Thread: Blue Eyes White Lover (Fox)

Ryou jerked at the sound of Harrison's voice. It hurt... The man was one of his friends. In fact, they all were, and that was why this whole fiasco caused a sharp pain in his chest that was all too familiar. Maybe he really did lose his only friend when Yugi banished Bakura. There was a burning in his eyes, and he shut them tightly to try and will it away. Tears clung to his eye lashes, but he managed to keep them from falling because the pain was quickly turning into something else. I am no-! But Kaiba was talking, and he wouldn't interrupt his boss. Not even to defend himself. A wave of relief washed over him and wiped away the majority of his anger. April was going to keep her job, and he was glad for that on many levels. Not only because they were friends, but because she was a valuable worker. She was smart, talented, and focused. Something he couldn't say for all of them. He watched Harrison's badge drop into the shredder, and listened to the metal blades grind away at the laminated paper. Just a few minutes ago, Ryou would have actually tried to stop Seto from firing him, but not now. Not this time. Why protect someone who was so willing to turn on him. I am not a rat, he stated firmly. Seto Kaiba knows everything that happens in this building. He doesn't need me to find things out for him. He followed it up with a firm nod. Thank you, Seto. For letting April stay. If it weren't for her, we never would have gotten the holograms to work on our own. Which was good. Coming to Kaiba to make that work would have made them all look like idiots. April, before you go... The woman jumped out of her stupor. Her life had just flashed before her eyes the moment Mannings spoke out of turn, and was only now able to jump out of it. Not that she hadn't heard her boss, of course. She was willing to help the man beside her pack his things. Y-yes? She asked, clearing her throat and shaking her head slightly. Why didn't any of you mention me during the meeting? We all had different reasons... I just didn't want you getting, well. She motioned to Harrison, who was still speechless and looking painfully at the shredder. Due to the contract he signed, he couldn't work for any competitor of Kaiba corp. His position as a game designer was practically over. And some of us just didn't want to give you any credit, she added, careful not to add any specific names. Well... Ryou paused, searching for the right words. He was hurt and angry, and he didn't want to make a fool of himself by causing some sort of scene. He took in a deep breath, forced away his tears and tried to make his voice as strong as possible. That's not possible anymore because now it's my game. And that was a strong leap of faith, if he'd heard Seto wrong, or if the CEO somehow misspoke, he would be in some serious trouble. And we're going to work together like a real team. So no more lying, to me or Seto. Understand? He was trembling, but so slightly that only Kaiba would be able to notice, and only if he cared enough to pay attention. Said team was wide eyed. Not only was the information a shocker, but almost moreso was the power behind Ryou's voice. They'd never heard it before. The albino was always sweet and soft spoken, but not now. Now he sounded commanding, like he'd suddenly grown a backbone. They all turned their attention to Kaiba, half expecting the poor kid to be fired on the spot for making such a bold claim.