Rock Bottom: Season Two

Detonate

Walking back to the blimp with their friends, Seto was quiet and hung to the back. Mokuba was ahead of him, walking with Ryou. Anzu was already talking to Yugi about what they should do when they got home. Mai was chatting with Duke about the last tournament she'd competed in. Joey slowed down so that he was walking at Seto's side.

"That was a great duel," Joey said, still looking ahead. "Nice of Yug to let yah keep the god-cards."

Seto didn't answer, and Joey sighed. When he spoke again, he dropped his volume considerably.

"Look, you beat Noah, isn't that enough?"

"No."

They glanced at each other, and Joey felt a shiver run down his spine. It had been a long time since he last saw Seto look so... dissatisfied. He couldn't understand it. How could one loss against a friend outweigh a victory against a psychopath?

He opened his mouth, wanting to ask, but shut it again without making a sound. Even if Seto could explain, he wasn't sure he would get it.

Mokuba looked back over his shoulder and smiled at his brother. Joey saw the automatic softening of Seto's features when he smiled back.

He might be upset for now, Joey mused, but he'd get over it. He couldn't stay down for long, right? He glanced at Seto out of the corner of his eye. Then again, he'd known Seto to hold grudges in the past...

They didn't see any of the staff as they made their way back inside the blimp. They found Marik in the reception area, pacing along the walls with a tense look. When they entered, he lifted his head to smile at them and reached out a hand as Ryou approached.

"Who won?" he asked, ignoring Ryou's outstretched hand and reaching for his waist instead, tucking his boyfriend in against his side. Ryou blushed, but leaned into Marik's hold.

Unseen, Roland slipped away from the group.

"Yugi won the final match," Mai informed Marik. "He gets to keep his champion title, for now." She winked at the short teen, reminding him that she was still gunning for that title too.

Marik could feel eyes on him, and he turned to meet Seto's sharp gaze.

"Where's your sister?"

"She's in her room"—Seto took a step towards the hall—"but she asked not to be disturbed by anyone."

Seto stopped.

"Is she alright?" Anzu asked; such a request concerned her.

"She's feeling fine since she woke up," Marik assured. "But she said that she's working on something important right now and shouldn't be bothered."

"Hm." Seto frowned, and so did Yugi, but for different reasons.

Yugi was considering what Ishizu had said about Noah Kaiba's fate during her duel against him.

Seto was considering something less consequential.

Don't be so offended. It's not like she singled you out.

I'm not offended, Seto scoffed, his expression shifting to match his mood. If she doesn't want to thank the person who saved her soul, that's her business. I don't care.

Of course he cared, but he wouldn't admit that to Seth. He didn't even understand why such a tiny thing got under his skin like this.

It's hardly a "tiny thing," Seto. It's alright to be a little upset.

Shut up and mind your own business.

He could feel Seth's exasperation, but he respected his wish for silence. He was getting better at that.