Public Displays of Affection
"Seto?
The brunet didn't even look up from his computer to answer. "Hmm?"
"Are you ashamed of me?"
"Of course not, puppy."
"Do you find me attractive?"
"Yes, puppy. …Almost too attractive for your own good."
"…Do you like to touch me?"
"Very much so, puppy."
"So why don't you do it in public?" Joey blinked as the CEO sputtered and turned a bright shade of red that he hadn't even known possible, raising an eyebrow as he fell out of his chair. "Seto?"
"W-why would you want me to commit such a lewd act in public!? That's reserved for private and only for private!" Seto exclaimed, glaring at him. "I'm not an exhibitionist!"
The blond blinked innocently, then imitated his boyfriend in turning an attractive shade of red. "Seto! I didn't mean touching like that!" He covered his face, trying to make the thought go away. "That… that…! You pervert!"
"Well make what you mean clearer!"
"I meant why we never hold hands or kiss each other in public," he explained, uncovering his face and frowning. "I mean… you can barely keep your hands off of me when we're in private, so why don't you touch me in public?"
Seto sighed and rested his elbows on his knees. "…I don't know, Joey. I suppose it was beaten out of me. You'll notice that I don't even show Mokuba much affection in public. It's just… not something I do."
"…I see," Joey answered, then stood up from sitting on the bed and offered him a hand to help him to his feet. "I'm sorry I asked about it."
The brunet sighed and waved it away. "Never mind. You had every right to ask. I'm sorry, puppy."
"Oh! It's no problem! I was just wondering!" he laughed, rubbing the back of his head. "I… I think I'm going to go get a coffee or something."
"…Wait a minute and I'll come with you." When the blond nodded, he smiled and saved his work, then closed the laptop and stood. "Let's go."
Joey smiled innocently. "Okay."
-x-x-x-
Now that he looked for it, he realized that Seto kept a good six inches between them. …And he did it unconsciously. He'd inch closer, and Seto would inch away. When they brushed hands, he'd put his hand in his pocket. He felt his burning hatred for the brunet's step-father grow exponentially; it was his fault that they couldn't be intimate in public.
…Of course… people can be trained out of bad habits…
Seto blinked and looked down at his hand as the blond grabbed it, then stomped down on the urge to pull away. The hopeful look that Joey was giving out of the corner of his eye was too much; he didn't want to see the disappointment he'd cause if he recoiled.
Joey smiled brightly and leaned in to place a kiss on his cheek. "I love you lots, Seto."
He blushed lightly and rolled his eyes. "I love you too, puppy."
"Don't be like that! You know you like it!"
"Tch… I like it. That doesn't mean I have to enjoy the publicity we're going to get now that we're showing public affection."
"Pft! Who cares!"
"It could be bad for my business."
"…Yeah, what's your point?"
Seto sighed loudly, then turned to face his boyfriend, scowling at him. "Puppy, do us both a favor and shut up and kiss me."
The blond smiled went up on his toes to meet lips with him. "Yes, sir!"