Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Dead End Street ❯ chapter10 ( Chapter 10 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Dead End Street

by Dragondreamer and Yami Dragon

Disclaimer: We don't own Yu-Gi-Oh! DUH! If we did, the show wouldn't be fit for kids, that's for sure!

Warning: This story contains shouenen-ai (guy/guy relationships) and yaoi (guys having sex with guys). It also contains coarse language and violence. If you don't like it, or become offended by such things, what are you doing here? Haven't you figured out by now that all our writing contains this stuff?

WARNING: THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS EXPLICIT YAOI(MALE/MALE SEX) AND MAY OFFEND SOME PEOPLE. IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT, DON'T READ IT!

Note: /…/ Tristan's thoughts

[…] Seto's thoughts

{…} Ryou's thoughts and mind link to Bakura

{{…}} Bakura's thoughts and mind link to Ryou

~*~*~*~*~

DD: No, we're NOT dead!

YD: We moved. And it was hell on wheels.

DD: We're so sorry for the long wait between chapters, but we're doing our best.

YD: Yeah. Real life sucks.

~*~*~*~*~

A/N: We've noticed that when we post to AFF, some of the text gets changed; words deleted, repeated and messed up, that sort of thing. We ALWAYS read over our work several times before posting to avoid misspelled words and anything like that. Thought you'd want to know. Enjoy the chapter!

~*~*~*~*~

Bakura walked into the den to find Yami and Seto sitting on the couch talking and Mokuba and Yugi playing a video game on the huge television.

Seto looked up as the white haired man entered the room, his eyes narrowing slightly. “How's Ryou?”

“Sleeping finally.” Bakura perched on the arm of the sofa. “Kendra's lying down with him.”

Yami's look was less constrained than the young CEO's. “Joey went with Tristan to the club, in case you were wondering.”

Bakura snorted at the sarcasm in Yami's voice. “Get bent, Yami.”

With a growl, Yami was off the couch, grabbing Bakura by the arm and pulling him up, the Sennen Eye flashing on his forehead. “What is your fucking problem, Tomb Robber?!”

The room went deathly silent, the other three occupants staring with open mouths.

“Get your hands off me, Pharaoh.” Bakura snarled.

Seto jumped up as dark energy began to crackle around the two combatants. Saying a quick prayer to whatever power might be willing to protect him, he stepped between the two men.

“I will NOT have this going on in my house.” He said coldly. “Back down. Both of you.” When neither obeyed him, he grabbed Yami by the collar of his shirt and yanked him away from Bakura. “Now!”

“You don't deserve him.” Yami ground out, brushing Seto's hands off him and stalking from the room.

Yugi scrambled up from his spot and ran after his other half.

“He's right, you know.” Seto said quietly. “You don't deserve Joey. Not after the way you treated him today. He loves you.”

Bakura avoided the brunet's eyes. “I have to take care of my light.”

“Bakura, do you even realize how much Joey loves you? A year ago, he was homophobic to the point of insanity. Yet he was able to put that aside and love you. Do you have any REAL idea what that means?” Seto felt his anger flare as Bakura continued to stare at the floor. “Look at me when I'm speaking to you, damn it!”

Mokuba stood up, edging toward the door. He hoped his brother wasn't going to end up in the Shadow Realm. Maybe he'd better go find Yami. He bolted from the room, unnoticed.

“Do you have any idea what it means to be yami, Seto?” Bakura asked softly, still not looking at the other. “To know that you failed the one you are supposed to protect?”

Seto sighed, feeling the anger draining somewhat. He reached out and gently gripped Bakura's shoulder. “No. Not really. But, Bakura, when you love someone, you have a responsibility to them. To their happiness. I would give up everything if Tristan asked it of me. I would lay down my life and my soul for him. That's how much I love him.”

Bakura finally looked up, meeting Seto's steady gaze, and the brunet was shocked to see tears glistening in the deep brown eyes.

“Help me, Seto.” Bakura whispered in a broken voice, the tears escaping. “Help me make it up to him. I don't know how.”

Seto bit his lip. Such an admission coming from the spirit of the Ring required that he respond in kind. He was well aware of what it took Bakura to say that. He reached out, taking Bakura by the arms and drawing him close.

Bakura stiffened as Seto's arms came around him. No one but Joey was allowed to hold him like this.

Joey.

A hard sob tore from the white haired man and he grabbed onto Seto, burying his face in the other's chest and allowing sorrow to take control of him.

~*~*~*~*~

“Tristan?!” Tony's eyes went wide.

Tristan grinned and ran around the bar, grabbing the other right off the barstool and throwing his arms around him. “Gods! Tony! It's great to see you!”

Tony laughed, hugging his old friend back. “It's good to see you too, Tris.”

Tristan set Tony at arm's length, smiling at him. “You look great, man. Gods, you're the LAST person I expected to see in here! Let me buy you a drink.”

“Do you work here?” Tony asked as Tristan let go of him and they both settled onto barstools.

“Nope.” Tristan shook his head. “I own the place.”

“Really?!”

Tristan laughed. “Yeah. It was a birthday present from my husband.”

“I heard about that.” Tony cocked his head to one side. “I thought you hated the guy. I mean, when you were in Italy, you told me what a dick he was.”

“Stranger things have happened.” Tristan replied with a smile, handing Tony a bottle of beer as the bartender placed two in front of him. “What brings you to Japan?”

“Well, I'm here to…”

“Tris?”

Tristan turned around, seeing Joey behind him and missing the shocked look at crossed Tony's features.

It was HIM! Bakura's boyfriend. What was he doing here?

“Hey, Joey,” Tristan drew the blond forward. “I want you to meet someone. This is Tony Andretti. I went to school with him in Italy.”

“Nice to meet you.” Joey mumbled.

Tony pulled a smile out from somewhere and plastered it on. He couldn't let them know his awareness of Joey went beyond what Tristan had shared with him when they knew each other in Italy.

“It's nice to meet you too, Joey.” He leaned toward the blond so the other could hear him over the music. “Though I feel like I already know you from everything Tristan has told me.”

Joey shrugged and sat down next to Tristan, accepting the bottle the bartender immediately handed him.

“So what are you doing here?” Tristan claimed Tony's attention again.

Tony shrugged nonchalantly. “I decided to travel.”

“Where are you staying?”

“I…well…I kinda have a boyfriend.” Tony replied. “But…we had a fight.”

Joey's interest was captured by that. “What about?”

“Something stupid. I don't…I don't know though.” Tony felt a little uncomfortable. Here he was, having a beer and chatting with a man he had tried to have killed. “I think it might be over.”

Tristan grasped Tony by the arm. “Do you love him?”

Tony met Tristan's eyes and nodded. “Yes, I do.”

“Have you told him?”

“No.” Tony looked intently at the bottle in his hand. “I can't. He's…I can't explain it.”

“Tony.” Joey reached across Tristan and the Italian man saw there were tears swimming in the amber eyes. “Tell him. If you really love him, then that should be all that matters.”

Tony blinked. There was something there he hadn't expected to see. In those tear filled eyes was a wounded love. Tony knew he should feel elated that there was obviously a division between the man he hated and the man Bakura loved. But somehow, looking into that hurt gaze, he couldn't.

“He wouldn't want to hear it.” Tony said.

Joey shook his head. “If you do, he should know. No matter what happened, no matter what you fought about, if you really love him, you should tell him.”

Tristan put his arm around Joey's shoulders, drawing him against him. “It's okay, buddy.” He said quietly.

Joey leaned against his friend, the tears escaping, and just let himself be comforted. He totally forgot the other man's presence as he laid his head on Tristan's shoulder, a small sob falling from his lips.

Tristan met Tony's eyes and shook his head minutely at the other's questioning look. He shifted on the barstool and pulled his wallet out of his pocket, retrieving a card.

“Here.” He handed it to Tony. “Why don't you give me a call tomorrow? I have to get home, but maybe we can get together.”

Tony looked at the card, a flash of guilt passing through him. “I'd…like that.”

“Stay and enjoy yourself.” Tristan smiled at him and called to the bartender, telling him that Tony's drinks were on the house.

Joey didn't say a word as the two left, leaving Tony staring after them with a pensive look on his face.

~*~*~*~*~

It was late when Tony stepped from the cab, standing and staring at the house.

Max was in there. And Tony knew he had to tell him. Joey had been right. He had lost Brad, the one man he thought he loved, but he loved Max too.

Making his way into the house and through the darkened rooms, Tony saw a light coming from the study. He stuck his head in, seeing his lover sitting on a chair, reading one of those comic books he was so fond of, a small smile playing about his graceful lips.

“Max?” Tony said quietly, entering the room.

“Tony.” Pegasus put aside his reading and held out his arms. “Come.”

With a small sob Tony rushed across the room, falling to his knees and burying his head in the other's lap. “I'm s-sorry.”

“Shh…hush, my love. There is no need for apologies. You're under so much stress, what with having to wait for your revenge and all.”

Tony looked up into the single cinnamon colored eye. “Max…I…I love you.”

“Ah, Tony.” Pegasus smiled. “The three words I have been waiting to hear.”

“Really?” Tears rushed down Tony's face.

“Tony…can you not see that I love you?” Pegasus reached down, wiping the dampness away. “I only want you to be happy. I am so sorry that your revenge has been delayed.”

Tony shook his head. “I'm not so sure I want it anymore.”

“What? My dear boy…you can't allow Brad's death to go unpunished. If you loved him at all, you'll do whatever is necessary to see that the people responsible pay. Would he not do the same for you?”

Pegasus' carefully chosen words instantly rekindled the fire of hatred that had been extinguished during his time with Tristan and Joey. Standing, Tony looked down at his lover, his eyes dry, hands clenched into fists.

“Tell me, Max. Tell me what I have to do.” He said in a quiet, deadly voice.

“What we must do right now is wait.” Pegasus smiled. “Let us lull them into a false sense of security, and then, just when they think it's over, we will strike again.”

“I want them to hurt. All of them.”

Pegasus stood and drew the younger man into his arms. “Oh, they will hurt. They will hurt for your pain. I'll see to it.”

“Ti amo, Max.” Tony whispered, his hands coming up to clasp the other's face as he drew him down into a passionate kiss.

~*~*~*~*~

“Ti amo, amante.” Tristan whispered as he kissed his sleeping husband.

He smiled as Seto turned over, throwing an arm across his chest and cuddling into him with a small sigh. He lay quietly, stroking his fingers through Seto's hair, trying to fight off his exhaustion.

He didn't want to sleep. Not when every time he closed his eyes, he saw the one person he never wanted to see again.

His eyes slid shut and his breathing evened out as he lost the fight.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

DREAM SEQUENCE

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“JOEY! RUN!”

Tristan fought against an impenetrable force that was holding him back from helping his friend. He watched, helpless, as Brad pushed Joey to the ground and straddled his waist.

A knife glinted as it was raised and Joey screamed as it was plunged into his chest.

“NO!”

Brad looked up, his dead eyes glittering maliciously, blood pouring from his gaping neck. Reaching into the darkness surrounding him, Brad pulled a struggling Ryou toward him. Not hesitating, he pushed the dagger into Ryou's stomach and ripped upward. A gurgling sound came from the white haired man and he collapsed next to Joey, his blood mingling with the blond's.

“RYOU! NO!”

Tristan froze as Brad rose from the blood soaked floor, stalking toward him. A whimper escaped him as Brad's hands closed over his shoulders. He was turned around and he became immobilized with terror at the sight in front of him.

“Amante…….oh, gods.”

Seto was laying on a bed…the same bed that he, himself, had been tied to. Seto's hands were above his head, secured to the headboard by handcuffs. His legs were tied to the footboard and he was naked, his eyes pleading with Tristan to release him.

“Please, let him go.” Tristan choked out as Brad moved toward the bed.

He was ignored as Brad shed his clothes and climbed onto the bed, hovering over Seto. He wanted to turn away, to run, to hide, something……anything, but he was unable to move as he watched his rape replay itself upon the man he loved.

Tristan watched, powerless, as Brad raised the knife. Instead of plunging it into Seto's shoulder, he stabbed the bound brunet straight through the neck, cutting off his scream.

“AMANTE!!”

Dimming blue eyes met tear filled hazel.

“I love you, Tristan.” The words were whispered in his mind.

“NOOOOOOOO!!!”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

END DREAM SEQUENCE

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Tristan! Tristan, wake up!”

Tristan's eyes snapped open to find Seto staring at him, worry etched on his face.

“Amante…”

“Shh, baby.” Seto reached out tentatively, placing his hand on the other's bare chest. “It was just a dream.”

“Oh, gods.” Tristan grabbed Seto and pulled him toward him, clutching him tightly. “Amante….it was…..was…..”

Seto gently kissed his lover's brow. “Hush. It's over. It's okay, baby. I'm here.”

Tristan whimpered, burying his face in Seto's neck, kissing the spot where, in his dream, the knife had pierced Seto's skin. He shuddered, blinking back the tears, his mind still half caught in his nightmare.

“I've got you, Tristan.” Seto whispered.

“Don't let go.” Tristan sobbed, the tears taking control. “Please, amante…..don't let go.”

Seto stroked the back of his husband's head tenderly. “Never.”

“Love you.”

“I love you too, baby.”

Once again Seto lay, as he had so many nights before, holding his terrorized lover as he cried himself back to sleep.

~*~*~*~*~

Bakura slipped silently into the room and moved to the bed, looking down at the sleeping blond.

He bit his lip, seeing the tear streaks on the pale face and taking in the swollen eyelids. {{Ana sabi….I'm so sorry.}}

Joey stirred, turning over onto his side. A small, shuddering whimper came from him and he clutched the pillow convulsively. Fresh tears leaked from behind his closed lids.

With a defeated sigh, Bakura pulled his clothes from his body and slipped into bed next to his lover. He lay on his side, facing him, and reached out, tucking a strand of tear-dampened hair behind Joey's ear.

Bloodshot amber eyes snapped open and Joey jerked back, a startled look on his face. “B-Bakura?”

“Shh, ana sabi. It's me.” Bakura lowered his hand, not really sure if Joey wanted him to touch him. At this point, he wouldn't blame him if he didn't. “I didn't mean to wake you.”

“S'ok.” Joey mumbled. “How come you're not with Ryou?”

The white haired man winced internally at the almost accusatory tone. “Kendra's with him.”

“So?” This time the accusation was definitely there. “He needs you.”

“You need me more.”

“Who says so?” Joey said defiantly, but his lower lip was trembling and a single tear slid down his cheek.

Bakura touched the wet trail gently. “This says so.”

“Don't matter.”

“To me, it does.” Bakura reached out again, the tips of his fingers gently stroking Joey's cheek. “Ana sabi….I'm…I'm sorry.”

Joey blinked and his mouth dropped open. “You're what?”

“I'm sorry. I had no right to say the things I did.” Bakura paused, searching for the right words. Seto had told him the best thing he could do was be honest with Joey. “It's just that…I have a responsibility to Ryou. He's my light. Without him…if something happened to him…”

“I understand.” Joey said, reaching out to return his lover's former caress as the white haired man trailed off. “Really, Bakura, I do.”

“Then you'll forgive me?”

“I'll always forgive you.” Joey replied softly, leaning in to brush his lips against the other's. “I love you.”

“Joey….” Bakura's voice was choked as his hands came up to tangle in sun kissed locks and he returned the kiss with passion.

Joey whimpered, moving closer, his body straining against Bakura's. It wasn't until Bakura felt wetness on his own face that he realized there were fresh tears running down Joey's. He pulled back, looking into sorrow filled honey eyes.

“Oh, love,” Bakura gathered the crying blond into his arms. “I'm so sorry.”

“I…I thought…” Joey sniffled, pressing his face against the other's chest. “Thought you d-didn't want me anymore.”

Bakura shook his head, running his fingers through Joey's hair. “I never wanted anyone BEFORE you, Joey.”

Joey looked up, his lips parted, offering. Bakura accepted, his mouth tenderly covering the other's, and delved in, shivering as Joey murmured approvingly.

After what seemed like forever, they broke apart, both breathing heavily. They stared into each other's eyes for a long moment until Joey broke the silence.

“Love me, `kura.” He whispered.

Tears pricked the backs of Bakura's eyes and he pushed Joey over, covering the blond's body with his own. {{Yami's right. I don't deserve you.}} He took his lover's lips, choking back a sob. {{Ra…I need you. You make me complete.}}

Pulling Bakura closer, Joey kissed him back desperately. He let his hands wander down the other's body, reveling in the smooth skin beneath his fingertips. He arched up, moaning as he felt Bakura's erection press against his stomach.

“Please!” Joey pulled his lips from Bakura's with a hiss.

Bakura shivered, fighting for control. “Joey….ana sabi. I love you.”

“Make love to me.” Joey whispered. “I need you.”

Kissing the side of his lover's face, Bakura moved down, his lips scorching a hot trail over the quivering body beneath him, needing to show his golden treasure how much he meant to him.

“Yes….gods, yes!” Joey cried out, feeling the other's lips close over an erect nipple, sharp teeth teasing the sensitive flesh. “BAKURA!”

Bakura looked up, blinking, as Joey convulsed and he felt the blond release between them.

Dazed amber eyes, full of tears, opened. “'kura.”

“Shh, love.” Bakura kissed the other's trembling lips gently to hide a frown. It worried him to see the blond so distressed. “It's alright.”

“Take me.” Joey said, his voice laced with desperation. “Please…please.”

“Ra…Joey…”

“Now!” Slender fingers dug into the white haired man's shoulders. “I need you. Please….dark angel…..I need you.”

Bakura shuddered hard. He loved it when Joey called him his dark angel. It was something he only did when they were making love.

He reached over to the bedside table, grabbing the bottle of oil. Moving off Joey, he opened it and emptied some of the contents onto the blond's stomach. He replaced the bottle and reached out, spreading the warming oil over his lover's skin.

Joey whimpered, arching into the other's touch. Small, pleading whines came from deep in his throat as Bakura stroked his body. He began to shake, need for his dark eyed love overtaking him.

“Please, `kura…..please now.” He begged.

“So beautiful.” Bakura murmured, sliding a slick finger into the blond's waiting body.

A deep moan escaped Joey as he felt his lover's first penetration. Soon enough, he was writhing, crying out incoherently every time Bakura touched that one spot.

Unable to stand it any longer, Bakura removed his hand, moving between Joey's legs, hissing as the blond wrapped himself around him.

“Take me.” Joey whispered, looking deeply into Bakura's eyes. “I love you….I need you. Please, Bakura.”

“Ana sabi…” Bakura moaned as he pressed home.

Joey pulled the other close, holding him against him, a ragged sob falling from his lips.

“Shh, love.” Bakura said soothingly. “I'm here.”

“I love you.” The blond sobbed as Bakura began to move. “I love you.”

Bakura kissed the tears from Joey's face as he loved him, moving slowly, trying to draw it out for both of them. He became lost, as he always did watching his lover writhe, seeing the pleasure in the darkened honey eyes.

Joey fought back the tension coiling in his body, not wanting it to end. He has been so sure he would never feel this again, never know the pure joy that Bakura always brought him.

He lost the battle, falling from the edge with a wild cry.

With a gratified moan, Bakura followed him, collapsing on the other's still twitching body. He fought to bring his breathing under control, shocked at the quality of Joey's desperation. The blond had always been a responsive lover, but this went beyond that.

He kissed Joey's shoulder and moved off him, holding out his arms. “Come here, ana sabi.”

Joey stared at him for a moment, his expression unreadable, before moving close, cuddling in and pillowing his head on the other's chest. He laid quietly, small tremors shaking his body every few seconds.

“Talk to me.”

“Tell me you'll be here when I wake up.” Joey whispered.

“You'll never wake up alone again.” Bakura tipped Joey's head up, kissing him softly. “I promise.”

Joey clung to Bakura, the tears welling up again. “Don't leave me.”

“Never. Forever, ana sabi. I'll be with you forever. Nothing will separate us ever again.”

Leaning up, Joey captured the other's lips, kissing him deeply. There was no desperation this time, only a warm, tender healing. When it was over, Joey laid his head back down, content that his lover would keep his word and would still be there in the morning.

“I love you, Joey.” Bakura said softly as he felt the blond relax against him, sound asleep.

He closed his eyes, something inside him pulling loose as he realized he wouldn't be leaving with the dawn. Tears escaped, sliding silently down his cheeks. {{Never again. Seto was right. I have a responsibility to you too. I swear to you now, I will make it up to you. No matter what it takes.}}

Bakura drew Joey closer, holding him tightly. The realization that the man in his arms wasn't the only one who hated waking up alone slammed into him. He kissed the top of Joey's head, thinking to himself that it didn't really matter; neither of them would be alone again.

As it had before, the feeling of completion washed over him and he gave himself up to sleep.

~*~*~*~*~

“That's not possible! I can't be six months pregnant!”

“You are, Kendra.” Dr. Cray replied calmly. “I went over the results from your ultrasound again. You're somewhere between five and a half and six months along.”

Kendra shook her head, looking at Ryou, who was sitting next to her. “But Ryou and I never…that is…umm…well, we didn't…go all the way until about four months ago.”

“But you were intimate with each other before then?” Dr. Cray asked, fighting to keep a straight face as the young couple blushed profusely.

“Yes.” Ryou said in a mortified whisper.

“Chances are slim, but it's not unheard of. It doesn't take much, after all.” He went on to explain to them how it could happen, asking pointed questions, the answers to which confirmed his suspicions.

Kendra shook her head. “I can't believe it.”

“Kendra, I have to ask.” The doctor looked directly at the young woman. “Is there a chance that Ryou is not the father?”

“Of course not!” Kendra exploded. “Ryou and I have been together for two years!”

“Love, calm down.” Ryou reached for her hand. “I can see why he would ask that. I mean, it's pretty improbable.”

“I don't want anyone thinking that.” Kendra whispered miserably, her eyes filling with tears. “What's everyone going to say, Ryou? They all know.”

Ryou drew his lover into his arms, stroking her hair. “And when have any of our friends ever given us reason to think they wouldn't believe us?”

“Never.”

“If it comes to that, Kendra, I'll speak to them myself.” Dr. Cray said, laying a gentle hand on her arm. “I have to go. I need to see Tristan before I head back to the office.”

“Thank you, Dr. Cray.” Ryou said, giving the man a small smile.

“If either of you need anything, call me, okay?” The physician gestured to Ryou's forehead. “And you can take that bandage off tomorrow.”

They said their goodbyes and Ryou and Kendra settled down to discuss what they were going to tell everyone. It was decided that they would tell the truth, being as blunt as they had to be. As Ryou said, it was probably the only way they'd get Bakura to understand.

Kendra's mood lightened as her sense of humor took over. This situation had potential. She giggled, snuggling into Ryou and asking him to bet if she could get Seto to turn purple.

He didn't take it.

~*~*~*~*~

“How often are you having these nightmares, Tristan?”

Tristan looked at Dr. Cray with bleak eyes. “It was just once a week or so, but since Joey was attacked….every night.”

“You're afraid that he's going to hurt the people you love, aren't you?” The older man asked. “Despite the fact that you know he's gone.”

“I…I don't know.” Tristan shook his head, looking down at his hands where they were tightly clasped in his lap. “He's dead. But whoever went after Joey….they know. It's like…they're using my friends to get to me. What if they go after Seto next?”

“I don't think you have much to worry about there, Tristan. Seto knows how to protect himself. What concerns me more is you. You're pushing yourself too hard. If you're not careful, you're going to get sick.”

Tristan shook his head again. “I'm fine. I'm eating okay and stuff. It's just the lack of sleep.”

“And the stress.”

“Dunno.” Tristan shrugged, avoiding the other man's eyes.

“Tristan, have you ever been treated for depression?”

Hazel eyes widened. “What?”

“It's completely understandable that you would suffer from it, considering your past. I think there's a very good chance you would respond well to anti-depressant medication.”

“Pills?”

“I wouldn't even mention it if I didn't think it would help.”

“I don't know.” Tristan hedged. “Can I…can I think about it?”

“I'm not forcing this on you, Tristan.” Dr. Cray said. “Think about it. And come to me with any questions, okay?”

Tristan nodded. “I want to talk to Seto about it first.”

“A wise decision. If he has any concerns, he can come to me too.”

“Yeah. Umm…thanks, Dr. Cray.” Tristan stood, shoving his hands in his pockets.

The older man rose as well, placing a comforting hand on the brunet's shoulder and once again ignoring the fact that he flinched. “I'll see you in a few days. Call me if you need anything.”

“Okay.” Tristan stayed where he was, standing in the middle of the den, as the doctor left.

/Would it really help?/ Tristan walked over to the window and look down into the gardens, wrapping his arms around himself and suppressing a shudder. /Would it stop the nightmares? Maybe…maybe I should. I don't know how much more of this I can handle. I've got to get a grip, but I just can't seem to. It's like…it's like I can feel him watching me. Hear him laughing. Who knows? Who knows he's dead? Someone wants revenge. But who?/

~*~*~*~*~

“What's she got to do with it?” Tony asked, looking at the photograph in his hand.

Pegasus smiled serenely. “The child she's carrying is Bakura's niece or nephew.”

Tony's eyes narrowed, looking more closely at the young woman in the picture. It really would be the perfect revenge, but still…

“I don't know, Max.” Tony ran his free hand through his hair. “It's an innocent child…”

“None of them are innocent.” Pegasus interrupted. “Not even that child. It is nothing more than the evil spawn of the family that begat your enemy.”

“I don't know.”

Slipping an arm around the younger man's shoulders, Pegasus kissed his temple. “The child will not be harmed then, my love. Nor the girl. We'll simply use them as bait to bring Bakura to us.”

“Promise?” Tony looked into the single, cinnamon eye. “They won't be hurt?”

“Have I lied to you yet?”

Tony shook his head and leaned into the other man. “No, you haven't.”

“There is nothing we can do right now.” Long fingers stroked down the other's face. “We need to let them think it's all over. Then we will strike again.”

“I love you, Max.” Tony said softly, brushing his lips against the other's.

Pegasus pulled Tony against him, holding tightly. “I love you as well.”

Tony buried his face in the long, silver hair, unaware of the sadistic smile adorning his lover's lips.

~*~*~*~*~

Seto's eyes narrowed as he saw who was waiting with Yami and Yugi when he, Tristan and Mokuba arrived at the park where everyone else was waiting for them.

[What's he doing here?] He tightened his grip possessively on Tristan's hand, ignoring the reproachful look his husband gave him.

“Hi, guys!” Yugi smiled as he came bouncing over. “Hope you don't mind, but Adam showed up as we were leaving so we asked him to come.”

“That's cool.” Tristan smiled back and pried his hand from Seto's. “Hey, Adam.”

“Hey.” The blue eyed brunet grinned, winking at Seto. “How ya doin', Seto?”

“Fine.” Seto replied shortly, turning away and going to join Kendra and Yami, who were sitting in the shade beneath a large tree.

“Seto.” Kendra rolled her eyes. “Behave.”

“I'm trying.” Seto replied quietly, watching as Bakura chucked a football at Joey. The blond ducked and then grabbed the white haired yami, kissing him. “Least they've made up.”

“Don't change the subject.” Yami said. “Seto, why do you have such a problem with Adam?”

“He's just so….”

“Brazen?” Yami said, a twinkle in his ruby eyes.

Seto scowled. “More like obvious.”

“He's not really.” Yami shook his head, his golden bangs whipping over his eyes. “You should get to know him better. His past is….troubled, to say the least. And he's come such a long way. The flirtatious attitude is a front mostly.”

“Lean back, Seto.” Kendra interrupted them. “My back's killing me.”

Seto moved to lean against the tree trunk, a small smile crossing his lips as Kendra settled back against him with a little sigh. His hands automatically came up to cover her belly, his smile growing as he felt the baby move.

Kendra giggled. “He sure is active for a kid who was conceived before Ryou and I even had sex.”

“Kendra!” Seto blushed profusely, as he had last night when his best friend had bluntly explained things to them.

Yami snickered and Seto cast him a half convincing glare. When Yami just continued to laugh, Seto rolled his eyes and turned his attention to the others, who were engaged in a rather rough game of football.

Though he had given up on being over protective of Mokuba, Seto saw that Tristan was being very careful that the younger Kaiba didn't get hurt.

He watched as Adam tackled Yugi to the ground, laughing and kissing him before grabbing the ball and springing to his feet. Adam sprinted away, dodging past Bakura and Joey, only to find his way blocked by Tristan.

Tristan grabbed him around the waist and they thudded to the ground, Tristan landing fully on top of Adam.

“Gods,” Tristan groaned, pushing himself up on his hands. “You okay?”

“Fine.” Adam panted, smiling up at the other brunet. “Never did mind this view.”

Tristan blushed, pushing himself off Adam. “Um, yeah.”

“You're cute when you blush.” Adam grinned, tapping Tristan on the nose before accepting Tristan's hand and allowing himself to be hauled to his feet.

“Tristan! Mokuba! We're leaving!”

Tristan turned to see Seto standing a few feet away from where he had been sitting with Kendra and Yami, his face taut with anger. “Amante…”

“Now.” Seto strode over to his brother, grabbing him by the hand and pulling him toward Tristan.

The blush on Tristan's face deepened with embarrassment.

“But, Seto,” Mokuba protested. “We just got here.”

“No arguments.” Seto growled, casting Adam a cold look. “Let's go, Tristan.”

“Geeze, Seto.” Joey shook his head. “He was just goofing around. Don't get so defensive.”

“Shut up, mutt.”

Bakura's eyes narrowed dangerously. “You can't pretend it never happened, Kaiba.”

“I'm going home.” Seto said, turning to Tristan and ignoring the white haired spirit's comment. “Whether you chose to come or not is your decision.”

Everyone was stunned to silence by the ice in Seto's voice. It had been a very long time since any of them had heard it, and never directed toward Tristan.

Tristan didn't say a word, and didn't look at anyone, as he turned and followed Seto from the park.

~*~*~*~*~

The drive home was full of tense silence, and once inside, Mokuba quickly excused himself and all but ran for his bedroom.

Seto headed for the kitchen, Tristan on his heels, hazel eyes boring into the taller brunet's back.

“Eugene, out.” Seto barked the second he entered the room.

The cook dropped the knife he held in his hand and beat a hasty retreat.

Tristan waited until the door closed before rounding on his husband. “What is your problem?!”

Seto didn't reply, just stood in the middle of the room, his back to Tristan.

“One night, Seto! That's all it was! It didn't mean a damn thing to either of us! It was just sex! I don't love him! I love YOU, damn it!”

Tristan felt his temper flare as Seto continued to stand with his back to him. He reached out and grabbed Seto by the shoulder, spinning him around.

“Would you LOOK at me when I'm talking to you?!” He shouted.

Immediately he regretted his outburst, seeing tears tracking silently down Seto's face. A small shudder ran through the taller brunet and a sob escaped him.

“Come here.” Tristan said softly, pulling the other close. “Amante, I'm sorry.”

“I won't lose you.” Seto whispered hoarsely, burying his face in Tristan's neck.

Tristan pushed Seto away, holding him at arm's length. “Lose me? What do you mean, lose me?”

“I almost lost you once.” Tears spilled unchecked from Seto's eyes. “I won't let it happen again.”

“Seto…oh, Seto…” Tristan voice caught and he pulled Seto to him again. “Never.”

Seto took a deep breath, willing his emotions under control. He pulled from Tristan's arms, wiping the wetness from his face. A stab of guilt clenched in his stomach as he saw Tristan's eyes swimming with tears.

[Damn. This was the last thing I wanted.] He took Tristan's hand. “Baby, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you.”

Tristan shook his head, swallowing back his own tears. “It's okay. But…give Adam a chance, amante. He's a good guy from what Yugi's told me. And he cares for them both. He doesn't want me.”

“Then he's a fool.” Seto said, reaching for Tristan and possessing his lips. {I have to let it go. For his sake.]

Tristan kissed him back hungrily, moaning as he felt his body react to the intensity of the kiss.

When it broke, they were both breathing heavily, the need for each other almost tangible.

“Ti amo.” Tristan whispered, his voice husky.

“Prove it to me.” Seto replied, his tone almost pleading.

Tristan took his husband's hand and led him from the kitchen.

~*~*~*~*~

DD: Seto, you've got issues.

Seto: Ppfftt

YD: Well, you do.

Ryou: They're going after Kendra?!

YD: *smirk* Maybe, maybe not.

Tris: I hate you both.

YD: To quote Seto “ppfftt”.

DD: We're working on the next chapters of Family and Soulmates, both of which are about half done. Seto replied, his tone almost pleading.avily, the need for each other almost tangible.stan'and grabbed Seto by the shoulder,