Yu-gi-oh

Disclaimer: I don’t own Yugioh, or the characters there in. I just borrowed some of the characters. Rated: NC-17

To Serve and Protect

Chapter 8

Joey tossed the report on the table and snarled. “Not a damn thing new. Seto I’m truly stumped. I don’t know enough about stalkers to do anything constructive.”

Seto grumbled, sifted through the reports to make sure he’d read them all and eyed Joey. “For God’s sake, Wheeler. I don’t expect you to know anything about tracing e-mail. I can’t even trace the damn things. That means that they are being sent from inside the building.”

“I don’t know anything about any of this. I’m an expert in physical security, yakuza, and smuggling. Not all this other shit.”

Seto looked at Joey and finally asked the all-important question. “Joseph K. Wheeler. Damnit. You keep saying that, so exactly what do you mean by it?”

Joey ran his hands through his hair making it stand up in odd looking spikes. “Gangs and smuggling should be self evident.”

“Wheeler, I’m not stupid.” Seto looked like he was going to explode so Joey gave him a break and answered without it having to be pried out of him.

“Physical security. I make sure you don’t get stabbed, shot or blown up. I put me between you and any attacks. I fight, you run. Easy. Not always simple.”

Seto sat for a frozen moment, one of those endless seconds where a cold chill ran over him making him feel odd. Like his head was swelling then shrinking, his scalp was too tight for his skull and his stomach was no where to be found.

“NO!! You will . . .”

“Shut up, Seto. Before you say something that makes me mad.“ Joey’s voice froze Seto in mid rant. “I fucked off three years of my life doing this for yakuza that weren’t worth the sweat off an ant’s balls. Now I’ve got someone worth protecting. Just let me do this.”

“Ok! I’ll shut up, but I don’t want you taking unnecessary chances.”

“I won’t. The necessary one’s are bad enough. Now, we’ve got that meeting in. . . . “ Joey eyed his watch. “Damnit. This piece of shit stopped again.”

Joey dodged, startled, Seto had stuck something under his nose. He blinked and looked at the watch Seto was offering him. It was a custom-made number. Solid titanium body with a stainless steel band; the thing was water proof and shock proof.

Seto smirked a little and said, “Thin as a politicians promise and light as air. It’s accurate to one ten-thousandth of a second in one hundred years. Battery is guaranteed for ten years. Take it.”

“Seto it’s too expensive for you to just give to me.”

Seto reached out and took Joey’s wrist in his hand. He slid the watch over Joey’s hand and fastened the band.

“You’re offering me your life. This is an almond for a parrot in comparison . . . mmmm . . . band’s a little too tight. We’ll have it adjusted later.”

Joey couldn’t help the blush that colored his cheeks. Seto’s fingers on his scarred and calloused wrist felt cool and the light caress of him testing the band made him get ideas that made him shiver.

“You Ok?” Seto watched Joey for a second

“Yeah, I’m fine. The band isn’t too tight. I like a band fairly tight. Keeps it from getting caught on stuff. Thanks. I’ll take good care of it.”

“Don’t sweat it. . . .” Seto paused as someone opened the door and stuck their head in. “Joey take it easy. I think that’s just the poor fool who drew the short straw.”

The man gulped and nodded. Joey had automatically put himself between Seto and the door. The look he’d shot the corporals way would have scared a much stronger man.

“Meeting in ten minutes please.” He ducked back out and shuddered. He knew Joey by sight but this Joey wasn’t the one he remembered, he was making a report as soon as he could.

“Seto I can’t do this.” Joey sighed and ran a hand through his already disheveled bangs.

“Yes you can. You’re smart. You can do this.” Seto tried to be supportive.

“No, I can’t. I don’t know how to run a meeting like this. A debriefing, yes; an interrogation, you betcha. But this is like a board meeting and I don’t have a clue. This is too important to mess up. I don’t intend for my pride to get you killed. We’ll have to get . . .”

Seto thought fast. He didn’t want Joey to lose face.

“If that’s the problem. I’ll run the meeting. I don’t intend for anyone to lose respect for you. They’ll expect me to kick over the traces. All you have to do is stand and look like you’re catering to the anal executive.”

“Seto.“ Joey snorted suppressing a laugh. “I’m not catering to you. I’m thankful as hell. This way I don’t look like I’m incompetent. Thanks”

Seto lead the way to the meeting room, giving Joey express instructions on the way.

~*~

“Gentlemen, my name is Seto Kaiba. I will be leading this meeting as Special Agent Wheeler is going to be giving us significant input. He has read all the pertinent mail files and . . . “

One of the men seated at the table interrupted. “Excuse me, kid. I know you think you’re something special but we really need to talk to the real agents. We don’t have time for some high school on the job training shit.”

Joey just stood up and pinned the man with a dirty look. “Yeah? On the job training, for me, included High School from seven a.m. to noon and police academy from one p.m. to nine p.m.. I missed . . . damnit! Seto, I can’t do this. I don’t have the patience. I’m leaving, fill me in when you’re done.”

Seto snarled. “Sit!” Joey jammed one hand into his bangs and the other into a pocket, snarling wordlessly. “Sit. Down. Now!” Joey sat bolt upright and obviously ready to leave.

Seto turned to the table again and took the time to examine the men there. Two were detectives, one was a bureaucrat, and two others were department heads of some sort. One of those was the one who had sparked Joey’s little explosion.

“Ok, gloves off. You looked and didn’t listen. MY name is KAIBA, the Kaiba and I don’t suffer fools easily. If you don’t want to work with me . . . fine! Get out of my face and find someone who will. If you want to work with me, you’ll find I don’t tend to argue with experts in fields I’m not familiar with. The Chief says you’re the best, so I’ll take his word until you prove him wrong. Now, before anyone says anything else to annoy Special Agent Wheeler, I’ll only say . . . he’s on a hair trigger just now so don’t push him.

“He looks a lot younger than he really is . . . when he’s relaxed. Look at him now. No . . . don’t just glance at him, really look.“ Seto waited as everyone turned to look at Joey who glared back ready to get up and leave.

“Ok, we’ll bite. What’s going on here?” The man identified himself as the head of Computer Fraud. The other men around the table were all looking like this was not turning out like they’d expected

“Agent Wheeler has been undercover for sometime and isn’t back to normal just yet. He took this assignment as a personal favor to me. He should have taken a long vacation instead, but we’re committed now, so he’s coping the best he can. I have reports on everything we’ve discovered so far, but I can’t make any sense of most of it and neither can Agent Wheeler. Therefore, you’ve been called in as the experts in the pertinent areas. Please read the reports. Then I’d like your input.”

Seto passed around copies of the reports he and Joey had already read. There was some shuffling of papers and some quickly hidden sneers. Joey tensed but Seto calmed him with a hand on his shoulder and a soft word. They both waited as the men all read reports and drank the offered tea or coffee. Joey drank coffee and fidgeted; Seto drank tea and watched everyone.

Finally they had finished the reports and one man cleared his throat and glanced around the table.

“All right, I’ll go first. I’m a psychologist and specialize in stalkers and their psychology. This guy is a control freak. He probably won’t do much of anything as long as you don’t push him. But in order to do that you’ll effectively give up control of your life to him. You won’t go anywhere he doesn’t approve of or do much of anything. You’ll stay imprisoned in your own home for the rest of your life. Not a good way to live. In order to catch him, you have to start doing things he’s warned you against. In this case, that seems to be most anything outside of Kaiba Towers.”

The next man spoke up. “And that leads to me. I’m the computer fraud expert. I know you’re very good with computers. But you, . . . well, you’re a hell of a hacker. But fraud is a completely different breed of chips.“ Seto smiled at the joke and started making plans. “Your system may be proof from outside hacking.” The man held up a hand to forestall interruption and Joey flinched. “But your internal checking is . . . not good. I’ll work up a plan and I already have some software that can be installed. Standard stuff, but it works well.”

“Very well. That doesn’t explain some things, but I don’t really see the need for explanations at this point. Mr. Yamamoto, you’ll be provided with a badge and clearance to do whatever you think needs doing. Please clear all major changes with me first. Any more input?”

One of the detectives spoke up and blew the whole meeting. “Well, I don’t know about anyone else but I need to know . . . “ he suddenly drew his pistol and the whole room exploded.

Joey drew his gun and aimed at the detective, who froze. Seto stepped behind Joey, out of the line of fire. Everyone else was either getting out of the line of fire or shouting to either Joey or the detective to drop their weapons. The detective was suddenly aware of just how close to dead he was. He gently put his .38 snub-nose on the table and held his hands away from his body. Joey watched him and couldn’t get himself to put his weapon down. He was frozen in place; part of his mind telling him it was all right, the rest telling him to take Seto out before someone else drew a gun.

“Easy. Everyone shut up! Joseph, is it? No one is going to hurt you. No one is going to . . . “

Seto watched Joey’s shoulders stiffen as the psychologist tried to calm him down.

“Wheeler . . . I’m here. I’m ok. . . . Listen to me . . . Everyone else leave the room. Now! Doc you go too.”

The psychologist saw that he wasn’t doing any good so he got the rest of the men to leave and followed them out.

“Joey. It’s ok. They’re all gone . . . Put up your gun. Come on. . . . Look around . . . you’re having a flash back. Look at me.“ Seto carefully put his hand on Joey’s. He didn’t try to push the gun down or take it away, he just gently rubbed Joey’s hand. When he finally relaxed a little, Seto put his other hand on Joey’s cheek, turned his head slightly and moved around more in front of Joey so he could see. “See? Come on. Put that up before they come in with some stupid idea of rescuing me and we wind up in a real mess.”

Joey shuddered, put up his weapon and sighed. “Well, I guess this meeting is over.”

Seto watched Joey gather himself together and slip away. Suddenly he was confronted with a hard, cold, Joey who was all body guard. His friend was gone. Seto wanted to shoot the detective himself. He’d worked hard to get Joey to relax and in one instant all his work was wasted.

There was a soft cough at the door and Seto looked at the man who was still half way around the door frame “Is he ok now? Do you need any help?”

“No. I’m fine. Sorry about the . . . thing . . . I’m still a little flinchy. I . . .who are you? Do I know you?”

Joey still wanted between Seto and everybody else and Seto let him have his way. The psychologist introduced himself as Doctor Miroku and accepted the resultant grin from Seto with good grace.

“Is there anything I can do for you? You understand that this incident will be reported. You drew down on a detective second class in front of the Assistant Chief of Police. That’s a very bad thing.”

Joey got snotty. “Yeah? Well drawing a gun in front of a guy that’s been undercover for four years with his life hanging on fast reflexes and an ability to kill, isn’t smart. The chief can kiss my ass. Seto we’re out of here. You can fire me later. We leave now.”

Seto shook his head. “Doctor, I don’t see where you’re helping anything at all. Joey’s doing his job. No one draws a weapon in what is basically a board meeting. It’s just not done. I’d like to know what that idiot thought he was proving. Other than he’s either stupid or suicidal. I’d like to speak to the Assistant Chief myself.”

The Chief came back, straightening his jacket. And surprised everyone.

“Wheeler you ok? That man has a death wish. I filled the two Department Heads in on you, but didn’t have time to talk to anyone else. What he thought he was doing I don’t know and don’t want to. He’s off the case. And I don’t think we’ll be needing his partner either. You’ll be doing all Mr. Kaiba’s personal security. I think we all need to calm down and take a breather. I’ll have some snacks sent up and we can all eat something how’s that?”

Joey was shaking his head slowly from side to side.

“No, boss. I don’ wanna stay here. I don’ like it. Boss. We need to leave.”

Seto just nodded. When Joey started talking like that, he was really on the edge.

“Fine. We’re going.”

Joey tried to get himself back under complete control and nearly succeeded until the psychologist spoke up again

“Mr. Wheeler . . . Perhaps you should relinquish your side arm and . . . “

“Fuck if I’ll give up my gun! Boss, we need to leave now. I don’t like it here. It’s . . . “

“Joey, calm down. You’re no use to me like this. You’ll either freak out and shoot the wrong man or get shot yourself. We’re leaving as fast as you can lead the way. And Doctor--don’t patronize him. He doesn’t deserve to be treated that way. He’s not crazy.”

Joey proved that while he wasn’t crazy he was certainly dangerous. He got Seto’s attention by the simple expedient of standing between him and the Doctor, he nodded to the man and looked at the Chief.

“I’m taking Mr. Kaiba out of here. I’m not comfortable with your level of competence. What that man thought he was going drawing a gun around me.” Joey just shook his head. “He nearly got himself shot. If there needs to be any more meetings, I think you need to come to Kaiba towers and check your side arms at the door. Mr. Kaiba, if we’re leaving, we need to go. If you want to take the Chief and Mr. Yamamoto and Mr. Misanagi out to eat, we can make reservations in the car. There’s enough room for all of us in the limo.”

Joey turned his head to look at Seto from the corner of his eye.

“Wha’d ya wanna do Boss.”

Seto noticed that Joey had purposely left Doctor Miroku out of the invitation. The Doctor just frowned and shook his head when Seto started to object. He wanted to look at what ever records he could find on Joey and knew that forcing them together now would make it impossible for him to be effective later.

“We’ll leave and I’ll take us all to Naked Sushi. It’s close and I have a standing reservation. Although it’s not in the private rooms. “

Joey made a face but didn’t object. He could do this.

They got into the limo in the garage. The driver noticed Joey was tense but thought it was just being in a police station. Seto climbed in first and got everyone seated, Joey in last sat on the jump seat facing the four executives and looking like a breathing rock. Seto sighed.

“All right, Gentlemen. Now that we have some privacy . . . I will not appreciate Special Agent Wheeler having repercussions of any kind from this little incident. He’s wound way too tight. That fool drawing a gun around him was a piece of stupidity the likes of which I hope never to see again. If anyone has any problems with Special Agent Wheeler, they have problems with me.“

The Chief held up a hand and finally got Seto quiet.

“I realize that Special Agent Wheeler is on edge. That’s one of the reasons he was recommended for this job. We were hoping that . . . er . . . well.”

Joey snarled. “People like Kaiba tend to over react to threatening letters. Too wimpy. Rich boy stalker panic. So give the nut job a cushy assignment to get him out of the way until we can Section Eight him. Thanks a lot.”

Seto nearly fell off his seat. Damnit. He hadn’t even though of that.

The Chief had the grace to look ashamed of himself. The threat hadn’t seemed that severe. Most of the letters were vague, but with them coming from inside and the poisoning of Seto’s favorite dish, the threat was more concrete than they’d realized.

“We were actually hoping that this assignment would allow you to ease back into regular society without the culture shock that accompanies leaving deep cover. Unfortunately, Tanaka-san didn’t make it clear to me that this threat was more than a bunch of nasty letters and e-mails making a . . . er . . . rich toy company owner nervous. I didn’t realize that . . . well . . . ”

Joey watched the Chief squirm [Serves him right!]

Seto finally put a stop to it, he was bored and hungry. He didn’t feel like catering to anyone’s ego just now.

“Enough, we’re there. Chief, we’ll thrash this out later. Gentlemen . . . it’s this simple. He’s willing to put himself between me and a bullet. If you aren’t willing to respect that, I’ll find someone else to do the job. And let it be known that you don’t work well with others.”

Joey brightened up. “Thanks, Boss. Geeze, I’m hungry.”

Seto snorted “Joey, you’re always hungry. Come on, let’s go in.”

At the door, Joey froze for the second time that day. He had glanced around and suddenly was backed up against Seto’s chest. With a soft whimper he hid his face against Seto’s neck and moaned, “I can’t! Seto, I gotta get out a’ here.”

Seto put one arm around Joey and used the other hand to stroke his silky hair. Absently he noticed that it was getting really long in back.

“What’s wrong? Joey, don’t fall apart on me now. Talk to me.”

“I can’t. Seto. I just can’t. I can’t be in here. I gotta get out . . . now.”

The three policemen had gone ahead, so Seto motioned to the Host and told him. “My companion has gotten ill. Please tell the Chief and his associates that I’ve taken him home. Send me the bill. Anything they want up to and including the banqueting facilities. Thank you.”

Seto took Joey back out to the car and made him get in first. The driver gave them both a very odd look but kept his mouth shut. He closed the door and started back for Kaiba Towers without being told.

Seto turned to Joey and asked softly. “Joey? What just happened? You were ok until just a moment ago despite the obvious stupidity at the station.”

Joey nearly cowered in the corner of the seat. “No! Seto, I’m not going in there . . . I can’t be there. Don’t ask . . . I’m sorry if I ruined your lunch. I’m sorry I’m such a fuck up. I . . .”

Seto couldn’t help it, he gathered Joey into his arms and pressed his head into the curve of his neck. “It’s ok. Joey stop it. Quit putting yourself down so.“ Seto stroked Joey’s hair and shoulders, alternately stroking him and patting his back. “Sssshhh. Just relax . . . Let it go. It’s all over now. It’s ok.” Seto continued to whisper and comfort until Joey stopped shaking and dozed off.

The driver, who’d been keeping an eye on things in the mirror, finally couldn’t stand it any more.

“Hey Mr. Kaiba what the hell happened. I never saw him like that before.”

“I’m not sure. We had a little incident in the station, but that doesn’t account for this. He was fairly good until we went into the restaurant.”

“I heard about that Mexican stand off. You’re right . . . that don’t account for this. If he was pissed about that, he’d be yelling his head off or cursing them all. Not falling apart like that.”

The driver turned his attention back to driving and thought for a while. He had plenty of time, the drive from Naked Sushi to Kaiba Towers was an hour in good traffic and traffic was bad.

After about fifteen minutes, where Seto slowly shifted Joey until he was laying on the seat with his head in Seto’s lap, the driver suddenly exclaimed ‘oh shit’ which made Joey flinch and Seto hiss.

“Sorry. Can you shift him and sit on the jump seat so he won’t hear me?”

Seto managed to get Joey resituated without waking him and moved to the jump

“What?”

“I think I figured out what’s wrong with him. You’re not going to like it. Just keep it down. He ain’t gonna be happy when he finds out I figured this out.”

“Will you just tell me what the hell is up?”

“Ok, boss. But no yelling. Promise!”

“Yes.”

So the driver told Seto what he thought.

Naked Sushi was a very up scale restaurant which served food on ‘special’ platters. Naked women and men. These special banquets were only held by three day advance reservation and only in two private banquet rooms. The ‘platters’ were very carefully bathed in special soap, then rubbed down with sanitizing jell, their genitals covered with banana or plantain leaves. Sushi was then arranged on their bodies and the guests presented with the resulting banquet. But sometimes the platters weren’t exactly willing. Every now and then some fool would lose a bet or do it to offset a debt.

“I even heard that once in a while some yakuza bitch will give a show and get her husband to make one of his bully boys be the plate. I heard about one poor guy who got into hot water with the bitch of his boss and she had him tied to the table and kept him there all night. You know some of these banquets take four or five hours. And dammed if I don’t remember some of the drivers talking about that. The description fits Mr. Wheeler . . . sort of.”

Seto ground his teeth so hard they squeaked. If Parker was right that meant that whoever had been unwilling would probably have been tied before they were washed and prepared. Taking into consideration the time to wash and sanitize him or her, arrange the leaves and food, eat and gossip, drink tea, then arrange a second serving. Seto shuddered, some banquets could take up to eight hours from beginning preparations to finish. Whoever had been the plate would have been uncomfortable for several hours. Staying flat on your back wasn’t that bad but being tied had to have been nasty.

Seto decided that was enough. He shut the window on the driver, who took this with good nature, and returned to Joey. He slid back under Joey’s head and sat stroking his hair until he suddenly flinched awake

Joey sat up and glared around then, to Seto’s surprise, threw himself into Seto’s arms choking back whimpers. He clung to Seto for a few seconds then went limp. Seto ran his fingers through the hair on the back of Joey’s head and smoothed it down gently.

“Hey, Joey. It’s ok. I’m not mad. Easy “ Seto made soothing noises, much as he’d done when Mokuba woke from a nightmare. Joey finally settled down with his head on Seto’s chest and sighed

“you really must think I’m a pussy. God, I don’t believe this. I thought I could do it. I don’t believe I freaked out like that. Sorry. I’ll . . . “

Seto shoved Joey away when he tried to sit up, helping him to get his equilibrium back.

“Stop it. Joey, I don’t know why you freaked out, but I’m interested. Why don’t you tell me about it? I . . . “

“NO!! I’m not talking about it. It’s none of your business “ Joey clamped his hand over his mouth choking back sobs. When he finally got control of himself again, he shook his head violently. “Not talkin’ about it. No. Not gonna. Don’t ask.” Joey started shaking again and leaned back against the seat with his arms wrapped around himself like he was trying to keep from shattering to bits.

“Ok. Ok. Don’t lose it again. If you don’t want to talk about it, that’s ok. I’ll wait until you can.”

Seto watched as Joey struggled to gather his shattered self into some semblance of order. When the driver announced that they were ‘there,’ Seto told him to drive as close to the elevator as he could get. When Parker objected that he’d have to drive on the sidewalk Seto snarled that the whole building belonged to him and if he wanted to drive right into the elevator he would.

Seto sighed, Joey was still shaking and sweating heavily, he wasn’t going to be much help getting himself into the elevator. When Seto started to try to figure out how this was going to work, he got a real shock. Joey straightened up and started putting himself back together. By the time Seto got out of the car, Joey was together. He’d taken a handkerchief out of his pocket and wiped the sweat off his face, he wiped his eyes and blew his nose, then stuffed the cloth back into his pocket.

“Ok boss, I’m ready. Let’s get this circus on the road.”

Joey checked the elevator and started it, ignoring the fact that Seto refused to leave him. Seto watched him for any sign of strain or . . . anything at all. Joey looked like nothing had happened. He hadn’t been given his real rank and a badge to go with it. He hadn’t drawn down on another cop and nearly been shot. He hadn’t had a major meltdown in a very public place and wound up in Seto’s arms shaking like a pup. He hadn’t just gathered himself together in four seconds. In fact, to look at him, nothing out of the ordinary had happened at all. Seto was confused and not a little worried.

Joey planted his feet shoulder width apart and stood rocking from heel to toe, eyes on the ceiling, picking at the callous on one wrist and ignored the glare Seto was giving him. When the elevator got to the apartment he started to check everything like he usually did and Seto blew up

“Damnit Wheeler, stop that! You’re driving me to the screaming point. You know damn good and well that no one has been in here. He’s never gotten past my office and I don’t think he can. The only way into this place is two elevators and there’s a man on the freight now. Why do you do that?”

“Habit. I . . .Seto, I just . . . I’m not going into this now. I’m hungry and I’m going to get something to eat. Get off my back. Get out of the way!”

Seto realized he was standing in front of the closet door and moved. Joey was not in a good mood, in fact, Seto didn’t think he’d ever seen Joey in such a bad one. He jerked off his shoes and tossed them into the closet. Then he dumped his harness on the floor at his feet without bothering to check his weapons. He slammed the door and headed for the kitchen, snarling at Seto to ‘leave it’

Seto just picked up the shoes and put them into a cubby, then he gingerly sorted out the shoulder holster and harnesses as best he could, folded it up and tucked it into another cubby. He knew that Joey was going to rake him over coals for handling his weapons but he didn’t care. Joey took such care of him it was the least he could do.

“Joey? I know you don’t want to talk about it and I’m not trying to force you, but you should talk to someone.” Seto held up his hand at Joey’s furious glare. “When you feel up to it, I’ll make arrangements. I’m not interested in any more horror stories. Just whenever you’re ready.” Seto turned to the stove to see what Joey had warmed up.

Joey avoided a fight by keeping his mouth shut. He went back to his miso and rice. He’d heated it all in the microwave and was still looking for something else to eat.

Seto opened the refrigerator and blinked; the thing was empty. Completely.

“Joey, where did you get the miso?”

“Powdered mix. Why?”

“The fridge is empty.”

Joey simply put his bowl down and got up. He opened the cupboard doors and rummaged for a minute.

“Seto, is there anywhere else we can live?”

“I own several homes around Japan. Why?”

The cold fury in Joey’s voice immobilized Seto for a second

“He’s been here. He’s been in the apartment . . . ”Joey threw his bowl against the wall. “DAMNIT!!”

Seto just went into his room and started packing. He found evidence that his closet had been rummaged. Things weren’t where he’d left them and a pair of pajamas was missing. He called Joey and showed him. Joey went through the closet but didn’t find anything worth worrying about.

“Boss? How against me hiring people are you?”

“Hire whoever you want. How compromised are we?”

“Fuck if I know. He’s been in this apartment. That means the building isn’t safe. Seto, just pack.”

Joey stuffed everything he owned into a suit case and found his saddle bags in the back of the closet. He wondered where Torrance was and realized that it was his day off. Torrance took one day a week off and this was it. And that was how Letter Man had gotten by the guard at the elevator. He’d probably told him he was Torrance’s relief.

“Stupid! Stupid! . Damnit. Get it together, Wheeler . . . relax and see what happens. Now what? Now where? fuckfuckfuck. Damnit. Shit.” Joey paced and worried and swore. Where could they go?

Seto thought while he packed an amazingly small amount of stuff. He packed one suit and the rest of his packing was shirts, underwear, socks and jeans. He grabbed his favorite jacket and left the too recognizable long tail coat behind.

“Joey! You can’t take that on a bike. Here, let me see.”

Joey watched baffled as Seto opened his suit case and dumped his saddle bags into it. He picked out practically the same stuff for Joey as he had for himself.

“Seto, you don’t ride well enough to go very far on a bike. We. . . uumm... Seto?”

Seto’s absent ‘what!’ made Joey sigh.

“Seto, where are we going. Do you have any ideas?”

“Not really. I’ve got several homes, but . . . I’m not sure which one’s are ready for occupancy just now.”

Joey gave Seto a wolfish grin. “We’re going to a capsule hotel until we can figure out where to go. Do you have any cash?”

Seto grinned back. He’d finished packing for Joey. He’d managed to get most of Joey’s clothes into the saddle bags. They were huge, he’d never seen any quite so large before.

“Yeah, I’ve got some cash here in the apartment and I can get more from down stairs. Why?”

Joey got himself together and started thinking like a man on the run instead of a bodyguard. “Look I’m sorry I fell apart. I’ve been thinking like a bodyguard. Now we’re going to go underground until I can figure out where we’re going. How much cash is here?”

Seto went into his office and opened a small safe. His soft ‘none’ made Joey swear.

“How much was here? What are you looking at?”

Seto handed Joey the note by one corner.

The note read:

Shame on you Seto my friend. You know better than to have so much money in your home. It could be stolen. I’ll keep it safe for you. If you need it just ask for it. I’ll be glad to give it back in increments of one hundred dollars. You shouldn’t keep more than that on your person. You know you’ve been very naughty. that boy you have with you isn’t a good person. You need to get rid of him. See to it that you do. I’d hate for anything bad to happen to him. It’s possible that he still has contacts in the yakuza. You don’t need the dirty boy. I’ll take care of you. Stay home be safe.

Your friend, your only friend.

PS I cleaned out your refrigerator for you. It was nasty. You shouldn’t eat left overs.

Joey got a zip lock bag from the kitchen and put the note in it, sealing it up carefully. Then he stapled through the zip and wrote his initials on it, folded it once and put it in his pocket.

“We’re on the move. Come on.”

Joey got his harness out of the closet and put it on, giving Seto a thankful look instead of getting on him. He put on his heavy old motorcycle boots and stuffed a knife that was nearly a short sword into one. Seto got his boots out and put them on. Then they both hefted their saddle bags and walked out of the apartment.

In the elevator Seto snarled and kicked the wall then he fished his phone out of his pocket and called Roland.

“The Letter Man was in my apartment. Find out how and fire anyone directly responsible. Figure out every check point, who was there and get rid of them. . . . yeah, and he not only stole . . . no, he got into my personal safe. Yeah. Left a note and everything. Meet me at my office and collect it. . . . Roland . . .”

Seto listened as Roland offered his resignation, refused it with annoyance and told Roland to meet them at the doors.

When the doors slip open Joey just handed the note to Roland, who read it and snarled in fury.

“When I find that little shit I’m gonna castrate him. I swear it.”

Joey grunted “After I get done with him, you can have him.”

Seto went into an office that Joey carefully checked and came out several minutes later with a hand full of cash. He counted it and gave some to Joey. Then turned to Roland.

“If you’re done acting like a fool. I’m tired of this. We’ve been trying to keep it quiet. Keep the media from going into a feeding frenzy over my stalker. That’s over. I don’t care if they splash it all over every where. Find him. I’ll keep in touch with you by phone. I’m not running, but I’m not going to stay anywhere I know he’s been into.”

“Yes, sir, Mr. Kaiba. I can’t believe that he actually got into your apartment. I intend to speak to Torrance. Then I’m coming down on everybody involved and heads will roll. Jobs will be lost. I promise . . . I really should have done this earlier. Wakes up the people who don’t get fired.”

Joey was counting the money while Seto and Roland talked, now he touched Seto on the arm.

“That’s a lot of cash, but we might need it all. I’ve got an idea. We can stay at Tokyo Central capsule hotel. It’s safe. The Letter Man won’t expect that and there’s not enough privacy for him to try anything. Let’s get going. If we don’t get there soon, it’ll be full and we’ll have to go somewhere else. I like TCC better than the others, except Sayuki, but they fill up fast too.”

Roland nearly had a heart attack. Kaiba Seto in a capsule hotel? It was inconceivable.

Joey grinned, he was going to enjoy this. He could actually relax. There were too many people around in a capsule hotel for any thing to happen, too many witnesses. And capsules were inherently boring, so while no one would dream of actually spying on anyone. Everyone would notice anything out of the ordinary.

“Roland, think about it. We’ll be there no more than two, maybe three days, at most. Just until Seto decides where he wants to go. We’ll be in constant touch with you. We’re not going to vanish off the face of the earth.”

Seto just picked up his pack and walked off. He could be gone for up to a month at a time and Kaiba Corp. would run on it’s own inertia. If he put in two or three hours a day he could be physically gone for up to six months. With his computer in hand he could keep up with most of his work easily, the only problem would be when he actually had to sign a contract. He’d figure that out when it became necessary.

Joey followed Seto and they got on their bikes and took off. Joey noticed something at once. Suddenly Seto was riding very well indeed. Joey knew he was going to pin Seto down about that. Something was up, but what.

They got to the TCC Hotel, but since it was already getting late, [How the hell did it get so late and me not notice?] they couldn’t get in, then they tried the Sayuki, it was full too. So Joey decided to try one of the bigger hotels and they wound up parking in the station parking lot at the Sebu line Shinjuku Station and entering the Green Plaza Shinjuku at seven in the evening.

Joey signed them in and got Seto his keycard then they went into the changing room and changed into the shorts and short kimono issued to guests. The attendant smiled at Seto and helped him lock his pack in the locker. Joey watched in amusement as Seto coped with the hotel requirements.

Guests were issued robes, shorts, and slippers. They had to leave their clothes in lockers, everything they brought in was left in the lockers. All expenses of their stay were billed to their ‘room’ and accounted for by swiping the keycard through the billing stations. There were baths, a sauna with masseurs and a restaurant with more masseurs. No women were allowed at anytime and all the personnel were men. Seto found that he did feel remarkably safe.

Joey stripped without comment and locked everything in his locker. Even his weapons. He couldn’t wait to see Seto’s face when he saw the ‘rooms.’ It was going to be a treat. However, in one way Seto disappointed Joey, he just looked at the coffin like ‘room’ and said, “How ingenious.” Which delighted Joey no end. Seto’s simple acceptance of Joey’s safe place made him feel as if perhaps they had some chance.

Seto crawled into the capsule, which was four by four by six. It wasn’t that bad, there was a tv, a small fan, and a radio. You could access six porn channels by swiping the keycard. Seto snickered, until he found that there wasn’t a door, just a flimsy screen that rolled down to provide the illusion of privacy. Joey smiled as Seto examined the room and when he saw the screen, Joey laughed out right at the expressions that chased each other across his face. First shock, then amazement, then resignation.

“It’s not that bad. And I’m just across the hall. So if anything happens I’ll hear it and be right here. Come on. I want a bath, a massage and food; not necessarily in that order. Come on.”

Seto and Joey went into the baths and came out again clean and relaxed. Joey wandered easily along, taking it easier than Seto had ever seen him. This place seemed too busy to be relaxing but Joey seemed not to even notice the bustle.

When they came to the restaurant, Joey found a table near the fountain and sat down. The waiter came over and asked for their order. Seto frowned but Joey just asked for a menu, ”for my friend. I’ll have the usual and a massage.“

“I haven’t seen you around for a while Katsuya. Where you been. Not that it’s any of my business. But when Goden Obaru got busted I looked for you to go down too, then Watanabe -sama went under and you’re still around. Makes one wonder.”

Joey smirked at the waiter and winked. “I’m a cat. Nine lives. Menu? Massage? Maybe not so many questions?”

The waiter paled suddenly and hurried away. Seto hadn’t seen exactly what Joey had done but it had obviously scared the waiter.

“What’d you do?”

“Nothing. But in a place like this, he can’t afford any trouble. Green Plaza is legit and if they find out that he’s got connections, he’ll get fired. He can’t afford that because he’s just a wanna be.”

The one of the masseurs came by and Joey signaled him that he wanted a massage. The man unfolded his table and Joey lay down on it wriggling out of the short kimono. He sighed and let the man start his massage. Seto watched for a while then realized he was jealous of the man. Jealous of his ability to touch Joey, to run his hands over Joey’s broad shoulders and strong back. He shook his head and sighed

“Seto?”

“Yeah.”

“Is there something you want to tell me?”

“Yeah. But you first.”

“Me? I’m sorry I’m not . . .”

“I already said that I wouldn’t push that and I’m not . . . I still can’t figure out why Golden Ball was so mad at you for using his name. Doesn’t make sense. Of course I realize the man was mad but . . “

“Seto, you’re not thinking. . . oh yeah. Right there . . . “ the masseur pressed on the knot in Joey’s back making him moan in pleasure. Seto licked his lips and turned his mind to figuring out what had made Golden Ball so mad.

“Ok Joey. Correct me if I get off track. Your boss liked to be called Goden Obaru a Japanization of the American Golden Ball. But Kin Koumaru means . . . God damnit. Wheeler you are an ass! He could have killed you just because you can’t resist a play on words like that?”

“Ok so I’m an idiot. I hated that man with a passion. He was . . . not . . . a good boss. To say the least. I’m not furniture.”

The masseur was Swedish and hadn’t understood much beyond Seto calling Joey a Baka and making him tense up again.

“Sirs, I’m sorry, but my Japanese isn’t good enough to keep up with that. I understand that it isn’t my business and I wouldn’t repeat anything, but please. Could you explain this?”

Joey sighed but Seto couldn’t help laughing a little.

“He called a very dangerous man Kin Koumaru. Which does mean Golden Ball, but Japanese words can mean several things and context has a lot to do with it. As well as tone of voice. Kin Koumaru can also mean tiny testicles.”

The masseur nearly collapsed laughing. Seto wanted to smack both of them. He still couldn’t believe that Joey was rash enough to let his mouth get him in such trouble.

“Ok. My turn. . . thank you.”

Joey swiped his keycard through the card reader and added a nice tip. The masseur folded his table and walked away still chuckling.

“You’re a big fake. I . . you ride a bike a lot better than you let on, so what gives. And don’t tell me you were trying to build up my confidence, ‘cause I’m not buying that one for a yen.”

“Ok. Simple. I’m a hentai.”

“Huh?”

“My teacher taught me by having me follow him, first in a sidecar driven by another man, then on my own bike. So . . . I figured you’d do the same.”

Joey sat down at the table and accepted the food the waiter brought, Seto had ordered while Joey was getting his massage.

“Still don’t get it. Seto, come on, don’t make me twist your arm.”

“I wanted to follow you.” Seto turned a fascinating shade of red. “I wanted to look at your ass. Ok?”

Joey choked on a grain of rice that went down the wrong way. “Ohmugod.” He spent several seconds coughing up the rice and getting a drink of tea.

“Ok? So I’m a great big pervert. You’ve got a great ass and I wanted to watch you ride from the back. Satisfied now?”

“Oh! Yeah. Really . . . you think I’ve got a nice ass?”

“Yeah I do. Can we just drop it now?”

“Sure. If you really want to. But . . . um . . . what . . . never mind.”

Seto exploded, the tension of the day finally getting to him. “Christ! Wheeler! Get a clue, will you. You’re Bi. I’m . . . not.”

“Yeah, all those beautiful girls really . . . “

“They’re nothing to me but . . . a smoke screen. I’m gay . . . Wheeler, that’s a very good imitation of a carp. Close your mouth.”

“Gay! I . . . you’re. . . oh.”

“Brilliant conversation Wheeler. Eat. I’m tired and I want to go to sleep.”

Neither one of them had much to say after that. Both men wrapped in their own thoughts, which were quite similar.

When they got back to the rooms Joey reached into the pocket of his robe and handed Seto a tiny case.

“What? I don’t want . . .”

Joey thrust the case into Seto’s hand with a snicker, “You’ll need them. They’re ear plugs.”

Seto accepted the case and crawled into his room. He fidgeted around for a while as Joey watched. Finally getting comfortable, he realized that he’d forgotten to close the privacy screen. Joey did it for him, but not before remarking, “Nice ass, Kaiba.”

Seto lay there with his mouth open for a moment, then settled down for the night.

Joey crawled into his room as well and settled easily into a light doze. Many nights of sleeping in this hotel and others like it and inured him to the noise. Besides it was a lot quieter than prison.

Seto slept all night, worn out by excitement, worry and some fear. Joey slept without dreams for the first night in many months. They both woke ravenous and grumpy.

Joey nearly dragged Seto to the restaurant, plopped down at a table and, when the waiter came over, demanded coffee light and sweet, and an American. Seto more politely asked for tea and a Danish.

“Damnit Seto, tea and a Danish isn’t breakfast. It’s a promise of food. Come on. Eat.”

“Joey, I’m not sure what an American is, but it’s sure to be heavy. I’m not much of a it’s-morning-stuff-myself-til-I’m-sick type.” Seto accepted a pot and cup from the waiter and watched Joey drink his coffee, then it dawned on him.

“Joey! You don’t take your coffee light and sweet. What’s up?”

“I need the extra calories. I’m starving here. And there’s every possibility that we won’t get food until dark. I’m just tanking up.”

Seto fished his phone out of his pocket and made a call to Roland while he drank his tea. The phone rang until Seto was afraid Roland had it turned off. When he answered he sounded groggy like he’d just awakened, which turned out to be the case.

“Mr. Kaiba. Morning. I just got up. Where are you?”

“Green Plaza. Quite the experience, I must admit. Did you find out anything yesterday?”

“Not much. But I checked on which houses are fit to live in. Did you know you own a fortress?”

“A . . excuse me?” Seto motioned Joey to come listen in on the conversation. Joey put his ear to the phone pressing it between his ear and Seto’s. Which put them cheek to cheek.

“You own a small fortress, castle, what ever you want to call it. It’s a small, walled complex, built in the Muromachi Era; about 1410, I think. It was supposed to be a tax shelter but Mr. Mokuba fell in love with it and has been overseeing the repairs. It’s not only just completed but it’s sure to be untainted. Let me get back to you.”

Seto turned towards Joey and jumped a foot, they were face to face, not more that half an inch apart. All either one of them would have to do was breath deeply

“Here. You two. That’s not appropriate. Break it up.”

“I’d like to break something up.” Joey snarled.

Seto just grunted. “Fuck.”