THE EYEBALL*
Mokuba: Aaaugh! *winces, shielding his eyes from the bright light, suddenly aware of how loud he's being* ..sorry.
Seto: *snickers* Don't you know -not- to look at it when turning it on?
Serenity: *lightly smacks Seto's shoulder* Oh stop, like you haven't done that before.
Mokuba: He has, trust me. *rubs his temple and purposely aims the flashlight at Seto's face*
Flashlight: *CEO EYEBALL RAPE*
Seto: *winces slightly* ..oww...I never said I didn't, but still.....ow dammit Mokuba! *covers his eyes with one hand*
Mokuba: *grins cheekily and puts a finger to his lips in warning*
Serenity: Shhh! Be quiet. I don't need mom waking up...
Seto: It's his fault.....
Serenity: What are you? Twelve? You'll get over it.
Mom: *grunts in her sleep, turning and drawing the blanket closer to her chin* nnnrnn.. David.. no..
Serenity: *quirks an eyebrow towards the living room* ....okay mom.... *goes back to cleaning Seto*
Mokuba: *lowers the flashlight to focus on Serenity's hands, watching her carefully as she works* //I still don't know how she does it, but Seto actually -listens- to her.. and she's so good at taking care of people, too. I love that about her, really..//
Seto: Are we almost done? I want to go home and sleep.
Serenity: *sighs* Yes, oh impatient one, we are almost done. *cleans a few more spots on his face, then reaches for his hands, cleaning them*
Seto: I can get those myself.... *yawns*
Yami: *returns to the three of them with a glass of water in his hand, offering it to Seto*
Serenity: Yeah right, you're so tired you'll just go to bed with dirty, bloody hands. I'm cleaning them.
Seto: *grumbles, but takes the water with his free hand*
Seto: You don't have to do this you know. I'm a big boy, I can take care of myself.
Yami: *coughs softly* And yet you get yourself into fights that get you hurt.. yes, you -do- take good care of yourself.
Serenity: So you've proven by beating Dorian to a pulp, but yes, I am doing this, whether you like it or not. I'm female; being caring comes naturally, so guess what? I'm going to "mom" over you right now.
Seto: *glares at Yami* I handled myself just fine.... *to Serenity* ..and you're younger than me, you can't "mom" over me.
Mokuba: Seto, can't you just swallow your pride and let the cute girl mom the hell outta you?
Serenity: Oh, yes I can. I may be younger than you age wise, but I swear, from what I've seen lately, I'm older than you in maturity.
Seto: *mouth agape*
Yami: *chuckles* And you just got told.
Mokuba: *snickers at Yami's comment and nods*
Seto: *grumbles and drinks more water*
Serenity: *snickers softly* Sorry, but when I seem to be one of the more sane ones of the group, I get "mom" rights.
Serenity: *switches cleaning hands*
Seto: //Why on -earth- is it that I'm getting schooled by a girl my brother's age? This is embarrassing....//
Serenity: There, you're all done. *sets the cloth in the sink* Now promise me you won't get into a fight on the way home?
Yami: //just what I was thinking..//
Seto: *stretches and stand up* ...yeah...no fights...promise...
Serenity: I'm serious. No fights.
Mokuba: You'd better do what mom says.. she means business. *winks at Serenity as he says this*
Serenity: *snickers*
Seto: *glares at the both of them* Sure, sure....laugh it up you two, have your fun at my expense....
Serenity: Well, you kind of did it to yourself.....
Mokuba: *gleefully* That's what I do.
Seto: *noogies Mokuba's head* Yeah, I know. You like to be a pain in my ass.
Mokuba: *protests and squirms out of his brother's reach* I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't occasionally, would I?
Seto: No, I guess not. Anyway, can we get home now? I'm exhausted and I have to run a company tomorrow.
Mokuba: *sighs exaggeratedly* well I -guess- we can arrange that.. *looks to Serenity, taking both her hands in his* but seriously, thanks for all your help. I'm sure Seto's grateful too.. *nudges Seto in the ribs sharply* Right?
Seto: *inhales sharply at the pain* ....owww...yeah, right, grateful.
Serenity: Well I'm glad I could help.
Mokuba: *aside, to Yami* Hey, are you alright?
Yami: *doesn't respond immediately, jerking as if snapping out of a reverie* what.. Oh. I'm fine, Mokuba.
Mokuba: *cocks his head to the side, his lips twisting in thought* You sure? You've barely said a word to anyone ever since the ride over here, and you look really out of it.
Yami: *sighs, casting a glance at where Seto and Serenity are standing before continuing* I guess I've just been thinking a lot lately, that's all.
Mokuba: *frowns* Thinking about what? About you and...? *discreetly motions towards Seto*
Yami: *averts his face somewhat* well, that too. But really.. it's hard to explain, but sometimes I feel like I'm an impostor when I'm out and around the group, especially since most of my friends think I'm Yuugi when I'm really not.. and there's no way of explaining it that doesn't sound crazy.
Mokuba: You think we'd accuse you of being a Yuugi impostor, Yami? *shakes his head* Yeah, the idea is kinda hard to wrap my head around, but he.. uhh, you and Yuugi, wouldn't lie about something like that. I've never felt like you're trying to replace him or something like that, but I admit I'm kinda curious as to why we see -you- more often, yknow?
Yami: Yes, I suppose. Part of it is due to alcohol tolerance, though. Although we share the same body, I can handle more in my mental state than he can. The last thing I want to do is make him wake up and wonder how he got hungover.. does this make sense?
Mokuba: *blinks* Oh wow, I didn't know it could work like that. There I was thinking "man, Yuugi really can pound em back!", and now it's like he has a proxy. That's pretty cool, actually.
Yami: *quirks an eyebrow, starting to go towards the bathroom for the sake of moving around* How is that "cool"?
Mokuba: well, if Yuugi ever wanted to enter a drinking contest or something, all he'd have to do is just let you drive, right? *smirks*
Yami: *chuckles a little* Heh, you have a point. But even so.. I still feel like I've taken over a life that isn't even mine. People see me and refer to me as Yuugi, but it's not me.. it's not my own life anymore.
Mokuba: *puts a hand on Yami's shoulder* Yami, are you listening to yourself right now? This is exactly what Yuugi is probably thinking right now, too. It'd be so much easier to think of just yourself, but everything you do is for TWO people. That's what it's like being part of a team.
Yami: We always -have- been a team; you're right. *glances back to Seto, noticing his impatience* You'd better get going. I'm sorry to have held you up.
Mokuba: *shrugs* it's okay, he can wait just a little longer. Good luck with everything, okay? Go talk to him; I'm sure he'll listen.
Yami: *nods* Thankyou, and same to you. I hope for the best.
Seto: *starts inching towards the door* Can we go now? Roland's down there waiting and I want my bed.
Mokuba: Yeah, yeah, we're getting there. *reaches to hug Serenity and kiss her cheek* Thanks again for having us, Serenity.
Serenity: No problem Mokuba. I like having you guys over, though hopefully it will be on better terms next time.
Seto: *yawns and grasps the door handle* ...limo....now....
Serenity: *shakes her head and rolls her eyes* You better get him home Mokuba. *kisses his cheek* I'll talk to you later, okay?
Mokuba: Okay, goodnight. *smiles as he follows Seto out, turning to Yami* Are you staying here or coming with us?
Yami: *purses his lips in thought mometarily before answering* I.. I'll walk home. I have a lot to mull over.
Mokuba: *catches on and nods* As long as you're sure.. it's not far from here, is it?
Yami: *shakes his head* No, not at all. //Yes, yes it is.//
Mokuba: *looks back at Seto, making a quick decision* Hey, Seto. Didn't you and Yami have something to sort out from earlier when you were talking outside the bar? //hopefully he'll go along with this..//
Seto: Hmmm? The bar? *shrugs* I 'unno...
Yami: *arches an eyebrow curiosly, unsure of what Mokuba is conferring with Seto about but getting the feeling that it concerns him somehow, choosing to remain standing near the door*
Mokuba: You were having a long enough conversation that I thought you were making plans for later tonight, so.. *trails off, letting the statement hang in the hopes that Seto supplies a suggestion of his own*
Serenity: *touches Yami's shoulder* Why don't you just go along with them and get a ride. It's better than walking in this cold weather.
Seto: I was? We were? *contorts his brow in thought* Ahh, I don't remember. I'm tired. Look, if he wants a ride, then fine, but can we just go?
Yami: *turns to regard Serenity* I'll be fine in the cold, it keeps me awake and thinking. It's something I need to do for myself. But thankyou for the concern, though.
Mokuba: He said he'd rather walk in the cold and think things out. *looks back over his shoulder at Yami for a moment before turning back* Whatever he's got on his mind, I'm pretty sure it involves you..
Serenity: I don't want you to catch a cold. Besides, maybe getting a ride back isn't a bad idea.... *nods towards Seto* ...you need to talk things out eventually and with the state he's in, he might need a caretaker in the morning.
Seto: Me? Why me?
Yami: I'm sure he'll be fine. Like he said, he's capable of taking care of himself. *briskly steps off the threshold, passing Seto as he does so, turning back only to regard Serenity* Thankyou again for everything, and don't worry; I'll be fine.
Mokuba: Oh jeez, I swear.. both of you are so stubborn. *facepalms*
Serenity: *stunned to say much* Oh, y-yes, you're welcome. *bites her lip*
Seto: What? What happened? *yawns* Can we go now?
Mokuba: Yeah, we're leaving. *mouths to Serenity* "we'll get him home", signaling with his hand that he'd call her tomorrow as he leads a very tired CEO out and down the hallway*
Serenity: *nods and closes the door behind them* //Well, -that- was an interesting night..//
MEANWHILE, IN BATHROOMLAND
Joey: *watches Mai curiosly, an odd flush creeping into his face from his collar* //am I gettin signals offa her, or am I losin my mind?!// Yeah.. I do say. Nobody could get away with callin me dat and live t' see the day.
Mai: *teasingly* Why, do you not like your name?
Joey: *shrugs* Eh, my dad's the one that chose it. He only calls me that when he's real pissed at me, so in some ways it makes me angry I guess. But when you say it.. it sounds kinda.. just.. better.. *trails off*
Mai: *raises an eyebrow* Oh. I had no idea it was something like that. *falls silent for a moment, rising to her feet to wring the washcloth out and rinse it again* //now I feel like an asshole..// *stares resolutely at her reflection, willing her cheeks to stop from flushing slightly pink* I'm sorry, Joey.
Serenity: *knocks on the bathroom door* Everything okay in there?
Joey: *fixes his gaze on a random spot on the floor, his finger tracing circles in the bathroom rug* Not as sorry as I was-- *hears the knock, jarring himself out of his thoughts* Yeah, we're fine.
Serenity: Okay, well I set up a spot for Mai to sleep in my room and got out a pillow and blankets for you Joey. I'm going to go wake mom and have her get to bed so you can have the couch, alright?
Mai: *is also simultaneously shaken from her thoughts, the spell between them shattered by the sudden knock* One moment. *reaches for the door, turning the knob and pulling, to no avail* //huh.. weird.// *to Serenity, through the door* Oh, okay; sounds good. Thanks, hon.
Joey: *struggles to his feet, groaning when his back cracks* What's happening?
Serenity: Okay. *walks off to send mom to bed*
Mai: Uhh.. *turns her attention to the knob, which refuses to budge* Oh don't tell me..
Joey: don't tell you what? *reaches behind his head to scratch an itch on his back*
Mai: the door won't open..
Door: >:)
Joey: *scoffs* nah, really? I'll show it who's boss.. stand back. *puts a hand on Mai's shoulder, guiding her out of the way as he flexes his free hand, the knuckles cracking audibly*
Mai: *takes a few tenative steps back, regarding Joey oddly as she does so* and just -what- are you planning to do?
Joey: Watch and learn, Mai. *backs himself up against the opposite wall, face set with determination*
Mai: *yanks his arm roughly* Are you crazy? We don't need to kick the door down! Your mom's sleeping in the next room, numbnuts.
Serenity: *has changed and climbed into bed, settling down for the night completely unaware of the hostage situation in the bathroom*
Joey: *shrugs Mai's hand off his shoulder, replying with a harsh whisper* Shutup, I know what I'm doing! *brushes her away, gets a running start..
Mai: *cringes in anticipation of the loud crash that's sure to come*
Mai: *continues to cringe, shielding her eyes and remaining crouched for what feels like a while* //why can't I hear anything?//
Joey: *has stopped dead in his tracks and instead of leaping into the air to kick the door open, has pounced on the handle and furiously pulling at it* come.. on.. stupid... *jiggles the handle violently*
Mai: *uncovers her eyes, blinking once or twice in confusion*
Joey: *struggles for several more minutes, turning to Mai, redfaced and panting* I need.. hair pin..
Mai: ..you what? *raises an eyebrow*
Joey: a hair clip.. booby pin.. whatever you call it! All girls have them, right?
Mai: *snickers at his mispronunciation* you mean "bobby pin", and no; not all girls do. I happen to not wear them, cause they'd get lost in my hair. Have you -seen- how monstrous my hair can get? *ruffles her hair absentmindedly*
Joey: Whaaaaat?! *forces air through his lips, blowing a raspberry to the ceiling* Some kinda woman -you- are.. *turns back to jiggle the handle again*
Mai: *indignantly, with hand on hip* and what's -that- supposed to mean, Wheeler?
Joey: Uhhhh.. *pauses for a moment, considering what he said* that, uhh.. girls usually have a lotta girly shit on em, and they're.. prepared? *smiles sheepishly*
Mai: Nice try, keep backpedaling on that one. *slides down to a sitting position against the wall, her forehead resting on her palm with a sigh* I can't believe this is happening.. this kind of crap only happens in the movies.. why me?
Joey: *shoulders the door while attempting to turn the knob once more, tongue at the side of his mouth in concentration* Dunno, but I'm askin the same thing too..
Mai: *scoffs* Gee, THANKS. You think I enjoy being locked in someone else's bathroom with you? Think again. *bites at her thumbnail, staring up at the ceiling* Oh well, at least this time I'm with someone I can tolerate, for once.
Joey: *glances over at Mai* Has dis happened t' ya before?
Mai: *picks at her nails, her eyes cast down to the floor* You could say that. Except it wasn't a doorknob stopping me from leaving.. *pauses in thought, shaking her head* //shit, I've said too much//
Joey: *stares at her, setting his hand firmly on the sink beside him* Who? Who was stopping you from leaving, Mai?
Mai: *remains silent, lost in her own thoughts* //he was just a man, only a man, and nothing else.. you had every reason to hate him but you just couldn't do it..// *draws her knees up to her chest, her teeth gritting* //couldn't do it the way he liked it, so you just had to lay back and take it again and again and again and again and again--//
Joey: Mai.. talk t'me. Yer creepin me out here.. *watches her withdraw, trapped in her own world*
Mai: *bunches her hands in the carpet, gripping it tightly before raising her head, her shoulders heaving as if she were crying, but her eyes strangely focused on Joey* You know what men do to girls on their own, don't you?
Joey: *lowers his head* Terrible, terrible things. My dad would know.
Mai: *laughs, the sound reverbrating harshly on the tiled walls* Ha, I bet he would. And you wanna know the worst part? The things they do to girls, they act like it's all their fault.. like I asked for it.
Joey: Mai.. *grips the edge of the porcelain sink tightly, his knuckles going white* ..were you raped?
Mai: *seemingly ignores him continuing* Then.. THEN they have the nerve to act like it wasn't good enough. *laughs coldly* Something they took -willingly- wasn't GOOD enough! *looks at Joey* isn't that crazy? I mean, they could've, yknow, asked.
Joey: *a bit louder this time, gritting his teeth* What happened dere, Mai? Tell me what happened..
Mai: *still babbling, her voice breaking* I mean, really. I'm okay, I'm an okay-looking woman, and I turned out alright. It happened, I cried, I dealt with it, and just moved on to be who I am. I turned out normal.. I'm normal.. *looks up at Joey, her eyes glazed over* ..right?
Joey: *slams his palm down on the sink with a heavy thud* Mai!
Mai: *jumps, the thud breaking through her thoughts as she feels hot tears prick at the corners of her eyes* //oh no.. oh no.. not here..// *in a small, tiny-sounding voice*...what?
Joey: *is taken aback at how much her voice has changed, his expression softening from a look of anger to one of sympathy as his hands drop to his sides* ..Yer normal, Mai. Ya turned out alright. Yer still here, aren'tcha?
Mai: *fixes her eyes on Joey* I.. don't feel like I am sometimes. I'd rather be invisible, but when someone tells me I'm pretty, that feeling goes away. It's like I'm finally something, yknow?
Joey: //shit, this is heavy.. what the hell do I say now?!// Whoa, whoa, whoa; slow down; where did dat come from, huh? Are ya still talkin about other guys?
Mai: Yeah, but it doesn't matter now. The one guy I wanted to look at me doesn't see me as anything but a dumb blonde bimbo, anyway..
Joey: *snorts, then immediately regrets doing so* But yer not! It's not like yer a hooker or some shit like dat, right?
Mai: *exhales sharply* I considered it, and for a time in my life thought it was the only way out. But honestly? I'm picky when it comes to men, and they'd have a helluva time trying to please someone like me anyway.. *sighs sadly* I'm too complicated, and that's just for starters.
Joey: Really? //huh.. not what I heard at all.// But I thought when you left..
Mai: *perks her head up, her expression hardening* You thought -what-?
Joey: I, uhh... that you.. got involved with something.. *reaches a hand back behind his head, ashamed* like.. that.. *finishes lamely*
Mai: *glares for a moment, then chuckles* Ha! You really thought I would stoop that low? I mean, I dress like I'm asking for it, but god.. can't a lady dress how she wants without giving off the wrong vibe?
Joey: Heheh.. yeah.. *exhales a sigh of relief, happy to change the subject and lighten the mood at least a little* well, I guess it's just cause other girls get jealous of ya, seeing how you look compared to them..
Mai: *turns her face away, blushing as her hands fly to her face* I...
MEANWHILE, IN LIMO DE KAIBA
Roland: *is driving the group* Am I just going back to the mansion, or should I not even ask that question anymore?
Mokuba: *is pushing a button on the side panel of the backseat repeatedly, sighing in frustration* Are you SERIOUS, the radio tuner's stuck on the freaking elevator music channel or something?
Mokuba: *immediately diverts his attention to Roland long enough to respond* Take us straight home. All of us.
Roland: As you wish. *heads off to the mansion*
Seto: *feels his head pound* Nnnr....I need something for his headache.... *places his hand on his forehead, trying to massage the pain away*
Yami: *taps on the dividing window between the backseat and the driver's seat, trying to get Roland's attention* Do you have any painkillers on you? I don't think Kaiba's feeling so good..
Mokuba: *insistently knocks on the dividing window* and seriously, can you turn the radio off? The elevator music is killing us back here!
Roland: *turns the radio off* Sorry Master Mokuba, and so I don't have anything on me. We're not far from the mansion though. We should be there shortly.
Seto: *groans* I'll be fine....my head is just -killing- me right now....
Roland: You don't feel sick do you Master Kaiba? *looks in the rearview mirror*
Seto: No...I'm fine outside of this pounding headache right now.... *rubs his temples with his fingers*
Yami: *leans in, whispering* Here, I know something that might help. Will you let me try? *tries to meet Seto's eyes as he speaks*
Seto: *squints at him, fingers pressed into his temples still* I...guess....
Yami: *shifts to sit directly in front of Seto, his hands tenatively raising to guide Seto's down to his lap before placing a hand on each side of his head* Take a deep breath and relax, okay?
Seto: *tentatively lowers his hands, staring at Yami slightly confused and unsure, but nods ever so slightly and inhales*
Yami: *presses his hands into each side of Seto's head firmly, counting to seven under his breath before releasing the tension in his palms slowly, bit by bit, before repeating the process once more* Keep your breathing steady.. is this helping?
Seto: *grunts a bit, but feels somewhat of a lightening in pressure* A....a bit... *squeezes his eyes shut and he inhales and exhales*
Yami: Good.. //because I hope I know what the hell I'm doing.// *repeats the process, prolonging the amount of time he spends applying pressure* It'll be more effective if you don't squeeze your eyes shit so tightly, either..
Seto: *squints at him then breathes again before shutting his eyes again, not quite as tight as last time* When I get home I'm taking one -large- painkiller and going to bed.
Yami: Alright, let's try this again.. *replaces his hands, pressing inwards while applying slightly more pressure and counting under his breath* ..three.. four.. five..
Mokuba: *has been patiently watching this whole time* Where did you learn this?
Yami: ..eight.. nine.. ten.. *releases much more slowly than before, before replying* Ah, the thing is.. I'm not entirely sure. I just feel like I've known how to do this..
Seto: Well....*groans* it's helping slightly...
Yami: *nods* Well, that's good. I could stop if you wanted.. *drops one hand to Seto's neck out of Mokuba's view, his fingertips trailing over exposed skin*
Seto: At this point, I'd rather be distracted by pressure than by pounding in my head. As soon as I'm home, I'm sleeping this bitch off...
Roland: *is pulling into the obnoxiously long driveway at the Kaiba Mansion* We're home, sir. You can go in and rest now.
Yami: *near Seto's ear* or I could help take your mind off it.. -if- you'd like. *pulls away, his heart racing* //dear god, did I really just proposition Kaiba like that?//
Seto: *squints at him, somewhat painfully* //I don't think sexual acts are going to help my headache at this point// I....I just want to get some sleep.....though, c-could....*lowers his voice to a whisper* ...could you maybe....*bites his lip* ...rub my head while I try to go to sleep? //Why do I feel like such a child?//
Yami: *can't help but chuckle lightly at Seto's request* I was thinking of something like that in the first place, don't worry. Of course I can, for you.
Mokuba: *is inwardly laughing as he watches the pair's facial expressions change, sans dialogue* //what the hell are they trying to plan now?//
Seto: *smiles weakly, feeling a little ashamed at asking such an odd request* T-thanks...I feel a bit silly for asking....
Yami: *feels a flush rise to his cheeks when he sees Seto's lips curve into a smile* Y-you're not silly at all.. it's a good idea.. *puts a tenative arm around Seto, resisting the urge to pull him towards his shoulder as they get out of the limo and make their way into the mansion* //geez, did I really come across as sleazy when I made that offer? oh christ, of -course- he thinks I'm a horndog after all the advances I've made on him.. and then I go and ask him like that?//
Seto: *trudges slowly up the driveway, feeling the blood rush as he stands, making his head worse* Nrrn..... *clasps a hand to his forehead* //Almost there.....then I can take a painkiller and go to bed...//
Yami: *steadies Seto as they walk, casting a glance to Mokuba at his side* Does he usually drink to -this- much excess?
Mokuba: I've never seen him get this bad of a headache, if that's what you're wondering.. In any case, I'd better go ahead of you guys and put Houdini in his kennel for the night. He's been howling a lot at night lately, and I doubt it's gonna help the headache.
Seto: Oh dear god, I do not need that monster howling all night.....
Yami: *nods, reaching into his pocket reflexively for an allergy tablet, coming up empty-handed* //Shit..//
Mokuba: *frowns* He's not a monster! He's just lonely, Seto..
Seto: *sighs* I....I didn't mean it Mokuba, I'm sorry. I'm just....tired and my head feels like it's going to explode *mutters* ...stupid....headache.....stupid.....Dorian.....
Houdini: *pacing inside near the door, howling* Aroooooo
Mokuba: Aw; I'm coming, boy! *races ahead to get the door, which is opened by a servant that Mokuba narrowly avoids knocking over in his haste to pick Houdini up in his arms*
Houdini: *licks Mokuba's face once he's held* Aroo....
Mokuba: *looks directly into Houdini's eyes, scratching under his chin with one hand* Are you gonna be extra quiet for my grumpy-ass brother tonight?
Houdini: *cocks his head to the side, then licks Mokuba's face again*
Seto: *has made it through the door finally* For the love of god, please be quite tonight dog. My head will thank you later if you are. *groans and goes to make his way up the stairs*
Houdini: *wriggles around in Mokuba's grasp, trying to get down*
Servant: Roland told us about a headache you had, Master Seto. Is there anything you'd like us to bring up to your room?
Seto: A large painkiller and some water.
Mokuba: *to Houdini* Alright, alright; I'll get you taken care of. *carries Houdini towards the den, where his kennel is*
Houdini: *yips and wiggles around more, slipping out of Mokuba's hands* Arf! *darts up the stairs to sit outside Seto's room*
Yami: Do you happen to have any allergy tablets on hand? *feels himself on the verge of a sneeze, willing his eyes to refrain from watering*
Seto: *groans as he makes his way up the stairs* S-should have some in the bathroom. I tend to keep spares if Mokuba runs out.
Seto: *makes his way to his room, fumbling with his door handle, but pushes his bedroom door open* //So.close.to.sleep.// *fumbles around his dresser for a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt to change into, changing right there by the dresser, not caring who is in the room or not*
Houdini: *darts into Seto's room, leaping onto his bed, laying down by a pillow*
Yami: Oh, I.. *stares for a moment, blinks, then averts his eyes as Houdini comes running in* //DAMN DOG WTF//
Seto: *is changed and trudges over to his bed, flopping down* What...dog...what are you doing here?
Houdini: *licks Seto's nose, then nestles down next to him*
Mokuba: *is chasing after the dog, and upon coming in, finds Seto changed, and Yami fumbling with his own shirt* Hey guys, have you see-- *pauses, surveying the scene* ..OH. I'llcomebacklater. *slams the door shut and runs off to his room*
Yami: *winces as the door shuts with a slam*
Mokuba: *realising his mistake* Sorry!
Seto: *groans as the door slams shut* My...head.....
Seto: Where's my painkiller? Seriously....pounding.needs.to.stop.
Houdini: *nuzzles Seto's hand and licks it*
Seto: *pets Houdini out of reflex*
Yami: *wanders into the bathroom, searching the cabinet until he finds a familiar-looking bottle of allergy tablets* Two should be enough.. *opens the bottle, pouring two into his palm as he glances up at his reflection and catches a glimpse of the empty shower behind him* Heh.. I remember what happened in there.. //one hell of a breakdown on his part, and a lot of self-restraint on mine..// *replaces the bottle in the cabinet, shutting off the light and returning to the bedroom as he pops the two allergy tablets*
Seto: *is groping behind him for the water that was left on the nightstand*
Yami: *comes to sit near Seto, deftly handing him the water* Looking for this?
Seto: *rolls over slowly to his back and slowly sits up* Y-yes..... *grabs the water and pops the painkiller in his mouth, then takes a swig of water to wash it down* Hopefully this kicks in soon. *takes another drink of water before setting it back on the nightstand and slinking down into bed, pulling the covers up*
Houdini: *moves and curls up around Seto's head*
Yami: *pulls his shirt up over his head, his back arching and muscles stretching as he does so with a small yawn, hearing his back crack and almost purring at how much better he feels for having done that*
Seto: *yawns and rolls over on his side, somewhat patting the empty space beside him, indicating the space should be filled*
Yami: *notices Seto's patting motions and flops into the empty space, laying on his side facing Seto, his hand shakily reaching to rub Seto's head and stroke his hair* Is this alright?
Seto: *wraps his arm around Yami's midsection, pulling him a little closer* Yes...that's fine. *eyes flutter as he starts to drift into unconsciousness*
Yami: *stammers* O-okay.. *allows himself to be pulled, closing the gap between them by moving closer to Seto and continuing to rub his head, the feeling of warm breath against his skin making the hair on the back of his neck stand on end*
Seto: *passes out under the gentle stroking of Yami's fingers, his arm going lax over Yami's side*
MEANWHILE, IN THE BATHROOM
Bathroom door: *still stuck* >:D
Bathroom light: *flicker flicker*
Joey: *squints at the overhead light, kneeling down beside Mai nervously* hey.. I mean it, yknow.. *trails off awkwardly into silence*
Mai: *shakes her head with a chuckle* Nah, you're just sayin that cause I gave you a sob story.
Joey: *tilts his head to the side, confused* Ya think I'd do dat to you?
Mai: *is caught off-guard by the simplicity of Joey's statement, feeling ashamed almost immediately*
Serenity: *gets up, padding softly to the kitchen for a glass of water*
Joey: //aw crap..// uhhhh, Mai? Why're ya staring at me like dat?
Mai: *chuckles* Joey Wheeler, I never figured -you- to be such a softie, y'know that?
Joey: //gfdhjfegfhdsft// Aw c'mon, I'm not *adopts an almost-pouting face, muttering* M' -not- a softie.
Mai: *raises her hands* Okay, okay; maybe not a softie.. but you are sweet, though.
*TO THE KAIBA MANSION* DURRNURRNURRNURRNURRNURRNURRNURRNURRRRR* 08:43:06 PM
Yami: *attempts to turn over onto his side, still half-asleep as he groans softly* Nnnrgh.. *tries again to move, finding himself pinned under another warm body and unable to shift from his back* //wha...// *pushes a little more at the weight, the effort snapping him out of a deep sleep and causing him to open his eyes in the darkness as he remembers where he is* //so I'm still in Kaiba's bed..//
Seto: *snuggled up against Yami, arms still wrapped around him, Houdini still sleeping by his head*
Yami: *breathes softly in the effort to not wake Seto, making a vain attempt to shimmy out from under him a few more times before giving up and sighing, noticing the light scent of shampoo from Seto's hair* mmmm..
Yami: *stops himself in mid-breath* //..oh god, what am I doing sniffing his hair like some creeper?!//
Seto: *twitches slightly then breathes easy, slipping into a deeper state of sleep*
Yami: *tenatively reaches a hand up into Seto's hair, idly combing it through his fingers as he closes his eyes again, his heart pounding with adrenaline at the fear of having been caught*
Houdini: *flinches at the unexpected hand, but settles again, going back to sleep*
BACK AT THE BATHROOM HURR DURRR
Serenity: *fills a glass with water, drinks some, then heads back to her room, stopping outside the bathroom door* //They're still in there?// *knocks lightly, speaking softly* Joey, Mai? Everything okay in there? You've been in there for a while.
Bathroom door: >:) *would cackle if it had a mouth and vocal cords*
Joey: *hears Serenity through the door, putting his cheek against the door and whispering in what he hopes is still loud enough for her to hear* Uhhh, gimme a minute.. *to Mai* what're we gonna do? I don't wanna wake my mom up, but we can't stay in here forever.
Mai: Well, obviously. *scoffs* Here, let's try a woman's touch. *scoots over to the door, getting up on her knees and bracing her shoulder against it while giving it a solid push*
Serenity: *leans an ear to the door, catching Joey's soft spoken words* Oh...uh, okay.... //They've been in there since we got home. They're not....oh god, don't think the Serenity! EWWWW//
Joey: *kneels next to Mai, bracing his shoulder so that he faces her while muttering* On the count of three, let's try dis again. One.. two...
Mai: *grits her teeth* three *shove*
Joey: three. *shove*
Door: >:O *gets bumped a little, shoving Serenity*
Serenity: //What are they doing!?!?// Oh my god, what are you guys doing? *steps back a little*
Joey: N-nothing! *to Mai* godDAMNstupidfuckpissingassfuckdoor
Mai: My, what an impressive vocabulary we have.
Joey: *growls in frustration and glares at the door*
Serenity: *stands back, staring at the door, taking a sip of water* //I really don't know if I -want- to know what's going on in there.//
Mai: *watches his face change, finding herself blushing and oddly transfixed for a second* //yknow, he's not so bad looking when he's angry..// *snaps herself out of it quickly and shakes her head to rid her mind of the images flooding into her brain* //n-no! This is STUPID! How can you think about him at a time like -this-? We have to get out of here, we have to get out of here..// *slumps down against the door, feeling her chest start to constrict* //have to get out, have to get out, havetogetout// ..we have to get out of here, Joey..
Door: >:( *mad it was bumped*
Joey: *stops shouldering the door, notcing that Mai has fallen over* hey, are you alright? *puts a hand on Mai's shoulder, attempting to get her attention*
Serenity: *takes a hesitant step towards the door* G-guys? Seriously...you've been in there forever. I think we should get some sleep. *places a nervous hand on the door handle and turns the knob*
Door: >:O *would scream "curses, foiled again!" if it could speak; the knob turns*
Mai: *draws her knees up to her chest, breathing heavily*
Joey: //aw crap..// what's wrong? Snap outta it, Mai! *puts both hands on her shoulders, shaking her slightly*
Serenity: *turns the knob and pulls on it, the door resisting a bit before it opens* //Guys, seriously, I don't want to see anything weird.// *sees Joey and Mai sitting on the ground* Guys? Why are you just sitting in the bathroom?
Mai: *looks up around the room at the corners of the ceilings, seeing that the door has opened, blinking once or twice in confusion* Oh.. *looks at Serenity* did you lock the door on us or something? *chuckles weakly, feeling slightly embarassed at being found in such a disorderly state*
Serenity: *confused* No...why would I do that? The door locks from the inside anyway.
Joey: *scratches his head in confusion, shaking his head* but we've been trying to get out for a while. The knob wouldn't even turn when we tried dat..
Serenity: ..you...were trying to get out? You mean it was stuck? Why didn't you ask for help earlier?
Joey: *jerks his thumb towards where Mom is sleeping on the couch*
Mom: *turns in her sleep, sighing ever so slightly*
Serenity: *sighs* You still could have said something Joey. It's better than being stuck in a bathroom all night. *brushes her hair over her shoulder* We're going to have to tell the landlord about this though; don't want us being fined for the door not working right. *pads quietly over to the couch, gently shaking her mother's shoulder* Mom....why don't you go to bed, mom? Your bed is better than the couch and Joey's spending the night.
Serenity: *pauses, then continues* Also, a friend is spending the night as well. She'll be sleeping in my room and Joey can have the couch. //Is she even consciously listening to me?// *sighs* //I don't even know why I'm blabbering when it seems like she's still asleep.//
Mom: Mmmnrf.. sleep wherever.. just don't raid fridge... *hides face in pillow*
Serenity: *sighs, then covers her mom with a blanket she had gotten out for Joey and gives her a kiss on the forehead before turning back to Joey* Joey, why don't you just take mom's bed then. It looks like she's on the couch tonight.
Joey: *yawns and nods, standing up and offering Mai his hand* You okay, Mai? You were startin to kinda panic earlier.. dunno what was up with dat. Are you claustrophobic or somethin?
Mai: I, uhh... yeah. Yeah, small spaces aren't good for me.. *nods dumbly, refusing to say anymore* //small spaces can drive me to think stupid things, it seems.//
Serenity: Mai? You okay? *genuinely concerned* D-do you want anything? A glass of water? //Stupid Serenity; what's that going to do?// *bites her lip* I've got a spot in my room set up for you...you must be tired....
Mai: *reaches for Joey's hand to pull herself up* Oh; I'm fine, hon. I think I just.. need to step outside and get some air before I try sleeping again. *smiles at Serenity* it's just for a little while, I promise.
Joey: Ya sure? You weren't doin too good in dere..
Mai: *sighs exasperatedly* Really, Wheeler, I'm fine. Now go to bed and get some sleep before you fall over. You -both- look like you're about to collapse on the spot.
Joey: *narrows his eyes at the unwelcome use of his last name, nodding curtly before shuffling off* Alright, alright; just tryin t' help..
Serenity: *tightens her lips in a thin line* Joey, I know you're tired, so just head to bed, get some rest. And Mai, please be careful? I don't want anything to happen to you. Do you want my key? I was going to lock up if we're heading to bed.
Mai: *exhales* You honestly worry too much, kid. *ruffles Serenity's hair* but if it makes you feel better, I'll just sit outside in the hallway instead of going outside..
Serenity: *chuckles wearily* You're my friend Mai, of course I'm going to worry. *smiles* I'll leave the door unlocked, just lock up when you come back in. *turns to Joey* You should go get some sleep Joey, as should I. It'll be interesting explaining all this to mom in the morning.
Joey: *raises his hand in acknowledgement as he continues to walk away, nodding and muttering to himself until he disappears into the bedroom and shuts the door*
Mai: *watches Joey go, turning to Serenity once he's out of earshot* Is he always this much of a grump when he gets tired?
Serenity: *shrugs* He wasn't ever this grumpy when we were kids. Of course, he used to always distract me and make me laugh whenever mom and dad argued, so... *sighs* thinking back on it all now, I never realized how hard he really had it. Everything seemed so simple, to me anyway. Guess I was too naïve to really notice it....
Mai: Well, I'd say you've come a long way since then. Not just anyone can stand up to Kaiba the way you did earlier. I'm impressed.
Serenity: *sighs* I'm convinced he just acts the way he does because of how people look at him. He just assumes the worst, so he acts cold and distant. Plus his past of being used and abused didn't really help. *takes a sip of water* I wish that him and Joey were closer; they're more alike than they realize.
Mai: Scary, isn't it? I've always wondered why they don't just sit down and bitch it all outta their systems. *laughs softly* And then I remember how stubborn they both are and realise that leaving them alone together could be disastrous.
Serenity: I think it'd be good for them. This constant trying to outdo the other is annoying. They just need to sit and talk and then things would be fine, but maybe I'm just being too stupidly optimistic.... *scowls at her glass of water*
Mai: *scoffs* The day they sit and talk civilly is the day hell freezes over. *her expression softens as she glances at the kitchen clock, realizing how late it is* Get some sleep. I'll lock the door behind me when I come back, okay?
Serenity: *nods* Just come in my room when we get back. Spot's all set up on the floor. There's a few pillows and a few blankets, don't know how cold it's going to get. Goodnight Mai, I hope you feel better. *turns and heads to her room to get some sleep*
Mai: *nods* Thankyou.. *leaves the apartment, slumping down against the wall next to the door when she reaches the hallway, holding her head in her hands* God, when did I let some boy get to me so much? He didn't even do -anything-.. Anything! Am I really so desperate that I'd let my imagination go wild like this? *rests her forehead on her arms, lightly butting her head against them* stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid.
Me = Seto, Serenity, Roland
Mai: *gimps along with Joey towards the building* Alright, where're we taking Sir Burps-a-lot?
Joey: *raises a hand in protest* m' not dat. I'm.. Lord of da GAS!
Serenity: Fourth floor.
Mai: *shakes her head* leave the jokes to someone else, Joseph. *walks him inside and towards the elevator* Who else is coming with?
Seto: *walks as best he can, grunting and wincing slightly from bruised bones*
Yami: *goes to catch up with Seto, offering a shoulder to lean on* Here, let me help you.
Seto: *gimps between Serenity and Yami*
Serenity: Mokuba, you coming too? Seeing as it's like a party at this point....
Mokuba: *nods and falls into step with her, leaning up for a quick kiss as they walk*
Serenity: *makes it to the elevator* Okay, I think we're all here...
Joey: I WANNA PUSH DA BUTTON
Mai: *exasperated* Alright, Joey. Press the button with the big number FOUR on it.
Joey: *reaches for the 4 button and palms his hand against the panel so it makes all the buttons light up*
Mai: *facepalms*
Serenity: Oh...this is going to take forever...
Elevator: *dings at every floor, opening the doors*
Serenity: *waits patiently for the elevator to reach the fourth floor*
Elevator: *stops at floor four, doors open*
Serenity: Okay, everybody out.
Seto: *makes his way slowly out of the elevator*
Joey: *stumbles out first, declaring gleefully* I FARTED
Mai: *snorts and briskly exits the elevator* Okay, now which way're we going?
Serenity: Follow me. *heads down the hall towards the apartment*
Serenity: *reaches for her keys and fumbles with the lock, but soon opens the door* Okay, everyone in, but try to stay quiet. I don't know if mom is still up.
Joey: *under his breath* sneeeaky, sneeaky.. sneeaky sneeaky..
Mai: *elbows Joey in the side to be quiet*
Serenity: *shuffles in with Seto* //Man...part of me is hoping she's not awake right now...//
Seto: *grunts softly as the movement hurts his ribs*
Mom: .....ZZ......
Serenity: *notices mom asleep on the couch* //Oh thank god....now if we just stay quiet...//
Joey: *nearly trips voer the edge of the carpet, holding onto Mai*
Mai: *harsh whisper* stop grabbing my boob!
Joey: I WASN'T GRABBIN YER TIT, WOMAN
Mokuba: *in a hushed whisper* Hssssh! do you WANT your mom to wake up?
Serenity: *freezes, wishing that time would just stop* //Please...don't wake up...//
Mom: *rolls over in her sleep, not saying a word*
Mokuba: *whispering to Serenity* thank god your mom's a heavy sleeper..
Serenity: *heaves a sigh* I know. Last thing I need is her to wake up and see all of this....
Mokuba: No kidding.. *glances back behind him* where are we going to fit everyone?
Mai: *to Serenity* hon, where's your bathroom?
Serenity: Down the hall, first door on your right. *to Mokuba* Well once we get everyone cleaned up and out of here, I'll wake mom up and tell her to go to bed. I figure Joey can sleep on the couch and I think I have a spare sleeping bag I can pull out and Mai can share my room with me. I mean, it's late and I wouldn't mind if you all crashed here, but I'm not sure how mom would like that.
Mai: *nods and helps Joey into the bathroom* c'mon, not that much further. Keep your mouth shut.
Joey: Aye, aye pretty lady! *says the last part in a low whisper, stupid grin still plastered on his face*
Yami: it looks like we'll have to use the kitchen to get Se-- Kaiba cleaned up, then..
Serenity: Yeah, come on, let's get you clean. *leads Seto into the kitchen and sits him in a chair*
Seto: *grunts as he sits down, in pain from the fight*
Yami: *looks around, grateful that Joey isn't around to see, and puts a tenative hand on Seto's shoulder*
Seto: Let's just get this done and over with. I want to go home and sleep.
Serenity: *searches and finds a washcloth, wetting it, then starts to clean Seto's face*
Seto: Oww...oww...that hurts.
Serenity: *scoffs* Well maybe if you didn't get in a fight your face wouldn't hurt.
Mokuba: *chuckles at his brother's predicament, stifling his laughter*
Yami: She -does- have a point, Kaiba.
Seto: *grumbles* I was only trying to teach that scumbag a lesson.
Mokuba: well... you did. Hopefully we won't see him around here anymore.
Serenity: *continues cleaning Seto's face* //And hopefully there won't be any more fights.//
Yami: *absently starts kneading Seto's shoulder, squinting his eyes in the dim light*
Mokuba: Serenity, do you have a flashlight we could use while you do this? Keeping a main light on might wake up your mom..
Serenity: Umm...I think there should be one in the little drawer by the fridge. *continues cleaning up Seto's face*
Seto: *flinches every now and again* Could you be a little gentler? That hurts.
Serenity: *huffs* Well of course it hurts, your face is bruised. And I'm sorry, but getting dried blood and dirt off your face is taking a bit of effort.
Mokuba: I'll go get it. *nods to Yami as he turns and starts searching the drawers* //if you can at least keep him from complaining, maybe it won't be so bad..//
Yami: *notices Mokuba's nod in his direction, and pauses his hand on Seto's shoulder* //is he -encouraging- me to get his brother to settle down?// *looks over at Seto, snickering at Serenity's scolding* //although it looks like Serenity's one of the few who knows how to talk him down these days..//
MEANWHILE, IN THE BATHROOM
Mai: Stop squirming, or you'll lose your nose. *dabs at Joey's eyebrow*
Joey: OWW-NRRRRGH! *bites down on the back of his hand to stifle a groan of pain* motherfuckerthathurts!
Mai: Yeah? Well, GOOD. Maybe that'll teach you not to get into any fights. Didn't highschool teach you enough?
Joey: *chuckles, wincing again as the wet towel is applied again* heh.. it taught me to give as good as I get. An' it wasn't just school.. my dad made sure I learned the hard way too.
Mai: *clucks her tongue* well, hero or not, you should still take care of yourself. *casts her eyes downward, her voice softening somewhat* Y'know, when I was little, my mom told me something similar to what you said about givin as good as you get. She told me "hon, if you EVER get caught in a sticky situation, remember one thing: your mama won't take shit from anyone. You're my little girl, and nobody fucks with that. Make me proud and never back down, even when you're beat."
Joey: *laughs* Sounds kinda cliche, no 'fense
Mai: *a bit defensively* Fine, don't listen to me then. *unfolds and refolds the damp washcloth, using a different corner to get the last of the dried blood off of Joey's face* But that's all I knew, yknow? If I bitched a girl out, it wasn't a question of who started it.. the real question was if I stood my ground or not.
Joey: And didja? *shifts uncomfortably on the tile floor and rises to sit in a kneeling position back on his feet*
Mai: *scoffs derisively* Do you think I'd be who I am today if I let some little stuck-up priss get to me? Of course not.
Joey: *chuckles and playfully elbows her* Careful dere, yer startin to sound like Kaiba..
Mai: *stifles a laugh, her hands flying to her mouth to cover it* Ha! Like Kaiba? No, I don't think we're the same. We might have some of the same views, hon, but that kid has more issues than a magazine.
Joey: *snorts* true dat. He's got so many issues, he mightas well open a bookstore..
Mai: *snickers* you may be good at comedic timing, Joseph, but continuing jokes isn't your forte.
Joey: *looking rather put out* Hey, I try. An' don't call me dat. S'too formal for me, t' be honest.
Mai: *with a look of mock surprise on her face* Whaaat? But I've been calling you that for years and you've never objected to it, except for one time your sister slipped and did it too.
Joey: Yeah, well.. *bites at a hangnail on his thumb* it's.. different when you say it..
Mai: *raises an eyebrow, but keeps her head lowered so as to not let Joey see her reaction* Huh.. you don't say. //what's THAT supposed to mean?//
MEANWHILE.. IN THE KITCHEN
Mokuba: *has retrieved a small flashlight, and whacks the bottom, sliding the switch to the ON position*
Flashlight: *FLASHES MOKUBA IN THE EYEBALL*
Mokuba: Aaaugh! *winces, shielding his eyes from the bright light, suddenly aware of how loud he's being* ..sorry.
Seto: *snickers* Don't you know -not- to look at it when turning it on?
Serenity: *lightly smacks Seto's shoulder* Oh stop, like you haven't done that before.
Mokuba: He has, trust me. *rubs his temple and purposely aims the flashlight at Seto's face*
Flashlight: *CEO EYEBALL RAPE*
Seto: *winces slightly* ..oww...I never said I didn't, but still.....ow dammit Mokuba! *covers his eyes with one hand*
Mokuba: *grins cheekily and puts a finger to his lips in warning*
Serenity: Shhh! Be quiet. I don't need mom waking up...
Seto: It's his fault.....
Serenity: What are you? Twelve? You'll get over it.
Mom: *grunts in her sleep, turning and drawing the blanket closer to her chin* nnnrnn.. David.. no..
Serenity: *quirks an eyebrow towards the living room* ....okay mom.... *goes back to cleaning Seto*
Mokuba: *lowers the flashlight to focus on Serenity's hands, watching her carefully as she works* //I still don't know how she does it, but Seto actually -listens- to her.. and she's so good at taking care of people, too. I love that about her, really..//
Seto: Are we almost done? I want to go home and sleep.
Serenity: *sighs* Yes, oh impatient one, we are almost done. *cleans a few more spots on his face, then reaches for his hands, cleaning them*
Seto: I can get those myself.... *yawns*
Yami: *returns to the three of them with a glass of water in his hand, offering it to Seto*
Serenity: Yeah right, you're so tired you'll just go to bed with dirty, bloody hands. I'm cleaning them.
Seto: *grumbles, but takes the water with his free hand*
Seto: You don't have to do this you know. I'm a big boy, I can take care of myself.
Yami: *coughs softly* And yet you get yourself into fights that get you hurt.. yes, you -do- take good care of yourself.
Serenity: So you've proven by beating Dorian to a pulp, but yes, I am doing this, whether you like it or not. I'm female; being caring comes naturally, so guess what? I'm going to "mom" over you right now.
Seto: *glares at Yami* I handled myself just fine.... *to Serenity* ..and you're younger than me, you can't "mom" over me.
Mokuba: Seto, can't you just swallow your pride and let the cute girl mom the hell outta you?
Serenity: Oh, yes I can. I may be younger than you age wise, but I swear, from what I've seen lately, I'm older than you in maturity.
Seto: *mouth agape*
Yami: *chuckles* And you just got told.
Mokuba: *snickers at Yami's comment and nods*
Seto: *grumbles and drinks more water*
Serenity: *snickers softly* Sorry, but when I seem to be one of the more sane ones of the group, I get "mom" rights.
Serenity: *switches cleaning hands*
Seto: //Why on -earth- is it that I'm getting schooled by a girl my brother's age? This is embarrassing....//
Serenity: There, you're all done. *sets the cloth in the sink* Now promise me you won't get into a fight on the way home?
Yami: //just what I was thinking..//
Seto: *stretches and stand up* ...yeah...no fights...promise...
Serenity: I'm serious. No fights.
Mokuba: You'd better do what mom says.. she means business. *winks at Serenity as he says this*
Serenity: *snickers*
Seto: *glares at the both of them* Sure, sure....laugh it up you two, have your fun at my expense....
Serenity: Well, you kind of did it to yourself.....
Mokuba: *gleefully* That's what I do.
Seto: *noogies Mokuba's head* Yeah, I know. You like to be a pain in my ass.
Mokuba: *protests and squirms out of his brother's reach* I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't occasionally, would I?
Seto: No, I guess not. Anyway, can we get home now? I'm exhausted and I have to run a company tomorrow.
Mokuba: *sighs exaggeratedly* well I -guess- we can arrange that.. *looks to Serenity, taking both her hands in his* but seriously, thanks for all your help. I'm sure Seto's grateful too.. *nudges Seto in the ribs sharply* Right?
Seto: *inhales sharply at the pain* ....owww...yeah, right, grateful.
Serenity: Well I'm glad I could help.
Mokuba: *aside, to Yami* Hey, are you alright?
Yami: *doesn't respond immediately, jerking as if snapping out of a reverie* what.. Oh. I'm fine, Mokuba.
Mokuba: *cocks his head to the side, his lips twisting in thought* You sure? You've barely said a word to anyone ever since the ride over here, and you look really out of it.
Yami: *sighs, casting a glance at where Seto and Serenity are standing before continuing* I guess I've just been thinking a lot lately, that's all.
Mokuba: *frowns* Thinking about what? About you and...? *discreetly motions towards Seto*
Yami: *averts his face somewhat* well, that too. But really.. it's hard to explain, but sometimes I feel like I'm an impostor when I'm out and around the group, especially since most of my friends think I'm Yuugi when I'm really not.. and there's no way of explaining it that doesn't sound crazy.
Mokuba: You think we'd accuse you of being a Yuugi impostor, Yami? *shakes his head* Yeah, the idea is kinda hard to wrap my head around, but he.. uhh, you and Yuugi, wouldn't lie about something like that. I've never felt like you're trying to replace him or something like that, but I admit I'm kinda curious as to why we see -you- more often, yknow?
Yami: Yes, I suppose. Part of it is due to alcohol tolerance, though. Although we share the same body, I can handle more in my mental state than he can. The last thing I want to do is make him wake up and wonder how he got hungover.. does this make sense?
Mokuba: *blinks* Oh wow, I didn't know it could work like that. There I was thinking "man, Yuugi really can pound em back!", and now it's like he has a proxy. That's pretty cool, actually.
Yami: *quirks an eyebrow, starting to go towards the bathroom for the sake of moving around* How is that "cool"?
Mokuba: well, if Yuugi ever wanted to enter a drinking contest or something, all he'd have to do is just let you drive, right? *smirks*
Yami: *chuckles a little* Heh, you have a point. But even so.. I still feel like I've taken over a life that isn't even mine. People see me and refer to me as Yuugi, but it's not me.. it's not my own life anymore.
Mokuba: *puts a hand on Yami's shoulder* Yami, are you listening to yourself right now? This is exactly what Yuugi is probably thinking right now, too. It'd be so much easier to think of just yourself, but everything you do is for TWO people. That's what it's like being part of a team.
Yami: We always -have- been a team; you're right. *glances back to Seto, noticing his impatience* You'd better get going. I'm sorry to have held you up.
Mokuba: *shrugs* it's okay, he can wait just a little longer. Good luck with everything, okay? Go talk to him; I'm sure he'll listen.
Yami: *nods* Thankyou, and same to you. I hope for the best.
Seto: *starts inching towards the door* Can we go now? Roland's down there waiting and I want my bed.
Mokuba: Yeah, yeah, we're getting there. *reaches to hug Serenity and kiss her cheek* Thanks again for having us, Serenity.
Serenity: No problem Mokuba. I like having you guys over, though hopefully it will be on better terms next time.
Seto: *yawns and grasps the door handle* ...limo....now....
Serenity: *shakes her head and rolls her eyes* You better get him home Mokuba. *kisses his cheek* I'll talk to you later, okay?
Mokuba: Okay, goodnight. *smiles as he follows Seto out, turning to Yami* Are you staying here or coming with us?
Yami: *purses his lips in thought mometarily before answering* I.. I'll walk home. I have a lot to mull over.
Mokuba: *catches on and nods* As long as you're sure.. it's not far from here, is it?
Yami: *shakes his head* No, not at all. //Yes, yes it is.//
Mokuba: *looks back at Seto, making a quick decision* Hey, Seto. Didn't you and Yami have something to sort out from earlier when you were talking outside the bar? //hopefully he'll go along with this..//
Seto: Hmmm? The bar? *shrugs* I 'unno...
Yami: *arches an eyebrow curiosly, unsure of what Mokuba is conferring with Seto about but getting the feeling that it concerns him somehow, choosing to remain standing near the door*
Mokuba: You were having a long enough conversation that I thought you were making plans for later tonight, so.. *trails off, letting the statement hang in the hopes that Seto supplies a suggestion of his own*
Serenity: *touches Yami's shoulder* Why don't you just go along with them and get a ride. It's better than walking in this cold weather.
Seto: I was? We were? *contorts his brow in thought* Ahh, I don't remember. I'm tired. Look, if he wants a ride, then fine, but can we just go?
Yami: *turns to regard Serenity* I'll be fine in the cold, it keeps me awake and thinking. It's something I need to do for myself. But thankyou for the concern, though.
Mokuba: He said he'd rather walk in the cold and think things out. *looks back over his shoulder at Yami for a moment before turning back* Whatever he's got on his mind, I'm pretty sure it involves you..
Serenity: I don't want you to catch a cold. Besides, maybe getting a ride back isn't a bad idea.... *nods towards Seto* ...you need to talk things out eventually and with the state he's in, he might need a caretaker in the morning.
Seto: Me? Why me?
Yami: I'm sure he'll be fine. Like he said, he's capable of taking care of himself. *briskly steps off the threshold, passing Seto as he does so, turning back only to regard Serenity* Thankyou again for everything, and don't worry; I'll be fine.
Mokuba: Oh jeez, I swear.. both of you are so stubborn. *facepalms*
Serenity: *stunned to say much* Oh, y-yes, you're welcome. *bites her lip*
Seto: What? What happened? *yawns* Can we go now?
Mokuba: Yeah, we're leaving. *mouths to Serenity* "we'll get him home", signaling with his hand that he'd call her tomorrow as he leads a very tired CEO out and down the hallway*
Serenity: *nods and closes the door behind them* //Well, -that- was an interesting night..//
MEANWHILE, IN BATHROOMLAND
Joey: *watches Mai curiosly, an odd flush creeping into his face from his collar* //am I gettin signals offa her, or am I losin my mind?!// Yeah.. I do say. Nobody could get away with callin me dat and live t' see the day.
Mai: *teasingly* Why, do you not like your name?
Joey: *shrugs* Eh, my dad's the one that chose it. He only calls me that when he's real pissed at me, so in some ways it makes me angry I guess. But when you say it.. it sounds kinda.. just.. better.. *trails off*
Mai: *raises an eyebrow* Oh. I had no idea it was something like that. *falls silent for a moment, rising to her feet to wring the washcloth out and rinse it again* //now I feel like an asshole..// *stares resolutely at her reflection, willing her cheeks to stop from flushing slightly pink* I'm sorry, Joey.
Serenity: *knocks on the bathroom door* Everything okay in there?
Joey: *fixes his gaze on a random spot on the floor, his finger tracing circles in the bathroom rug* Not as sorry as I was-- *hears the knock, jarring himself out of his thoughts* Yeah, we're fine.
Serenity: Okay, well I set up a spot for Mai to sleep in my room and got out a pillow and blankets for you Joey. I'm going to go wake mom and have her get to bed so you can have the couch, alright?
Mai: *is also simultaneously shaken from her thoughts, the spell between them shattered by the sudden knock* One moment. *reaches for the door, turning the knob and pulling, to no avail* //huh.. weird.// *to Serenity, through the door* Oh, okay; sounds good. Thanks, hon.
Joey: *struggles to his feet, groaning when his back cracks* What's happening?
Serenity: Okay. *walks off to send mom to bed*
Mai: Uhh.. *turns her attention to the knob, which refuses to budge* Oh don't tell me..
Joey: don't tell you what? *reaches behind his head to scratch an itch on his back*
Mai: the door won't open..
Door: >:)
Joey: *scoffs* nah, really? I'll show it who's boss.. stand back. *puts a hand on Mai's shoulder, guiding her out of the way as he flexes his free hand, the knuckles cracking audibly*
Mai: *takes a few tenative steps back, regarding Joey oddly as she does so* and just -what- are you planning to do?
Joey: Watch and learn, Mai. *backs himself up against the opposite wall, face set with determination*
Mai: *yanks his arm roughly* Are you crazy? We don't need to kick the door down! Your mom's sleeping in the next room, numbnuts.
Serenity: *has changed and climbed into bed, settling down for the night completely unaware of the hostage situation in the bathroom*
Joey: *shrugs Mai's hand off his shoulder, replying with a harsh whisper* Shutup, I know what I'm doing! *brushes her away, gets a running start..
Mai: *cringes in anticipation of the loud crash that's sure to come*
Mai: *continues to cringe, shielding her eyes and remaining crouched for what feels like a while* //why can't I hear anything?//
Joey: *has stopped dead in his tracks and instead of leaping into the air to kick the door open, has pounced on the handle and furiously pulling at it* come.. on.. stupid... *jiggles the handle violently*
Mai: *uncovers her eyes, blinking once or twice in confusion*
Joey: *struggles for several more minutes, turning to Mai, redfaced and panting* I need.. hair pin..
Mai: ..you what? *raises an eyebrow*
Joey: a hair clip.. booby pin.. whatever you call it! All girls have them, right?
Mai: *snickers at his mispronunciation* you mean "bobby pin", and no; not all girls do. I happen to not wear them, cause they'd get lost in my hair. Have you -seen- how monstrous my hair can get? *ruffles her hair absentmindedly*
Joey: Whaaaaat?! *forces air through his lips, blowing a raspberry to the ceiling* Some kinda woman -you- are.. *turns back to jiggle the handle again*
Mai: *indignantly, with hand on hip* and what's -that- supposed to mean, Wheeler?
Joey: Uhhhh.. *pauses for a moment, considering what he said* that, uhh.. girls usually have a lotta girly shit on em, and they're.. prepared? *smiles sheepishly*
Mai: Nice try, keep backpedaling on that one. *slides down to a sitting position against the wall, her forehead resting on her palm with a sigh* I can't believe this is happening.. this kind of crap only happens in the movies.. why me?
Joey: *shoulders the door while attempting to turn the knob once more, tongue at the side of his mouth in concentration* Dunno, but I'm askin the same thing too..
Mai: *scoffs* Gee, THANKS. You think I enjoy being locked in someone else's bathroom with you? Think again. *bites at her thumbnail, staring up at the ceiling* Oh well, at least this time I'm with someone I can tolerate, for once.
Joey: *glances over at Mai* Has dis happened t' ya before?
Mai: *picks at her nails, her eyes cast down to the floor* You could say that. Except it wasn't a doorknob stopping me from leaving.. *pauses in thought, shaking her head* //shit, I've said too much//
Joey: *stares at her, setting his hand firmly on the sink beside him* Who? Who was stopping you from leaving, Mai?
Mai: *remains silent, lost in her own thoughts* //he was just a man, only a man, and nothing else.. you had every reason to hate him but you just couldn't do it..// *draws her knees up to her chest, her teeth gritting* //couldn't do it the way he liked it, so you just had to lay back and take it again and again and again and again and again--//
Joey: Mai.. talk t'me. Yer creepin me out here.. *watches her withdraw, trapped in her own world*
Mai: *bunches her hands in the carpet, gripping it tightly before raising her head, her shoulders heaving as if she were crying, but her eyes strangely focused on Joey* You know what men do to girls on their own, don't you?
Joey: *lowers his head* Terrible, terrible things. My dad would know.
Mai: *laughs, the sound reverbrating harshly on the tiled walls* Ha, I bet he would. And you wanna know the worst part? The things they do to girls, they act like it's all their fault.. like I asked for it.
Joey: Mai.. *grips the edge of the porcelain sink tightly, his knuckles going white* ..were you raped?
Mai: *seemingly ignores him continuing* Then.. THEN they have the nerve to act like it wasn't good enough. *laughs coldly* Something they took -willingly- wasn't GOOD enough! *looks at Joey* isn't that crazy? I mean, they could've, yknow, asked.
Joey: *a bit louder this time, gritting his teeth* What happened dere, Mai? Tell me what happened..
Mai: *still babbling, her voice breaking* I mean, really. I'm okay, I'm an okay-looking woman, and I turned out alright. It happened, I cried, I dealt with it, and just moved on to be who I am. I turned out normal.. I'm normal.. *looks up at Joey, her eyes glazed over* ..right?
Joey: *slams his palm down on the sink with a heavy thud* Mai!
Mai: *jumps, the thud breaking through her thoughts as she feels hot tears prick at the corners of her eyes* //oh no.. oh no.. not here..// *in a small, tiny-sounding voice*...what?
Joey: *is taken aback at how much her voice has changed, his expression softening from a look of anger to one of sympathy as his hands drop to his sides* ..Yer normal, Mai. Ya turned out alright. Yer still here, aren'tcha?
Mai: *fixes her eyes on Joey* I.. don't feel like I am sometimes. I'd rather be invisible, but when someone tells me I'm pretty, that feeling goes away. It's like I'm finally something, yknow?
Joey: //shit, this is heavy.. what the hell do I say now?!// Whoa, whoa, whoa; slow down; where did dat come from, huh? Are ya still talkin about other guys?
Mai: Yeah, but it doesn't matter now. The one guy I wanted to look at me doesn't see me as anything but a dumb blonde bimbo, anyway..
Joey: *snorts, then immediately regrets doing so* But yer not! It's not like yer a hooker or some shit like dat, right?
Mai: *exhales sharply* I considered it, and for a time in my life thought it was the only way out. But honestly? I'm picky when it comes to men, and they'd have a helluva time trying to please someone like me anyway.. *sighs sadly* I'm too complicated, and that's just for starters.
Joey: Really? //huh.. not what I heard at all.// But I thought when you left..
Mai: *perks her head up, her expression hardening* You thought -what-?
Joey: I, uhh... that you.. got involved with something.. *reaches a hand back behind his head, ashamed* like.. that.. *finishes lamely*
Mai: *glares for a moment, then chuckles* Ha! You really thought I would stoop that low? I mean, I dress like I'm asking for it, but god.. can't a lady dress how she wants without giving off the wrong vibe?
Joey: Heheh.. yeah.. *exhales a sigh of relief, happy to change the subject and lighten the mood at least a little* well, I guess it's just cause other girls get jealous of ya, seeing how you look compared to them..
Mai: *turns her face away, blushing as her hands fly to her face* I...
MEANWHILE, IN LIMO DE KAIBA
Roland: *is driving the group* Am I just going back to the mansion, or should I not even ask that question anymore?
Mokuba: *is pushing a button on the side panel of the backseat repeatedly, sighing in frustration* Are you SERIOUS, the radio tuner's stuck on the freaking elevator music channel or something?
Mokuba: *immediately diverts his attention to Roland long enough to respond* Take us straight home. All of us.
Roland: As you wish. *heads off to the mansion*
Seto: *feels his head pound* Nnnr....I need something for his headache.... *places his hand on his forehead, trying to massage the pain away*
Yami: *taps on the dividing window between the backseat and the driver's seat, trying to get Roland's attention* Do you have any painkillers on you? I don't think Kaiba's feeling so good..
Mokuba: *insistently knocks on the dividing window* and seriously, can you turn the radio off? The elevator music is killing us back here!
Roland: *turns the radio off* Sorry Master Mokuba, and so I don't have anything on me. We're not far from the mansion though. We should be there shortly.
Seto: *groans* I'll be fine....my head is just -killing- me right now....
Roland: You don't feel sick do you Master Kaiba? *looks in the rearview mirror*
Seto: No...I'm fine outside of this pounding headache right now.... *rubs his temples with his fingers*
Yami: *leans in, whispering* Here, I know something that might help. Will you let me try? *tries to meet Seto's eyes as he speaks*
Seto: *squints at him, fingers pressed into his temples still* I...guess....
Yami: *shifts to sit directly in front of Seto, his hands tenatively raising to guide Seto's down to his lap before placing a hand on each side of his head* Take a deep breath and relax, okay?
Seto: *tentatively lowers his hands, staring at Yami slightly confused and unsure, but nods ever so slightly and inhales*
Yami: *presses his hands into each side of Seto's head firmly, counting to seven under his breath before releasing the tension in his palms slowly, bit by bit, before repeating the process once more* Keep your breathing steady.. is this helping?
Seto: *grunts a bit, but feels somewhat of a lightening in pressure* A....a bit... *squeezes his eyes shut and he inhales and exhales*
Yami: Good.. //because I hope I know what the hell I'm doing.// *repeats the process, prolonging the amount of time he spends applying pressure* It'll be more effective if you don't squeeze your eyes shit so tightly, either..
Seto: *squints at him then breathes again before shutting his eyes again, not quite as tight as last time* When I get home I'm taking one -large- painkiller and going to bed.
Yami: Alright, let's try this again.. *replaces his hands, pressing inwards while applying slightly more pressure and counting under his breath* ..three.. four.. five..
Mokuba: *has been patiently watching this whole time* Where did you learn this?
Yami: ..eight.. nine.. ten.. *releases much more slowly than before, before replying* Ah, the thing is.. I'm not entirely sure. I just feel like I've known how to do this..
Seto: Well....*groans* it's helping slightly...
Yami: *nods* Well, that's good. I could stop if you wanted.. *drops one hand to Seto's neck out of Mokuba's view, his fingertips trailing over exposed skin*
Seto: At this point, I'd rather be distracted by pressure than by pounding in my head. As soon as I'm home, I'm sleeping this bitch off...
Roland: *is pulling into the obnoxiously long driveway at the Kaiba Mansion* We're home, sir. You can go in and rest now.
Yami: *near Seto's ear* or I could help take your mind off it.. -if- you'd like. *pulls away, his heart racing* //dear god, did I really just proposition Kaiba like that?//
Seto: *squints at him, somewhat painfully* //I don't think sexual acts are going to help my headache at this point// I....I just want to get some sleep.....though, c-could....*lowers his voice to a whisper* ...could you maybe....*bites his lip* ...rub my head while I try to go to sleep? //Why do I feel like such a child?//
Yami: *can't help but chuckle lightly at Seto's request* I was thinking of something like that in the first place, don't worry. Of course I can, for you.
Mokuba: *is inwardly laughing as he watches the pair's facial expressions change, sans dialogue* //what the hell are they trying to plan now?//
Seto: *smiles weakly, feeling a little ashamed at asking such an odd request* T-thanks...I feel a bit silly for asking....
Yami: *feels a flush rise to his cheeks when he sees Seto's lips curve into a smile* Y-you're not silly at all.. it's a good idea.. *puts a tenative arm around Seto, resisting the urge to pull him towards his shoulder as they get out of the limo and make their way into the mansion* //geez, did I really come across as sleazy when I made that offer? oh christ, of -course- he thinks I'm a horndog after all the advances I've made on him.. and then I go and ask him like that?//
Seto: *trudges slowly up the driveway, feeling the blood rush as he stands, making his head worse* Nrrn..... *clasps a hand to his forehead* //Almost there.....then I can take a painkiller and go to bed...//
Yami: *steadies Seto as they walk, casting a glance to Mokuba at his side* Does he usually drink to -this- much excess?
Mokuba: I've never seen him get this bad of a headache, if that's what you're wondering.. In any case, I'd better go ahead of you guys and put Houdini in his kennel for the night. He's been howling a lot at night lately, and I doubt it's gonna help the headache.
Seto: Oh dear god, I do not need that monster howling all night.....
Yami: *nods, reaching into his pocket reflexively for an allergy tablet, coming up empty-handed* //Shit..//
Mokuba: *frowns* He's not a monster! He's just lonely, Seto..
Seto: *sighs* I....I didn't mean it Mokuba, I'm sorry. I'm just....tired and my head feels like it's going to explode *mutters* ...stupid....headache.....stupid.....Dorian.....
Houdini: *pacing inside near the door, howling* Aroooooo
Mokuba: Aw; I'm coming, boy! *races ahead to get the door, which is opened by a servant that Mokuba narrowly avoids knocking over in his haste to pick Houdini up in his arms*
Houdini: *licks Mokuba's face once he's held* Aroo....
Mokuba: *looks directly into Houdini's eyes, scratching under his chin with one hand* Are you gonna be extra quiet for my grumpy-ass brother tonight?
Houdini: *cocks his head to the side, then licks Mokuba's face again*
Seto: *has made it through the door finally* For the love of god, please be quite tonight dog. My head will thank you later if you are. *groans and goes to make his way up the stairs*
Houdini: *wriggles around in Mokuba's grasp, trying to get down*
Servant: Roland told us about a headache you had, Master Seto. Is there anything you'd like us to bring up to your room?
Seto: A large painkiller and some water.
Mokuba: *to Houdini* Alright, alright; I'll get you taken care of. *carries Houdini towards the den, where his kennel is*
Houdini: *yips and wiggles around more, slipping out of Mokuba's hands* Arf! *darts up the stairs to sit outside Seto's room*
Yami: Do you happen to have any allergy tablets on hand? *feels himself on the verge of a sneeze, willing his eyes to refrain from watering*
Seto: *groans as he makes his way up the stairs* S-should have some in the bathroom. I tend to keep spares if Mokuba runs out.
Seto: *makes his way to his room, fumbling with his door handle, but pushes his bedroom door open* //So.close.to.sleep.// *fumbles around his dresser for a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt to change into, changing right there by the dresser, not caring who is in the room or not*
Houdini: *darts into Seto's room, leaping onto his bed, laying down by a pillow*
Yami: Oh, I.. *stares for a moment, blinks, then averts his eyes as Houdini comes running in* //DAMN DOG WTF//
Seto: *is changed and trudges over to his bed, flopping down* What...dog...what are you doing here?
Houdini: *licks Seto's nose, then nestles down next to him*
Mokuba: *is chasing after the dog, and upon coming in, finds Seto changed, and Yami fumbling with his own shirt* Hey guys, have you see-- *pauses, surveying the scene* ..OH. I'llcomebacklater. *slams the door shut and runs off to his room*
Yami: *winces as the door shuts with a slam*
Mokuba: *realising his mistake* Sorry!
Seto: *groans as the door slams shut* My...head.....
Seto: Where's my painkiller? Seriously....pounding.needs.to.stop.
Houdini: *nuzzles Seto's hand and licks it*
Seto: *pets Houdini out of reflex*
Yami: *wanders into the bathroom, searching the cabinet until he finds a familiar-looking bottle of allergy tablets* Two should be enough.. *opens the bottle, pouring two into his palm as he glances up at his reflection and catches a glimpse of the empty shower behind him* Heh.. I remember what happened in there.. //one hell of a breakdown on his part, and a lot of self-restraint on mine..// *replaces the bottle in the cabinet, shutting off the light and returning to the bedroom as he pops the two allergy tablets*
Seto: *is groping behind him for the water that was left on the nightstand*
Yami: *comes to sit near Seto, deftly handing him the water* Looking for this?
Seto: *rolls over slowly to his back and slowly sits up* Y-yes..... *grabs the water and pops the painkiller in his mouth, then takes a swig of water to wash it down* Hopefully this kicks in soon. *takes another drink of water before setting it back on the nightstand and slinking down into bed, pulling the covers up*
Houdini: *moves and curls up around Seto's head*
Yami: *pulls his shirt up over his head, his back arching and muscles stretching as he does so with a small yawn, hearing his back crack and almost purring at how much better he feels for having done that*
Seto: *yawns and rolls over on his side, somewhat patting the empty space beside him, indicating the space should be filled*
Yami: *notices Seto's patting motions and flops into the empty space, laying on his side facing Seto, his hand shakily reaching to rub Seto's head and stroke his hair* Is this alright?
Seto: *wraps his arm around Yami's midsection, pulling him a little closer* Yes...that's fine. *eyes flutter as he starts to drift into unconsciousness*
Yami: *stammers* O-okay.. *allows himself to be pulled, closing the gap between them by moving closer to Seto and continuing to rub his head, the feeling of warm breath against his skin making the hair on the back of his neck stand on end*
Seto: *passes out under the gentle stroking of Yami's fingers, his arm going lax over Yami's side*
MEANWHILE, IN THE BATHROOM
Bathroom door: *still stuck* >:D
Bathroom light: *flicker flicker*
Joey: *squints at the overhead light, kneeling down beside Mai nervously* hey.. I mean it, yknow.. *trails off awkwardly into silence*
Mai: *shakes her head with a chuckle* Nah, you're just sayin that cause I gave you a sob story.
Joey: *tilts his head to the side, confused* Ya think I'd do dat to you?
Mai: *is caught off-guard by the simplicity of Joey's statement, feeling ashamed almost immediately*
Serenity: *gets up, padding softly to the kitchen for a glass of water*
Joey: //aw crap..// uhhhh, Mai? Why're ya staring at me like dat?
Mai: *chuckles* Joey Wheeler, I never figured -you- to be such a softie, y'know that?
Joey: //gfdhjfegfhdsft// Aw c'mon, I'm not *adopts an almost-pouting face, muttering* M' -not- a softie.
Mai: *raises her hands* Okay, okay; maybe not a softie.. but you are sweet, though.
*TO THE KAIBA MANSION* DURRNURRNURRNURRNURRNURRNURRNURRNURRRRR* 08:43:06 PM
Yami: *attempts to turn over onto his side, still half-asleep as he groans softly* Nnnrgh.. *tries again to move, finding himself pinned under another warm body and unable to shift from his back* //wha...// *pushes a little more at the weight, the effort snapping him out of a deep sleep and causing him to open his eyes in the darkness as he remembers where he is* //so I'm still in Kaiba's bed..//
Seto: *snuggled up against Yami, arms still wrapped around him, Houdini still sleeping by his head*
Yami: *breathes softly in the effort to not wake Seto, making a vain attempt to shimmy out from under him a few more times before giving up and sighing, noticing the light scent of shampoo from Seto's hair* mmmm..
Yami: *stops himself in mid-breath* //..oh god, what am I doing sniffing his hair like some creeper?!//
Seto: *twitches slightly then breathes easy, slipping into a deeper state of sleep*
Yami: *tenatively reaches a hand up into Seto's hair, idly combing it through his fingers as he closes his eyes again, his heart pounding with adrenaline at the fear of having been caught*
Houdini: *flinches at the unexpected hand, but settles again, going back to sleep*
BACK AT THE BATHROOM HURR DURRR
Serenity: *fills a glass with water, drinks some, then heads back to her room, stopping outside the bathroom door* //They're still in there?// *knocks lightly, speaking softly* Joey, Mai? Everything okay in there? You've been in there for a while.
Bathroom door: >:) *would cackle if it had a mouth and vocal cords*
Joey: *hears Serenity through the door, putting his cheek against the door and whispering in what he hopes is still loud enough for her to hear* Uhhh, gimme a minute.. *to Mai* what're we gonna do? I don't wanna wake my mom up, but we can't stay in here forever.
Mai: Well, obviously. *scoffs* Here, let's try a woman's touch. *scoots over to the door, getting up on her knees and bracing her shoulder against it while giving it a solid push*
Serenity: *leans an ear to the door, catching Joey's soft spoken words* Oh...uh, okay.... //They've been in there since we got home. They're not....oh god, don't think the Serenity! EWWWW//
Joey: *kneels next to Mai, bracing his shoulder so that he faces her while muttering* On the count of three, let's try dis again. One.. two...
Mai: *grits her teeth* three *shove*
Joey: three. *shove*
Door: >:O *gets bumped a little, shoving Serenity*
Serenity: //What are they doing!?!?// Oh my god, what are you guys doing? *steps back a little*
Joey: N-nothing! *to Mai* godDAMNstupidfuckpissingassfuckdoor
Mai: My, what an impressive vocabulary we have.
Joey: *growls in frustration and glares at the door*
Serenity: *stands back, staring at the door, taking a sip of water* //I really don't know if I -want- to know what's going on in there.//
Mai: *watches his face change, finding herself blushing and oddly transfixed for a second* //yknow, he's not so bad looking when he's angry..// *snaps herself out of it quickly and shakes her head to rid her mind of the images flooding into her brain* //n-no! This is STUPID! How can you think about him at a time like -this-? We have to get out of here, we have to get out of here..// *slumps down against the door, feeling her chest start to constrict* //have to get out, have to get out, havetogetout// ..we have to get out of here, Joey..
Door: >:( *mad it was bumped*
Joey: *stops shouldering the door, notcing that Mai has fallen over* hey, are you alright? *puts a hand on Mai's shoulder, attempting to get her attention*
Serenity: *takes a hesitant step towards the door* G-guys? Seriously...you've been in there forever. I think we should get some sleep. *places a nervous hand on the door handle and turns the knob*
Door: >:O *would scream "curses, foiled again!" if it could speak; the knob turns*
Mai: *draws her knees up to her chest, breathing heavily*
Joey: //aw crap..// what's wrong? Snap outta it, Mai! *puts both hands on her shoulders, shaking her slightly*
Serenity: *turns the knob and pulls on it, the door resisting a bit before it opens* //Guys, seriously, I don't want to see anything weird.// *sees Joey and Mai sitting on the ground* Guys? Why are you just sitting in the bathroom?
Mai: *looks up around the room at the corners of the ceilings, seeing that the door has opened, blinking once or twice in confusion* Oh.. *looks at Serenity* did you lock the door on us or something? *chuckles weakly, feeling slightly embarassed at being found in such a disorderly state*
Serenity: *confused* No...why would I do that? The door locks from the inside anyway.
Joey: *scratches his head in confusion, shaking his head* but we've been trying to get out for a while. The knob wouldn't even turn when we tried dat..
Serenity: ..you...were trying to get out? You mean it was stuck? Why didn't you ask for help earlier?
Joey: *jerks his thumb towards where Mom is sleeping on the couch*
Mom: *turns in her sleep, sighing ever so slightly*
Serenity: *sighs* You still could have said something Joey. It's better than being stuck in a bathroom all night. *brushes her hair over her shoulder* We're going to have to tell the landlord about this though; don't want us being fined for the door not working right. *pads quietly over to the couch, gently shaking her mother's shoulder* Mom....why don't you go to bed, mom? Your bed is better than the couch and Joey's spending the night.
Serenity: *pauses, then continues* Also, a friend is spending the night as well. She'll be sleeping in my room and Joey can have the couch. //Is she even consciously listening to me?// *sighs* //I don't even know why I'm blabbering when it seems like she's still asleep.//
Mom: Mmmnrf.. sleep wherever.. just don't raid fridge... *hides face in pillow*
Serenity: *sighs, then covers her mom with a blanket she had gotten out for Joey and gives her a kiss on the forehead before turning back to Joey* Joey, why don't you just take mom's bed then. It looks like she's on the couch tonight.
Joey: *yawns and nods, standing up and offering Mai his hand* You okay, Mai? You were startin to kinda panic earlier.. dunno what was up with dat. Are you claustrophobic or somethin?
Mai: I, uhh... yeah. Yeah, small spaces aren't good for me.. *nods dumbly, refusing to say anymore* //small spaces can drive me to think stupid things, it seems.//
Serenity: Mai? You okay? *genuinely concerned* D-do you want anything? A glass of water? //Stupid Serenity; what's that going to do?// *bites her lip* I've got a spot in my room set up for you...you must be tired....
Mai: *reaches for Joey's hand to pull herself up* Oh; I'm fine, hon. I think I just.. need to step outside and get some air before I try sleeping again. *smiles at Serenity* it's just for a little while, I promise.
Joey: Ya sure? You weren't doin too good in dere..
Mai: *sighs exasperatedly* Really, Wheeler, I'm fine. Now go to bed and get some sleep before you fall over. You -both- look like you're about to collapse on the spot.
Joey: *narrows his eyes at the unwelcome use of his last name, nodding curtly before shuffling off* Alright, alright; just tryin t' help..
Serenity: *tightens her lips in a thin line* Joey, I know you're tired, so just head to bed, get some rest. And Mai, please be careful? I don't want anything to happen to you. Do you want my key? I was going to lock up if we're heading to bed.
Mai: *exhales* You honestly worry too much, kid. *ruffles Serenity's hair* but if it makes you feel better, I'll just sit outside in the hallway instead of going outside..
Serenity: *chuckles wearily* You're my friend Mai, of course I'm going to worry. *smiles* I'll leave the door unlocked, just lock up when you come back in. *turns to Joey* You should go get some sleep Joey, as should I. It'll be interesting explaining all this to mom in the morning.
Joey: *raises his hand in acknowledgement as he continues to walk away, nodding and muttering to himself until he disappears into the bedroom and shuts the door*
Mai: *watches Joey go, turning to Serenity once he's out of earshot* Is he always this much of a grump when he gets tired?
Serenity: *shrugs* He wasn't ever this grumpy when we were kids. Of course, he used to always distract me and make me laugh whenever mom and dad argued, so... *sighs* thinking back on it all now, I never realized how hard he really had it. Everything seemed so simple, to me anyway. Guess I was too naïve to really notice it....
Mai: Well, I'd say you've come a long way since then. Not just anyone can stand up to Kaiba the way you did earlier. I'm impressed.
Serenity: *sighs* I'm convinced he just acts the way he does because of how people look at him. He just assumes the worst, so he acts cold and distant. Plus his past of being used and abused didn't really help. *takes a sip of water* I wish that him and Joey were closer; they're more alike than they realize.
Mai: Scary, isn't it? I've always wondered why they don't just sit down and bitch it all outta their systems. *laughs softly* And then I remember how stubborn they both are and realise that leaving them alone together could be disastrous.
Serenity: I think it'd be good for them. This constant trying to outdo the other is annoying. They just need to sit and talk and then things would be fine, but maybe I'm just being too stupidly optimistic.... *scowls at her glass of water*
Mai: *scoffs* The day they sit and talk civilly is the day hell freezes over. *her expression softens as she glances at the kitchen clock, realizing how late it is* Get some sleep. I'll lock the door behind me when I come back, okay?
Serenity: *nods* Just come in my room when we get back. Spot's all set up on the floor. There's a few pillows and a few blankets, don't know how cold it's going to get. Goodnight Mai, I hope you feel better. *turns and heads to her room to get some sleep*
Mai: *nods* Thankyou.. *leaves the apartment, slumping down against the wall next to the door when she reaches the hallway, holding her head in her hands* God, when did I let some boy get to me so much? He didn't even do -anything-.. Anything! Am I really so desperate that I'd let my imagination go wild like this? *rests her forehead on her arms, lightly butting her head against them* stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid.