Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Broken Hearts ❯ The End ( Chapter 15 )

Broken HeartsChapter 15: The EndAnubis_himura

~

Tristan woke up the next morning feeling bitter and angry. But he knew that his mission all along was to give Joey up. He just hadn’t expected Joey and Seto to be as close as possible already.

“Morning dear,” Tristan’s mother smiled to him. “Breakfast is on the table love.”

“Thanks mom.” He muttered.

Tristan ate his breakfast slowly and left for school ten minutes later than usual. He had half expected Joey to stop by – but he knew deep down that wouldn’t happen.

He walked in to homeroom five minutes after the bell with the same half life expression he had been carrying all morning. Finally the bell rang for his second class and he realized where he must go. It was time for geometry class.. with Joey.

“Hey Tristan.” Yugi said, meeting up with him in the hallway. “You look dead tired.”

“Yeah. I’m exhausted.” Tristan didn’t feel like talking about the truth.

“Well, only four days till the weekend.” Yugi smiled.

“It’s true.”

“Best get to class.”

Yugi led the way to class, merrily chatting about his latest achievements in one thing and the next. Tristan nodded and mumbled his agreements but he was no more paying attention to Yugi’s drone then Yugi was paying attention to his depression.

Tristan sat down in class and as the bell rang Joey walked in. The pair made a tense and awkward eye contact before Joey rushed to his seat and refused to look up from his desk the rest of class.

~

Tristan’s foul disposition carried on throughout the week. He was angry that Joey had made no effort to reignite their friendship – but he was even more angry that he had done nothing either. Furthermore, he just wanted things to be normal again; and the fact that he felt like he couldn’t talk to anyone about it was making him even more upset.

He closed his locker and headed to the cafeteria. It was lunch time on Thursday afternoon when the sadness and heartbreak hit him again at full force. He had seen that smile before, those twinkling eyes and outright laughter.. it had been a moment between himself and Joey.. when Joey would only smile for Tristan. Tristan hadn’t seen that smile in a while.. until then.

“Hey Tristan.” Duke said, “So what’s up with that?” he asked, pointing to where Tristan was looking.

“I don’t know.” Tristan shrugged, sitting down at the end of a table far away from the one he was staring at.

“Hey guys, why are you sitting way over here? Don’t we usually sit by the wind.. oh.” Yugi had joined the boys and looked to see a startling sight.

At the table that had Duke looking perplexed, and Tristan looking as though he were in complete despair, were Joey and Seto sitting together eating lunch. That was not the most mesmerizing idea, but the fact that Joey was laughing and playfully hitting Seto was something that shocked all who watched. An even more amazing fact was the rare smile that Seto returned to Joey when he thought no one was looking. “When did that happen?” Yugi asked.

“This weekend.” Tristan said idly, relieved that he could finally talk about.

“What happened?” Tea asked, joining the boys.

“Well..” Tristan dived into the story of the weekend, allowing everyone to know what had happened. He had decided it was time.

~

Joey laughed at Seto’s story; it was a cute anecdote of Seto’s past, a rare thing to hear about. Joey smiled that he got to know just a little more about the man he had come to love.

Seto smirked at Joey’s laugh. He liked seeing his lovers eyes light up, it made him feel good to cause such a joy in another human being.

Joey looked up to see his friends staring rather obviously at them. Without realizing it he frowned sulkily as he looked away from them.

“What’s wrong?” Seto asked, realizing that Joey’s mood had suddenly changed.

“Nothing.” Joey said, trying to avoid the subject.

Seto cupped Joey’s face, turning Joey’s head toward him. “What’s wrong?” he asked again, pure concern laced in his tenor resonation.

“I don’t like being made a spectacle.” He said softly. “I just wish I could get up the courage to talk to them.”

Seto didn’t have to look over to understand what Joey meant. Through his peripherals he saw Joey’s group of friends staring at them. He released Joey’s face and turned the other way. “If you want..” Seto began, “well, we don’t have to talk in public if you’re more comfortable with that.” He said.

“That’s not the problem Seto. I like that you talk to me in public. I just.. I don’t know.. I feel like my friends are gone or something.” Joey put his head down on the table. “I know it’s lame, but I can’t help feeling that way.”

“It’s not lame Joey.” Seto said, trying his best to be comforting. “We’ll talk tonight okay? I’m going to go to the library. I’ll see you after school.” Seto resisted the urge he had to kiss Joey good-bye as he got up hastily and walked out of the lunch room.

Joey left his head on the table the rest of the lunch period and tried not to drown in the sea of his thoughts.

~

Joey had somehow avoided his friends all week; except for that one minor lunch instance. Other than that there had not been really any interaction and he could avoid the whole situation. In classes he just didn’t look up from his desk, and in the halls he had been taking different routes to avoid them. He didn’t know why but he felt as though he couldn’t see his friends. It was a mental block he had in his mind, but it wouldn’t leave him alone. He had invented this idea that his friends all hated him and it would never be the same no matter what he did to try and make things right. He had avoided Tristan to, wanting to give him space.. at first. The plan was to give him space and then apologize like crazy, but now that he had waited so long to do anything he felt as though he couldn’t go and say anything to Tristan because it was too late. It had only been four days, but that was 96 hours of wallowing in his own sadness. There had been moments of those 96 hours where he felt comforted, whether it was by a surprisingly kind remark that Seto had made, or a gesture rarely seen by the stoic boy; there were a few moments he had smiled. The rest of the time was Joey wondering how long it would take him to get Tristan to forgive him, and therefore acquire all of his friends back.

It was Friday afternoon, and he sat down at lunch. He hated lunch the most. If he sat with Seto it made him look like he had shunned all his friends and only had eyes for Seto.. if he tried to sit with his friends it had the potential to be awkward.. but if he sat alone then no body would be his friend and everyone would think he was a jerk.

He sat by the window, alone. He didn’t know where Seto was, and none of his friends seemed to have made it to lunch yet. He thought that finally he might be off the hook, until a surprisingly happy Yugi came bounding his way.

“Hey Joey!” Yugi said, sitting across the table from his friend. “Long time no see! How are things going?”

Joey couldn’t tell if Yugi really wanted to say something else, that wasn’t so polite and casual, but it wasn’t Yugi’s style to beat around the bush.. or pretend to be nice. Joey smiled and responded with the usual jumble of words: “Yea, I guess I’ve felt kind of awkward lately. I bet Tristan told you by now.” He looked away, as though he were afraid of getting a reprimand.

“Yea he did. What a weird twist eh? Who’da thought, you and Seto?” Yugi laughed but didn’t seem to think much else of it. “How’s that going?” Yugi asked, taking a rather large bite of his sandwich.

Joey hesitated, not sure what was happening, “Um, it’s going well actually. He’s really.. er nice to me.. usually.”

Tea, Duke, and Mai joined them, providing smiles as their greetings, “What are we talking about?” Tea asked.

“Joey and Seto.” Yugi said.

“Cool. Where is iceman?” Duke chimed in.

“I’m not sure.” Joey said, and as though he were working on a timed cue Seto Kaiba entered the lunch room. He caught Joey’s eye and smiled, but then realized who Joey was sitting with. He had already began his trek over to his lover and decided it would be rude to just turn about and leave.. but then again when had he ever cared about being rude? That boy is no good for me. Seto decided.

“I’m sorry I didn’t realize you were in the midst of conversation.” Seto said upon arrival at the table. “Jounouchi I will talk to you later.” He said, turning to walk away.

“You can sit here.” Yugi said. He knew that he should hate his rival, but he had no reason to. Besides that fact that Seto got a little over enthusiastic during their Duel Monsters games there was really no reason for them to be rivals at all.

“Yea, you don’t have to leave.” Joey said, growing bolder, and realizing that Seto would not stay for the whim of Yugi alone.

Seto turned and almost smiled as he sat down next to Joey. “Thank you.” he said.

“Sure.” Yugi smiled. “Hey we still have to have our rematch.” He said, hoping that Seto was in a playful mood.

“Do you want to cry?” Seto said, but not in his usual deathly tone, but rather in a tone that suggested that he was being mischievous and friendly.

“You wish. You know I school you every time.” Yugi said.

“That’s not fair! You’re like possessed or something.” Seto huffed, looking akin to a five year old as he crossed his arms over his chest.

Joey smiled at his lover, “You’re adorable.” He blurted out without thinking.

This caused Seto to blush a ridiculous shade of red and look away; this got quite a giggle from the group and a fuming Seto.

Tristan came into the lunchroom, he had been talking to his teacher after class and finally made it to lunch. He looked to see his friends sitting with Joey and Seto.. laughing? They looked like they were having a good time.. and for some reason that bothered him. Tristan couldn’t explain why, but it made him angry that his friends were laughing with Seto Kaiba. What made him angrier was that Seto Kaiba was smiling slightly himself. Tristan tried to work up the courage to go sit with them.. after all, they were his friends too.. and there was plenty of room at the table. But he couldn’t do it – he could not bring himself to have lunch with the person who had avoided him like the plague all week, and the enemy who had taken his Joey away from him. He sat with headgear Harriet and tried to avoid looking at the happy group of friends by the window.. but of course his eyes wandered there nonetheless. This has been a sucky week. He concluded.

~

Joey felt a million times better after school that day. He went home in his own car, since Seto had a business meeting to attend. Seto had invited Joey’s friends over to his mansion on Saturday for a “commoner barbeque” and a rematch against Yugi. The group had eagerly accepted, wanting an excuse to hang out at the mansion and do practically nothing all day; and Yugi always looked forward to beating Seto in Duel Monsters.

Joey was still discouraged that Tristan never came to lunch; but it was kind of better that way he reasoned. If Tristan had shown up, the atmosphere might have tensed and then things would not have gone quite as smoothly. Joey did secretly hope that the gang would extend the invitation to Tristan. He knew that Tristan wouldn’t come; and that Seto might find that odd, but Joey wanted Tristan to know that he cared.

“Master Joey, we have arrived.” Seth brought him out of his thoughts as the limo stopped under the carport of the mansion.

“Thanks Seth.” He said, opening the limousine door.

He went to his room and changed out of his school uniform. Joey considered writing the three thousand word essay he had to write for his Japanese class, but he decided that could wait. Instead he flopped himself into a chair and turned on the television. He looked out his sitting area’s window and turned off the TV. It was a nice afternoon out and he decided not to waste his time inside.

“Seth, I’m going to go downtown.” He said, as he walked past his butler. He still found it odd that Seth was nearby every time Joey ‘needed’ him. “You can have the rest of the weekend off buddy.” He said.

“Thank you Joey.” Seth said, bowing to show his gratitude (and as a touch of habit).

“No problem. See ya Monday.” He said, walking out the front door of the Kaiba mansion.

As he walked down the sloping, twisted driveway another limousine pulled up and stopped just after passing him. Seto was home.

Joey stopped and turned to face the limousine, he figured Seto wouldn’t bother getting out so he walked up to the door with a smile. The door swung open and he had to back up to avoid getting hit by it.

“Oh, I was coming out to see you.” Seto said idly, having not realized Joey was next to the door. “Where are you off to?” he asked curiously, not demandingly.

“I was going to head downtown and go to the arcade or something. It was such a nice afternoon I didn’t really feel like staying inside.” Joey did not feel afraid of Seto anymore, he knew that he could say what he wanted and Seto (though he might not like it) would accept it.

“That sounds fun. I don’t blame you for not wanting to be inside. Then again, when do I go out?” Seto seemed nervous or fidgety about something.

“Something up Seto?” Joey asked.

“Well, I was hoping you would go to the grocery store with me.” Seto said, looking rather embarrassed.

Joey was somewhat confused by this request, “Sure.. but doesn’t Joanna or Maurissa usually do the shopping?”

“Yea. I mean, I could send one of them out. Only, its for the gathering tomorrow, and I sort of wanted your input.” Seto admitted.

“Oh! Like, you want to know what everyone likes to eat?” Joey asked.

“Yea.”

“Sure. Want to go now? Did you want to change first? Or did you want to just go? You just got out of your meeting, are you tired?” Joey tended to ask a lot of questions on the rare occasion that Seto wanted to spend time with him; and especially when Seto was feeling nice.

“Let me just go up to my room and change into more appropriate attire. I hardly think a nine hundred dollar Armani suit should be worn to the commoner market.” Seto got back into his limousine.

Joey waited for Seto’s return. He didn’t know if he should follow or not, so he didn’t. Instead he spoke with the guards about nothing in particular while he waited. He saw Seto coming down the driveway and he excused himself from further conversation.

The sun was setting behind Seto and the glow behind him seemed surreal. He was wearing blue jeans and a plain black shirt that fit his build rather nicely. It was rare that Seto Kaiba was seen in something besides his school uniform, a suit, or his trench-coat. Joey couldn’t help but ogle him.

“Did you want to take the car?” Joey asked.

“No, a walk sounds nice.” Seto said. “We’ll have the car pick us up. Unless you want to carry all of the groceries.” Seto gave Joey a playful smirk, another rarely seen thing when it came to Seto Kaiba.

“I’m all set.” Joey said back as they began their trek downtown.

The walk was silent, but comfortable. Seto seemed eager to be out doing something leisurely, and Joey was obviously happy to be walking with Seto.. in public!

“Thank you.” Joey said suddenly.

“For?” Seto asked.

“For inviting my friends over this weekend. That was nice of you.”

“Well,” Seto blushed slightly. “I do owe Moto a rematch.”

Joey smiled, and let the subject drop.

“Have you talked to Tristan?” Seto asked.

Joey didn’t respond. Seto nodded in understanding. “I’m sorry if I’m the cause of all this. I mean I am the cause of all your troubles. I’m sorry Joey.”

Joey was stunned that Seto apologized; although, if Seto was going to apologize to anyone it would be the blonde next to him. Joey smiled at this.

“It’s okay. It’s my fault too. Besides, I’m sure if I just got up the courage to talk to him this could all be reconciled. My friends don’t hate me, that’s a big help.”

“You have some good friends Joey. I’ve often admired you and you’re little group.”

Joey didn’t really know what to say to that. He had always thought that Seto hated him and all his friends, and that he was too high and mighty to care about anyone but himself (and occasionally his little brother). Joey had fallen in love with him anyway, even back then, for reasons he couldn’t understand.

They walked on in silence. There was a great deal of silence between the two lovers, but it was okay. They hadn’t shown any real form of affection toward each other since that one night they had and Joey was beginning to wonder if they would have interaction again. Before long Seto and Joey walked into the grocery store and began browsing up and down each aisle.

“So, what kinds of things are we looking for?” Joey asked as they walked down the fifth aisle without much interest.

“I’m not sure.” Seto admitted. “That’s why I brought you.”

“Oh, and here I thought it was a clever ruse to get me to spend time with you.” Joey smiled.

“You caught me.” Seto looked up and down the aisle, checking for signs of anyone around, when he saw no one he cupped Joey’s chin, turning his face toward him and kissed him lightly.

“I knew it.” Joey muttered, wrapping his arms around Seto and deepening the kiss.

Seto pulled away soon after and looked around again. Joey realized by his attitude that Seto was not a fan of public displays of affection, not that he could blame the Kaiba heir. Joey turned and spotted Puffy Cheese Poofs and thought immediately of Tristan, since they were his favorite cheesy snack.
“My friends will pretty much eat anything.” Joey said.

“Well, that’s helpful.” Seto said in a semi-sarcastic tone, grabbing a bag of assorted snacks.

“I’ll go grab some soda.” Joey said, ignoring Seto’s tone, and as he turned he bumped into someone. “I’m sorry ma’am.” He said. “Oh, Mrs. Taylor. How are you doing?” Joey asked.

“Hello Joey dear, I haven’t seen you much lately. Been busy with school?”

“Yes ma’am.” Joey said, only partially lying. “How is Tristan? I haven’t seen much of him lately.”

“Really? He has been rather distant lately, I’m not really sure how he is, and he seems upset. Is everything alright?”

Joey wanted to say something, but it was so hard for him to speak when he didn’t know if it was his place. “I think so. Probably just school stress and things like that.”

“Yes. Well he’s around here somewhere; you two should chat for a moment. It is the weekend after all.” She smiled and picked up a bag of Puffy Cheese Poof’s. “These are his favorite, maybe they’ll cheer him up.” She placed the snack in her cart and pat Joey on the shoulder. “Whatever problems you two are having, you’ll work them out.” And with that she disappeared around the corner.

Joey smiled after her and continued his search for soda. During the interaction between Joey and Tristan’s mother Seto had stood by, not wanting to eavesdrop but hearing nonetheless. He realized that Tristan’s mother was right, Joey and Tristan would work out this problem.. but not without some help from Seto. He realized that half of the problem was his own fault, and he made it his goal to have Tristan and Joey make up.

Seto took the opportunity of being alone to wandered off and find Tristan. He had heard when Joey was talking to Tristan’s mother that Tristan was also in the store, and he sought out the teen, wandering through each aisle.

Seto finally came upon Tristan in the deli area and he tapped him lightly on the shoulder to get his attention.. Tristan turned around and stared in disbelief at Seto.

“Kaiba?” he asked, not really sure if his eyes were deceiving him.

“Tristan, I know that I am not your favorite person but I wanted to extend an invitation to you to my house tomorrow. We are having a small gathering and I would like you to come because I hate to think that you and Joey are still mad at each other.”

“You talk a lot for someone who has nothing to say.” Tristan said, turning away from Seto.

“Tristan, I do not often throw myself at the mercy of other people; but, even though you two are not talking currently, I am sure it would mean the world to Joey if you were there tomorrow.” Seto said with a twinge importunate.

Tristan said nothing and Seto resigned to giving up.. for now. “Well, think it over at your leisure. It will be an all day thing, if you chose you may come over whenever you like.”

Seto turned around and saw Joey a few rows down. “Joey,” he called, striding up to Joey easily and leading him in the opposite direction of Tristan.

Tristan turned slightly, catching a glimpse of the blonde walking away with Seto. He felt angry and wanted to go up to Joey now while he had the nerve and the chance.

“Tristan dear, do we have jelly at home?” Tristan’s mother walked up to him.

“I’m not sure mom.” Tristan said, any ambition for chasing down Joey had completely left.

“I ran into Joey. You should try and find him, I’m sure he’s still around here somewhere. I haven’t seen much of him lately; you should invite him over this weekend.”

“Actually mom I think I’m going to his place this weekend. I was just invited. I haven’t decided if I’m going or not.” Tristan said, not feeling like talking about the subject anymore.

“Oh. Well you should go then. Schoolwork can wait. I know you’re busy but you should go and have fun for a night. Oh I forgot mayonnaise, be right back Tristan.”

~

Joey leaned back allowing Seto to dominate him. Seto took this advantage and ravaged his lovers’ neck. After returning from their shopping expedition Seto had surprised Joey by capturing his lips in a simple kiss. The kiss had turned into a heated mass as Seto lifted Joey onto the counter and kissed him feverishly. Joey was currently sitting atop the counter with his legs wrapped tightly around Seto, keeping Seto close to him. As the passion increased Joey unbuttoned his lovers pants and shimmied them down his legs; Seto made quick work of Joey’s pants as well, pulling them off easily.

This was only Seto’s second time with his lover, and it was all so new and exciting; especially the fact that they were in this obvious location where any number of servants could come by at any second. It was a fabulous rush of excitement and only increased his euphoria.

~

Tristan sat in his room working on a paper; he looked at the clock for the twelfth time, it was only 12:30. Tristan sighed heavily; he had looked at the clock every minute, willing time to go faster. He wanted to see Joey and talk about all that was wrong, but he didn’t want to do it at a group gathering, and especially not at Seto Kaiba’s. He unplugged his clock and went back to work on his paper, now there would be no distraction.

~

Joey enjoyed watching Seto and Yugi duel. Usually he would be standing on the sidelines making snide remarks to Tristan about Seto and rooting for Yugi; this time he was rooting for both players and there was no Tristan to be found.

“I call upon my blue eyes-“ Seto started to say.

“Don’t you have any other cards?” Joey asked.

Seto looked at him with a semi-dangerous expression.

“Well,” Joey continued, “It’s just that, you always resort to that card. It’s no wonder Yugi beats you so easily. You’re too easy to read.” Joey said.

“I bet you couldn’t defeat me.” Seto said.

“I’m not saying I could or I couldn’t. I mean Yugi’s a talented player for sure; but that doesn’t change the fact that you’re easy to read.” Joey remarked.

“Fine. See if Yugi can defeat me with this strategy.” Seto looked at his cards and formulated a new plan for winning that did not involve the blue eyes.

In five minutes Seto was defeated. “But.. how.. wha-?” Seto stared at the holographic playing field.

“Sorry Seto.” Yugi said. “Better luck next time. Great duel.” He extended his hand for a shake.

“You’re going down Moto.” Seto said, picking Yugi up by the collar and dropping him in the pool. He stood on the edge of the pool and laughed at a sopping wet Yugi shaking his hair out of his face.

“That was uncalled for Kaiba.” Joey said sternly.

Seto looked at Joey; he hadn’t been called Kaiba by his lover in a while. “I’m sorry Joey.” He said. “Here Yugi.” He extended his hand to Yugi to help him out of the pool.

Yugi smiled and grabbed Seto’s hand yanking him into the pool. Joey laughed hysterically and high-fived Yugi when he got out of the pool.

“Ha ha yes very comical.” Seto said treading water as he worked his way to the edge of the pool. He hoisted himself up and looked at Joey with a smirk.

“Oh no, get away.” Joey began backing up.

“What? I’m not doing anything.” Seto said following Joey.

“No, go away.” Joey smiled as Seto advanced.

Seto caught Joey in a gripping hug and tried to wrestle his lover into the pool. “I won’t fall in.” Joey said.

“You boys are being silly.” Mai said walking up with Tea.

Yugi walked up behind Tea and Mai and gave a well placed shove causing Mai to stumble and grab on to Tea for support, which caused Tea to waver and grab for Yugi. Mai fell into the pool, dragging Tea with her, who in turn snatched Yugi as well. The three created an incredible splash just as Seto finally wrestled Joey into submission and they both fell into the pool. The five teens laughed at themselves and decided playing in the pool wasn’t such a bad idea.

“Looks like this is where the party is.”

Joey swiveled around to see Tristan approaching the pool. He felt his throat tighten and tried to say something but nothing intelligible was formed.

“Care to join us?” Seto offered.

“Can I talk to Joey for a second?” he asked.

Joey nodded and climbed out of the pool. “We’ll be right back.” He said to the others and he and Tristan went into the house.

Joey stood inside the kitchen, not sure where a good place to talk was. “I’m glad you came today.” He began.

“I almost didn’t.” Tristan said.

“Look, Trist-“

“You don’t have to say anything. It’s.. I understand. I’m not mad anymore.” He sat down on one of the barstool chairs at the island counter.

“But, I have to say that I am sorry. I hadn’t meant for things to happen the way they did. I..”

“I know you didn’t. I didn’t either. Somehow I knew that the day would come when Seto smartened up. I wasn’t prepared for it, but I understand now. I forgive you; and I’m sorry too.”

“I can’t stand not being your friend.” Joey said close to tears.

“I can’t either. But you’ll always be my best friend. That never changed and it never will.” Tristan pulled Joey into a loving hug. Joey hugged him back, appreciating the moment.

“You’re my best friend too buddy. I missed you.”

“I missed you too.” Tristan said pulling away from the hug. “Come on, lets go hang out with the others.”

“Okay.” Joey smiled and the pair walked out to the pool.

Seto smiled as Joey came back. He gathered by the happy expression on Joey’s face that every thing went well.

“Well it seems to be a theme that in order to hang out you got to get pushed in the pool.” Joey said smirking at Tristan.

“You wouldn’t dare.” Tristan said.

“Maybe not.” Joey said, watching as Yugi came up behind Tristan.

“But I would.” Yugi pushed Tristan into the pool and laughed at his sodden friend. “Cannonball!” Yugi jumped back into the pool followed by Joey. The party ensued and everything seemed to be falling into place.

~

I left it open for the potential of more (either an epilogue or a more firm conclusion). But for now everything is solved and over and done; and this is where I leave you. I am so sorry this story took me so long to write and create. I hope you enjoyed it nonetheless! Thanks for reading everyone!! ^_^ - much love, Anubis!