All The Small Things [puppyshipping]

1. Seto

When two things are placed close together with a contrasting effect we call that juxtaposition.

When two people are placed close together with a contrasting effect we call that love.

The comparison highlights the individual's similarities and differences lending to joint understanding.

The first and foremost meaning of juxtaposition is perhaps why Seto Kaiba thought about hiring one Joey Wheeler. The application declared that he worked mainly as a specialized security consultant. Which was just a fancy way of saying Joey would go where he pointed and occasionally those places wouldn't be legal. The resume was good, a recommendation for Pegasus was nothing to overlook.

Lingering sentiment and nostalgia might be another factor in Joey's hiring. No one had ever accused Seto Kaiba of being sentimental. A shocking fact as he ran a childhood toy company. Sentiment the sort of emotion that Kaiba rarely indulged in. Sentiment was solely reserved for his brother, Mokuba or the Blue-Eyes White Dragon.

Nostalgia? Now that was anyone's guess. It was true Joey Wheeler had been part of his graduating class. The man was admittedly an accomplished duelist. Seto grimaced further pursuing the blonds application.

"Brother," Mokuba said concern written on his face, "Is it another headache?"

Words of denial swam to the forefront of his mind but he attempted humor instead.

"This entire thing is a headache," He frowned over the paperwork about the latest quarters results, "To the point, I'm considering hiring Joey Wheeler."

"Don't be ridiculous," Mokuba stated.

"You're right." He pressed a hand to his temple and considered tossing the CVC in the trash.

"That's not the only reason you're thinking about hiring him," His brother continued. "I've seen you humming over that same folder for a month now this isn't a new decision."

"Mokuba," Seto grumbled. "You talk as if my mind's made up."

The younger of the two arched his eyebrow. "You're trying to tell me you've become indecisive?"

"No," Seto protested returning his brother's arch look. He studied the image of Wheeler that had been included with the file. The blonds hair had gotten longer since graduation, his eyes kept the same steel, but his lips are quirked up in that infuriating way.

"It would be amusing to have him working under me."

His brother snickers. "You said it not me."

"Mokuba!" Seto exclaimed.

"That's my name." The younger grinned wryly and packed his work up, It still surprised Kaiba how tall he was. They had both changed with time. He kept seeing Mokuba as eight or ten and prone to getting kidnapped of barely clearing the top of his desk. Of course Seto's desk at work, the entire office was made for intimidation. Here in the comfort of home things were a bit different. "When did you get so big?"

Mokuba paused and crossed his arms. "Probably when I started Aikido lessons, sleeping right, and not drinking too much coffee to stunt my growth." He pointedly lectured.

"I don't like it, get shorter," Seto demanded ruffling the youngers hair. "I'm a more than acceptable height squirt." He mused taking the hint and grabbing his briefcase to leave the office.

"Brother those boots have heel, you're not fooling anybody."

"Oh, as the main driving force behind my wardrobe shouldn't you look into that?"

The brothers had quickly realized scaring old corporate seat warmers meant considering every part of Seto's appearance. Being a railroad thin teen in a suit could only get you so far.

However, if it was the right suit and the right boots that made the teen that much taller. It also helped if said teen was rather determined. Things like that changed the game.

Having been so slight wasn't his fault Seto reasoned. Maybe if he hadn't skimped on eating his greens so much, or started life malnourished he wouldn't have been such beanpole when he was younger. He'd grown into his height over the years and Mokuba's jabs were unwarranted.

Why had he ever trusted the kid with managing wardrobe? Because his brother had been oh so cute and wide-eyed when he crossed his arms. Just like he was doing now, Seto caved.

It could also have been due to a questionable state of sobriety after a company party.

At some point the whole thing may have gone too far, Seto knew what people thought when they looked at him and took in all those leather straps, buckles, and swooshing coats. Privately he admitted shocking wardrobe demonstrations had become fun!

Then there was the dreaded purple coat incident. That was one coat he would never miss. He shuddered to think of it.The entire fashion disaster just further proved, that yes he Seto Kaiba can indeed look attractive in anything. It was almost worth the comments and losing that bet to Mokuba, though nothing can describe how satisfying it had been to watch that coat burn.

Seto had promised never to drink too heavily again. It just wasn't professional.

Mokuba had been growing up before his eyes and started his own fashion line in partnership with Yuugi Mutou and Duke Devlin of all people. He had to admit a certain amount of pride in his brothers business expertise. Mokuba had built the brand largely himself and was a dedicated worker.

"Brother are you going to stare at the Elevator all night or are we going to enter it?" Mokuba piped up.

Seto's long strides had already carried them to the Elevator, his mind operating on route memory. The nights he'd been spending at the office had ticked up again. Mokuba had every right to be concerned but a company didn't run itself.

He took in their reflection Mokuba was nearing his shoulder, a startling thought. He looked much the same as ever if slightly more tired. He spared a thought for the picture of Wheeler. He wondered how old the mutts sister would be now.

"Yes, little brother." He said all at once adrift due to the passage of time. The machine made a soft ding as the doors closed behind them. "I'm going to hire wheeler." Seto decided as the Elevator carried them down.

"I knew it!" Mokuba crowed childishly tugging his tie loose.

Seto huffed. "He's a good applicant."

"And?"

"And, it might be nice to see a familiar face." Seto ground out ignoring Mokuba's smug expression. His lips curved into a smirk the same expression he wore when making a beneficial business deal. "Besides he did always do the most amusing things when I beat him."