Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Family By Choice ❯ chapter12 ( Chapter 12 )

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)! 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

~*~*~*~*~

Tris: Took you long enough.

YD: Shut up, you.

DD: You don't want to tick her off, Tris. She's done enough damage to you in this chapter.

Yugi: Come on! You've got readers going into withdrawal here!

YD: Fine, fine! Enjoy!

~*~*~*~*~

Tristan saw Ryou and Bakura off and went into the den.

Sitting down at the computer, he checked his email and logged onto the Kaiba Corp. intranet to see what was going on. He was surprised to see that Seto had sent out a memo letting everyone know Robbie MacLeod was expected back to work the following week.

It seemed that he was prepared to come back even before he was done with all the skin grafts and plastic surgery he was enduring as a result of the speaker he was standing next to blowing up when the club was raided.

/Seto?/

{Tris?}

/When are you coming back with the kids?/

{Not for a while yet. Justin's dueling. Why?}

/Just wondering. Can you take Lexi home and I'll come pick her up?/

{Sure thing. Everything alright?}

/Joey and I need some time alone./ He felt Seto's concern and was quick to assure his friend it was nothing serious. /I'll talk to you about it later, okay, pal?/

{Okay, Tris. Just come over when you want to pick her up.}

/Thanks, Seto./

Tristan leaned back in the chair, putting up his mental barriers. It's not that he didn't want Seto to know what was going on, but he needed to allow Joey the privacy to talk without thinking Seto was looking over his shoulder.

"Tris?" Joey called out as he entered the house. "Where are you?"

"In the den, love." Tristan called back.

Joey came in a few minutes later, a cup of coffee in each hand. He put one on the desk in front of Tristan and sat down on the leather loveseat. He tucked his leg underneath him and sipped at his coffee, looking at Tristan over the rim of the cup. He just didn't know how to start this conversation.

Tristan saw the uncertainty in his eyes and went to sit next to him, taking his hand. "Seto's going to take Lexi home with him when they're done at Kaiba Land."

Joey nodded, putting his cup down and leaning into Tristan, pressing his face into his husband's chest. "Tris…I know you think we need to talk, but…"

"We do, Joey." Tristan said firmly. "Look, it hurts me to see Otogi suffering like this. And don't tell me there's nothing wrong with him. You're closer to him than I am. You had to see this coming."

"I did." Joey replied softly. "A while ago."

Tristan didn't answer, just wrapped his arms around the blond, trying to fight back the fear of what Joey was going to tell him.

"Remember when I stayed at his house when he was sick?" Joey asked, settling into the brunet's embrace. "Well, he had a really bad fever and…well…he said some things that he normally wouldn't say, I guess."

"Like what?"

Joey bit his lip and made the decision to tell Tristan flat out. "He's in love with both of us."

"He can't be." Tristan shook his head in denial.

"He is."

He was afraid to ask, but he had to. "How do you feel about him, Joey? Really?"

"I…" Joey clenched his eyes shut and clung to Tristan. "I….have feelings for him."

"Do you love him?" Tristan's voice was barely audible.

Joey nodded. He felt Tristan begin to tremble and he looked up, seeing fear and pain in his husband's eyes.

"Joey," Tristan whispered. "Do you still love me?"

"What?!" Joey was shocked. "Of course I do! Angel…I could never stop loving you. No matter what I feel for anyone else."

"It's just…" Tristan looked away.

"It's just what?"

"I don't want to lose you again."

"Tristan, you are NOT going to lose me." Joey said adamantly. "Not unless you're the one doing the leaving."

"Never." Tristan's arms tightened around the blond.

"How do you feel about him, Tris?" Joey asked after a few minutes.

"I love him as a friend. And…I find him…attractive."

"I kissed him." Joey said out of the blue.

Tristan felt a stab of jealousy like a knife to the heart. He fought it back, wanting to be fair. He had come close to doing the same thing. Who was he to judge?

"Tristan?" Joey looked into hazel eyes, seeing emotions reflected there that the brunet wasn't aware was showing. "Talk to me."

"Do you want to be with him?"

"Do you?" The blond countered.

"If…" Tristan paused, struggling for the right words. "If it would make you happy…if it's what you want…then…"

"He wants to be with you too." Joey said as the bigger man trialed off. "And I don't want you saying you want to be with him just because it would make ME happy. I want you to be happy too, angel."

"I wouldn't be…unhappy having him in our lives." Tristan replied. "I just don't know what I feel. I love you, Joey, and if you love him…I guess I'll have to learn to love him too."

"Tristan...I love you more than anything." Joey reassured him. "We've been through too much together for anything to damage that. Me, you...Lexi...we're a family. I don't want that to change. I've finally admitted to myself that I love Otogi...but I love you too. I don't want you to try and force yourself to love him." Joey reached up and touched Tristan's face. "That wouldn't be fair to either of you."

"But I want you to be happy."

"I am happy." Joey rose to his knees, clasping Tristan face in both hands and leaning in to kiss him softly. "You've given me everything I've always wanted. YOU make me happy...just by being alive...by being with me."

Tristan pulled Joey into his lap, cradling him in his arms and taking his lips in a deep, passionate kiss. /If being with Otogi will make you happy, then I'll make sure it happens. Maybe I'll learn to love him, maybe I won't. It doesn't matter, so long as you're happy./

When it ended, Tristan looked into Joey's eyes, his second biggest concern surfacing. "What do we tell Lexi?"

"Nothing. Let her come to us if she has any questions. She's only three. If we try to explain it to her, she won't understand." Joey smiled. "The most important thing to her is going to be that she gets to spend more time with him. That's all that'll matter to her."

Tristan saw the sense in Joey's words. Then it struck him that they had spoken about it like it was already a fact.

Fear, and something akin to anger, welled up inside him. /I WON'T lose him! I won't let it happen! Otogi and I are going to have a little talk. There's going to be some ground rules laid down and he's going to agree to them./ His eyes focused again on Joey, who was looking at him expectantly, waiting for him to speak. /He's mine. I'll share him if I have to, to keep him happy...but Otogi's going to do this MY way./

"Tristan? Please say something."

"If you want this...I want it too."

"Really?" Joey searched his husband's eyes, looking for the truth. He saw the fear and anger there, and it didn't surprise him in the least. He knew it was grounded in Tristan's feelings of possessiveness and uncertainty.

It was that uncertainty that worried Joey the most. He didn't know what to say to convince Tristan he wasn't going to leave him. He was well aware it was Tristan's one great fear. A fear so strong that it had driven him to attempt suicide.

"Yes." Tristan replied. "I DO care about him. It's just going to take me some time to figure out how I really feel. I know I...I just can't..." His brow furrowed as he stumbled over the words, trying to beat back the fear, hating himself for feeling it. "Damn it."

"You're scared." Joey stated quietly as Tristan looked away. "Tris, I'll say it again if you need to hear it. I love you. I'm not going to leave you. Ever. And please...I know it's hard for you but don't start hating yourself for feeling afraid. You're ALLOWED to feel that way."

Tristan shook his head, still not meeting the blond's eyes.

"Look at me." Joey grasped Tristan's chin, turning him to face him. "Until you know how you feel, nothing happens. I love him, yes, but you're my husband. I wouldn't have married you if I didn't intend to be with you forever. Got it?"

Tristan looked into those sincere, amber eyes, possessiveness and fear warring for power over his feelings. "Kiss me."

Joey lips immediately closed over Tristan's, gently dominating, pouring every ounce of his love into it. Their lips parted and he pulled back slowly to find tears in Tristan's eyes.

"Shh, angel." Joey gently brushed his lips against Tristan's again. "I promise you...this only happens when...and if...you want it."

Tristan buried his face in Joey's hair, his emotions in turmoil. He was getting that vulnerable feeling that came along with the fear that he was going to lose the man in his arms. He struggled with it, not wanting to give in.

Then he remembered what Diane had said to him during their last session with her. She had said that showing vulnerability to Joey didn't make him weak. That allowing Joey to see him that way would only bring them closer and that letting Joey comfort him when he was feeling it would not only help him, but Joey was well. It would give Joey a sense of strength to know that he was able to help him deal with what he was feeling. As hard as it was for him, she had said, he had to try.

And he had promised Joey he would.

He steeled himself to say what needed to be said. "I...I am scared. After what happened with Keith...I don't know if I'll ever get over the...the fear of...losing you. If I did...my life would be empty."

Joey pulled out of Tristan's arms, his eyes sad. "Oh, Tristan..."

Baby," Tristan reached out to him, unwilling to loose the contact. "I...I need..."

"Come here." Joey lay back against the arm of the couch.

Tristan was immediately there, clinging, his head pillowed on his lover's chest. "I'm sorry."

"For what?" Joey asked. "For giving in to what you're feeling? For letting it show? I'm proud of you, angel. That took real courage."

"I love you."

"I love you too, Tris." Joey shifted under his husband's heavy weight, trying to get comfortable.

Tristan moved so he wasn't pinning Joey down, mindful that it could scare him. "Joey?"

"Yeah?" Joey smiled down at him as Tristan lifted his head.

Tristan's eyes filled with tears again. "Will you make love to me?"

Joey ruffled his fingers through Tristan's spikes, wishing his over-proud lover would let those tears fall. "You really need me to, don't you?"

"Yes." Tristan whispered.

"Let's go upstairs then." Joey gently pushed at Tristan's shoulders. "This is not the most comfortable place."

Tristan stood reluctantly, reaching for Joey's hand the second the blond was on his feet. Joey understood the gesture and entwined his fingers with the bigger man's.

Whenever Tristan allowed himself to feel this way, Joey had found he needed the assurance of almost constant physical contact. He led Tristan upstairs and into their bedroom, not letting go.

Standing next to the bed, Joey leaned up to kiss him and Tristan let go of his hand in favor of tangling his fingers in Joey's long, gold hair. He moaned softly as Joey's tongue slipped into his mouth and he felt the blond unbuttoning his shirt. He brought his hands down to reciprocate, giving up dominance of the kiss to the other.

Joey slid his hands under Tristan's shirt, pushing it from his body. As it hit the floor, he bent his head and began to place a series of small, hot kisses across Tristan's chest, stopping to tease at a nipple. His hands stroked over the ridged muscles of his lover's stomach, drawing a sharp gasp from the brunet.

"Joey..." Tristan stopped the wandering hands long enough to remove his lover's shirt.

The second it was gone, Joey resumed his previous activities, feeling Tristan's skin heating up under his fingers. He bit down gently on the hardened nub, earning a ragged moan, and then soothed the slight pain away with his tongue. He let his fingertips glide over the growing bulge contained in the cloth of his husband's pants, a bare caress.

Tristan whimpered, fisting his hands into Joey's hair and pulling the blond's head up. "Gods...baby..."

Joey pressed himself against the bigger man; his hand trapped between them, and engaged him in a fierce kiss. He squeezed Tristan's arousal and the brunet shivered, tightening his grip in Joey's hair.

Tristan broke the kiss, breathing hard. "Joey...I need you."

"I need you too, angel." Joey smiled at him. "Always."

"Please..." Tristan hissed as Joey squeezed him again.

Joey untangled himself from Tristan and quickly removed the rest of his clothes, going for Tristan's next. Once he had them both undressed, he sealed his body to Tristan's again, reveling in the hot, smooth skin against his own.

He reached between them, taking both their erections in his hand, stroking lightly.

Tristan groaned, his hands coming up to clutch Joey's shoulders. "Oh, gods...Joey..."

"Tell me how much you want me." Joey's voice was husky.

"I want you...so much." Tristan began caressing Joey's back. "I want you inside me. I want to feel your hands on my body. I want you to take me...love me. Gods, baby...don't make me wait."

Joey dropped down onto the edge of the bed, reaching for the bottle of oil on the bedside table. He poured some into his hand and leaned forward, taking the brunet's arousal into his mouth even as he reached around and slipped two oil-slick fingers deep into the other's body.

Tristan moaned, his hands finding their way into Joey's hair again as he began to thrust into the blond's hot mouth. "Joey...Joey...feels so good. Don't stop."

Joey took him as deep as he could, swallowing around the length of silken flesh, hearing a whimper come from above him. He pushed his fingers deeper, knowing what he was looking for and finding it instantly.

"Baby...yes!"

A moan escaped the blond as he drew harder on his lover's arousal. Tristan was going to come. He could feel it...he could taste it...and he wanted it.

Joey's name fell from Tristan's lips in a soft sob as he climaxed. He groaned in protest as he felt Joey release him, withdrawing his fingers at the same time. He looked down to find Joey staring up at him, eyes gone copper with love and need.

Joey moved to lie back on the bed, reaching out to pull Tristan down beside him. He held his husband close, feeling him trembling with the after-effects of his orgasm. He stroked the back of Tristan's neck, not saying a word, waiting for him.

"Joey..." Tristan's fingers brushed lightly across Joey's face. "Please, baby...take me."

Joey pushed Tristan over on his back and moved to kneel between his legs. He pulled Tristan's legs over his shoulders and slowly pressed into him, holding his eyes. When he became fully embedded inside his lover, he stopped, reaching out to caress his chest with one hand.

"I love you, angel." He whispered.

Tristan could distinctly feel Joey's erection throbbing inside him and a bone-deep shudder of arousal tore through his body. "Gods...I can feel...Joey..." He couldn't get the words out. "So hard...hot...gods, please..."

Joey's hand moved down, supple fingers teasing his lover back to full hardness. Tristan moaned deeply and thrust up, urging Joey to move. Joey did, slowly, trying to hold back when all he wanted to do was pound into Tristan until he screamed.

"Harder." Tristan begged.

"No...can't." Joey gasped, not wanting to give in. "If I do...I'll come. Don't...want to...yet."

"I want you to." Tristan's hand closed over Joey's as the blond began to stroking his arousal hard. "Show me, Joey. Show me how much you love me. Please...I need to know."

Joey saw Tristan's eyes fill with tears yet again, only this time they overflowed. "I do love you, Tristan. I love you so much it hurts. Please, angel...please don't doubt that."

The tears tracked silently down Tristan's face as Joey drove harder into him. He didn't doubt it...not really...but the thought of losing Joey's love to another had left him feeling insecure and he needed the reassurance.

"Come for me again, angel." Joey said softly, leaning forward, his free hand brushing the tears from Tristan's face.

Tristan hissed with pleasure as Joey angled his thrusts, finding his prostate. His hand tightened over the blond's where it worked his aching arousal and he moaned, feeling his release approaching.

"That's it, Tristan. Come on." Joey bit his lip, trying to hold out for his lover.

He couldn't, and slammed into the brunet with a cry as he climaxed. Feeling it triggered Tristan's release and he felt as if his soul was being ripped from his body as everything went black.

When he opened his eyes, he was lying on his side with his head on Joey's chest. He pressed close, feeling Joey's arms tighten around him.

"You okay?" Joey asked. "You passed out on me."

Tristan nodded. "Just don't let go."

"I won't, Tris." Joey rubbed his husband's back. "Ever."

"I love you, my heart."

Joey felt tears prick his eyes. In all their years together, Joey had only heard Tristan use that particular endearment a handful of times. It meant more to him than all the others combined.

"I love you too, Tristan." Joey kissed the top of Tristan's head. "Nothing will ever change that. The day I first told you I loved you, I meant forever."

"I've loved you my whole life, Joey." Tristan lifted his head and kissed Joey's chest.

Joey smiled. "And I'll love you for the rest of mine."

~*~*~*~*~

Stevens opened the door, stepping back and smiling at Joey as he entered. "Good afternoon, Mr. Wheeler. Master Yugi is outside with the children."

Joey thanked him and moved through the mansion, going into the kitchen. Arriving there, he found Seto sitting at the table, holding his locket in his hand, staring at the picture of Mokuba.

"Hey, Seto." Joey greeted him.

Seto looked up, his sapphire eyes swimming with tears. He barely acknowledged Joey's presence before turning his attention back to the photograph of his brother.

Joey sat down, laying a hand on the brunet's arm. "Seto…have you spoken to him yet?"

"No." Seto looked up again. "Where's Tristan? I need to talk to him, but he's still blocking me. Is he okay?"

"He's alright. He just needs to be alone for a while." Joey squeezed Seto's arm. "Are you okay?"

Seto sighed, looking at the picture again. "I miss my brother."

"It'll work out, Seto." Joey said quietly. "You just have to find some common ground on this."

"It's not going to happen. I think…" Seto's voice caught. "I think I've lost him."

"Oh, Seto…" Joey stood and went to him, putting his arms around him and stroking his hair, his heart breaking for his friend. "You haven't lost him."

Seto rested his head against Joey's stomach, fighting back the tears. He had held back, refusing to talk to Yami and Yugi about it. He had even walked away from Yugi yesterday when his sensitive husband had begun crying over it. Yami had been furious at him and they had fought.

It had taken him almost two hours to calm himself enough to apologize to them, but he had made it clear he wasn't going to discuss it with them.

Tristan was the only one who understood…the only one who knew why…and as good as it felt to have Joey holding him, Seto needed his best friend.

"Joey," Seto's arms came up, encircling the blond's hips. "I really need Tristan right now. Do you think he'd be upset if I went over?"

"Of course not." Joey bent and kissed the top of Seto's head. "Go on. I'm gonna hang out with Yugi and the kids for a while anyway."

"Okay." Seto pulled away from Joey and stood. "Joey…thanks."

Joey wrapped his arms around the tall brunet and hugged him hard. "Hey, no problem. If there's anything I can do, let me know."

Seto hugged him back. "I will." {Though I doubt you could. You probably wouldn't even want to talk to me if you knew.}

"Tell Tris I'll be home later." Joey said, moving away.

Seto nodded, smiling slightly as he left the room.

Joey stood, watching him go, wishing there was something he could do. This breach with Mokuba didn't make any sense. Joey felt as if he was missing a vital piece of information. Seto's reasoning was so off. He only hoped that whatever it was wouldn't keep the brothers parted for much longer. Seto was starting to come apart at the seams and it was only a matter of time before he broke down completely.

Joey headed outside, shaking his head.

Going out into the backyard, he found Justin pushing Lexi on the monstrous swing set and Yugi sitting on a blanket nearby with Matthew. He smiled as he looked at the baby. Matthew was sitting up on his own, busily chewing on a teething ring and, of course, drooling on himself.

"Hey, drool monster." Joey sat down. "Look at you, sitting up all by yourself!"

Matthew looked up at his uncle…and promptly fell over, landing against Yugi's leg. Joey and Yugi laughed, attracting the attention of the other two children.

"DA-EE!" Lexi squealed, jumping from the swing.

She ran to her father, throwing herself into his arms. She fisted her hands in his hair and pulled him down, covering his face with kisses.

"Hello, angel girl." Joey pried her off of him and settled her in his lap, smiling at Justin as the boy sat down. "Did you have fun with Justin and Uncle Seto today?"

"Yah-ha." Lexi nodded vigorously. "Lexi teep a Jut-in bed waz nigh."

Yugi shrugged at Joey's quizzical look. "She won't stay in her own bed. Seto went to get them up this morning and they were cuddled up together."

"They're just kids." Joey reached out and poked Matthew in the stomach. "Though this one's growing up too quick for his own good."

Matthew burst into giggles, pushing himself up on Yugi's leg. He tried to get his knees under him, but his arms gave out and he fell face-first into his father's lap, still laughing.

Lexi giggled. "Matt-chew tum tunny!"

Yugi picked the baby up, smiling. "I think our little man's going to be crawling all over the place before we know it."

"Excuse me, Master Yugi." Claudine came up next to them. "It's time for Matthew's nap."

Joey pouted at her. "But I just got here! I haven't even had the chance to hold him yet! Five minutes. Please?"

Claudine's heart melted at the pleading, amber eyes and she wondered to herself why all the cute ones had to be gay. "Alright. Five minutes. Odette is making snacks for Justin and Lexi. I'll be inside helping her."

"Thank you, Claudine." Joey replied, smiling up at her.

The woman blushed and quickly turned away, heading back into the mansion.

"I think she has a crush on you." Yugi snickered, handing the baby to Joey.

"What's a crush?" Justin asked.

"I'll tell you later." Yugi said. "Go play. Odette'll have your snack ready soon."

"O-tay, `ugi." Lexi piped up, giving Matthew a sloppy kiss and crawling from Joey's lap. "Jut-in push Lexi on a ting a-den?"

"Sure." Justin climbed to his feet, smiling at the little girl.

A grin crossed Joey's lips as the two children ran off. "Sure is good to see him smiling more. Have you told him about his operation yet?"

"No." Yugi shook his head, handing Matthew his teething ring. "We're going to wait until we get the surgery date. There's no sense in worrying him until then."

"Good point. Hey…where's Yami?"

Yugi rolled his eyes. "In bed. And it's all your husband's fault."

"Huh?"

"Tristan REALLY needs to learn to block Seto when you two are in the mood to be all…freaky."

Joey's eyes widened. "You don't mean..?"

"He woke up at three this morning the horniest I've EVER seen him…with a craving for maple syrup. We're never going to get it out of the comforter."

"Well," Joey smirked. "That would explain why I thought Tris' eyes looked blue."

"Tell me about it! Gods! I looked up at Seto and for a second there, I thought it was Tristan!" Yugi shivered.

"Hey!" Joey nudged Yugi in the ribs. "Don't go there." He felt a tug on his hair and looked down at Matthew. "Eww! Matthew! Gross!"

The baby looked up at the sound of his name, chewing on a handful of long, blond hair.

Yugi snickered. "That's what you get for having long hair. Yami feel asleep on the couch with him the other day and when he woke up, Matthew was sucking on his bangs."

Joey pulled his hair from Matthew's fist, grimacing. "Gods, kid…you're going to choke. Geeze, now I have to go home and wash my hair. Yuck."

Matthew protested his uncle's actions loudly…until he discovered he still had his teething ring in his other hand. He stuck it in his mouth, sucking on it, and suddenly went limp in Joey's arms.

"How the hell do kids do that?" Joey looked down at the sleeping baby.

"I dunno." Yugi shrugged. "Yami falls asleep like that all the time. Though it IS usually my fault…or Seto's."

Joey stood up to take Matthew inside for his nap, struggling to hold back his laughter.

~*~*~*~*~

Seto let himself into the house, calling out to Tristan.

Tristan came out of the kitchen, surprised to see his best friend. "What's going on?"

"Tris…please…" Seto bit his lip.

Tristan brought down his mental blocks, his breath catching at the almost overwhelming sadness that came from the taller man. He held out his arms and Seto threw himself into them with a sob.

{Tris…}

/Seto, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to block you for so long./ Tristan held him tightly. /You should have called me./

Seto clung to Tristan, taking comfort in the strong body pressed against his own. {Gods, Tris…I miss him!}

Tristan pulled away long enough to lead Seto over to the couch. As soon as they sat down, he took Seto into his arms again, kissing him on the forehead. His own problems he pushed aside, concentrating everything on Seto.

"Shh, pal. It's okay." He gently rubbed the tense back. "Don't cry."

"It's NOT okay!" Seto sobbed. "How can it be?! Mokuba's gone! Gods, Tris…last night I caught myself going into his room to say goodnight to him. I can't…I can't stand this! My life revolved around him for so long. Everything I did…working so hard building the company…the beatings I took from our stepfather…I did it for him!"

"I know that. And so does he…"

"He doesn't know that bastard hit me." Seto interrupted. "When he did let me see Mokuba, I made sure he didn't see the bruises. I didn't want to worry him. He was just a little kid."

"So were you." Tristan reminded him.

"I grew up the day the doctor me our mother was going to die."

Tristan pushed Seto back, looking into the tear-streaked face. "Seto, you have to tell him. He has a right to know what happened to him. He needs to know the reason why you're so against him being with Roger."

"I can't." Seto shook his head. "He'll hate me for it. I know he will. I couldn't stand that."

"Listen, pal. Mokuba's not stupid. He knows you'd do ANYTHING to protect him. And I know he'll take into account that you were still a kid yourself when you made that decision."

"It won't matter." Seto whispered, feelings of hopelessness flooding their bond. "I just can't bear the thought of him being touched like that…not again."

"Seto…Roger would never hurt him. You've know him most of his life. There's not a mean bone in his body. He loves Mokuba. So much so that he would have willingly given him up to someone else if that's what made him happy. He never forced anything on him."

Seto shook his head again. "I can't do it."

"You're going to have to if you want any chance of getting him back."

{Don't say that!!}

/I'm telling you the truth. Just like I always do. I know it hurts to hear it, but you have to./

Seto didn't reply, the emotions coming from him so jumbled that Tristan couldn't sort them out. He looked at Tristan, a sudden need for comfort eclipsing all else.

Not needing to be asked, Tristan drew him close, his lips closing over Seto's in a reassuring kiss. A soft sob came from the taller brunet as he wound his arms around the other's neck, responding desperately.

When it was over, Seto laid his head against Tristan's chest, heart-wrenching sobs rocking his body. {Please…just…just hold me, Tris.}

/It'll be okay, pal./ Tristan pulled him closer. /We'll find a way. Trust me./

Tristan tried desperately to hold the pieces of his heart together as he listened to Seto cry.

~*~*~*~*~

Joey hung up the phone, frowning.

"What's wrong?" Tristan asked, wiping Lexi's hands. He picked up her breakfast dishes and turned toward the sink. "Go play, baby girl."

"O-tay, Papa." Lexi ran into the living room, calling for her cat.

"Otogi's not answering." Joey said. "I tried to get a hold of him a few times yesterday, but he didn't answer then either."

Tristan shrugged. "Maybe he's just out."

Joey shook his head, worry etched on his face. "What if…what if he's avoiding us?"

"Do you honestly think he'd avoid you?" Tristan went to his husband, putting his arms around him.

"No…not really. It's just…I really want to talk to him, you know?" Joey looked up at Tristan, his eyes pleading. "I know you don't want to wait to either."

"I don't." Tristan replied.

He and Joey had spoken again last night after putting Lexi to bed. They had decided that they should talk to Otogi…find out what he wanted. Tristan was willing to give it a chance. If only for Joey's sake. He hadn't, of course, told the blond that.

After thinking about it, he had decided that he and Otogi were going to have a talk of their own. Joey needed to be happy with this. That was all that mattered to Tristan. And he intended on making sure Otogi understood that.

The last thing he needed right now was to have to deal with anything else that might cause problems. He had his hands full with Seto, and with Lexi's surgery tomorrow he wasn't sure how much else he could handle. He had locked away his own concerns and feelings about them having a deeper relationship with Otogi. He needed to keep a tight handle on this, for all of their sakes.

He'd do it for Joey. To keep him happy. Otogi was going to have to play by his rules.

"Tell you what." Tristan stroked his fingers through Joey's hair. "I'll go over to his place and see if he's home. If he is, I'll bring him back here."

"Okay." Joey laid his head against Tristan's chest. "Thank you, angel."

"I love you." Tristan said, the meaning deeper than those three simple words.

"I love you too." Joey lifted his head, pressing his lips to Tristan's.

Tristan kissed him back deeply, holding him close. /Anything, baby. I'll do anything to make sure you're happy…make sure you never leave me again./

Joey pulled away, smiling warmly at the brunet. "If he doesn't answer the door, there's a key under the mat."

"I'll find him, love."

"Thank you." Joey gently brushed his lips against Tristan's again. "Just promise me one thing. Wait until you bring him back to talk to him about this. I want to be there."

"Okay." Tristan gave Joey another quick kiss before letting go.

"And whatever you do, don't tell Lexi where you're going. She'll want to go with you."

Tristan grinned, looking out into the living room. "I think I'll sneak out the back."

~*~*~*~*~

Tristan tried calling Otogi on the way there, but the raven haired man didn't answer.

This caused Tristan some concern when he pulled into the driveway and saw Otogi's car parked there.

He knocked on the door and when there was no answer, removed the key from under the mat and let himself in. He called out to Otogi, again receiving no answer.

Walking into the living room, he frowned. There were empty liquor bottles littering the coffee table and the floor surrounding it. It looked to Tristan like Otogi had done some serious drinking since coming home on Saturday morning.

"Otogi! You home?!" Tristan headed into the kitchen.

The room was empty; looking like no one had been in there in days.

He heard a noise coming from upstairs. It sounded like someone was calling him. The voice sounded weak, pained, and Tristan's heart caught in his throat. He bolted from the kitchen and ran up the stairs, taking them three at a time.

Making it to Otogi's bedroom, he skidded to a halt just inside the doorway, his eyes widened in shock.

"Otogi!" He ran to the bed, trying to make his mind accept what his eyes were seeing.

Pain-glazed green eyes opened, staring at Tristan blankly. "Tristan?"

"What the hell happened?!" The brunet demanded, reaching out to free Otogi's wrist where it was tied to the headboard.

He bit his lip, seeing the burn the rough rope had left on Otogi's swollen wrist. That was nothing compared to the rest of him.

Otogi's naked body was bruised and sported several blood-encrusted cuts, obviously the result of the braided, leather whip lying on the floor. He had a black eye and his bottom lip was swollen, the blood on his face testament to the broken skin there.

Otogi whimpered as his wrist came free of the bindings. That turned into a cry of pain as Tristan massaged the bruised flesh. Tristan frowned, gently probing the swollen limb. It felt like Otogi's wrist was broken.

Tristan carefully gathered the injured man into his arms. "Tell me what happened."

"You came." Otogi whispered. "I prayed you'd come…that you'd make them stop. They wouldn't stop, Tristan. They were supposed to. I told them to. But they wouldn't."

"I don't understand."

"They said they would…but they didn't." Otogi grabbed Tristan's shirt with his good hand. "Are they gone? Please, Tristan…tell me they're gone."

"They're gone." Tristan pushed Otogi's tangled hair out of his face. "We need to get you some help."

"Don't leave me!" Otogi clutched on tighter. "Please…I don't want to go to the hospital. Then everyone'll know. Please…"

"How long have you been here like this?"

"I don't know." Otogi hissed in pain as he shifted against Tristan. "Since this morning, I think."

"Who did this?" Tristan could feel the anger growing inside him and he pushed it back. He needed to get Otogi help. There would be time enough later to make whoever did this pay.

"It was Dan…and…a friend of his."

"Dan? Who's Dan?"

"He's…" Otogi tried to sit up, screaming as the pain became too much. He went limp in Tristan's arms.

"Otogi!" /Oh, shit. I've got to get him out of here. Get him some help./

Tristan laid Otogi back on the bed, standing and reaching for a blanket to cover the other man. He was at a loss for what to do. Should he take him to the hospital against his wishes?

/Seto?/

{Tris? What's wrong?}

/It's Otogi. He…/ Tristan opened his mind fully, letting Seto see what he was seeing.

{Oh, gods. What happened?!}

/I don't know. I don't know what to do. He looks pretty bad. I don't know if he needs to go to the hospital or not. He doesn't want to…/

{Bring him home. I'll get Yami to go over and get Lexi out of there and I'll go get Master Kiotou and bring him over. We'll let him decide if Otogi needs a hospital.}

/Okay. Tell Joey…oh, gods…I don't know WHAT to tell him!/

{I'll handle it. Get going.}

/Okay./ Tristan leaned down and began to wrap Otogi up in the blanket.

Otogi moaned, but didn't regain consciousness, something Tristan was grateful for. He knew it would hurt the other man too much if he was awake.

He picked him up gently, looking down at him. "It's going to be okay, kitten." Tristan kissed him softly. "I'll make sure whoever did this doesn't touch you again."

Regardless of how he WANTED to feel about the man in his arms, he DID care. No one hurt the people he cared about and got away with it. As soon as he found out who Dan was, he was going to get a visit.

~*~*~*~*~

Joey stood in the doorway, tears streaming down his face as he watched Tristan taking Otogi out of the car.

He stepped back to let Tristan into the house with his burden, fighting not to sob out loud. He was just about to shut the door when he saw Seto's car come through the gates.

"I'll take him upstairs." Tristan said. "Bring Master Kiotou up."

Joey nodded, watching as Tristan went up the stairs with the still unconscious Otogi in his arms. [It happened again. I know it did. Why, Otogi? Why do you do this to yourself?]

"It will be alright, Joseph." Master Kiotou was suddenly there, laying a gentle hand on Joey's arm. "I will take care of him."

"Sensei…"

"No." The old man shook his head. "You must stay here for now. I will need some hot water. Busy yourself with that."

"O-Okay." Joey turned away, heading for the kitchen.

"Go with him, Seto." Master Kiotou said, heading up the stairs. "He needs you."

Without a word, Seto followed after the blond.

Master Kiotou continued up the stairs, worry creasing his brow. He had known this was coming. It was only a matter of time before his grandson came up against someone who would hurt him this way. What concerned the elder the most, however, was the other man…the one that was connected to Joey. How, he didn't know, but he felt a confrontation coming. And it was not going to end well.

He pushed those thoughts aside as he reached the bedroom where Tristan was sitting on the bed, holding Otogi's hand. The elderly herbalist felt tears prick his eyes at the sight of the man he had raised from a teenager. Steeling himself, he moved to the bed, placing a hand on Tristan's shoulder.

"Leave now." He said when worried hazel eyes met his. "I will care for him. Joey needs you more right now than Otogi does."

Taking one last look at the battered face of the man on the bed, Tristan rose, leaving the room. Master Kiotou could feel the worry and anger left in the brunet's wake. He knew full well that Tristan was planning on doing something rash where those responsible for this were concerned. Only this time he had no intention of trying to stop him.

He sat down on the edge of the bed, his hand tenderly caressing his grandson's face. "Wake, Otogi."

Emerald eyes fluttered open. "Grandfather? Where am I?"

"Safe."

"Where's Tristan?"

"He is downstairs with Joey. I will call them both once I know the extent of your injuries."

"Grandfather, I…"

"Hush." Master Kiotou stroked the sweat-beaded brow. "You do not owe me any explanations. And I love you regardless."

Otogi nodded, closing his eyes against the guilty tears that welled there. The last thing he wanted was to disappoint his grandfather. It helped to hear that the old man would still love him when it all came out in the open.

~*~*~*~*~

Seto insisted on being the one to take Master Kiotou what he needed, sparing Joey having to see Otogi until he could bring himself under control.

Joey sat on the couch with Tristan, pressed against his husband and struggling with the tears. "Tris…what happened to him?"

"I'm not sure. I found him…" Tristan paused, wondering if Joey could handle hearing it.

"Please…tell me. I need to know."

"He was…tied to the bed. He's covered in cuts." Tristan took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. "There was a whip on the floor. I don't know how it happened…but he said it was someone named Dan. And someone else. I don't think he even knew the other guy's name."

Joey's head snapped up. "Dan?!"

"You know him?"

"He's the guy that attacked Otogi in his office. Oh, gods…Tristan…"

"That son of a bitch." Tristan growled. "When I get my hands on him…"

"Tris, please don't do anything stupid." Joey begged.

Seto came into the living room. "He's awake. Master Kiotou said to tell you he'll be down to talk to you in a few minutes."

/I need to talk to you. Alone./

Seto raised an eyebrow. Tristan was more than pissed…he was bordering on murderous. {Okay.}

"I'll be right back, baby." Tristan untangled himself from Joey, kissing him before standing up and leading Seto through the kitchen and outside.

"What's wrong?" Seto asked, watching as Tristan began to pace.

"It was the guy who tried to force himself on him. And he had someone else with him. Seto…they beat him. And from what I saw…raped him too. He said they wouldn't stop. He knows this guy. I need to convince him to tell me who he is." Tristan turned to Seto, his whole body tense. "And then I'm going after him."

Seto knew there was no sense trying to argue. "You're not going alone. And not until we get some information on him. I won't let you go into this blind. We need to know who we're dealing with."

Tristan nodded. "Fine. But this stays between us. I don't want Joey knowing."

"You're going to have to cultivate some patience here, Tris. It may take me some time to find him."

Master Kiotou came outside just then, interrupting their conversation. "Tristan, come inside. There is time for you to plan your revenge later."

"Don't even think about trying to talk me out of this, sensei." Tristan warned the old man.

"I have no intention of doing so." Master Kiotou replied. "If this man is not found and stopped, I fear he may try to harm Otogi again."

Tristan's hands clenched into fists. "Not a chance."

Seto reached out to Tristan, grabbing him by the arm. {Calm down, Tris. Now is not the time for you to lose your temper. Let's worry about Otogi first. This Dan character will have to wait.}

Tristan calmed himself with conscious effort. /Okay./ He took Seto's hand. "Where's Joey?"

"Waiting for you." Master Kiotou said, completely aware of the silent communication between the two brunets. "Come."

He led them back inside, joining Joey in the kitchen. The blond went to his husband, slipping his arms around his waist. He looked at his old teacher, wanting to know, but afraid to hear.

"Otogi has a dislocated wrist." The elder began. "The cuts and abrasions on his body are not serious though they are painful, and he has no internal injuries…other than…" The old man trailed off, tears coming to his eyes. "He was forced. That much is obvious. His injuries will heal in time, but he will need much rest. I do not think it would be wise for him to be left on his own."

"Did he say anything?" Seto asked.

"No." Master Kiotou shook his head. "Except to say he did not wish to speak of it."

"Tris, not now." Seto cut his friend off before he could even speak.

"He can stay here." Joey said. "We'll take care of him."

"For as long as he needs." Tristan agreed.

"Thank you both." Master Kiotou looked to Tristan. "He wants to see you. Do not, however, question him, Tristan. I know that is what you want to do. Please, give him some time before trying to make him answer your questions."

Tristan looked at Seto. "Okay. But he's going to have to tell me eventually."

"Let it go for now, Tris." Joey said. "Please? I know you want to find the person who did this, but just give him some time."

"I will." Tristan leaned down and kissed Joey on the forehead. "I won't push him. I promise."

Joey stepped away from his husband. "Go see him."

With one last glance at Seto, Tristan headed upstairs. He stopped in the doorway to the bedroom, looking in to see Otogi lying awake on the bed, tears streaming down his face.

He went in and sat on the bed, taking Otogi's hand in his. "Otogi?"

Devastated green eyes met Tristan's and a sob shook Otogi's body. "Tristan…please…"

Tristan helped him sit up and put his arms around him, careful of his injuries. "It's okay, Otogi. You're safe here. I won't let anyone hurt you."

"Thank you." Otogi whispered, burying his face in Tristan's chest.

Tristan held Otogi and let him cry, not saying a word. /I do care for you, Otogi. But I can't let you take Joey from me. I won't. I will promise you one thing. When I find the bastard who did this…I'll make him pay./

~*~*~*~*~

Otogi: *buries face in hands* Why me?

Tris: I already told you…they love you.

Otogi: That makes NO sense!

YD: Just be glad we didn't make it worse.

Bakura: Who gets to kill Dan?

DD: Not sure yet, but Tris' got dibs.

Tris: All right!