Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Family By Choice ❯ chapter15 ( Chapter 15 )

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

DD: HOLY CRAP! Look at that!!!

Tris: What?

YD: We've got 200 reviews on this story!!

DD: We had 256 on Stronger and that was 35 chapters!

Tris: Go us!

YD: What do you mean "go us"?

Tris: Well, I am your muse.

DD: *grumbles* whatever.

~*~*~*~*~

Just as Otogi pulled on the gate to open it, an almost familiar smell reached his nostrils. The smell of cigarette smoke.

"Where do you think you're going?"

Otogi tugged on the metal gates, suddenly realizing they weren't going to open. He pressed himself against them, not wanting to turn around.

"Are you going to answer me, Otogi?"

Otogi turned around slowly, keeping one hand on the smooth metal of the gate to keep himself steady. His heart was pounding as he saw Tristan standing behind him, arms crossed over his chest and a cigarette in his hand.

He looked pissed.

"Do you WANT that son of a bitch to get his hands on you again?" Tristan dropped his cigarette, crushing it out and approaching. "What the fuck are you doing? TRYING to get yourself killed?!"

Otogi's eyes went wide as Tristan stepped close to him. He could feel the coiled tension in the bigger man's body. He could tell Tristan was fighting to keep his temper. Half of him was terrified…the other half was fascinated.

"Damn it, Otogi!" Tristan grabbed him by the arm. "Answer me!"

Otogi whimpered in pain. Tristan's fingers were digging into bruises that Dan had left there with his own hand. It hurt…but it felt good too. This was how he wanted Tristan. This was how he had dreamed the brunet would be with him. He struggled faintly, a soft moan escaping him as Tristan tightened his grip.

Tristan didn't notice; he was seeing red. He was trying to keep Otogi safe, and the raven haired man was fighting him every step of the way. And after everything that had happened today, it was the last thing he needed.

"Otogi, why the HELL are you protecting this asshole! You were going to sneak out of here and go back to him, weren't you?!" Tristan felt a flare of jealousy. "Damn it, Otogi! I won't let you do this to yourself!"

"Please…" Otogi spoke for the first time. "Let me go."

"No." Tristan growled, pulling Otogi against him. "You're staying here until you tell me where to find this bastard."

Otogi shook his head. "I can't."

"Why the hell not?!"

Otogi just shook his head again, not replying. He was beginning to feel dizzy and he wasn't sure how much longer he could stand up. Suddenly, he wished he had never left the comfort of Joey's arms. For the last two nights, the blond had held him while he slept, and Otogi swore nothing ever felt so good as waking up to that.

Tristan caught Otogi as he swayed, the anger draining from him as he noticed just how pale the smaller man was. Without even thinking, he picked him up, turning on his heel and carrying him into the house.

Otogi protested weakly, thinking at the same time that he was feeling the same thing he had felt before when he was in Tristan's arms. Safe. Just being near Tristan made him feel safer than he'd ever felt before. He didn't want it to end.

But how long would it last once Tristan found out the true nature of his relationship with Dan?

"Put me down." Otogi said quietly as they entered the house. "Please."

"Just relax. I don't think you'd make it up the stairs by yourself." Tristan ascended the staircase. "You need to be in bed."

They just reached the top of the stairs when Joey came bolting out of the bedroom. Seeing Otogi in Tristan's arms, the color drained from his face. "What happened?!"

"Little stoic here decided to go for a walk." Tristan said blandly.

Otogi looked up at Tristan, wide eyed. {{He's not going to tell him I tried to leave?!}}

"Otogi," Joey chided. "Get back in bed. You're not well enough to be going outside."

Tristan set Otogi on his feet outside the bedroom door. "Get some sleep, okay?"

Otogi nodded, not meeting Tristan's eyes and let Joey lead him back into the room.

Tristan stood in the hallway, a frown creasing his face as Joey shut the door. /There's no way I'm letting him leave here until I know he's going to be safe. If anything happened to him, it'd kill Joey./ Tristan turned away with a sigh. /Joey…gods, baby, I feel like I've hardly seen you since Otogi came. I miss you, love./

He went back down the stairs to the security panel. He instructed Sadie that she wasn't to open the gates for Otogi if he was alone. He pushed back a sting of guilt at his actions. If practically locking Otogi up would keep him safe, then that's what he'd do.

He let himself back outside and sat on the steps, looking up at the night sky. /I don't want to see you hurt again, Otogi. It makes me so mad that someone could hurt you like that. What kind of sick freak would take pleasure in doing that to you? What would have happened if I hadn't shown up when I did? Would they have come back? Why won't you tell me what I need to know? Why are you protecting him?/

The cold, distant stars twinkled, mocking him as he sat there, knowing he'd probably not get the answers to his questions.

~*~*~*~*~

"Goodnight, baby girl." Tristan said softly and hung up the phone.

He placed it on the end table and leaned his head back against the couch with a sigh, his hand sinking into the soft hair of the one lying with his head in his lap.

It was Friday night and Lexi was following her quickly established routine of staying over at Seto's. Master Kiotou had taken her bandages off that morning and she was very excited to show everyone. Tristan grinned to himself, thinking there wasn't a single person of his acquaintance that she hadn't flipped off at least twice.

After the near disaster of Lexi almost being kidnapped, the rest of the week had slipped by without incident.

Joey was spending his days between the clinic and the hospital, seeing the girl he had taken on. He hadn't told Tristan much about her, except that she was so far unresponsive to him. After his appointments, he'd meet up with Yami, who would pick the kids up at Kaiba Corp. and they'd take them to see Mokuba.

Mokuba still wouldn't talk to Seto and the elder Kaiba brother wouldn't give an inch either.

So, all in all, it had been pretty quiet. That is, if you didn't count the raging fight he had gotten into with Joey just yesterday.

Joey had gone to tuck Lexi in bed and when he came back downstairs, he had found Tristan questioning Otogi about Dan. He had quickly stepped in, telling Tristan to leave Otogi alone, using a few choice words and accusing Tristan of pushing Otogi. Tristan had nearly lost his temper and had stormed outside to cool down.

Joey had unwisely followed him to press his case and Tristan blew up. They had ended up yelling at each other and Tristan had to leave the house, going for a drive and not coming back until everyone was in bed. He had spent the night prowling the house, unable to sleep.

The next morning Joey had apologized, but extracted a promise from his husband that he wouldn't ask Otogi again. Joey wanted to let Otogi come to them when he was ready. Tristan had reluctantly agreed.

Otogi was getting better, able now to be up and around without any help, though Joey still insisted on sleeping with him due to the fact the raven haired man was having nightmares.

Arriving home tonight, Tristan and Joey had found him cooking supper for them, saying he wanted to help out. He felt the need to thank them for all their help.

"I think he's asleep." Otogi said quietly from the other couch.

Tristan looked down, his fingers gently stroking through star bright locks. "Poor little guy. It's not very often he gets sick."

Joey came from the kitchen, a steaming mug in his hands. He knelt on the floor next to Tristan, reaching out and placing his hand against a hot, red cheek. "Ryou? Wake up, buddy."

Glazed brown eyes opened, and Ryou blinked up at Joey. "Did I fall asleep?"

"Yeah, you did." Tristan helped him sit up.

"Is Bakura back yet?"

"No." Joey shook his head. "He called a little while ago. He won't be back until late. You can stay here with us, okay?"

Ryou nodded, accepting the cup from the blond. He sipped at it, grimacing. "What's this?"

"It'll bring down your fever." Joey explained.

"Oh." Ryou made a face again, quickly gulping down the contents and handing the empty mug back to Joey before laying back down again, his head in Tristan's lap.

"How the hell do you do that?" Tristan asked. "That was boiling water."

"Must be the Brit in him." Otogi joked.

"Bite me, dice-boy." Ryou said, sounding a lot like his lover.

Joey laughed and stood again. "Want some coffee, angel?"

"Yeah, thanks." Tristan replied, falling to stroking Ryou's hair again.

Ryou sighed contently, his eyes slipping closed. Within seconds, he was asleep again.

Tristan shook his head, taking in the bright red cheeks. "I hope whatever he has isn't contagious."

"Doubt it." Joey came back in, handing Tristan his coffee. "I think it's exhaustion. Bakura said he's really been driving himself. Between getting lead violin and still taking classes, he's been run ragged. He needs a few days rest."

"And knowing him, he's not likely to take it." Otogi commented as Joey sat down next to him, handing him a cup of tea.

"Probably not." Joey picked up the remote. "Ready to start the movie?"

"You guys and your vampire movies." Otogi shook his head, turning his attention to the TV.

"Hey!" Joey nudged him. "This is a good movie!"

Tristan was about to put in his two cents when the phone rang again. He answered it, his face lighting up when he heard the voice on the other end.

"Hey, Shiner!" Tristan looked over at Joey. "Tell me you're calling me to tell me they're coming. They are? Great!" Tristan listened for a few minutes, the smile never leaving his face. "Okay. We'll see you tomorrow."

Joey raised an eyebrow. "When?"

"Tomorrow afternoon." Tristan replied. "I'll let Seto know we'll pick the kids up in the morning and take them out. He can come out with Yami and Yugi after lunch."

"Seto's going to kill you."

"I'd like to see him try." Tristan rolled his eyes. "Start the movie."

~*~*~*~*~

Tristan rose from the bed and pulled on a pair of pajama pants. He couldn't sleep. Again. The bed was just too empty without Joey in it.

He headed down the hall to check on Ryou.

When they were done watching the movie, Ryou had still been asleep and Tristan had carried him upstairs and put him to bed.

Now, he opened the door softly and peeked in, seeing the white haired hikari curled up on his side, almost lost under the covers. Tristan grinned. Seeing Ryou asleep reminded him a lot of Lexi.

He walked over to the bed, leaning down and placing his hand on Ryou's forehead, relieved to find his fever down. His cheeks weren't all that red either. Joey was right. He probably just needed some rest.

Ryou's eyes snapped open and he gave a little squeak.

Tristan bit back a chuckle. "Sorry. I didn't mean to wake you."

"It's…it's okay." Ryou panted, trying to calm himself.

"How are you feeling, little guy?"

"Better. Still tired."

"Go back to sleep." Tristan straightened. "It's still the middle of the night."

"Tristan…wait." Ryou reached out and grabbed the brunet's hand.

"Yeah?"

Big, brown, puppy dog eyes looked up pleadingly. "Will you lay down with me? Just until I fall back to sleep?"

Tristan bit his lip. /Okay, do I squish him first and THEN lay down with him? Or do I lay down and THEN squeeze the hell out of him?/

"Please, Tristan?" Ryou pleaded. "I really need to cuddle with someone. I hate being alone when I'm sick."

/Lay down first…then squeeze him./ "Sure I can."

Tristan slipped into the bed, smiling as Ryou immediately cuddled into him. Tristan put his arms around the smaller man, struggling not to squish him until he stopped breathing. Ryou was just too damn cute for his own good sometimes.

"Thank you." Ryou let out a blissful sigh, snuggling into Tristan's chest.

Tristan lay quietly, stroking Ryou's hair. /Sure feels good to hold someone./

Before he knew it, he was sound sleep.

~*~*~*~*~

Seto shook his head looking into the paddock.

Tristan was there with Justin, showing him how to brush Cricket. Lexi was sitting on top of the mare, kicking her heels against the horse's swollen sides.

"'bout time you guys got here." Joey said, coming up on Thunder.

"Gods, Joey!" Seto reached up. "Get my kid off that beast!"

"Calm down, Seto." Yugi said. "Joey wouldn't let anything happen to Matthew."

Matthew was sitting in front of Joey, his little hands fisted in the horse's mane, which was soaked in his drool. He giggled and reached out to his father. Seto lifted him down, scowling at Joey.

"What's your problem?" Tristan called.

"He can't even sit up on his own!" Seto said. "What makes you think he can sit a horse?"

Otogi rolled his eyes, pushing away from the paddock fence. "Joey had him."

Justin climbed through the fence. "Hey, Dad! Uncle Tristan said that Cricket is going to have a baby and I can have it!"

"It'll be a good while before you can ride it though." Yami placed a hand on top of Justin's head.

Tristan lifted Lexi down and came over. He put an arm around Seto, leaning against him. Seto's arm went around Tristan's waist and he looked down at his friend.

{Everything okay?}

/Yeah./ Tristan's gaze flickered to Joey, still sitting on the saddle-less horse. /I guess so./

Seto frowned, pulling away and looking Tristan in the eye. {Tell me.}

/Not right now./ Tristan pulled off his tee shirt and wiped his face with it, tossing it over the hitching post next to the stable door where they were standing.

Joey slid from Thunder's back. "Hey, Tris. Matthew and I worked the kinks out of him for you."

Tristan walked over to the horse, absently accepting a kiss from Joey and, grabbing the reins and a handful of mane, swung himself up on the big animal. He held his hand out to Seto. /Come with me?/

Seto looked up at Tristan. He knew Tristan needed him. He could feel it. He knew that Joey had been sleeping with Otogi since he had been staying with them and Tristan wasn't sleeping because of it. He could see it in the shadows under Tristan's eyes. He knew how much Tristan hated sleeping alone.

He needed Tristan too. The stress of his rift with Mokuba was getting to him. Especially considering that Justin had begun asking him a half a dozen times a day when the younger of the two brothers was coming home.

He glanced at Yami and Yugi, who both nodded at him. He handed Matthew to Otogi and reached for Tristan's hand, letting the bigger man haul him up behind him. He wrapped his arms around Tristan's waist and, without a word; Tristan pulled the horse's head around and kicked him into a gallop, causing Seto to tighten his grip.

He laid his head against Tristan's back, feeling the jumbled emotions coming from the man in front of him. {I'm here, Tris.}

/I know. Feels good too./

Seto squeezed him around the waist, letting his love for his friend seep into their bond, feeling Tristan respond in kind.

~*~*~*~*~

Tristan stopped the horse at the top of the rise, looking down into the small valley below them.

Neither of them had said much on the way out, but the need for each other had been growing with every step the horse took. Almost as soon as they were out of sight of the others, Seto had begun to run his hands over Tristan's body, letting his desire communicate itself in the movements of his hands.

"We can stop over there." Tristan pointed to a stand of trees running along the edge of a stream bisecting the vale. "Thunder could probably use a drink."

Seto made a noncommittal sound, more concerned at that point with kissing the back of Tristan's neck than anything else.

Tristan urged Thunder forward, letting him pick his way down the hill. The steepness of the incline forced Seto up against him and Tristan shivered, feeling the taller man's arousal press against him.

When they reached the bottom, Seto tightened one arm around Tristan's waist, keeping his body molded securely to the other brunet's. He brought his other hand up, lightly caressing Tristan's chest as he leaned forward and began kissing the side of his neck.

Tristan pointed the horse in the direction he wanted him to go and let his head drop back onto Seto's shoulder, his eyes slipping closed. A sigh escaped him as Seto's hand came up to cup his face, tipping his head back and kissing him gently.

Seto unwound his arm from around Tristan's waist and began to trace the pattern defined by the ridged muscles of the bigger man's stomach with his fingertips.

Tristan gripped the reins tightly in one hand, reaching up with the other to wrap around the back of Seto's neck and draw him to his lips again.

Seto's height advantage made the angle less awkward than it should have been, and he kissed Tristan deeply. His hands found their way to Tristan's legs, his fingers making small circles along the inside of the bigger man's thighs.

"Stop." Tristan hissed, pulling his head away.

"Hmm." Seto cupped the bulge between Tristan's legs. "I don't think you really want me to."

"If you don't, I'm gonna fall off."

Seto snickered. "Please. You've never fallen off a horse."

"I'll be falling off this one if you don't quit it." Tristan retorted weakly, moaning softly as Seto rubbed his erection.

Seto leaned down to suck on the back of Tristan's neck, marking him. {Then stop this walking pile of dog food already.}

Tristan stopped Thunder next to the stream, throwing his leg over the horse's head and dropping to the ground. He tied the reins to the lower branch of a tree to allow the animal to drink and graze. He turned back and held out his arms to Seto, helping him down.

As Seto hit the ground, his legs buckled and he found himself pressed tightly against Tristan's body as the shorter brunet steadied him.

"I think you did that on purpose." Tristan grinned, brushing their lips together.

"Did not." Seto shot back, taking Tristan's hand and leading him away from the horse.

They came to a semi-secluded spot on the bank and Seto turned, pulling Tristan against him. He kissed him intensely, drawing their bodies closer together. {Tris…I need you.}

/I need you too./ Tristan tangled his hands in Seto's hair and kissed him back. /You have no idea how badly./

{Yes, I do.} Seto left the other's lips to trail over his jaw and down his neck, stopping to suck gently on the shorter brunet's pulse point.

Tristan moaned, arching his body against Seto's. "Seto…"

{You need me as bad as I need you. Gods, Tris…why do we keep running to each other like this?}

Tristan shook his head, leaning back to look into hazel clouded azure eyes. "I-I don't know. But it just seems right. It's like…I can't describe it. When things get bad, I need you. You. Not anyone else."

"I know what you mean." Seto reached up and caressed Tristan's face. "I can forget with you. When we're together like this, nothing else matters. I can get lost with you in a way I can't with Yugi or Yami." He bit his lip. "Is that wrong?"

"No. It's not. We've always been like this. Since the beginning. Joey and the others understand that."

"We're lucky they do. I can't imagine what my life would be like if I couldn't make love to you." His hands drifted down to Tristan's bare chest, lightly stroking. "Gods…I want you, Tristan."

"I want you to make love to me. I need you to."

Seto moaned softly as Tristan pulled his tee shirt over his head and began kissing his chest. He watched Tristan's eyes lighten to blue as they drew the clothes from each other's bodies.

Seeing Seto naked in the sunlight, Tristan felt a spike of arousal rush up his spine and he dropped to his knees, kissing the taller man's stomach. He ran his fingertips along Seto's thighs, making him shiver. Another moan came from Seto as Tristan leaned forward, taking his length into his mouth.

"Tris…oh, gods…" Seto's hands dropped to Tristan's shoulders, gripping tightly as he felt Tristan swallow around his arousal.

Tristan moaned deeply, feeling Seto's pleasure trickle into his mind. It added to his own and brought with it the sudden urge to feel Seto's skin against his. He pulled back and reached up, drawing Seto down on his knees in front of him.

"Kiss me." Tristan whispered, tipping his face up, his eyes beseeching.

Seto stared into those eyes, gone completely blue now, allowing Tristan's hunger to fully awaken his own. He wrapped his arms around the other man and possessed his lips, enjoying the feeling of the strong body against him.

The kiss broke just long enough for Seto to lay Tristan back and recline next to him before claiming his lips again. He let his hands wander the other's body, feeling Tristan beginning to tremble with need.

/Seto…please…/

Seto left the kiss-swollen mouth; murmuring in approval as Tristan tilted his head back, exposing his neck. Seto's lips scorched a trail down Tristan's throat to his chest, stopping to tease at a hardened nipple with his tongue.

He let one hand trace down the quivering body, softly caressing, until he could wrap his fingers around the other's erection. Then he began to follow with his lips the path his hand had taken until he could tease the weeping tip of the other's arousal with his tongue.

Tristan whimpered, arching up, trying to get Seto to take him completely into his mouth. Seto pulled back and began to lick Tristan's stomach, taunting him.

"Damn it, Seto!" Tristan growled.

{Don't be so impatient.}

"I need you!"

Seto moved back up, looking into Tristan's eyes before bending his head to kiss him. Tristan responded urgently, wrapping his arms around Seto and drawing him against his chest.

Seto pushed away just enough to bring his fingers to the other's lips. Tristan took them in, sucking on them, holding Seto's eyes. Seto moaned softly and retrieved them, moving downward to kiss Tristan's chest as he reached down and pushed a single finger into the other man's body.

Tristan hissed, tensing up and Seto returned to kiss him again. Concentrating on the taste of Seto's kiss, Tristan relaxed, allowing Seto to insert another digit.

"Seto…oh, gods!" Pulling from the kiss, Tristan thrust against Seto's hand as the taller brunet made contact with his prostate. "Please…"

Seto moved to bite down on Tristan's weak spot, shuddering hard as Tristan continued to thrust onto his fingers. Noticing how tight he was, he forced himself to take his time preparing him, even though he wanted nothing more than to bury himself in Tristan's welcoming body.

/Gods! Seto…get inside me! Please!/

Seto withdrew his hand and moved onto his back, reaching for Tristan. {Come here.}

Tristan straddled Seto and immediately pressed down, clenching his eyes shut as his body stretched to accommodate the other. Once he became fully seated, he opened his eyes, looking down at Seto. Seto's hazel eyes were clouded with desire and Tristan swore he had never seen him look so beautiful.

Seto caught the connotation and was surprised. {Beautiful?}

"I've always thought so." Tristan whispered. "Even if I've never said it out loud."

Seto looked up at his best friend and sometimes lover, tears coming to his eyes. "It…means a lot that you think that, Tris."

Tristan smiled at him and reached out, brushing his fingers across Seto's chest, saying nothing. He didn't need to.

Seto ran his hands up Tristan's sculpted body, loving the feeling of the steel beneath the warm skin. {Damn, Tris. You've gotten so big. Why didn't I notice it before?}

Tristan shrugged and closed his hands over Seto's, trapping them against his chest. He began to move, blue eyes slipping closed as the pleasure Seto always gave him coursed through his body.

/Gods, Seto. You feel incredible./ Tristan opened his mind fully, wanting Seto to feel what he was feeling.

Seto moaned, thrusting up as Tristan began to ride him harder. He could feel everything. He could feel the tension coiling in Tristan's body, feel the other's heartbeat thundering in time with his own, feel the pleasure building.

And it wasn't enough.

{Tris…gods…I…} Something inside him snapped and Seto reached up, yanking Tristan down and crashing their lips together.

Tristan whimpered into Seto's mouth, feeling the taller brunet's emotions beginning to overwhelm him. He suddenly found himself on his back, having no idea how he got there.

Seto rose to his knees, pulling Tristan's legs over his shoulders. He began to pound into him, feeling the backlash from Tristan; his own emotions amplified and thrown back at him.

It quickly became brutal, Seto needing the outlet for the stress and pain he was feeling. Tristan gave in to it, letting Seto have what he needed, unhindered, and responding with equal passion. He didn't have a choice. Seto's emotions had overpowered him and become his own. Sweat poured from them as they savaged each other, ragged moans and gasping breaths punctuating their movements.

"Deeper…Seto, please…" Tristan thrust up to meet him. "Deeper…"

"Tristan, I need…" There were tears running down Seto's face.

Tristan reached up and touched Seto's face, something in his eyes calming the taller man somewhat. Seto wrapped his hand around Tristan's arousal, stroking him in time with his thrusts.

"Please, Tris…come for me."

A sob escaped Tristan as he felt Seto's need. It was indefinable, a need for comfort, for love…something…anything. Seto's world was turned upside down with his brother gone, and he had finally cracked under the strain. It made Tristan's problems seem minute and unimportant. Tristan let himself go, a soft cry falling from his lips as he climaxed.

Seto moaned deeply as he released, collapsing on top of Tristan. Without warning, he began to cry.

Tristan's arms came up and he held Seto tightly. /It's okay, pal./

"I'm…I'm sorry." Seto sobbed. "I d-didn't mean to…to be so…rough. I can't…Tris…"

Tristan didn't say a word. He just held on to Seto and let him cry. Images of Mokuba flashed through Seto's mind and Tristan began stroking his hair, seeking to comfort him.

It took Seto a while to bring himself under control, but when he finally did, he felt better, more at ease, as though some of the pain had been cleansed from his heart.

{Tris?} Seto never lifted his head from the other's chest. {I need your help.}

/There's only one thing you can do, pal./ Tristan tipped Seto's head up with a finger under his chin and looked into his eyes. /You have to tell him./

{But I know I'll lose him for good.}

/That's a chance you're going to have to take./

Seto removed Tristan's hand from his face and leaned up to kiss him. {O-Okay.}

/Do you want me to be with you?/

{No. I think I need to do this on my own.}

/Don't leave it too long, Seto./

{I won't. Tomorrow…I promise.}

"It's going to be alright." Tristan whispered, kissing Seto on the forehead.

"Gods, I hope so." Seto slipped his arms under Tristan's back. "Just hold me for a while. Please?"

Tristan tightened his embrace. /As long as you need me to./

~*~*~*~*~

"What's going on?" Seto asked as they approached the stable.

Tristan's face lit up, seeing the large cube van parked next to the paddock. He urged Thunder forward, stopping him at the hitching post. He jumped off and tied the horse up, then turned back and practically yanked Seto from the animal's back.

"Come on!" Tristan led Seto over to the van where the other's were standing, holding his hand.

"They just got here." Joey said, leaning up to kiss Tristan on the cheek.

Otogi looked at the two brunets, taking in their joined hands. Seto looked a lot more relaxed than he had before he and Tristan left. He watched as Tristan released Seto's hand, walking with Shiner to the back of the van.

His eyes widened at the sight of a small, red mark on the back of Tristan's neck. He cut a quick glance at Joey. From where the blond was standing he had to see it, but he gave no indication that the sight of what was obviously a hickey, placed on his husband's body by someone else, bothered him in the least.

Tristan asked everyone to stand back and opened the doors. Shiner pulled down a ramp and the two men entered the vehicle.

Lexi let out a glass-shattering squeal as they came back. "PON-DEES!!"

Seto groaned, a hand going to cover his eyes. "I should have known."

"Are they yours, Uncle Tristan?" Justin asked, wide eyed, as Tristan and Shiner guided the animals off the van.

"No." Tristan brought the pony he was leading over to the boy. "They belong to you and Lexi."

Justin stared at the pony over the tops of his glasses. It looked a lot like Cricket, with classic palomino markings and a blaze down it's forehead. The other was almost identical, but without the blaze.

He reached up a tentative hand to touch it. "It…it's mine?"

"Call it a late birthday present." Tristan smiled down at the boy.

"But…you and Uncle Joey already gave me a birthday present."

"You didn't think we were only getting you a baseball glove, did you?"

To everyone's shock, a huge smile lit Justin's face and he threw himself at Tristan, hugging him. "Thank you!"

He pulled back and reached up, silently asking to be picked up. Tristan did so; tears stinging his eyes as Justin place a sweet kiss on his cheek. It was the first time Justin had ever shown him such affection.

"You're welcome, little man." Tristan whispered, his voice choked.

Seto came over to them, slipping an arm around Tristan's waist. "As unimpressed as I am with all this, it was worth it to see that."

"TINER!! Lexi dit on da pon-dee!" Lexi held her arms out to Shiner, giggling as the wrangler picked her up and placed her on her pony's back.

"Can I sit on my pony too, Uncle Tristan?" Justin asked.

"Sure thing." Tristan sat him on the animal's back.

"Is it a boy, or a girl?" The little boy ran his fingers through the pony's think mane.

"Lexi's is a mare and yours is a stallion."

"You got him a stallion?" Seto raised an eyebrow.

"Don't worry. He's perfectly trained." Tristan replied. "Besides, there aren't many of this kind of pony in Japan. I thought maybe we could breed them."

"Great. Just what we need. More horses." Seto said sarcastically.

"Haflingers make great horses for kids. And I made sure they were trained by a professional. That's why they didn't make it here in time for Justin's birthday."

"Half what?"

Tristan rolled his eyes. "Haflingers. This guy's really cute." Tristan raised the horse's head and kissed it's muzzle. "Aren't you, boy?"

Now it was Seto's turn to roll his eyes as he watched the animal lip at Tristan's face. {You and your frigging horses. It's going to bite your face off.}

"Oh, come on, pal. Pet him."

"I don't want to."

"Pet the pony, Seto."

"I don't WANT to pet the pony."

"Come on. Pet him." Tristan grinned. This conversation sounded familiar.

"The last time I touched something because you told me to, I ended up with another kid." Seto retorted.

Yugi, standing nearby with Matthew on his hip, laughed. "He's got a point, Tristan."

Joey poked the baby in the stomach and Matthew burst into a fit of giggles, complete with spit bubbles. "But it was worth it. Even for Seto."

Shiner looked back and forth between Tristan, Seto and the child in Yugi's arms. He was missing something…and he didn't think he wanted to know. "We should get them settled, Tristan."

Nodding his agreement, Tristan led the pony toward the stable, Justin still perched on it's back, smiling.

~*~*~*~*~

Otogi sat on the bed, braiding his hair, smiling at the memory of Lexi's desperate attempts to stay up late.

She had been so wound up about getting her pony that Tristan and Joey had found it nearly impossible to get her to go to bed. Otogi had finally stepped in and sat on her bed with her, reading story after story until she finally fell asleep.

That had only been a half hour ago.

He was tired, and a little sore, but not too bad. Joey had made sure he didn't overdo it.

Thinking back to that afternoon, when Tristan and Seto had first come back, Otogi felt a twinge of guilt. {{They slept together. I know they did. And I know why.}} He tied the end of his braid off with an elastic and threw it over his shoulder, sighing. {{It's my fault. Joey's been with me every night. When I woke up last night I heard Tristan wandering around the house. He misses Joey in his bed, I know he does. I can't blame him. If Joey was mine, I'd want him with me every night too.}}

He looked up to see Joey just coming through the door and he smiled at him. Joey stopped suddenly and turned around and Otogi could see Tristan standing behind the blond.

"Good night, baby." Tristan said, leaning down and kissing Joey softly on the lips. He looked up, meeting Otogi's eyes. "Night, Otogi."

"Good night, Tristan." Otogi replied quietly, his heart breaking at the look on Tristan's face. He looked so sad.

Joey closed the door and came over to the bed, sitting down. "You already braided your hair."

Otogi grinned at Joey's pout. He hadn't been able at first to braid his hair with the splint on his wrist and Joey had taken to braiding his hair at night before they went to bed, making no bones about how much he enjoyed doing it. His grandfather had removed the splint that morning, but Joey was making it clear he still wanted to braid Otogi's hair for him.

Otogi enjoyed it too. He wasn't used to such tender attention, and he had come to love their nightly ritual.

"I wasn't sure if you were spending tonight here or not." He answered.

"Why wouldn't I?" Joey looked confused.

"Joey…" Otogi looked down at his hands. "You need to go be with Tristan."

"But…"

"No, really. He misses you. Look," Otogi looked up into amber eyes, his own earnest. "I'm getting between you guys. I don't want to do that. You've been neglecting him in favor of me and that's not right."

"Tristan understands. You've been having those nightmares. I don't want to leave you alone with that."

Otogi tried a different tact. "I'd rather be alone tonight."

"What?" Joey's look was incredulous. "Really?"

{{No. Not really.}} "Yes. Please, Joey…go be with him. He needs you."

"Well…okay. If you're sure."

"I am." Otogi plastered a half convincing smile on his face. "I'll be fine."

Joey rose from the bed, going to the door. Reaching it, he stopped and turned around, looking back at the raven haired man sitting on the bed.

"Well…good night then." Joey opened the door. "Get a good night's sleep."

"I will. Good night, Joey."

Otogi sighed as the door shut and crawled under the covers. He stared at the closed door.

{{I wish I was going with you.}} Tears formed in the corners of his green eyes. {{I'd give anything…}}

He pushed the thought viciously from his mind. He wasn't going to do this to himself again.

{{Tomorrow.}} He burrowed into the covers. {{Tomorrow I'll tell Tristan what he wants to know. Then I can go home. If Tristan reacts the way I think he's going to when he finds out…if I never see them again, I'll have to learn to live with it.}}

The tears escaped and Otogi cried quietly, finally falling into an exhausted slumber.

~*~*~*~*~

Joey entered the bedroom, hearing the shower running. He walked into the bathroom, smiling at the sight that greeted him.

Tristan was in the shower and had his back to Joey, unaware of his enterance. The fact that he hadn't drawn the shower curtain gave Joey a very nice view.

Joey felt himself become instantly aroused as he watched the water running down his husband's muscled body. [Gods…he's so perfect.]

He began to pull his clothes from his body, intent on joining Tristan. [We haven't showered together since we moved in here. Here we have this kick-ass shower and we haven't even broken it in! Time to do something about that!]

He stepped into the shower, immediately wrapping his arms around Tristan. The brunet started with a little yelp and Joey laughed.

"Damn it, Joey!" Tristan grasped the other's arms. "Have you been taking lessons from Seto?"

"What? You mean sneaking up on you, or this?" Joey ground his arousal into Tristan.

"Very funny." Tristan growled, prying Joey's arms from him and turning around. "Shouldn't you be with Otogi?"

Joey frowned at the aggravation in Tristan's tone. "I thought…well…don't you want me here?"

"Baby…I'm sorry." Tristan was instantly contrite. "I do want you here." He pulled Joey against him. "More than anything."

[Otogi's right.] Joey looked into Tristan's eyes, seeing the loneliness there, along with the slight shadows under his eyes, indicating that he hadn't been sleeping. [I have been neglecting him. Tristan needs me. No matter how much he tries to pretend everything's okay, he hurts when he can't be with me. I've been assuming that because Seto's around for him that he's okay. Shit! How could I have been so stupid?!]

Joey reached up and grasped Tristan's face in his hands. "I'm sorry, angel."

Tristan just shook his head, leaning down to kiss him. Joey's lips parted the second Tristan's came into contact, letting him in. Tristan wrapped his arms tightly around the blond, feeling his body respond to the intensity of their kiss.

Not breaking the embrace, Tristan backed Joey against the wall of the shower, careful not to pin him. His hands moved to caress Joey's body, drawing a shiver from the blond.

Joey broke from Tristan's lips with a gasp as the brunet's fingers brushed across his stomach. "Tristan!"

"Do you want me, Joey?" Tristan's voice was husky with need.

"Yes! Oh, gods, yes!"

Tristan sank to his knees, immediately taking his lover's erection into his mouth, sucking hard. Joey cried out, bucking against him and Tristan wrapped his hands around the blond's hips, keeping him from moving.

Joey whimpered. He hadn't realized until now how much he had missed Tristan's passion. Or how much he needed it.

"Tristan…angel…I love you …" Joey cupped the back of Tristan's head with both hands.

Tristan released Joey's hips and began stroking his legs as he took him deeper. He wanted so desperately for Joey to climax. He needed to taste him, to hear Joey moan his name when he did.

"Tris…please…gods…I want you to take me. Please!" A sudden flare of raw need engulfed Joey's body.

Tristan's response was to wrap his arms around Joey's legs, drawing him closer and taking him back into his throat, swallowing.

Joey's hands moved to Tristan's shoulders and he dug his fingers into the smooth skin, gasping. "Tris…please! Please…take me! I don't…I don't want to come yet."

Tristan released Joey, leaning back and looking up into love-filled copper eyes. "I need you to, baby."

"Tris…"

"Please, Joey." Tristan was trembling slightly, hazel eyes pleading.

Joey bit his lip. His whole body was throbbing with the need to have Tristan inside him. He wanted it…he NEEDED it. But…Tristan needed too.

Lifting a hand, Joey stroked his fingers through his lover's short, wet hair. "For you, angel."

A small whimper escaped Tristan and he moved forward, taking Joey's erection into his mouth again. Joey moaned deeply, the tips of his fingers still caressing the top of Tristan's head as the brunet drew hard on him.

Joey wasn't surprised to find himself quickly thrust to the edge. It had been a week since they had last made love, but it seemed like longer. So much longer. He couldn't even remember if they'd shared more than a simple kiss since then.

All rational thought was taken from him as Joey's world shattered in a blaze of pleasure and a swirl of color exploded in front of his eyes. His love's name was torn from him in a deep, husky moan and he was vaguely aware of Tristan rising and taking him into his arms.

He felt Tristan pressing gentle kisses across his face and he realized he was crying. He struggled to bring himself under control, not wanting to upset the man who held him.

"Shh…baby." Tristan held Joey close. "I've got you."

"Tris…I love you."

"I love you too."

"That…Tristan…that was…"

"You're so beautiful, Joey." Tristan whispered against Joey's ear. "I love seeing you like that. My boy…so beautiful."

Joey wound his arms around Tristan's broad back and kissed the side of his face. "Love me, Tristan. Please. I want to feel you inside me."

Tristan shuddered. "Oh, gods."

"Take me, angel. I want to feel you filling me. I want to feel your body against mine." Joey's voice was low and seductive. He knew how much it turned Tristan on when he talked like this. "I need to feel you hard and hot inside me. I need to feel you come."

"Joey…" Tristan moaned, feeling a shaft of desire dance up his spine.

Joey pulled back just enough to take Tristan's lips in a heated kiss, shivering as he was yanked hard against his husband's body and Tristan began running his hands over his back. He felt Tristan slide a wet finger into him and he groaned, clinging to Tristan's shoulders.

He pulled from Tristan's lips with a hiss of pleasure. "Yes…Tris, please…"

Joey's head fell back against the wall and Tristan took advantage of it, ravishing the blond's neck. He slid another finger into the body writhing against his and was rewarded with a deep moan.

"Now…angel, take me now." Joey pleaded, trying to thrust back onto Tristan's fingers.

Tristan withdrew his hand and stepped back. "Turn around, baby."

Joey immediately did as he was told, bracing his hands against the shower wall and spreading his legs. He felt Tristan's body cover his own and his dripping hair being pushed aside as Tristan kissed the back of his neck.

Tristan reached around, his hand enclosing Joey's renewed arousal, stroking him gently and trying to distract him as he slowly pushed into him. He should have taken more time preparing him, but he couldn't wait any longer…and he knew Joey didn't want to either.

Joey cried out softly as Tristan became fully imbedded inside him. He hung his head, biting his lip against the pain.

"I'm sorry, love." Tristan whispered against Joey's neck.

Joey shook his head. "It's okay. Just…give me a minute."

Tristan held still, kissing Joey's neck and shoulder, one hand still moving over his length as the other lightly caressed his lean chest.

Joey relaxed, feeling the pain fade, and moaned as Tristan began to tease at a nipple. He pushed back against the other man, wanting him to move. Tristan did so unhurriedly, wanting his golden lover to gain as much pleasure as possible. He quickly lost track of everything around him. Everything but the feeling of Joey's body.

"Joey…gods, baby…"

"Harder." Joey demanded, thrusting back against the brunet.

Tristan complied, wrapping his arm around Joey to steady him. Joey whimpered as Tristan made contact with his prostate and he reached back, his hand pressing against Tristan's lower back as he tried desperately to bring him closer.

"Not enough…Tris…harder!" Joey was so close, his vision was beginning to blur.

Tightening his grip, Tristan began to slam into Joey's inviting warmth, feeling his own release approaching. He moaned deeply, not wanting it to end so soon, but unable to hold back any longer.

He needed Joey. Not just physically needed, but NEEDED him. He had realized that he was becoming jealous of the time his husband was spending with Otogi and he wanted Joey to himself. He felt like he was losing the man who was so ardently responding to his lovemaking. Again, he was assaulted by the need to know that Joey was his.

"Tristan! Gods, please!" Joey's nails dug into Tristan's back.

"Joey…say it. Please…tell me."

Joey tried to gather his thoughts, as difficult as it was, and turned his head, catching a glimpse of the look on Tristan's face over his shoulder. He knew what it was Tristan needed to hear. "I'm yours, Tristan. I always will be."

Tristan thrust harder, deeper, feeling his climax crash into him. "Mine…Joey…I love you so much. Oh, gods…my boy…"

Joey sobbed, feeling Tristan release inside him. He drove himself into Tristan's grasp, a sharp intake of breath the only warning Tristan received of Joey reaching his own heaven before his hot seed spilled over the brunet's fist.

He shook his head, trying to clear it. He felt Tristan withdrawing from him and he was turned around, taken into strong arms and held gently.

"Joey…oh, baby." Tristan rested his cheek against the top of Joey's head as the blond burrowed into his chest.

Once their breathing returned to normal Tristan pulled Joey under the spray and picked up a facecloth. He looked down at Joey, blinking the water from his eyes and he smiled. It seemed to Joey that he hadn't seen such a genuine smile on Tristan's face in a very long time.

"Seems to me I forgot the reason I got in here in the first place." Tristan commented as he began to wash Joey off.

Joey stood passively, letting Tristan have his way. He knew how much his husband loved doing this. A grin lit his face as Tristan began to wash his long, blond hair. "Love you."

"Love you too, baby." Tristan said as he rinsed the suds from Joey's hair. He looked into Joey's eyes, his own curious. "Are you going to go back and sleep with Otogi, or are you staying with me?"

"Umm…I…I want to stay with you." Joey was a little confused. Tristan had done a complete about-face. Asking a question like that, Joey would have expected to hear jealously in his voice.

"Thank you." Tristan kissed the top of Joey's head. "I've really missed you."

"Oh, Tristan…I'm so sorry." Joey wrapped his arms around the brunet. "I didn't mean to ignore you. Forgive me, angel."

"There's nothing to forgive, Joey." Tristan replied. "I know you love him. And I know that you want to be with him when he needs you." As he spoke the words, he realized he truly meant what he said.

Joey bit his lip, searching Tristan's face. "Really?"

"Really." Tristan turned off the shower and pulled Joey out.

Joey grabbed a towel and began to dry himself off, glancing at Tristan from under his eyelashes. [Does he mean it? I know he's still not sure of how he feels about Otogi. I don't want to push him. But…it's getting hard to be with Otogi at night. I want to make love to him. I know he's not well enough, but…gods…I want him. But I want Tristan to want him too. I can't do anything about how I feel until Tristan decides what he wants.]

Tristan picked up a brush and held out his hand to Joey. "Come on, love. Let me brush out your hair for you."

Joey smiled and took Tristan's hand, letting the bigger man to lead him to the bed.

They sat down and Tristan began to draw the brush through Joey's damp, golden locks, keeping at it until it was almost dry. Then he stood, pulling back the covers and settling into bed with his husband.

Joey moved into Tristan's arms, cuddling close and beginning to kiss the broad chest his head was laid against. He was interrupted by a huge yawn.

Tristan tilted Joey's head up as the blond began kissing him again. "Baby, go to sleep."

Warm honey eyes blinked up at him. "I thought that maybe…well, it's been a while. Thought you might like to pull an all nighter."

"No, love." Tristan wrapped himself around Joey, tucking his husband's head under his chin. "This is all I really need."

Joey lay quietly and, before long, Tristan's breathing evened out. Joey pulled back slightly and looked at him. Tristan was sound asleep.

"I really am sorry, Tris." Joey whispered, reaching up and stroking Tristan's cheek gently, being careful not to wake him.

Tristan nuzzled into Joey's hair, a small smile on his face. "Joey…" He whispered in his sleep. "Love you."

"I love you too, my angel."

~*~*~*~*~

Yugi: Oh, hell. That was hot.

Yami: *runs*

Yugi: *chases*

Bakura: *rolls eyes* Sex-crazed light.

DD: Well, looks like Seto's gonna come clean with Mokuba in the next chapter.

Seto: Why do I get the feeling something bad is about to happen?

YD: Come on now, rich boy. You should know us well enough by now.

Seto: *turns to Tris* I get the distinct impression I'm going to need a cuddle after that one.