Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Family By Choice ❯ chapter11 ( Chapter 11 )

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!

WARNING: THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS EXPLICT YAOI (MALE/MALE SEX), SELF LOVE, AND THE GRATUTIOUS USE OF MAPLE SYRUP! DON'T LIKE IT? DON'T READ IT THEN!!

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

~*~*~*~*~

YD: This is it…the big fight between Seto and Mokuba

DD: *hands tissue* You're going to need these, dear readers.

Joey: They might need more in the middle of the chappie too.

Otogi: Why do I get the feeling that it's because they're torturing me?

Tris: How many times do I have to tell you? They do it because they love you.

YD: You just keep telling yourself that, Tris.

~*~*~*~*~

Mokuba found his brother outside on the patio, his back to him, the tension in his posture clearly visible.

"Seto?" Mokuba approached him warily.

The elder Kaiba didn't respond.

"Big brother...please talk to me."

Seto turned around, the anger in his sapphire eyes reaching out to scald the raven haired teen. Mokuba swallowed hard and stopped himself from backing away by sheer force of will.

"Just how long has this been going on behind my back?" Seto asked coldly.

"We didn't want to keep it from you..." Mokuba tried to explain.

"How long, Mokuba?"

"About a week." Mokuba resisted the urge to lower his eyes.

"I hope you enjoyed it," Seto said, his voice taking on a note of command. "Because it ends now."

"What?!" Mokuba was shocked.

"It's over. After tonight, the only place you'll be seeing him is at school. And once that's over you won't be seeing him again at all."

"What makes you think you have the right to even say that?!" Mokuba shouted, his temper rising.

"As the head of this family, I decide what's going to happen..."

"Bullshit!" Mokuba interrupted. "This isn't your company, Seto! This is my life and I don't NEED your permission to live it!"

Seto's eyes narrowed. "You're my responsibility, Mokuba. I'm going to do what's best for you whether you like it or not."

"Roger IS what's best for me!"

"No. He's not."

"He loves me!" Mokuba's hands clenched into fists.

Seeing it, Seto's gaze fell on the ring on Mokuba's finger. "I suppose you think I'm going to let you marry him?"

"You couldn't stop me if I wanted to." Mokuba matched Seto's cold tone. "But for your information, it never came up."

"And it better not. Because it will never happen."

"Why should it be any different for me?" Mokuba demanded. "You have Yami and Yugi. Why shouldn't I be happy with someone I love?"

"Find someone else to love."

"I love Roger!"

"I won't allow it."

"What is your fucking problem?!" Mokuba exploded. "This is ROGER, Seto! We've known him for years! He's been my best friend longer than Tristan's been yours! I've never said a word about your relationship with Tristan, and you don't even love him the way I love Roger!"

"Don't you DARE drag Tristan into this!" Seto yelled, his temper flaring out of control. He was so mad he didn't even notice his mental blocks crumble under the weight of his anger.

"Why not? You don't love him." Mokuba sneered. "He's just an excuse for you to get some on the side."

"How dare you?! That's NOT how it is and you KNOW it!"

The situation was quickly spiraling out of control. The things Seto was saying and his, at least to Mokuba, absurd reasoning hurt. Mokuba wanted to hurt him back...and what better place to hit him than Tristan?

"Isn't it?" Mokuba said bitingly. "Personally, I think this so-called bond of yours is just an excuse to fuck him."

Seto saw red. Not even thinking, at that point unable to, he raised his hand to strike his brother.

"Seto! Stop!" Tristan was suddenly there, yanking Mokuba out of the way and grabbing Seto by the wrist. He pulled Seto's arm down and wrapped his own around the taller brunet tightly, immobilizing him.

The second Tristan's arms came around him, Seto's vision cleared. What he had almost done hit him like a ton of bricks. He stared, shocked, into Tristan's eyes, finding them gone blue and filled with worry. He looked at his brother, his heart cracking at the look of fear on the boy's face.

"Mokuba...oh, gods..." He whispered. "I'm sorry...I didn't mean..."

Mokuba met Seto's eyes, confused to see them hazel instead of blue. But it didn't matter. Nothing mattered except the fact that Seto was trying to deny him Roger. His own eyes hardened to slate colored shards of ice.

"You bastard." He hissed, turning on his heel and stalking away.

"Mokuba!" Seto called after him, struggling to free himself from Tristan's iron-like grasp.

"Let him go for now, pal." Tristan said quietly. "You both need to calm down."

Seto went limp in Tristan's arms. "I...Tris...I almost hit him."

"I heard what he said." Tristan loosened his grip but didn't let go. "I probably would have smacked him myself if I didn't know he didn't really mean what he said."

Seto clung to Tristan, resting his forehead against the other man's shoulder. "I can't let him do this."

"Seto, there's nothing you can do to stop it. And even if you could, you shouldn't. They love each other. They're happy together. Don't you want him to be happy?"

{Why couldn't he find a girl to be happy with?}

/What?!/ Tristan pulled away from Seto. "You mean to tell me the reason you're so upset is because he's with a MAN?! Seto! That has to be the most INSANE reasoning I've ever heard! And from YOU, of all people!"

Seto shook his head. "I can't let this happen. I promised our mother I'd protect him. I failed once, I won't fail again."

"Failed?" Tristan frowned. "I don't understand."

Seto just shook his head again and burrowed back into Tristan's shoulder with a small sob.

A sigh of frustration escaped Tristan and he pulled Seto flush against him. /Okay, pal. If you don't want to tell me.../

{I can't.}

Tristan winced as Seto's fear and anguish flooded their bond. /You can. But if you don't feel ready to, that's fine, but you need to heal this breach with Mokuba./

{I have to put a stop to it, Tris. Even if he hates me for the rest of his life.} Seto shuddered. {I swore I'd never let another man touch him like that...not ever again.}

"Touch him? What are you talking about?"

"Our...our stepfather." Seto's voice was choked. "He...molested Mokuba."

"Oh, gods." Tristan's eyes filled with tears. "Oh, gods, Seto. Did…did he rape him?"

Seto nodded. "The day he died...I found out. And I threw that bastard out the fucking window. I took everything he had...and I used it to protect my little brother."

"Seto...I know your stepfather beat you, but..." Tristan cupped Seto's chin in his hand, forcing his head up and meeting his eyes. "Did he ever touch you?"

"No." Seto whispered. "I was...too old for him."

Tristan's stomach churned. "Too old?! You were what? Ten?"

Seto nodded. "Mokuba was only five. It went on for two years before I found out."

"But...Mokuba's obviously dealt with it. If he can be with Roger..."

"He doesn't know. No one does."

"How could he not know?! It's not like he could forget something like that!"

"I saw to it that he forgot. When I found out...Odette told me. She caught him with his hands on Mokuba. He threatened her, but she came to me anyway. I made him forget."

"What do you mean you MADE him forget?"

Seto looked away. "I paid a physiologist to hypnotize him and block the memories."

"What?!" Tristan pushed away and took a step back. "How could you do that?!"

"I had to." Tears began to flow down Seto's face. "Don't you see, Tristan? I just wanted him to have a normal, happy life. How could he remembering what that son of a bitch did to him?"

"You had no right making that decision for him, Seto."

"I did what I thought was right." Seto replied, wanting Tristan to understand. "I swore Odette to secrecy and paid the doctor enough to keep his mouth shut."

Tristan did understand. He could see where Seto had been coming from. And he had only been twelve years old. Twelve years old and responsible for the murder of his stepfather. And he had the weight of a secret that could destroy the brother that he had killed to protect on his young shoulders.

Tristan reached out and took Seto into his arms again, holding him close. /It's okay, pal. I do understand./

{Please, Tristan...you have to promise me you won't tell anyone. Please.}

/Seto.../

{Promise me! No one. Not even Joey.}

Knowing he'd probably regret it, Tristan leaned forward and kissed the tears from Seto's face. /Okay./

{Thank you.} Seto's hands fisted into Tristan's shirt sleeves and he claimed his lips in a desperate kiss.

Tristan kissed him back, letting him know he loved him and he was there for him. And no matter how much he hated keeping things from Joey, he would keep this secret for his best friend.

As they broke apart, Seto became aware of another presence. He looked over Tristan's shoulder to see Ryou standing there, an uncertain look on his face. He called Tristan's attention to the white haired hikari and Tristan turned around.

"Is something wrong, Ryou?" Tristan asked.

"Mokuba's left." Ryou said, looking at Seto. "He packed a bag and left with Roger and his mother. He said he's not coming back until you...well...he said...until you stop being a narrow minded asshole."

"I have to go after him." Seto said.

Ryou shook his head. "No, Seto...don't. He was very angry. He told us not to even call him tonight. He wants to be left alone. Give him some time to cool down before you try to speak to him."

"Ryou..."

"Please, Seto. Come inside. Justin's very upset. He knows there's something wrong."

/You need to talk to your son, pal./

"Is everyone still here?" Seto asked.

"Yes." Ryou nodded. "Well, Otogi was going to leave, but he wanted to make sure you were alright."

Seto reached for Tristan's hand. "We're coming. Just give us a few minutes."

"Okay." Ryou looked at Tristan, clearly asking if it really WAS okay.

Tristan nodded and waited for Ryou to leave before turning back to Seto. /What do you need, pal?/

Sad, azure eyes clouded with tears again. {My little brother back.}

~*~*~*~*~

"I expect you'll want to sleep in Roger's room." Rachael addressed Mokuba as they entered the house.

Both boys blushed.

"Well, you've always slept there." Rachael laughed. "I don't see why that should change now."

She reached out and drew Mokuba into her arms as soon as he dropped his bag. Mokuba clung to her, needing the comfort. Rachael had always been there for him, the mother figure that had gone missing from his life when his mother died of injuries caused in the car crash that had killed his father instantly.

"You're welcome to stay as long as you need to, Mokuba." Rachael said quietly. "And if you need to talk, I'm here."

"Thanks." Mokuba pulled away and turned to Roger.

The blue eyed teen held out his arms and Mokuba threw himself at him with a sob. Roger held him close, stroking his hair and meeting his mother's eyes. Rachael nodded and exited the room, leaving them alone.

"Mokuba…"

"Please, Rog," Mokuba begged. "Not now."

"Okay, baby." Roger untangled himself and picked up Mokuba's bag. "Come on."

Mokuba followed his lover upstairs, his heart breaking. He felt that this breach with Seto would never be healed. But as much as it killed him, he wouldn't give up what he had with Roger.

He wouldn't be the one extending the olive branch. Seto was just going to have to come to him. And he'd be damned if he'd give in easily.

~*~*~*~*~

Three days had passed and Seto and Mokuba still weren't speaking.

Mokuba refused to come home, or be anywhere his brother was. The only one who had seen him was Tristan. Mokuba had called him the day after and asked to meet him. He had apologized to the brunet for what had said about him during the fight with his brother. Tristan had forgiven him, of course, but when he tried to convince Mokuba to come home and talk to Seto, the teen had refused to discuss it further.

It certainly hadn't helped matters that Seto still wouldn't see reason. Even after talking to Tristan, he was still adamant that Mokuba shouldn't be with another man. He had even gone so far as to tell Rachael that she had to send Mokuba home, stating it in such a way that anyone would have taken it as a demand.

Rachael had put her foot down, telling Seto that Mokuba had always been welcome in her home and would continue to be. Whether he liked it or not.

The whole situation was still out of hand and it didn't look like it was going to get better anytime soon.

~*~*~*~*~

A small moan came from Ryou and Tristan looking up from his cards.

"Would you two knock it off?" He rolled his eyes.

He had hoped that sitting them across the table from each other, instead of side by side, would make them behave and they could actually play poker for once. He should have known better.

Otogi, sitting to Tristan's left, looked across the table at Joey. "I don't know how you guys put up with it."

"You get used to it." Seto grinned.

"Bakura," Joey kicked the white haired yami. "Put your bet in."

"I fold." Bakura threw his cards down, not taking his eyes off his light.

"'kura. Stop." Ryou squirmed in his chair.

"Are we playing, or what?" Tristan asked.

"I already am." Bakura replied with a wolfish grin.

"Freak." Seto chuckled.

Joey reached under the table and squeezed Tristan's leg, smiling at his husband. They had sent Lexi over to stay the night with Justin and set up this poker game with the express purpose of getting Seto out.

Tristan figured if he could get him to come over, get a few beers into him, and play some cards he might loosen up. It seemed to be working.

"I got nothing. I fold." Tristan dropped his cards on the table and stood. "Anyone want another beer?"

"I'm good." Joey and Otogi said in unison.

"Please." Seto replied.

Tristan looked at Ryou and Bakura, not really expecting an answer.

Bakura was leaning back in his chair, a smirk on his face as he watched Ryou. The brown eyed hikari was studying his cards intently, his face getting redder by the second.

Tristan shook his head and went to the fridge, taking out two bottles of beer. Turning back toward the table, he almost tripped over the cat. It hissed at him, taking a swipe at his leg.

"Get out of my way, you fucking fur ball." Tristan growled as it ran under the table.

"Leave her alone, Tris." Joey said absently.

"Couldn't you have gotten her a hamster or something?" Tristan said to Bakura.

"Wouldn't have been as much fun." Bakura snickered, watching as Otogi picked the kitten up, setting it in his lap. "She seems to like everyone else well enough."

"I love cats." Otogi smiled down at the bit of white fluff as it began to purr.

"Figures." Tristan put Seto's beer down in front of him.

Seto looked up at Tristan and winked. "And we all know you don't like "titties"."

"Oh, shut up." Tristan bent down, kissing Seto on the lips and pushing his glasses back up his nose. "You're such a jerk."

"Yeah, but you love me."

"It's only because I think you're sexy when you're wearing your glasses." Tristan commented dryly as he sat back down.

Otogi raised an eyebrow as Joey, Bakura and Ryou laughed. "Umm...did Lexi come up with a name yet?"

"No." Joey shook his head. "I've been calling her PITA."

"Huh?" Otogi was confused by the English word.

"Pain In Tristan's Ass."

Tristan rolled his eyes. "It took me three days to figure out he wasn't talking about a sandwich."

Seto burst out laughing. "You're hopeless."

"Listen, smart guy," Tristan retorted. "YOU'RE the real pain in my ass."

"We all know Seto's a pain in your ass, Tristan." Ryou chuckled. "You love it and you know it."

"You can shut up too, Ryou."

"Or what? You're going to pound me into the floor?"

"That's my job." Bakura cut in, staring intently at Ryou.

Ryou's eyes went unfocused and he whimpered. "Oh, gods."

"Alright, take it upstairs, you two." Joey said. "The last ting I need is to see you going at it on my kitchen table."

"I don't know." Bakura nudged Seto. "Looks like the perfect height, doesn't it, Seto?"

"I wouldn't know." Seto replied, grinning at Tristan.

Tristan snorted. "Yes, you would."

"Too much information for me, guys." Joey laughed.

Otogi looked at Tristan from the corner of his eye. The brunet was grinning at Seto, a seemingly silent communication passing between them.

"Bite me, pal." Tristan said.

"Can I?" Seto smirked.

Otogi looked down at the kitten and began to pet it. {{They're not...SERIOUS, are they? How can Joey sit there and listen to this?}}

Ryou shivered suddenly. "Oh...dear...gods."

"Go. Now." Tristan pointed to the stairs. "Then maybe the rest of us can play cards."

Ryou jumped up from his chair, the cards falling from his hands. He practically ran for the stairs.

Bakura stood up more casually, stretching. "See you in the morning."

"The two of them scare me sometimes." Otogi said in an effort to change the subject.

"It's Ryou that scares me. He looks so innocent." Seto picked up Ryou's cards. "Well, I'll be damned. He had a royal flush."

Tristan snickered. "If Bakura left him alone when we played, none of us would stand a chance."

"Like that'll ever happen." Joey got up, going over to the counter and bringing back a bowl of jellybeans.

Tristan frowned as Joey put a small handful into his mouth. "Joey?"

Joey shook his head, avoiding his husband's eyes.

"Deal the cards, Seto." Otogi said quietly.

{Tris?}

/Do it. It helps if he can distract himself./

Seto dealt the cards and they began playing again, no one really saying much. After a few minutes, Joey took Tristan's hand, giving him a little smile.

"Sorry, guys." He whispered.

"Don't apologize, baby." Tristan lifted Joey's hand to his lips, kissing the backs of his fingers. "It's okay."

Otogi looked away, unable to watch. {{I wish it was me.}} Whether he meant he wished he was in Joey's place or Tristan's, he didn't know.

{This is exactly what I'm talking about, buddy. Look at his face.}

Tristan's gaze flickered to Otogi, then to Seto. /Listen, Seto...I said I don't.../

A scream pierced the air and Otogi jumped from his chair, dumping the sleeping kitten onto the floor. "What the hell?!"

The other three men just sat there, not seeming the least bit fazed hearing Ryou sounding like he was being murdered upstairs.

"S'ok, Otogi." Joey said. "Sit down."

"Yeah," Seto reached for his beer. "Ryou's a screamer."

"You don't even hear it after a while." Tristan added.

Otogi dropped back into his chair as another scream echoed through the house.

"Keep it down up there!" Tristan yelled.

"Well, I've had about enough." Seto said, taking his glasses off and rubbing his eyes. "I think I'll head home. I promised Justin I'd take him and Lexi over to Kaiba Land tomorrow."

Tristan glanced at the wall clock. "It is getting late. I'll walk you out to the gates."

Seto stood and went to Joey, laying a hand on his shoulder. When he looked up, Seto leaned down, kissing the blond on the forehead. "You going to be okay, pup?"

"I'm alright." Joey smiled. "Thanks, Seto."

Seto smiled back and, saying goodnight to Otogi, left the room with Tristan following.

Joey got up and began clearing the table. "You're still staying, right? I really don't think you should be driving."

"Yeah. Thanks." As Otogi stood to help him, he knocked some cards off the table. The kitten dashed out from under a chair and grabbed one, running into the living room.

"Come back with that!" Otogi chased after it, Joey's laughter following him from the room.

He grabbed the animal just as it reached the corner by the picture window where Lexi's toys were. He scooped it up into his arms, pulling the card from it's mouth.

"Bad cat." He grinned as it looked up at him innocently, mewing.

Turning to head back to the kitchen, he glanced out the window and his gaze was caught by two figures at the gates. Tristan and Seto. He could see them clearly in the light that illuminated the mouth of the driveway.

Otogi watched as Tristan turned Seto toward him, his hands reaching up to clasp the taller man's face. Seto's arms came around Tristan's waist and he pulled him close, bending his head to kiss him.

Jealously boiled up in Otogi as he watched them. {{It's not fair. It's not fair that Seto should be able to have him too. How can Joey be okay with it? His husband is out there, practically standing in the middle of the street, kissing another man! Joey didn't even blink when he kissed Seto earlier. And everyone else seems to accept it. Why can't I? I don't even have a right to be upset. Not really.}} Otogi sighed and headed back into the kitchen. {{I love you, Tristan. Damn you.}}

~*~*~*~*~

Joey turned over again and cuddled into Tristan.

He couldn't sleep. He was fighting the urge to go downstairs and raid the fridge. He had a serious case of post-craving munchies.

"Are you still craving, love?" Tristan asked, draping his arm over the blond.

"No." Joey sighed. "I'm hungry. I think I'm going to go downstairs and get something to eat."

Tristan threw the covers back. "I'll come with you. I could use a drink."

"Not another beer, I hope." Joey teased, rising from the bed.

Tristan rolled his eyes and tossed Joey's robe at him, pulling on his own. "I'm not drunk."

"If you say so." Joey snickered.

"Pain." Tristan retorted, following his husband from their bedroom and downstairs to the kitchen. "You're just as tanked as I am."

"Do you want something to eat?" Joey asked, opening the fridge and perusing it's contents.

Tristan saw the bowl of jellybeans on the counter and picked them up; sifting through them with seeming casualness until he found the one he was looking for. "Oh, I think I found what I want."

Joey turned around to see Tristan holding up a yellow jellybean, a smirk on his face.

"Now," Tristan popped the candy in his mouth. "If I remember the rule, this entitles me to take you wherever and however I want."

Joey smiled, shutting the refrigerator door and walking up to the brunet. "Yes...it does."

"Well...how about here?" Tristan reached out and sank a hand into Joey's hair, pulling him close.

"Here?"

Tristan nodded. "On the table."

"Right now?" Joey raised an eyebrow.

"Right now." Tristan leaned down and let his lips travel over the side of Joey's face.

"But what if someone walks in on us?"

"Never happened before." Tristan's hand slipped into Joey's robe, caressing his chest.

"Oh, really?" Joey grinned. "Last year? My birthday? The bench on the patio? Charlie came over for a beer?"

Tristan thought for a minute. "Oh, yeah. I forgot."

Joey laughed. "I don't think Charlie has...or ever will."

"You're the one who made up the rules." Tristan untied the belt on Joey's robe.

"Well..."

"Come on, baby." Tristan's hands started wandering again, rousing the blond. "Tell me you don't want me to throw you down on that table and make you moan."

"Oh, gods." Joey's head fell back as Tristan pushed his robe off his body.

Tristan leaned down, scorching a hot trail down his lover's neck. He dropped to his knees, licking and nipping at Joey's lean stomach. Looking up, he found Joey looking down at him with a languid smile on his face.

"I love you, Tris." Joey stroked his fingers through his husband's short hair.

"I love you so much, baby." Tristan replied softly, running his hands up Joey's body. "Sometimes I wonder what I ever did to deserve you."

Joey reached down and drew Tristan up, his arms tangling around the taller man's neck as he tipped his face up, lips parted, offering. Tristan's mouth closed over Joey's and they kissed with the long leisure of familiarity.

When it ended, Joey stepped back, opening Tristan's robe and pushing it from his shoulders. As it hit the floor, a small hiss escaped the blond.

"Gods," He reached out to run his hands over his husband's broad chest. "You have the most beautiful body. I don't think I'll ever get tired of seeing you like this, angel."

Tristan pulled Joey flush against him, one arm encircling him as the other hand came up to tilt his head back. He pressed small kisses along his lover's jaw and then bit down on Joey's earlobe, making the blond groan softly.

"I want to be inside you, love." He whispered. "Now."

"Always so damn impatient when you're drunk." Joey snickered.

"And you're so damn good at ruining the mood when YOU are." Tristan retorted, pushing Joey against the table.

Joey sat down and grinned up at Tristan. "Just shut up and do it."

Tristan turned around, opening the cupboard door, looking for something to use for lubricant. He spotted a small, glass jug and a giggle escaped him as he grabbed it.

Joey raised an eyebrow. It was such an odd sound coming from such a big man. [Oh, yeah. He's drunk.] "What's so funny?"

Tristan turned back to face Joey, holding up the bottle. "Found some lube."

"What?! Tristan! We can't use maple syrup!" Joey protested.

"Why not?" Tristan pulled the cork out of the bottle as he came back to the table.

"Lexi uses that on her pancakes!"

"So?" Tristan pushed Joey down on his back and poured some of the syrup on his stomach.

He placed the bottle on the table, leaning down and beginning to lick the sweet substance from his lover' skin. Feeling his husband's hot tongue tracing across his flesh, Joey moaned loudly, desire flaring up to engulf his entire body.

"Gods, Tris! Get inside me! Now!"

Tristan chuckled, moving lower and laving his tongue up the length of Joey's arousal. "Now who's being impatient?"

"Me." Joey stated, leaning up on one elbow and reaching for Tristan with the other hand. "I think you'd better kiss me."

Tristan complied, reaching for the maple syrup at the same time. He coated his fingers with it, pulling out of the kiss and pushing Joey back down. Looking deeply into his husband's lust-darkened eyes, he slid a finger into him. He smiled as Joey whimpered and inserted another finger, thrusting them both deep.

"Tristan..." Joey moaned, his head falling to the side.

Vision blurry with the pleasure he was receiving, he thought he saw movement in the darkened doorway that led to the stairs. He opened his mouth to call Tristan's attention to it, but then he felt his lover press into him and nothing else mattered anymore.

He looked up at Tristan and frowned. Something about Tristan's eyes didn't look right. The only light in the room came from over the sink, behind Tristan. Joey chalked it up to a trick of the light and the fact that he could barely remember his own name right now; let alone the color of his husband's eyes.

"You feel so good, baby." Tristan grinned down at him. "If somewhat...sticky."

"Shut up and move already." Joey shot back, wrapping his legs around the brunet.

Tristan gripped the edge of the table and began to thrust hard into the man below him. "Love you, Joey."

"I love you too, angel." Joey smiled. "With all my heart."

Had either of them looked toward the doorway, they would have seen a pair of green eyes, glittering in the dim light; fill with tears. As it was, neither of them heard the soft, choked sob as a shadow detached itself from the darkness and fled up the stairs.

Tristan smiled at Joey's reply and reached to push the golden strands from his love's face so he could look into those beautiful amber eyes. Joey captured Tristan's hand in his, kissing his fingers before taking them into his mouth and sucking on them.

After a minute, Tristan retrieved his fingers and grasped the edge of the table again. He began to pound into the blond, tearing moans and whimpers from him as he drove them to the edge.

"Damn it, Tristan!" Joey growled suddenly. "Deeper!"

"Getting close, aren't you, love?" Tristan could feel the tension growing rapidly in Joey's body, pulling an identical response from his own.

"Yes!" Joey began to thrash against the table.

"Touch yourself, Joey." The brunet demanded. "Touch yourself for me."

Joey obediently wrapped his fingers around his length, groaning as he began stroking the captive flesh hard. Tristan watched him intently, feeling his release bearing down on him as he continued to slam into Joey's pliant body.

"Tristan...oh, gods, Tristan. I'm coming."

"Do it." The brunet buried himself as deep as he could, feeling his control slipping.

"Oh, fuck." Joey moaned as he felt Tristan's hot release fill him. His back arched off the table as his climax overtook him and he bit back a scream.

It took conscious effort for Tristan to release his now painful grip on the table. He withdrew from his husband, bracing his hands against the wooden surface on either side of Joey's body, breathing hard.

Joey opened his eyes and looked up at Tristan. For a second he swore the hazel orbs held a hint of blue.

Tristan willed the strength to return to his limbs, fighting not to collapse on top of the blond. "You...me...shower. Now."

Joey laughed and leaned up to kiss him. "Sounds like a plan."

~*~*~*~*~

Otogi shut the bedroom door and wiped the tears from his face.

He removed the robe he had borrowed from Joey and threw himself down on the bed, burying his face in the pillow. {{Why? Oh, gods, why did I have to walk in on that?}}

He had gone downstairs to get a drink, only to find the kitchen already occupied. He had been unable to turn away, standing there instead, drinking in the sight of the two men he had come to love so deeply.

Seeing Joey lying there looking up at Tristan, his sun-kissed hair falling into his eyes, his golden skin seeming to glow in the dim light, Otogi had been almost overwhelmed by the urge to touch him. And be touched by him...and held and kissed and made love to.

And Tristan...those intense eyes, staring down at Joey from angular features, the muscular, almost god-like body looming over the blond...Otogi wanted nothing more than to be pinned beneath that rock hard form and become a victim to the bigger man's passions.

{{I love them. Why do I have to love them so much? There'd be no room in their lives for me. I wish I could just go. Leave. I can't be with them...why do I keep torturing myself by being around them?}}

He already knew the answer to that question. If he couldn't be WITH them, he could at least be NEAR them. As hard as it was, it was better than nothing.

But Otogi was quickly finding it wasn't enough. Every idle minute was spent thinking about them, fantasying about them. He felt like it was all he had left.

He rolled over on his back, wiping at his eyes again. {{Fantasies...that's all I'll ever have.}}

The scene in the kitchen began to replay itself in his mind and his hands began to move of their own volition. Soon enough, the fantasy shifted and a small moan drifted past his lips.

How many nights had he spent like this? So lost in the imaginary scenario playing itself out behind his closed eyes that he could almost convince himself it was real.

He could feel soft lips against his own, a hot tongue exploring the cavern of his mouth. "Joey..."

The sensation of strong hands caressing his body aroused him, causing him to moan softly again. "Tristan..."

A sheen of sweat rose to the surface of his skin as his hand closed over his pulsing erection.

"I love you, Joey." He whispered, his mind supplying him with the reply he so desperately needed to hear.

He brought his hand to his lips, briefly sucking on two fingers. Bending his knees, he thrust the digits deep, instantly finding what he was looking for. He began to writhe on the bed, his breath coming in harsh, tearing gasps.

"Tristan...please...oh, gods. I love you." He breathed, hearing the object of this part of his fantasy whisper his name.

He could feel them, hear them...even see them as the illusion rushed toward it's natural conclusion.

"Tristan...Joey...please...I need you."

A short, harsh cry was torn from him as his body convulsed. His hands fell away from his body as he went limp against the sheets.

Emerald eyes opened slowly and, finding himself alone, Otogi curled up on his side and began to cry.

~*~*~*~*~

Tristan and Joey were just entering their bedroom when they heard a sharp, passion-filled cry followed by the sounds of heartbreaking weeping.

They looked at each other, surprised. It definitely didn't come from Ryou and Bakura's room. It came from Otogi's.

Tristan grabbed Joey by the arm and pulled him into the bedroom, shutting the door. Seto was right. He needed to talk to Joey about what was going on with Otogi…about what almost happened between them.

Joey moved into the bathroom, throwing off his robe and turning on the shower. He stepped in and waited for Tristan to join him. When he did, Joey turned to him, pressing up against him.

Guilt flashed through the blond. He had never kept anything from Tristan before, but he hadn't told him about how he felt about their raven haired friend…or that he had kissed him.

"Joey," Tristan said softly, wrapping his arms around his husband's waist. "We need to talk."

Joey looked up into Tristan's eyes. "Not now, Tris. Please?"

"Joey…"

"Look," Joey interrupted. "We're both half drunk. Now's not the time."

Tristan sighed. "Okay. You're right. But we have to talk about Otogi. I know you know there's something going on with him."

"I do." Joey whispered, nodding. "We'll talk tomorrow. I promise."

Tristan's hand came up to cup Joey's cheek and he leaned down, kissing him softly. "Tomorrow."

Joey grabbed him suddenly and claimed his lips, kissing him hard. Tristan kissed him back, feeling tears prick his eyes.

They held onto each other, both of them afraid that the admissions they needed to make would change everything they had together.

~*~*~*~*~

Tristan came downstairs to find Joey cooking breakfast and Ryou and Bakura sitting at the table.

Otogi was nowhere in sight.

Ryou smiled at Tristan, cradling a cup of tea in his hands. "How's your head?"

"Been better." Tristan replied, eying the bottle of beer on the table in front of Bakura.

Bakura picked it up and held it out to the big brunet. "Hair of the dog, slim?"

"Not fucking likely." Tristan retorted, going over to Joey.

Joey smiled up at him, leaning over to kiss him and indicating the handless cup steaming on the counter. "I fixed your medication and put something in it for your head. Want some breakfast?"

Tristan shook his head, picking up the cup. "Where's Otogi?"

"He was gone when I got up. He left a note saying he had to go in to the store."

Tristan raised an eyebrow at that but didn't comment, going over to the table and sitting down next to Ryou. He watched Joey preparing breakfast for their friends, feeling a sense of dread.

/What's he going to do when I tell him?/ Tristan stared down into the stained cup in his hand. /Gods…I don't want to lose him. Not again./

Joey watched Tristan out of the corner of his eye. [What's going to happen when I tell him? Is he going to leave me? I almost lost him once. I don't want to lose him because I can't control what I'm feeling. I need to talk to Master Kiotou. He's always been able to help me.]

Joey turned from the stove, bringing plates over to the table. "Umm…I'm going to head over to Master Kiotou's. We're low on a few things."

"You're not going alone?" Tristan asked, raising an eyebrow. "Joey, we talked about this."

Joey bit his lip. "Well, maybe I'll ask Yugi if he wants to come with me."

"Okay." Tristan reached out and drew Joey down into his lap. "Don't be gone long, okay?"

"I won't." Joey snuggled against Tristan's chest for a moment. "Love you, Tris."

Tristan searched his love's eyes for a moment. "I love you too."

"Don't worry, angel." Joey whispered as he leaned in to kiss him. "We'll talk when I get back. Everything's going to be alright."

/Is it? Will it be alright when I tell you I'm finding myself attracted to someone other than you? I don't know if I can do this./ Tristan gave Joey a gentle squeeze. "I'll see you when you get home, love."

Joey stood and, avoiding the curious looks from Ryou and Bakura, left to talk to his old teacher. He only hoped the elder could guide him this time.

~*~*~*~*~

Master Kiotou looked up as the bell over the door jingled.

"Joseph!" He called, surprised to see the blond alone. "You are here by yourself?"

Joey nodded, taking a seat on the stool in front of the counter. "I was going to ask Yugi to come with me but…I needed to speak to you alone."

"Is Tristan aware that you are here alone?"

"No." Joey looked down at his hands where they were resting on the countertop.

"Yet another thing you are keeping from your husband." Master Kiotou said, letting Joey know he knew exactly why he was here.

"Sensei," Joey looked up into the wise, old eyes. "How can I tell him? I love him so much. The last thing I want is to hurt him."

"Do you remember what I told you before your marriage?" Master Kiotou placed a weathered hand over Joey's. "Tristan loves you, Joseph. Do not doubt that."

"I don't. But…I'm afraid."

"You fear that in admitting your feelings for Otogi to Tristan, he will leave you?"

Joey nodded miserably.

"You have nothing to fear, my friend. And do not discount Tristan's feelings for my grandson."

Joey's eyes widened. "Tristan has feelings for Otogi?"

"I believe he does." The old man nodded. "However, he is unsure, confused by them. And he also harbors the same fear that you do. That you will leave him once again."

"I'd never leave him, sensei. I couldn't."

"Tristan would do anything to make you happy, Joseph. Though I fear that he may take it to extremes and put aside his own happiness in favor of yours."

"I don't want him to do that."

"Go home Joseph. Talk to you husband. Do not fear his reaction. It will all work out in the end as it should."

Joey felt a sense of peace wash over him. "Thank you, sensei. I knew I could count on you."

"Always." The elder smiled. "Go now."

Joey smiled back and rose, anxious now to get home and talk to Tristan.

Master Kiotou's eyes grew sad as he watched his young friend leave. There was much he hadn't told the blond.

He had never been one to interfere in their lives, instinctively knowing they must forge their own paths. As much as he wished to ease the way, he knew he could not.

~*~*~*~*~

Joey left the apothecary shop, heading down the street to where his car was parked. He was so lost in his own thoughts he wasn't aware of a pair of feral eyes watching him.

The man watched the Mustang pull away, smiling. Soon enough, Bandit Keith's little whore would pay his debt for him. He just didn't know it yet.

~*~*~*~*~

Otogi sat behind his desk, trying to fight back the tears that hadn't wanted to stop flowing since last night.

He had been lucky enough not to fall asleep at all and this had allowed him to be gone before Tristan or Joey even woke. There was no way he could face them now. How could he look at them, knowing that they'd never be his?

He couldn't live on fantasy alone. Not anymore.

He was beginning to wish he hadn't said no to Dan. He felt the need to immerse himself in that world again. He couldn't control his feelings and at this point he felt he didn't want control over anything.

As much as the incident with Dan had frightened him, it was getting more and more tempting to find himself another partner like him.

{{I guess I still am an addict. It's just a different sort of drug.}}

Otogi wiped the tears from his eyes and picked up the phone.

~*~*~*~*~

Ryou: NO WAY!!

Otogi: Please tell me I didn't just call Dan.

YD: I don't know, did you?

Seto: This is just messed up. You guys are sick!

YD: Thank you.

DD: Hope you enjoyed this chappie.