Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Family By Choice ❯ chapter9 ( Chapter 9 )

Family By Choice

by Dragondreamer & Yami Dragon

Disclaimer: We don't own Yu-Gi-Oh! If we did, the boys would be running around naked all the time and we'd never get ANY work done.

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, take off already!

Note: /…/ Tristan's thoughts

[…] Joey's thoughts

{…} Seto's thoughts

[[…]]Yami's thought and mind link to Yugi

//…// Yugi's thoughts and mind link to Yami

{{…}} Otogi's thoughts

*…* Mokuba's thoughts

`yak, yak' Sadie's(AI) voice

~*~*~*~*~

A/N: Sorry it took so long for us to update, but our computer had a virus and crashed on Tuesday night. Then on Wednesday night, we got hit with a blizzard that dumped almost 100 centimeters of snow on us in less than a day and we weren't able to get out of the house for four days. We're still digging out.

~*~*~*~*~

DD: This chapter made me cry. Being a parent myself, it wasn't too hard to put myself in Tris and Joey's shoes.

Tris: I can't believe you're doing this to us.

YD: Part and parcel of being a parent, boy-o.

~*~*~*~*~

Tristan and Joey were shown, along with Lexi, into the surgeon's office.

As he sat down and settled Lexi in his lap, Tristan's eyes went to the small lightbox on the specialist's desk. Displayed there was the X-ray of Lexi's hand, taken on their last visit to the children's hospital.

"Hey-doe, Dob-ter Gob-damn."

"Hello, Lexi." Dr. Dobson replied, chuckling.

"When does Lexi dit tinner?"

"Well, that's what I wanted to talk to you and your daddies about."

"Daz Lexi Da-ee." Lexi pointed at Joey and then gestured with her thumb over her shoulder at Tristan. "Daz Lexi Papa."

Joey and the doctor snickered at the child's indignant tone.

"I do apologize." Dobson said. "Your operation is going to be on Monday. A week from today."

"Ow many teeps till Mom-day?"

"Seven." Tristan replied.

"TIPPIE!" Lexi bounced in Tristan's lap. "O-be teb-ten teeps an Lexi dit tinner!"

"Do either of you have any questions?" The doctor addressed Tristan and Joey.

"How long is it going to take?" Joey asked.

"About an hour and a half." Dobson replied. "And it shouldn't take her more than half that to come out of the anesthetic."

Tristan nodded, his arms coming up around Lexi. He pulled her against him, a worried look in his eyes.

"It'll be fine, Tristan." Dobson reassured him. "It's a simple procedure. We don't foresee any problems."

Joey laid a hand on Tristan's arm. He knew his husband had been losing sleep over this. Anything that could potentially cause Lexi ANY harm made him worry himself sick. Even something as simple as this had him fighting tears.

"It's going to be alright, Tris." Joey said, smiling gently.

"Papa no woo-wee." Lexi snuggled into her father. "Lexi dunna dit tinner. Iz aw dood."

The three men broke up and Tristan squeezed Lexi, kissing the top of her head.

"Lexi, why don't you go play?" The doctor said. "I need to talk to your papa and daddy about a couple of things."

"O-tay, Dob-ter Gob-damn." Lexi slipped from Tristan's lap and ran for the pile of toys in the corner of the office.

Dobson shook his head in amusement. "I've never heard my name so grossly mispronounced."

"Sorry." Joey said, another snicker escaping him.

"Don't worry about it." Dobson waved a hand dismissively. "I've taken the liberty of arranging a CAT scan for Lexi."

"What?!" Tristan reached for Joey's hand. "Why?!"

"I spoke with Master Kiotou and he expressed some concern about possible brain damage. I agree with him. I know that you've discussed the possibility with him, so I spoke to one of the neurologists here. She believes that Lexi's speech problems and her difficulty with concepts like personal pronouns points to brain damage. She also thinks it can be directly linked to her mother's drug use."

Joey tried not to wince as Tristan's grip on his hand tightened painfully. "When are you going to do it?"

"They're waiting for her now."

Tristan's gaze went to his daughter, playing happily in the corner. /Lexi…oh, baby girl…/

"Can we be with her?" Joey asked.

"Normally we only allow one parent in, but…" Dobson looked at Tristan, seeing that he was trembling slightly and looked close to tears. "I'm willing to make an exception in your case."

"Thank you." Tristan said, his voice choked and his eyes never leaving Lexi.

The doctor stood. "Let's take her down. They'll want to show her around and explain everything to her."

Tristan rose from his chair and went to his daughter. She looked up at him with a bright smile, holding out her arms. He bent down to pick her up, fighting back the tears as she wrapped her arms around his neck and laid her head on his shoulder.

Joey came up to them, one arm going around Tristan and the other around Lexi. "Stay strong, angel."

Tristan nodded and buried his face in Lexi's hair.

~*~*~*~*~

Otogi sat at his desk in his office, absently bouncing a pair of dice off the window.

He had been in a half daze since leaving Tristan's office on Thursday, going along mindlessly, moving on autopilot. The only time he had come out of it was when Joey called him yesterday to tell him Lexi had an appointment at the hospital and asking if he wanted to come over for supper.

{{He was going to kiss me. I could see it in his eyes.}} Otogi tossed his dice against the window again, deftly plucking them from the air as they bounced back. {{Why though? Why would he want to kiss ME? He's got Joey. They love each other. And he's got Seto too. I still don't get that. Not even after Grandfather explained it to me.}}

Otogi dropped the dice on top of the desk, propping one foot up and wrapping his arms around his leg. {{Gods, it felt good being that close to him. He's so big he makes me feel small…and helpless.}} Otogi shivered. {{I'd love to be helpless in front of him. He's so much stronger than I am, I'd never be able to fight him off. Not that I'd want to. I wonder…I wonder what it would be like. I wouldn't want him to be with me the way I know he is with Joey. I'd want that strength used against me…used to control me.}}

Otogi shook himself and stood. Now was not the time for indulging in fantasy. He had to get going if he wanted to go home before going over to Tristan and Joey's.

The door to his office opened, revealing probably the last person he wanted to see right now.

"Dan!" Otogi stepped around in front of his desk, trying not to let his nervousness show.

"Hello, Otogi." Dan shut the door behind him and approached. "How have you been?"

"Okay."

Dan stopped a hairsbreadth from pinning Otogi against the desk. "You didn't return my calls."

"I've been busy." Otogi leaned back, feeling trapped.

"We were supposed to get together this weekend." Dan said, his hand coming up to lightly stroke Otogi's neck, something sinister in the movement. "I was really looking forward to it."

"Dan…I don't think we should see each other again."

"Why not?" The other asked, eyes narrowing.

Seeing the look, Otogi reached back, his hands groping for something to defend himself with. "I just don't think we should. You…you were too rough."

"You liked it." Dan sneered, pressing up against him. "You begged for it."

"You didn't stop when I told you to." Otogi retorted, getting angry. "You ignored the safe word. That's NOT how it works and you KNOW it!"

"Damn, you're hot when you're mad." Dan pressed against him harder.

"Get off me!" Otogi's hand closed over the dice.

"Come on, Otogi. You know you want it."

"No, I don't. Get out."

Dan leaned in, as if to kiss him. "Sure you do. Guys like you always want it."

"Get OFF!" Otogi's hand snapped forward, making contact with Dan's neck, the dice in his palm crushing into the other man's throat.

Dan staggered back, choking, his hands to his neck. "You little bastard!"

He threw himself at Otogi, only to find a sharp looking letter opener pointed at his chest.

"Get out." Otogi hissed, emerald eyes blazing. "Now."

Eyes wide, Dan backed away, not stopping until he reached the door. He turned around and wrenched it open, leaving without another word.

As the door slammed shut, Otogi dropped the letter opener, burying his face in his hands.

{{Oh, gods. He could have…he was going to…}} Otogi leaned against the desk, his whole body shaking. {{Joey was right. Someday it's going to kill me…or get me killed.}}

He suddenly felt the need to be held. It didn't even matter to him who it was…so long as they were doing it out of love.

Otogi wrapped his arms around himself. {{Gods, I feel so alone.}}

~*~*~*~*~

"Lexi, this is Robyn." Dr. Dobson introduced the young nurse standing at his side. "She's going to take you to get changed and show you the special machine we're going to use to look at your brain."

"Hey-doe, Wob-nen." Lexi smiled at the woman.

"Nice to meet you, Lexi." The woman bent down smiling back and tousling Lexi's hair. "Why don't you come with me? I have a special dress for you to wear just for your test."

"Iz de dess pity?"

"Very pretty. What's you favorite color?"

"Tink!"

"Well, I have a pink one, just for you."

"TIPPIE!" Lexi looked up at her fathers. "Tan Lexi doe wif da wady?"

"Go on, baby girl." Tristan leaned down and kissed the child. "Daddy and I will see you inside."

Lexi turned to Joey. "Da-ee tiss Lexi!"

Joey leaned down as well, kissing his daughter. "We'll see you in a few minutes, honey."

"O-tay." Lexi turned to the nurse. "Tan Lexi hoe Wob-nen han?"

The nurse took Lexi's hand and led her away. Dobson opened the door they were standing in front of and led them inside, introducing them to the technician.

"I have to go." The doctor turned back toward the door. "I'll be in touch as soon as we get the results."

Tristan and Joey thanked him and then turned their attention to the technician, who began explaining the procedure to them.

"There are microphones and speakers in both rooms, so you'll be able to talk to her." He concluded. "It helps keep them calm when they can hear a familiar voice."

Joey sat down next to the man but Tristan declined a seat, too nervous to sit down. He looked out through the window at the imposing piece of machinery in the other room. He went to stand behind Joey, putting a hand on his husband's shoulder, grateful when the blond covered it with his own.

A door opened and Lexi walked in, wearing a pink hospital gown and holding the nurse's hand.

They watched and listened as the woman led Lexi around, showing her things and answering her questions. When they got the piece of equipment dominating the room, the nurse picked Lexi up and sat her on the table.

She let the little girl crawl inside while she explained how Lexi would have to lie down and hold very still while the test was being done. She showed Lexi the cage-like implement that would go around her head.

Lexi bit her lip. "We-are Papa a Da-ee.?"

"They're right there." Robyn pointed at the plate glass window.

Lexi looked up and smiled, waving to her parents.

"Hey, cutie." Joey waved back.

Lexi jumped. "Da-ee? Lexi tan ear Da-ee! Tool! Tan Da-ee ear Lexi?"

"I sure can."

"Tan Papa ear Lexi?"

"I can hear you, baby girl." Tristan said.

"Papa tum in?"

Tristan's grip on Joey's shoulder tightened. "I'm sorry, honey. I can't. Daddy and I aren't allowed to."

"Oh." Lexi bit her lip again. "O-tay."

"Okay, Lexi," The technician said. "Robyn's going to help you lay down now."

Lexi looked up at the nurse with big eyes. "Ummm…o-tay."

The woman laid Lexi down, talking quietly to her as she snapped the cage over the child's head. She then explained that the table was going to move and that once she was inside, Lexi would hear loud clicking noises, but that she could still talk to her fathers and they would be able to talk to her.

She kept talking to Lexi as the table began to move, placing her inside the machine. Once Lexi was inside, she left the room.

Joey felt his heart clench at the sight of his daughter's tiny body seemingly being swallowed by the CAT scan. He looked up at Tristan. The brunet's face was set, showing no emotion, but his eyes were glittering with unshed tears.

Lexi gave a little whimper as the table came to a stop. "Papa? Da-ee?"

"We're here, Lexi." Tristan said.

"You're being very brave." Joey encouraged her.

"I'm going to start now, Lexi." The technician said. "I need you to hold very still for me, okay?"

"O-o-tay."

Lexi whimpered again as a loud clanking filled the small space in which she was enclosed.

Joey got up and went to Tristan, shivering as strong arms wrapped around him. It was killing them both, seeing their child like this.

Several minutes passed as they talked to Lexi, telling her they loved her and how proud they were of her that she was being so brave. Over the course of those three or four minutes, Lexi's whimpering had steadily risen in volume.

"Papa, Lexi wan out."

"Soon, baby girl."

"Lexi tared." She began to sob.

"I know you are, sweetheart."

"Peas. Lexi wan dit out."

"It won't be much longer, Lexi." The technician said, casting a glance at Tristan and Joey. "Stay still, honey."

Lexi's frightened sobs echoed through the speakers and Joey buried his face in Tristan's chest, trying not to cry. Tristan stroked his hair, holding him tightly, battling tears of his own.

"Papa! Papa, peas! Dit Lexi out!" Lexi started to scream. "Da-ee! Lexi tared! Lexi tared!"

"Get her out of there!" Tristan growled at the technician, gripping onto Joey as the blond broke down. "Now!"

"PAPA!" Lexi's shriek threatened to blow the speakers and she began to thrash.

The technician scrambled to power down the CAT scan, hitting the button that would remove the terrified child from the machine.

Tristan pushed away from Joey, running for the door connecting the two rooms and practically ripping it from his hinges. He rushed to his daughter and unstrapped the cage trapping her, picking her up.

"Shh, baby girl." Tristan held her close as she clung to him. "Shh, it's okay. Papa's here."

As Joey came up beside them, Lexi reached out, moving from Tristan's arms to Joey's. She buried her face in her father's long, blond hair, heartbreaking sobs still rocking her tiny frame.

"Da-ee…Lexi no tan do dat." She sobbed.

"It's okay, angel girl." Joey said. "It's okay."

Tristan put his arms around both of them. He had never been so scared, or felt so helpless as he had been, listening to Lexi scream.

It was something he never wanted to experience again.

~*~*~*~*~

Tristan wasn't the least bit surprised to find Seto sitting on the doorstep, waiting for them, when they arrived home.

The tall CEO came to the car as it pulled to a stop, opening the back door and taking Lexi out of her car seat. He turned to Tristan as the other brunet exited the vehicle.

"Set," Lexi wrapped her arms around her uncle's neck. "Lexi toe `appy to tee."

{Tris? What happened?}

Tristan shook his head. /It was…I can't put it into words./

{Just tell me she's okay.}

/She's okay./

Seto kissed the little girl in his arms and handed her to Joey. "Anything you guys need?"

"We're good." Joey replied. "I have to get supper on. Otogi's coming over."

"TIPPIE!" Lexi bounced. "Togi!"

Tristan stayed outside with Seto while Joey took Lexi inside. Seto went to him, putting his arms around him.

"Didn't mean to give you a headache, pal." Tristan said, laying his head on Seto's shoulder.

"It's okay." Seto rubbed Tristan's back, feeling a dimmer version of what had drove him to their house an hour ago to await their return.

Tristan let the scene in the radiology department drift through his mind, sharing it with Seto. He felt his friend shiver, and they clung to each other.

"Gods, Tris." Seto held him tightly. "You're a lot stronger than I am. I don't think I would have been able to keep it together."

"I had to. Once she started screaming Joey lost it. I'm just glad she seemed to bounce back once we left."

Seto grinned. "Typical Lexi fashion."

"Yeah." Tristan smiled. "She never ceases to amaze me."

"I'll go, buddy." Seto untangled himself. "Are you coming to work in the morning?"

"I think I'll work from home. I want to spend some time with Lexi."

"I'll come over around midmorning."

"Sounds good." Tristan leaned up and kissed the taller man. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Tristan went into the house to open the gates for Seto.

`Tristan, Otogi is here.'

"Thanks, Sadie. You can let him in."

Tristan went into the living room, finding Lexi playing in the corner where they had set up all her toys. She was talking to a big white bear with silver paws and ears that Gina had given her.

"Lexi no wike da dig match-deen. Tared Lexi a def! Toe maby noses! Too woud." She hugged the bear. "Iz o-tay doe. Papa tave Lexi."

/I can only hope I'll always be there to save you, baby girl./ Tristan approached the child. "Lexi, Otogi's here."

Lexi's head snapped up and a huge smile lit her face. She jumped up and ran for the front door. Tristan heard it open and Lexi let out an ear-piercing squeal.

"TOGI!!"

"Hey, squirt." Tristan heard Otogi say. "How did it go at the hospital?"

"Lexi no wiked dit, Togi. Lexi dot tared."

Otogi walked into the room, carrying Lexi. "What scared you?"

"Da dig mach-deen."

Otogi met Tristan's eyes, not understand what the child was saying.

"They gave Lexi a CAT scan today." Tristan said quietly.

"It didn't go well?" Otogi looked worried.

Tristan shook his head, his gaze falling on his daughter. "Lexi, why don't we go out into the yard and decide where we're going to put your swing set."

"O-tay, Papa." Lexi squirmed in Otogi's arms. "Togi, Lexi down."

Otogi put her down and she ran for her father, taking his big hand in both of hers and tugging on it. "Tum ON, Papa!!"

Otogi followed them into the kitchen, questions he was afraid to ask rattling around in his head. He saw Joey standing at the counter, chopping vegetables, and went to help him as Tristan took Lexi outside.

"Hey." Joey greeted the dark haired man, handing him a knife.

"What happened at the hospital?" Otogi asked. "Tristan looked pretty upset."

Joey sighed and, keeping his eyes on what he was doing, told Otogi what had happened. When he was done, he dropped the knife, reaching up to wipe away the tears running down his face.

"Gods, Otogi," Joey braced his hands on the countertop. "It just about killed me. I just hope they got what they needed. I don't want her to have to go through that again."

Otogi put down his own knife and grabbed Joey by the shoulders, turning him around and putting his arms around him wordlessly. There was nothing he could say. Part of him wished he could have been there for them when it happened, while the other half was glad he wasn't. He seriously doubted he could have handled listening to Lexi screaming. He had come to love the little girl as much as everyone else did and it hurt to think of her being so scared.

Joey gave Otogi a quick squeeze and pulled away. "I'm okay. It's just…hard, you know?"

Otogi nodded. He was really at a loss for words. He'd never found himself in a situation like this and he didn't know what to say.

"Sorry, man." Joey apologized, seeing the look on the other man's face. "We'll be fine. I think maybe it was harder on me and Tris than it was on her. She came around as soon as we left the hospital."

Otogi was about to reply when the back door flew open and Lexi came running in.

"Da-ee! Togi!! Tum! Lexi tound pot tor ting tet!!" The little girl bounced up and down, her hair flopping around her shoulders, having come lose from her ponytail.

They followed her outside and she led them over to Tristan, who was standing in the middle of the yard.

"Tee?" Lexi threw her arms out and spun around. "Lexi ting tet doe ear!"

Tristan grinned as she continued to spin. "You're going to get dizzy, Lexi."

"Huh?" Lexi stopped spinning. "Whoa…."

The three men laughed as the little girl wobbled and fell down. Lexi looked up at them and started to giggle.

"Lexi wan do dat a-den!" She jumped up.

"Why don't we go order your swing set instead?" Tristan forestalled her.

"Where are you going to order it from?" Joey asked.

Tristan shrugged. "Internet."

"Tum on, Papa." Lexi ran for the house. "Lexi wan dit ting tet!"

They followed the little girl into the house; grateful she seemed to be recovered from her fright this afternoon and, in the typical way of all children, was bouncing around, laughing and happy.

~*~*~*~*~

Otogi went out onto the patio, a cup of coffee in each hand, and found Tristan leaning on the railing, looking out over the darkened yard, seemingly lost in thought.

He walked over to him and handed him his coffee, receiving a small smile. It was the first time they had been alone together since the incident in Tristan's office and Otogi felt a little awkward.

Tristan put out his cigarette and turned to the smaller man. "Joey giving Lexi her bath?"

"Yeah." Otogi buried his face in his cup, avoiding Tristan's eyes.

"Are you okay?" Tristan frowned. "You've been kinda quiet."

Otogi stared into his coffee. "Something…happened today. Sorta spooked, that's all."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"I don't know if I can."

Tristan set his cup on the railing and gave his full attention to the emerald eyed man. "Otogi, I hope that you don't think that because of what happened the other day means you can't still talk to me." Tristan paused, searching Otogi's eyes. "You're my friend. If I can help, I'd like you to let me."

Otogi placed his cup next to Tristan's and looked up at him, instinctively stepping closer to the comfort the larger man's presence offered. "This guy I went out with…he…well…he came to my office today. We got into an argument and he…he tried to…force himself on me."

"What?!" Anger flashed through Tristan, along with another feeling he never though to have in connection with anyone but Joey. It was the same emotion that had almost blinded him the day they had brought Lexi home…when he had seen Andy staring at Joey. Possessive jealousy. "Did he hurt you?"

Otogi shook his head. "I fought him off."

"Give me his name." Tristan growled, hands clenching into fists and his eyes darkening with his anger.

Otogi blinked in surprise. Tristan sounded pissed. He knew that if he told Tristan what he wanted to know, Dan would probably find himself minus his throat. Not that the son of a bitch didn't deserve it, but still…

"I can deal with it." Otogi said. "He won't be back."

Fighting to get a handle on his temper, Tristan reached, grasping Otogi's arm. "If he comes near you again, I want you to tell me."

"Tristan…"

"Promise me."

Otogi bit his lip. "I promise."

"Come here." Tristan pulled Otogi into his arms.

Otogi let Tristan hold him, his head resting against the brunet's chest, listening to his steady heartbeat. He felt so safe.

"It really scared you, didn't it?" Tristan asked quietly, feeling Otogi shiver slightly.

"Yes." Came the whispered reply.

Tristan struggled with himself. He had always felt an overpowering need to protect the people he cared about. And he cared about Otogi…a lot. Maybe too much.

/Seto's wrong. Otogi doesn't love me that way. We're friends. That's all. Nothing more. I can't…I won't…let it be more than that. I won't hurt Joey. It doesn't matter what I feel…so long as he's happy./

Tristan let go of Otogi and stepped back, smiling gently down at him. "Better now?"

"Yeah." Otogi smiled. "Thanks. I needed that."

Tristan reached out and tucked Otogi's hair behind his ear, bending down and kissing his cheek. "Any time."

"YEAH! Papa low Togi!"

Otogi spun around to find Lexi standing in the doorway, Joey behind her. He went to her and picked her up, hoping the lights on the patio weren't bring enough to show the blush he could feel burning his cheeks. He wondered it Joey had seen anything. He calmed himself with the knowledge that if he did, he probably would think much of it. They were that way with all their friends. If it had been any one of them who was upset, Tristan would be hugging and kissing them too.

"Tan Togi tut Lexi a bed?" The little girl asked, fisting her hands in the black curtain falling around Otogi's shoulders.

"If you want."

"Yah-ha!" Lexi nodded vigorously, her freshly washed hair bouncing. "Nee tiss Papa tirst doe."

Tristan came and took Lexi, cuddling her and kissing the puckered, little lips. "Go right to sleep, okay?"

"Lexi wan Togi weed tory."

"One story."

"TOCKS A TOCKS!!" Lexi squealed, making all three men wince. "Peas?"

Otogi looked at Joey, confused.

"Fox in Socks." Joey translated. "Serenity sent her a bunch of Dr. Seuss books."

"Papa no tan weed." Lexi told Otogi seriously. "De tory Ennish."

"It's what?" Otogi scratched his head, trying to understand.

"English." Tristan said, rolling his eyes.

"But I thought you were learning."

"He's stuck at a grade two level." Joey snickered. "I'm thinking about having Justin take over his lessons."

Tristan nudged Joey in the ribs. "Knock it off."

Joey laughed and put an arm around Tristan's waist. He leaned over and kissed Lexi, smiling when she immediately grabbed a handful of his hair, rubbing her face in it.

"Go on, angel girl." Joey untangled the little fingers. "Papa and I will check on you before we go to bed."

"O-tay, Da-ee." Lexi reached out to Otogi. "Nigh, Papa."

"Night, honey."

"Lexi low!" She called out as Otogi carried her into the house.

"She certainly seems to be over this afternoon." Tristan said as Otogi closed the door behind them.

"Yeah," Joey took Tristan's cigarettes off the railing and sat down on the bench. "She talked about it a little bit in the tub."

Tristan dug his lighter out of his pocket and handed it to Joey, sitting down next to him. They sat quietly, each lost in his own thought, until Joey got up to put his cigarette out.

"Did Otogi tell you what happened to him today?" Joey asked, sitting back down.

Tristan nodded. "It really scared him. He wouldn't tell me who it was."

"He handled it." Joey laid his head on Tristan's shoulder. "I just wish he's be more careful though."

"What do you mean?"

Joey shook his head, not answering. Tristan didn't press the issue. If Otogi had asked Joey not to say anything, you wouldn't be able to pry it out of him with a crowbar.

He looked down at Joey and reached to cup his chin, tipping his head up. Joey smiled; his eyes sliding closed as he tilted his face up further and parted his lips slightly in invitation.

Tristan sighed as his lips closed over Joey's, immediately deepening the kiss. His arms came around his husband, clinging to him, the stress of the day welling up.

Joey pulled away with a small hiss. "Tristan, you're crushing me."

Tristan quickly let go and moved back. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay." Joey reached out to touch Tristan's face. "I think you forget your own strength sometimes."

Tristan's hand closed over Joey's bringing it to his lips. He pressed a gentle kiss to the blond's palm, then his wrist, his eyes worried. "I didn't frighten you, did I?"

Joey shook his head. "No, angel. You didn't." He stood, entwining his fingers with the brunet's. "Let's go in."

Tristan let Joey draw him to his feet and followed him inside.

"I'd better go make sure Lexi hasn't roped Otogi into a half a dozen stories." Joey said, heading for the stairs.

"Good idea." Tristan opened up a cupboard and took down a bottle of amber liquid. "Want a drink?"

"No thanks." Joey replied, disappearing up the stairs.

~*~*~*~*~

Joey locked up after Otogi left and turned on the security system before heading upstairs to join Tristan.

He found his husband standing in the doorway of Lexi's room, watching her sleep. Joey went to him, sliding his arms around him and resting his cheek against Tristan's back.

"Come to bed." Joey said quietly.

Tristan nodded, taking one last look at Lexi, curled up around her teddy bear, sucking her thumb. He shut the door and turned to Joey, putting his arms around him and burying his face in his love's long hair.

Joey held him, knowing Tristan was feeling vulnerable and hating himself for it. Now that it was all over, everything was quiet, and all distractions had been removed, Tristan could hear his daughter's terrified screams echoing in his memory. The feeling of utter helplessness he had experienced came on the heels of that and he suddenly found himself exhausted.

"Come on, angel." Joey untangled himself and pulled Tristan into their bedroom, closing the door.

They settled into bed and just lay there, staring into each other's eyes. Joey felt his heart crack at the open look of pain and sadness on Tristan's face.

Tristan lowered his eyes. "Joey…"

"What do you need, Tris?" Joey asked when Tristan didn't continue.

"Could…could you..?" Tristan trailed off again and Joey immediately understood. He couldn't ask, the irrational fear of being seen as weak, even by Joey, taking over.

Joey gathered Tristan into his arms, feeling the tense body quake with suppressed emotion. "I'll hold you for as long as you need me to."

"Thank you." Tristan whispered, pressing close.

"It's okay to cry, Tristan." Joey gently stroked the brunet's back. "It's just us. I won't think any less of you for it."

Tristan just shook his head, still not meeting Joey's eyes, and buried his face in the blond's neck.

Joey sighed, feeling a twinge of frustration. Tristan needed to cry, needed to let the fear and helplessness show. If he didn't, it would only make things worse for him when he finally did break.

[You were doing so well…finally starting to realize it doesn't make you weak to show your emotions. Whether you like it or not, I'm going to see to it you do. I'll go to Seto if I have to. You can't hide from him.] Joey wrapped himself around his husband, holding him tightly. [Please, Tristan. Please don't do this to us again.]

~*~*~*~*~

"Why are we here, yami?" Ryou asked his dark, looking around the pet shop.

"I want to get Lexi a housewarming present."

Ryou raised an eyebrow as he watched Bakura move through the store. He kept his eyes on his lover's hands. The last thing he needed was for Bakura to try and steal something.

"Perfect!" Bakura reached down into a large, plexi-glass pen and came up with a handful of long, white fur.

"Oh, Bakura…I don't know." Ryou bit his lip. "Tristan doesn't like cats."

Bakura snorted. "So? I'm not getting it for Tristan."

"You're already in Tristan's bad books for giving Lexi all that candy last week." Ryou reminded him.

"Please." Bakura rolled his eyes. "Tristan needs to lighten up."

"Joey said she was bouncing off the walls until ten thirty, yami."

"Well, after yesterday, Lexi needs something positive." Bakura countered.

Ryou sighed in resignation, looking at the kitten. "Well, it IS rather cute."

"Distract the clerk." Bakura said, unzipping his jacket.

"What?!" Ryou's eyes went wide. "Bakura, you are NOT stealing that kitten!"

"Come on, Ryou. Just do it."

"Absolutely not! We have to get food, dishes, a litter box..!" Ryou's voice was rising, attracting the attention of the other customers. "How do you propose to get all THAT out of here?!"

Bakura smirked, noticing that everyone in the store seemed to be watching them. "We could always put it in your pants."

"You ARE NOT shoving something in my pants in public AGAIN, Bakura!!"

Someone coughed.

Ryou suddenly noticed how quiet it had become and he blushed.

"What?" Bakura looked around, his face a mask of innocence. "He enjoyed it."

A few snickers were heard and Ryou promptly invented a new shade of red. "Can we just get what we need and get out of here?" He whispered.

Bakura cracked up, clutching the kitten to his chest, practically bent double as he tried to control his laughter. Ryou glared at him and stomped off, quickly gathered what they needed.

Bakura met him at the cash register, handing his light the kitten and pulling out his wallet. "Here, honey. Hold my pussy."

"Oh, gods." Ryou groaned, wondering if Bakura could be any more crass.

"How will you be paying for that, sir?" The clerk asked.

Bakura took out a credit card and handed it to the woman.

"'kura?" Ryou whispered. "Isn't that Tristan's credit card?"

Bakura shrugged. "He should know better than to leave his wallet on his desk."

~*~*~*~*~

Joey was just heading out the door when Ryou and Bakura pulled up.

He walked up to them as they exited their car, an eyebrow raised at the sight of a white, furry lump peeking out of Bakura's half opened jacket.

"What's that?" Joey leaned down, hooking a finger into Bakura's coat and pulling it open.

Blue eyes blinked up at him and the kitten yawned.

"It's for Lexi." Bakura grinned.

Joey looked to Ryou, who was standing on the other side of the car, the rest of their purchases in his arms. "You're both going to catch it. You know that, right?"

Ryou just shook his head wearily, heading for the house. Bakura followed, Joey on his heels. He wasn't going to miss this for the world.

Bakura radar at full force, Lexi met them at the door, throwing herself at the white haired yami. "BA-RA!"

"Hello, Lexi-girl!" Bakura smiled down at her. "How's my little protégé this morning?"

"Dood. Lexi tay home a day wif Papa."

"Hey, guys." Tristan came out of the den, drawn by Lexi's squeal. His gaze fell on Ryou, shifting uncomfortably as Tristan took in what he had in his hands. Hazel eyes narrowed. "What's going on?"

"We brought Lexi a housewarming gift." Bakura said, reaching into his jacket.

Lexi eyes went wide and she reached up with shaking hands. "Ooooohhhh! Pity!"

It was all Joey could do not to break up at the look on Tristan's face. For a guy who had such a way with animals, Tristan really couldn't stand cats. His grandmother had had a crotchety old Siamese that used to ambush him as a kid every time he went to see her.

Bakura pointedly ignored the glare Tristan was giving him and handed the kitten to Lexi. The little girl cuddled the tiny animal against her chest, smiling as it began to purr.

"Tank-too, Ba-ra. Lexi low." She turned to Ryou, her eyes shining. "Tank-too, Ree."

Joey reached out and pet the kitten, chuckling when it licked his hand. "Sure is cute."

Lexi looked up at Tristan. "Papa wan pet de titty?"

Joey and Bakura snickered, the innocent double meaning striking them as hilarious. Ryou just shook his head and rolled his eyes at them.

Tristan glowered at the two laughing men and hesitantly reached out. He quickly yanked his hand back, however, when the kitten hissed and took a swipe at him.

Joey and Bakura completely lost it, breaking into gales of laughter, leaning on each other for support.

"Bad titty!" Lexi scolded. "No do dat a Papa!"

The kitten looked up at Lexi and mewed before looking back at Tristan, hissing again.

"Well," Bakura straightened, wiping the tears from his face. "My work here is done."

"Bakura…" Tristan growled.

"Oh, take a pill, slim." Bakura picked Lexi up, kitten and all. "Come on, midget. Let's get her settled."

Bakura strode toward the living room, Ryou following closely, staying out of arm's reach of Tristan.

"Were you in on this?" Tristan demanded of his husband.

Joey shook his head. "I had nothing to do with it."

"Gods." Tristan rubbed his temples. "Could this day get any worse?"

~*~*~*~*~

Tris: Thanks a lot!

DD: *snicker*

Bakura: Go me! I pissed Tristan off!

YD: The next chapter is gonna have a little Mokuba/Roger lemon.

Joey: Is Seto going to find out?

DD: *cringes* Yes.

Mokuba: Not good for me.

DD: The next chapter is three quarters done; we haven't typed it yet though. Hopefully we'll have it out in the next few days.

Otogi: WHEN do I get a lemon?

YD: When I say so!