Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Family By Choice ❯ chapter19 ( Chapter 19 )

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 EXPLICIT YAOI (MALE/MALE SEX)! IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT, GO READ SOMETHING ELSE! YOU DON'T NEED TO BE HERE!

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: Here's the lemon you've all been waiting for.

Joey: comeoncomeonceon!

YD: *rolls eyes* Impatient little puppy, aren't you?

~*~*~*~*~

Tristan looked up as Master Kiotou entered Mokuba's room.

Otogi rose from his spot by the bed and went to his grandfather, embracing him. "Grandfather, did you come to see Mokuba?"

"Yes." The old man replied, hugging Otogi back. "And Tristan. Has Mokuba woken yet?"

"Earlier. But only for a few minutes."

Master Kiotou removed himself from his grandson and went to the bed, reaching out and placing a gnarled hand on Mokuba's forehead. "He will awaken again today and he will be more alert when he does. You must all be here. He will be very upset when he is unable to move his legs. He will need you all." His gaze went to Yugi, sitting on the edge of the bed. "Put your animosity toward your husband aside, Yugi. It will not do Mokuba any good."

Yugi opened his mouth to speak, only to be cut off by Tristan as the big brunet rose from his spot next to Seto and approached.

"You wanted to see me about something?" Tristan asked the elder.

Master Kiotou turned to Tristan and regarded him critically. "You do not look well."

"What is it with you and starting conversations with me like that?" Tristan grinned. "I'm fine. Just tired."

"Hrmp." Master Kiotou snorted, shaking his head. "Always so stubborn. Come with me. You too, Joseph."

They followed him from the room, Tristan stopping to speak to Pat and Nathan and asking them to come get him if Bakura showed up.

Once they had reached the family room, Master Kiotou motioned them to sit together on the couch and he perched next to Tristan, setting his bag on the end table. He opened it and reached inside, taking out a needle wrapped in sterile plastic.

Joey froze. "What's that for?"

"Joseph…I apologize." Master Kiotou quickly set the needle aside, out of Joey's sight. "I did not mean to frighten you."

"It's okay, baby." Tristan took Joey's hand, seeing how pale he had become.

"I don't like needles." Joey whispered, fighting back a flood of bad memories.

"Do you wish to leave?" Master Kiotou asked.

Joey shook his head. "No. It's just…the needle…and…Keith…"

"Joey…shh." Tristan put his arm around his husband. "Master Kiotou's not going to hurt you." Worry creased Tristan's brow as he searched Joey's eyes, scared the blond might be having a flashback. "It's okay."

"I'm…alright." Joey clung to Tristan for a moment. "I'm sorry. I just don't like the sight of needles. Too much…"

"Maybe you should leave, love." Tristan said. "You don't have to stay."

"No. No…I'm okay."

"Turn away." Master Kiotou reached for the needle again. "I must test to see if Tristan's medication is working."

Joey did as his old teacher bid and when he turned back, his heart clenched, seeing the blood running swiftly from the spot on Tristan's finger that Master Kiotou had pricked, collecting in his palm.

"Damn." Tristan muttered. "I guess it didn't work."

Master Kiotou pulled a piece of gauze and a small tube from his bag, wiping the tiny injury and smearing it with the substance inside the tube, stopping the bleeding. "We will have to increase your medication again, Tristan."

"Sensei," Joey plucked a few tissues from the box at his side and began wiping the blood from Tristan's hand. "Why do you think this is happening?"

"I am not entirely sure." The herbalist replied. "Though it may very well be the weight he has put on over the last year or so. It only stands to reason that we should have to increase the dosage."

"Makes sense." Tristan said. "What's in the tube?"

"It is a paste of different herbs." The old man handed it to Tristan. "You should carry this with you. It will stop the bleeding of small wounds."

"Thanks." Tristan put it in his pocket and looked at Master Kiotou expectantly. "Where do we go from here?"

"The same as last time. You should be taking double what you were in the beginning. We will see in a couple of weeks where you are."

"Okay." Tristan nodded. "Anything else?"

"Only that you will need all your strength for the coming days." The wise, old eyes held a look of worry. "I fear for Seto."

"How so?" Joey asked, feeling Tristan tense.

"He is going to need you." Master Kiotou addressed Tristan directly. "And you are not going to like it."

"I know." Tristan said softly. "I can feel it."

There was a knock on the door, putting an end to their conversation. Pat came in; telling them that Bakura and Ryou had arrived.

"What did you want to talk to Bakura about?" Joey asked as the man left.

"I need him to find Dan." Tristan replied. "Otogi's starting to get a little nuts being locked up in the house. I know he wants to go home."

"It is good that you are trying to find this man." Master Kiotou said. "He must be made to see that Otogi will no longer be a victim…that he has people who love him and will watch out for him."

"I'll make sure he never comes near Otogi again." Tristan promised.

"Just be careful, Tristan. I sense he is not a man to be taken lightly."

"We should just turn Bakura loose on the bastard." Joey said fiercely. "I wouldn't mind having a piece of him myself."

Tristan stood and drew Joey up with him. "Let's see what Bakura finds first, baby."

Master Kiotou looked at the two men, feeling the familiar sinking feeling that foreshadowed the Sight. "Joseph, this man is connected to you…as is the other."

"He is?"

"I am not sure how, but you need to be careful as well. Do not allow the need for revenge or your love for my grandson blind you in this matter."

Tristan put his arm around Joey, pulling him tightly against him. "Do worry, sensei. I can protect them both. I'm not going to do anything until I find out where this son of a bitch goes and who he hangs around with."

"It is good." Master Kiotou rose, picking up his bag. "Come, my friends. If Tristan wishes to speak to Bakura, he needs to do it now. Mokuba will be waking soon."

"Tris," Joey looked up at his husband. "We're going to have to keep a close eye on Seto and Yugi. The last thing Mokuba needs right now is to know they're fighting."

Tristan nodded. "I know. I can handle Seto."

"You are the only one who can." Master Kiotou said, shaking his head sadly.

Tristan felt a chill pass through him at the prophetic words.

~*~*~*~*~

They found Ryou and Bakura crowded close to Mokuba's bed, touching him, as though trying to reassure themselves that he was alive.

There were tears flowing freely down Ryou's face and Tristan went to him, pulling him away from the teen on the bed and into his arms. He held the distraught man close, stroking his hair and quietly telling him that everything was going to be alright.

His gaze went to Seto, sitting in the corner, just watching. There was a glazed, distant look in the CEO's eyes and all Tristan could get from him was a feeling of helplessness.

"Bakura," Tristan said softly. "I need to talk to you."

"Here." Otogi approached Tristan and held out his arms to Ryou.

Ryou reluctantly left Tristan and let Otogi put his arms around him. He held onto the raven haired man tightly, burrowing into his shoulder.

Tristan gave Otogi a small smile and laid a hand on Bakura's shoulder. Bakura looked up at him and Tristan could see tears lurking in the corners of the fiend's eyes. He squeezed his shoulder gently and glanced over at Seto, meeting his eyes.

/I won't be gone long, pal./ Tristan turned to Rachael. "We're going outside. Could you come get us if he wakes up?"

"I will." Rachael replied, reaching out to take Roger's hand.

"Do you think he'll wake up, Tristan?" Roger asked.

"Of course he will." Tristan tried to inject confidence into his tone.

Roger just nodded and turned his attention back to Mokuba, falling into his previous activity of stroking his lover's arm gently.

Tristan grabbed his jacket and pulled it on, leaving the room with Bakura.

They headed for Tristan's car, sitting on the hood. Tristan took out his cigarettes and lit one, ignoring Bakura's reproving look.

"You did it, didn't you?" Tristan turned, looking Bakura directly in the eye.

"What are you talking about?"

"Walters. You killed him, didn't you?"

Chocolate eyes hardened and glinted red. "No one hurts the people I love and lives to tell about it."

"Bakura…about last night…" Tristan looked down. "I'm sorry I doubted you."

"It's okay, slim." Bakura punched Tristan in the arm. "I probably would have done the same thing. I know how much you love Ryou. I won't hold it against you."

"Thanks." Tristan smiled, relieved. "You've come a long way…freak."

Bakura laughed and rolled his eyes. "You call me a freak like it's a bad thing."

"It's not." Tristan chuckled. Then he grew serious. "I have a job for you."

"It's about the guy who hurt Otogi, isn't it?"

Tristan nodded. "I need you to find out what he does with his time." He filled Bakura in on what he knew. "How long do you think it'll take?"

"Give me three days. He shouldn't be too hard to find. What are you going to do once I find him?"

"I…I don't really know." Tristan tossed his cigarette onto the pavement with a sigh of frustration. "I want to kill him for what he did to Otogi."

"So kill him then."

"What?!" Tristan practically yelled. "I can't do that…no matter how much I might want to."

"If you love Otogi, you will."

"Don't start on me, Bakura." Tristan began.

"Then don't be an idiot." The pale haired man interrupted. "I know you care about him. More than you're admitting…even to yourself."

"Look, Joey wants this. I'm not going to get into it with you, okay?"

"Fine." Bakura hopped down off the car. "Once Mokuba wakes up, I'll start hunting."

"Okay. Just follow him though." Tristan stood up as well. "Remember, Bakura…he's mine."

Bakura sketched a mocking bow and grinned wolfishly. "Sure thing, slim."

Tristan rolled his eyes and, throwing an arm around Bakura's shoulders, led the way back into the hospital.

~*~*~*~*~

Familiar voices pulled Mokuba up out of the darkness that surrounded him.

*Roger? And…Tristan.* Mokuba forced his eyes open, blinking to clear the haze. *Seto…big brother…where are you?*

"Mokuba? Mokuba, can you hear me?"

Mokuba tried to focus on the voice and a pair of concerned azure eyes swam into view. "Seto…"

"Little brother…" Seto reached for Mokuba's hand, squeezing gently.

Mokuba looked around, seeing his entire family crowded around the bed. His gaze fell on Roger, sitting in a chair at his side, holding his other hand. He smiled weakly at his lover, feebly clutching his hand.

"How do you feel, love?" Roger asked quietly.

"What…what happened?"

"Don't you remember?" Tristan asked.

Mokuba shook his head slightly. "The last thing I…remember was…getting out of the car."

Tristan glanced at Seto, seeing his bloodshot eyes fill with tears. "Mokuba…you were shot."

"I…I…what?" Mokuba was shocked.

"You're going to be okay." Joey said, reaching around Roger and brushing Mokuba's hair out of his eyes. "It's just…well…"

As Joey trailed off, Mokuba realized someone was missing. "Where's Yami?"

"He's in the Puzzle." Yugi said, cutting a glance at Seto.

"He's been effected by some medication Yugi took." Bakura said, placing a warning hand on Yugi's shoulder. "He'll be fine."

"Oh." Mokuba tried to shift in the bed, suddenly becoming aware of a strange sensation. He couldn't feel his legs. He struggled to sit up, his eyes wide with terror. "Oh, gods! I can't…what…"

"Easy, baby." Roger slipped an arm behind Mokuba's back. "Don't try to move."

Mokuba met Roger's eyes, his voice a horrified whisper. "Rog…I…can't feel my legs."

Roger bit his lip, tears spilling from his pale eyes. "I know."

"Mokuba," Seto claimed his brother's attention. "When you were shot…a piece of the bullet went into your spine. There's some damage…some swelling. That's why you can't move your legs."

Mokuba was speechless. Was he paralyzed? Would he be able to walk again? Was it permanent? If he had been shot, why wasn't he in pain? The questions tumbled around in his head, but he was afraid to give voice to them, afraid to hear the answers.

"The doctor wanted us to get him when you woke up, honey." Rachael said. "I'm going to go find him, okay?"

"Don't leave." Mokuba looked up at her with pleading eyes. "Please, Rachael…don't go."

"I will go." Master Kiotou said, turning from the bed. "Try to stay awake, Mokuba. I will bring him as soon as possible."

Mokuba stared at Roger as the old herbalist left the room. He pulled his fingers from Roger's and reached up, his hand trembling, and tried to wipe the tears from the ashen face. "Don't cry, Rog…please."

"I love you, Mo." Roger sobbed, leaning over and resting his forehead on Mokuba's shoulder. "I was so scared you were going to leave me."

/Seto…they need to be alone./ Tristan took Seto by the arm. /Come on./

Seto stepped back from the bed. "We'll leave you guys alone for a few minutes."

"I'm not going." Yugi protested. "You can't…"

"Now." Bakura growled, pulling Yugi off his perch on the edge of the bed.

Yugi turned on the white haired yami, intending to give him a piece of his mind, when he saw Joey and Otogi shaking their heads at him.

"Yugi," Ryou reached out and removed Bakura's hands from the other hikari. "Come on. Just for a few minutes."

Yugi relented, stalking from the room ahead of everyone else.

Seto was the last to leave, and as he stepped from the room, Master Kiotou arrived with Dr. Chopra. "Roger's with him."

"That's fine." The physician replied. "I'm glad he's alert. I'm sure he has questions. Why don't you all go get some coffee? I will be with him for a while."

Seto began to argue, but Tristan took his hand, drawing him away. /Don't. Besides, you haven't eaten. You look ready to collapse./

[I feel ready to collapse.]

"Come on." Tristan said to everyone. "Sensei? Will you come too?"

"I believe I will stay." Master Kiotou replied. "I need to speak to Dr. Chopra."

Master Kiotou watched them go, noticing that the entire group put themselves between Seto and Yugi. He also noticed the sad looks the tall brunet kept throwing at his husband.

Seto was teetering on the edge. The rift with his brother barely healed, he now had to face one with Yugi. The elderly man was concerned where it would take Seto, and the effect it would have on Tristan.

Old habits died hard, and he was well acquainted with Tristan's driving need to give the people he loved whatever they felt they needed. Even if it went against his own wants and needs.

Master Kiotou could only hope that Tristan remembered he was bigger and stronger than he had been the last time Seto had been in such a state.

He didn't want to be treating any unnecessary injuries.

~*~*~*~*~

When they came back, Mokuba was asleep again.

"The doctor gave him something to help him sleep." Roger said quietly, sitting next to the bed, holding his lover's hand. "He…he got really upset. Dr. Chopra couldn't tell him if he'd be able to walk once he healed and…"

Rachael went to her son, drawing him up out of the chair and into her arms as he broke down. "Shh, sweetheart. It's going to be okay."

"Mom? I-I don't want to leave him. Would it…would it be okay if I stayed here again tonight?"

"Of course." Rachael replied. "Do you want me to stay with you?"

"You don't have to, Rachael." Yugi said, sitting down in the chair and reaching to stroke Mokuba's leg. "I won't be leaving him. I'll keep Roger company."

"Yugi," Seto began. "You need to come home. The kids..."

Yugi sent his husband a withering look, freezing the words in Seto's throat.

"Tristan, I'm going to head out." Bakura said. "Can you see Ryou home?"

"Sure." Tristan approached his friend, slipping an arm around the taller brunet's waist. "Or he can stay with us if he wants."

"I'd love to." Ryou said. "But I have early practice in the morning."

Bakura went to his hikari, taking him into his arms and kissing him. He then went over to the bed and, to everyone's shock, leaned down and kissed Mokuba on the forehead. "I'll see you tomorrow, Mokuba."

The white haired thief sent Tristan a pointed look as he left the room.

"What was that about?" Joey asked his husband.

Tristan looked at Otogi. "He's going looking for Dan."

Otogi bit his lip and looked away. He was still afraid of how Tristan would react if and when he found out about his relationship with Dan. Now that he was with them, he was afraid he'd loose them. He knew Joey wouldn't leave him…he knew all about Dan…but Tristan was another matter.

Tristan saw the look on Otogi's face and went over to him, tipping his face up and looking into his eyes. "Otogi…I don't want you to worry. I promise you I'll make sure Dan never gets it into his sick head to come near you again."

Otogi just nodded and leaned against the bigger man, the safe feeling he always got with Tristan seeping through him as strong arms came around him.

Joey smiled at them and then turned his attention to Seto, who had gone to sit on the opposite side of Mokuba's bed. The tension between the CEO and Yugi was like a wall, almost concrete, as was the sadness that seemed to surround Seto like a cloud.

"Seto," Joey laid a hand on the brunet's shoulder. "You should go home tonight. You need the sleep…and the boys need you."

Seto nodded. "I know." He glanced at Yugi, his voice dropping to a whisper. "I need them too."

"It's after six. Maybe we should go."

"Can I keep Lexi tonight?" Seto looked up at Joey, his eyes pleading.

"If you want." Joey looked over at Tristan and saw him nod.

"Tell you what, pal." Tristan let go of Otogi and came over. "I'll give Odette a call and tell her we'll all be over for dinner. After that I'll take Ryou home and Lexi can spend the night with Justin. How does that sound?"

"O-Okay." Seto looked over at Yugi again, reaching out and laying a hand on his arm. "Yugi? Will you come..?"

"Don't touch me." Yugi shook the hand from his arm. "I said I'm not leaving."

"Yugi…" Tristan's voice held a note of warning.

"What?" Yugi turned to him, his amethyst eyes blazing. "Are you going to start on me too?"

[Let it go, Tris. I can't take a fight with him now.]

Tristan fought to beat back the anger rising to cloud his vision. Yugi was being a complete asshole. Couldn't he see what it was doing to Seto? Tristan could feel the desperate quality to Seto's emotions and it worried him.

He could feel it coming…and there was nothing he could do to stop it.

~*~*~*~*~

Seto tucked Lexi and Justin into bed and read them a story. He kissed them goodnight and left them giggling under the covers, oblivious to his departure.

He wandered down the hall to Matthew's room, arriving just as Claudine was getting him out of the tub.

A small smile flitted across his face as Matthew reached for him, giggling. He took the dripping wet child into his arms, kissing him.

"I'll put him to bed, Claudine." Seto said, taking the towel from her and wrapping it around his son.

"Are you sure?" The nanny asked, seeing the sad look in her employer's eyes.

Seto nodded, turning toward the change table and laying the baby down. He dried him off, not hearing Claudine leaving the room. He couldn't help but tickle the cubby little body, thinking to himself that it was hard to remember how skinny Matthew had been just a short time ago. He put a diaper on his son, the baby's coos and giggles drawing a genuine smile from him.

"You're happy tonight, baby boy." Seto tickled Matthew's stomach.

"Da-da!" Matthew squealed, reaching out to Seto.

Seto blinked. "Did you..? Did you just say..?"

Matthew wiggled his fingers, begging to be picked up. "Da-da!"

"Oh, Matthew…" Seto picked him up, rubbing his cheek against the baby's.

Matthew fisted his little hands in Seto's hair and pulled, laughing. Seto laughed too, overjoyed to be the recipient of his youngest son's first word.

Then he sobered. Yami and Yugi had missed it.

Tears glistened in his eyes as he untangled Matthew's fingers from his hair and laid him back down, dressing him in his sleeper. That done, he picked him up again and settled into the rocking chair next to the crib, holding Matthew close.

Matthew snuggled into his father's arms, yawning. "Da-da…"

"I love you, baby boy." Seto leaned down and kissed the downy head. "I wish your other daddies were here to hear you."

He began rocking; quietly singing a lullaby that he remembered his mother singing to him.

Halfway through the song, Matthew went limp in his arms. Seto stood, placing the child in his crib and leaning down to kiss him softly.

He left the room, closing the door silently behind him and making his way to his own bedroom. He undressed and crawled into the huge bed, acutely aware of how empty it felt.

On the way home, Tristan had offered to stay with him, and now he wish he hadn't said no. But he knew that Tristan wanted some time alone with Joey and Otogi, so he kept his mental barriers firmly in place.

He needed someone to hold him.

He needed Yugi.

He pulled Yugi's pillow toward him, burying his face in it. It smelled of Yugi's cologne. Tears filled his eyes again and he gave into it, sobbing softly into the silk pillowcase.

~*~*~*~*~

Tristan reached out to Seto as he parked the car.

Seto had his mental blocks up, but it didn't surprise Tristan at all. Before he had left to drop Joey and Otogi off and take Ryou home, Seto had said he wanted to be alone. Tristan had been the one to suggest Seto block him. It was times like this that their bond could be more of a burden than anything else.

He let himself into the house, pulling off his boots and heading into the living room.

Joey and Otogi were cuddled up together on the couch, talking. They looked up as Tristan came in, both of them smiling.

"Hey, angel." Joey stood up. "Ryou get in okay?"

"Yeah." Tristan dropped down on the couch next to Otogi. "Gods…I could use a drink."

"Want me to pour you one?"

"Could you?"

"Sure thing." Joey turned and went into the kitchen, returning a moment later with Tristan's drink in one hand, a bottle of beer in the other and one tucked under his arm.

He handed the glass to Tristan and one of the bottles to Otogi and sat down on the raven haired man's other side. "Tris, is Seto okay?"

"He will be." Tristan sighed. "At least he will be if Yugi gets his head out of his ass."

"I don't understand why Yugi's acting this way." Otogi said. "It doesn't make sense."

"Yeah, it does." Joey replied. "Yugi has a real fear of losing the people he loves. He's scared and he's lashing out. All he can see right now is that Seto and Mokuba were fighting and if Mokuba hasn't gone to see Seto, he wouldn't have been shot."

"That worries me." Tristan said. "I get the distinct impression Mokuba wasn't the target. I think it was Seto."

"It wouldn't be the first time someone tried to kill him." Joey stated.

Emerald eyes went wide. "It wouldn't?"

"No." Tristan shook his head. "People have tried before, but Seto has more lives than a frigging cat. He took a bullet in the leg when he was nineteen. Some moron figuring he could get himself in the news if he took Seto out."

"Gods." Otogi shook his head, unable to really believe it. "It must be hell being him."

Tristan shrugged. "It's a part of his life. He lives in the public eye. It's pretty much unavoidable. Don't worry though," A grin lit the angular features. "Seto knows six different ways to kill a guy without shedding blood."

"Yeah." Joey put in with a matching smile. "And Bakura knows six ways to kill a guy and drain every drop. He's rather proud of it too."

Otogi laughed, but then, looking at Tristan, quickly sobered. "But…what about you? I mean…wherever Seto is, you are. Doesn't that put you in danger too?"

"I suppose so." Tristan shrugged again.

"Otogi," Joey claimed his attention. "Tristan is too well protected. Don't worry about it."

"But…"

"No, really." The blond tried to reassure him. "We're very careful. Besides, most of these people are cowards. They wouldn't very likely walk right up to him and try to stick a knife in his gut."

Tristan laughed and put an arm around Otogi's shoulders. "Stop worrying. I'm a big boy and I can take care of myself."

"Well, you're right about one thing." Otogi smiled up at Tristan and poked a finger into his stomach. "You sure are big…a big brute."

Tristan grabbed Otogi's hand, bringing it to his lips and kissing his fingers. Otogi's breath caught in his throat at the unexpected gesture. He looked up into warm hazel eyes and, to his embarrassment, blushed.

"And here I thought Ryou was the only one who could turn that shade of red." Tristan teased, kissing Otogi's fingers again.

Joey smiled at the display, feeling his heart warm at the sight of Tristan being so affectionate with Otogi.

/I could get used to this./ Tristan pulled Otogi closer. /Maybe it won't be so bad after all./

Otogi's heart was pounding as Tristan drew him closer and he laid his head on the brunet's chest. {{Gods, this feels so good.}}

"Otogi?" Tristan waited until the smaller man looked up. "Will you come to bed with us tonight?"

Otogi's mouth dropped open. He hadn't expected such a blatant invitation. At least not from Tristan.

"Tris," Joey interrupted. "He's still not healed. He can't…"

"I know." Tristan pushed Otogi's bangs out of his eyes. "But I still want him with us."

"Well…that's Otogi's decision."

"What do you say, kitten?"

"I…umm…" Otogi was caught in Tristan's eyes, unable to look away. "If…if that's what you want."

"No, Otogi." Joey said, laying a hand on the other man's shoulder. "It's about what YOU want."

Still caught in Tristan's gaze, Otogi couldn't have found the power to say no if he had wanted to. He nodded, smiling tentatively at the man who held him. Tristan smiled back and took Otogi's chin between his fingers, leaning down and pressing their lips together gently. Otogi's immediately parted and Tristan delved in, tasting him.

Joey couldn't keep the smile off his face as he watched them kiss. He moved closer, pulling Otogi's hair aside and kissing his neck. He smiled again as Otogi moaned quietly.

Tristan released him and Otogi shivered, suddenly becoming aware of the hard body against his. Otogi rested a hand on Tristan's chest, only now realizing how massively muscled the brunet was. Anticipation quickened his pulse.

Tristan untangled himself and stood, holding his hand out to Otogi. "Come on, kitten."

Otogi flushed, hearing the pet name, and placed his hand in Tristan's, letting the other man haul him up from the couch. Joey rose behind him and slipped his arms around Otogi's waist.

"Tris," The blond looked at his husband over Otogi's shoulder. "Why don't you lock up? We'll meet you upstairs."

"Okay." Tristan leaned over Otogi and dropped a kiss on Joey's lips. He stepped back, reaching up to lightly caress Otogi's face with his fingertips. "I'll be up in a few minutes."

~*~*~*~*~

[[Aibou.]]

Yugi jerked awake from his half-doze. //Yami!//

[[My love…is Mokuba alright?]]

//He's…// Yugi looked at the boy, lying in a drug induced slumber on the bed. //He can't…//

Yugi sent all the information they had received from the doctor across the link. It was like a compressed data stream, and only took seconds.

[[What aren't you telling me?]]

//Why haven't you come out?// Yugi avoided his other's question.

[[I'm too weak. I can't even leave my bed.]]

Yugi's quick glance took in Roger, asleep in the chair next to Mokuba's bed. He leaned back in his own chair, arranging himself so he wouldn't fall out of it, and closed his eyes.

When he opened them again, he was lying on the bed in his soulroom. He hopped off and ran for the door, opening it and bolting into the hallway. He wrenched open the door to Yami's room and rushed inside.

He saw his dark lying in the huge, silk draped bed and ran to him, crawling up next to him.

"Yugi…" Yami reached for his husband, taking him into his arms.

Yugi burrowed into Yami's embrace and burst into tears.

"Shh…my light." Yami comforted the other man. "It will be alright."

"Yami…he…he almost died. Oh, gods! I almost lost him!" Yugi's tears soaked Yami's bare chest.

"But he didn't." Yami replied, knowing that Yugi didn't hear him. He knew that Yugi was keeping something from him and discreetly probed the other's thought. There was something there Yugi was blocking from him. Something to do with Seto.

"Yami…" Yugi sobbed. "Gods, I need you right now. How much longer are you going to have to stay here?"

"I don't know." Yami said, deciding that whatever it was Yugi was hiding from him, it would have to wait. "I don't think I could leave if I wanted to."

"I miss you."

Yami kissed the top of Yugi's head. "I know. I'm sorry I can't be there for you and Seto but…at least I'm awake." A small smile flitted across Yami's lips. "It'll be like the old days."

The attempt at humor was completely lost on Yugi. He clung to Yami, kissing his neck. "Can I stay here with you for a while?"

"Of course." Yami smiled at his hikari. "Why don't you get undressed and get under the covers with me?"

Yugi got up and swiftly pulled off his clothes. Yami held the bed clothes up and Yugi slid in, snuggling up against Yami's warm, naked body. Yami sighed blissfully and closed his eyes, feeling Yugi kissing his neck again and running his hands over his body.

"As much as I'd like to, Aibou, I haven't the strength."

"It's okay." Yugi replied. "Can you just hold me?"

"Of course, my light."

Yugi let out a sigh of his own as Yami's arms came around him. He lay quietly until he felt Yami fall asleep and he lifted his head, kissing his dark softly. Laying his head back down, he thought of Seto.

//It IS his fault! If Mokuba never walks again, I'll never forgive him! And damn Tristan for siding with him! Not like I'd expect anything else.// A flash of guilt passed through Yugi as he remembered the look of pain in his husband's eyes when he had left the hospital. //No. He doesn't need me. He has Tristan. Tristan was there for him long before Yami and I came into the picture. If we left he probably wouldn't even notice at this point.//

Pushing the thoughts aside, Yugi laid his head back down on Yami's chest and closed his eyes.

//Just for a few minutes. Then I'll go back and watch over Mokuba.//

A few minutes passed, but Yugi didn't get up. He had fallen asleep.

~*~*~*~*~

Tristan walked into the bedroom to find Joey and Otogi standing at the foot of the bed, both of them shirtless, kissing.

Pulling off his own shirt, he walked over to them, going behind Otogi and slipping his arms around both of them. They broke apart and he smiled at Joey before pushing Otogi's hair aside and kissing his neck.

Otogi shivered, feeling Tristan's bare skin against his. He let his head fall back against Tristan's chest as the brunet continued a leisurely trail down his neck and across his shoulder.

Joey moved closer, bending his head and kissing Otogi's chest, nipping at the small scars there. He let his hands drift down Otogi's body slowly, gently, the tips of his fingers barely making contact with the warming flesh.

Otogi whimpered, glad that he was, in effect, pinned between the two other men. It was about the only thing holding him up.

Tristan could feel Otogi's desperation in the trembling of his body and spoke for the first time since entering the room. "Easy, kitten."

"Tristan…" Otogi whimpered again as Joey's hand closed over his clothed erection.

"Tell us what you want, beautiful." Joey whispered, looking into Otogi's eyes.

"Please…Joey…make love to me."

Tristan took a step back, feeling a spike of jealousy. But toward who, and why, he wasn't really sure. /If Otogi wants Joey, then fine. I'll step away./

"Tris?" Joey looked questioningly at his husband as he moved away.

"I'll get the cloths." Tristan said, heading for the bathroom.

"Is…is everything okay?" Otogi asked, looking after Tristan as he left.

"Fine." Joey drew Otogi to him. "Come here, beautiful."

Otogi sighed as Joey took his lips in a gentle kiss, their tongues tangling as their hands caressed. Tristan's strange behavior flew from his mind as Otogi responded to the blond's touch.

He didn't remember it happening, but they were suddenly both naked, the heat of their skin searing them as their bodies met from shoulder to knee. He became aware of Tristan coming back into the room and laying something down on the bedside table, removing the rest of his clothes when he had done so.

Joey released him and he turned, finding Tristan lying on the bed, propped up against the headboard. His eyes widened in appreciation as he took in Tristan's naked form. Before he could even think of a comment, Joey took his hand and led him over to the side of the bed, giving him a gentle shove so he sat down next to Tristan. Joey went around to the other side of the bed, reclining next to his husband.

Tristan reached out and pulled Otogi to him and Otogi suddenly felt tiny, his thin body feeling lost in Tristan's arms.

He looked up to see Tristan studying him closely, something unreadable in his eyes. {{Gods…he's so intense.}} Then it didn't matter anymore as the brunet lowered his head and kissed him.

Joey was becoming more aroused by the second as he watched them. A small moan escaped him as Tristan began stroking Otogi's body, making the raven haired man squirm against him. He moved up against Tristan and reached out to touch him, causing the brunet to turn toward him, leaning over and hooking a hand into soft, golden locks.

"Baby…" Tristan whispered as their lips met.

Otogi moved off Tristan, resting on Tristan's other side and laying his head against the bigger man's chest, watching them. He sighed as Tristan's other hand found its way into his hair, gently kneading his scalp.

Breaking away from Joey's lips, Tristan pulled the blond up to straddle his lap. He reached over Otogi and grabbed the bottle of lubricant he had placed there along with the cloths and the basin of water.

Joey shuddered in anticipation. He reached for Otogi, drawing him up and running his hands over the lithe body as he moved to kiss him again. He felt Tristan's lips on his neck and tensed slightly as a slick finger entered him. He moaned deeply as Otogi wrapped his hand around his arousal and began to stroke him.

Tristan bent down further, capturing a hard nipple between his lips as he slipped another digit into his husband's tight passage. He shivered slightly as Joey moaned again, beginning to ride his hand.

"Gods…" Joey pulled from Otogi's lips with a sharp hiss as Tristan's fingers brushed against his prostate. "Tristan! I want…angel, please! I want you inside me!"

Tristan grinned and removed his fingers, ignoring Joey's protests. "Turn around, love."

Joey quickly did as he was bid, reaching out and drawing Otogi around in front of him. He growled in frustration as he felt Tristan's fingers enter his body again. "Damn it, Tristan! Take me already!"

"Not yet, baby." Tristan thrust three digits deep, hitting that same bundle of nerves again and earning a strangled cry from the blond. "I think you can take more. What do you think, Otogi?"

"Oh, I think so." Otogi smiled at Tristan and then gave a yelp of surprise as Joey's hand enclosed his erection, squeezing.

Otogi retaliated, his own fingers sliding over the blond's weeping length. He leaned over Joey's shoulder, offering his lips to Tristan.

Tristan moved closer, his mouth closing over Otogi's in a demanding kiss. Otogi whimpered and began stroking the captive flesh in his hand hard, drawing a groan from Joey.

Breaking the kiss, Tristan met Otogi's eyes. "Move back, kitten."

Otogi released Joey's erection, having to pry the blond's hands off his body to move away.

Tristan removed his fingers from Joey's body and grasped his hips, bringing him back slightly and slowly guiding him onto his arousal. Joey grasped Tristan's forearms, fighting not to tense up as he was impaled on his husband's length.

Once he was fully embedded inside his lover, Tristan spread his legs, bending them at the knee. Joey's legs, resting over Tristan's, rose and his body was wide open, exposed to the man kneeling in front of him.

Otogi crawled toward the blond and bent down, his long hair nearly hiding his body. Joey gasped as he felt Otogi's hot, wet mouth cover his erection.

His skin felt hyper-sensitive; it almost hurt as Tristan began stroking his chest and stomach. When Tristan began to move, he screamed, his hands burying themselves in Otogi's hair as his body arched upward.

Tristan moaned as Joey's inner muscles clamped down around him. Though their position didn't allow for much movement, Joey began to rock back against him, sending a flash of heat through his body.

He reached up and pulled Joey's hair back, running his tongue over the straining neck to the blond's ear, gently biting down. "My boy…I love you."

"Tristan…I love you." Joey whimpered, trying to move back against Tristan and thrust up into Otogi's mouth at the same time. "Please…Otogi…"

Seeing Otogi kneeling between their legs, masses of inky hair pooled around his lean form, was almost too much for Tristan. He clenched his teeth, fighting for control. He couldn't remember ever being as aroused as he was at this moment. He didn't know how much longer he was going to last.

The same thought passed through Joey's lust-fogged mind. He was almost senseless, barely able to stand the pleasure his two loves were making him feel. He was close…so close.

Suddenly, he couldn't stand it anymore. "Oh, GODS!"

Otogi moaned deep in his throat as Joey released into his mouth. He swallowed rapidly, wanting it all, needing it.

"Joey…" Tristan groaned as his climax overwhelmed him and he reached out, fisting a hand into Otogi's hair, pulling him up. He yanked Otogi toward him, fusing their lips together and growling as he tasted Joey's release on the other man's lips.

Otogi pulled away, breathing hard. He stared into Tristan's eyes, caught in the burning hazel gaze, and shuddered. Tristan looked mad. {{What did I do wrong?}}

"Lie back, beautiful." Joey whispered, untangling his legs from Tristan's and lifting himself off his husband.

Otogi did, lying down at the foot of the bed. Joey was there instantly, kneeling between his lover's legs and running his hands over firm thighs. Otogi cried out as Joey bent, engulfing his aching arousal in his mouth.

Tristan watched, feeling anger bubbling up inside him. /Why am I angry? This was MY idea. I was the one who asked Otogi to be here./

He moved down the bed, stretching out next to the raven haired man. He leaned down to kiss him, forcing his tongue past pliant lips, and reaching out a hand to caress the lean chest.

Otogi pulled away from Tristan's lips with a whimper, looking up at the brunet with pleading eyes. "Please…Tristan…take me."

For a split second, Tristan considered it, and just as quickly rejected it. "No, kitten. I'd only end up hurting you."

*But I want you to.* "Please…"

Tristan shook his head. "I won't cause you pain, Otogi." He lightly brushed his lips against the other's. "Once you're healed…then I'll make love to you if that's what you want."

"But…" Otogi moaned, feeling Joey swallow around his length. * I don't want you to make love to me. I WANT you to give me pain.*

"Shh." Tristan kissed him again, feeling a flash of annoyance that Otogi was arguing with him.

Otogi saw it in his eyes before they slipped closed and he gave himself up to his lovers, pushing aside his other needs. He thrust up into Joey's mouth, fighting for more contact.

Joey pinned Otogi's hips down, taking him back into his throat with a low groan. He swallowed again, his breath catching as Otogi climaxed.

"Joey!" Otogi gripped Tristan's shoulders, arching up off the bed. "Oh, gods, Joey…I love you!"

Joey released him, moving up to place a gentle kiss on the quivering stomach. "I love you too, beautiful."

Tristan felt something twist in his heart and he pulled away. /I knew it. He DOESN'T love me. He loves Joey./

Joey rose to his knees and reached out to Tristan. He drew him close and kissed him gently. "I love you, angel."

"I love you too, baby." Tristan said quietly. He avoided Otogi's eyes as he rose, going to the bedside table and wetting a cloth, handing it to Joey. "Here."

*Why do I get the feeling I've done something really wrong?* Otogi accepted another cloth from Tristan and used it to clean himself up. He said nothing as they settled into bed, Joey in the middle.

Joey cuddled up against Tristan's chest, quickly falling asleep, a small smile on his face. Tristan wrapped his arms around the blond, his eyes on Otogi. Otogi moved up against Joey's back, reaching up to thread the fingers of one hand into the gold locks.

"Tristan..?"

"Go to sleep, Otogi."

Otogi bit his lip, searching the expressionless hazel eyes for a moment before closing his own.

Tristan regarded the man lying on his husband's other side. /It all happened so quick. There's no turning back now. I'm just going to have to get used to the fact that it's Joey he loves. I hope…I hope that he'll have SOME feeling for me…some day. Seto and Bakura are right. I do have feelings for him. But I'm not about to let him know that. The last thing I can handle right now is him rejecting me./

With a sigh, Tristan reached over and brushed Otogi's tangled hair out of his face. He closed his eyes and willed sleep to take him, trying to ignore the aching, hollow feeling in his chest.

~*~*~*~*~

Tristan sat at his desk, trying to sort through his messages and field some for Seto.

That morning, after going with Seto, Joey and Otogi to the hospital to see Mokuba, Tristan had returned to the Kaiba mansion and taken the three kids and Claudine back to his house, leaving them with Otogi. Joey had gone out to the clinic, leaving Tristan and Seto to go into the office.

After an hour, Tristan hadn't been able to handle Seto's irritable mood and had insisted he go home and get some sleep. Seto had left under protest, but had finally gone. Tristan had to block him. Seto's emotions were too raw and he was getting a headache.

/At least Mokuba was awake when we went in. I know that helped Seto. Even if Yugi didn't speak two words to him./

"Tristan?" Teddy's voice came over the intercom.

"Yeah?"

"There's someone named Odette on line two. She says it's urgent."

/What could she want?/ Tristan let down his barriers, reaching for Seto. All he got was a blank feeling…it was like going to sleep and then waking up deaf. /Shit! Seto?!/

"Tristan? Will you take the call?"

"Y-Yes." Tristan stammered, trying to get his bearings. He felt like he had been sucked into a void. He couldn't feel Seto. He quickly threw his barriers up again and the churning in his stomach stopped. He picked up the phone. "Odette? What's wrong?"

"It's…Master Kaiba." The woman sounded near tears. "He locked himself in his bedroom. I could hear things breaking. When I called out to him…he told me to go away."

"Is he still there?"

"Yes. I asked him to open the door but…he said he'd only open it to you." Odette's voice broke. "Tristan…he's hurting."

Tristan felt tears prick his eyes. Odette had been there when Seto's stepfather adopted him and Mokuba. She was responsible for finding out about Mokuba's abuse and bringing it to Seto's attention. She loved both Kaiba brothers as if they were her own sons.

"I'll be there as soon as I can, Odette." Tristan reached for his coat as he stood, taking out Seto's cell phone. "It'll be okay."

"Th-thank you, Tristan."

"Go let him know I'm coming."

"I will."

Tristan slammed down the phone and left his office at a run, yelling out to Teddy that he had an emergency and to take care of whatever came up.

Making it to the elevator, Tristan called Joey's office, hoping he'd catch his husband before he went into a session. Luckily, Joey picked up on the first ring.

"Joey." Tristan said before the blond could even speak. "Something's wrong with Seto."

"What happened?" Joey's voice had an edge of panic to it.

"Odette just called. Seto's locked himself in his room and it sounds like he's trashing the place." Tristan bolted out of the elevator as soon as the door opened and ran for his car. "He won't open the door to anyone but me."

There was silence on the other end of the phone as Tristan unlocked the door and got behind the wheel.

"Joey?"

"Tris…you said he's been feeling…you said "dangerous"."

"I've got to be honest, baby. I'm scared of what I'm going to find." Tristan sat in his car, frozen.

"I know you are. Tristan, don't do it…please." Joey begged. "It's not going to help. I know it's because of Yugi. He can't hide from it."

"I know." Tristan shook himself, starting up the car.

"Stay with him. As soon as I'm done here, I'll go home and help Otogi with the kids. Just call when you can."

"I love you, Joey." Tristan said, needing for his husband to know.

"I love you too, Tris. Go on. Go to him."

Tristan shut off the phone and tossed it on the passenger seat. As he made his way to Seto's, he kept his mind carefully blank, not wanting to think, or remember.

Sadie obviously knew there was something going on, as the gates opened as soon as his car came into view. Tristan quickly parked his car and ran up the steps, wrenching open the door.

`Tristan?' Sadie was standing in the foyer. `What's wrong with Seto?'

"Not now." Tristan brushed past her and ran up the stairs.

He found Odette standing outside Seto's bedroom door, leaning against it with tears running down her face.

"Odette?" Tristan placed a hand on her shoulder. The woman looked up and Tristan swore he could hear her heart breaking. "I'll take care of him. Just make sure no one comes into this section of the house, okay?"

Tristan heard the click of the door being unlocked as he reached out and wiped the tears from Odette's face. He stayed for a moment, wanted to make sure she was alright.

Odette looked up at Tristan. "It's because Master Yugi hasn't come home. I know it is."

"I don't know that for sure." Tristan turned her around and gave her a gentle push. "Go on, Odette. I'll handle it."

Odette looked back at him for a second before leaving, thinking to herself that Tristan was the only one who could handle this situation. Whether Seto wanted to admit it or not, his own abuse at the hands of his stepfather still took its toll on him.

Tristan turned his attention to the door, reaching for the knob. Suddenly, he was reminded of other times he had stood here like this, knowing what he was going to find on the other side of the door and wondering if he had the strength for it.

He let his metal barriers down as he stepped through the door and shut it quietly behind him. He still couldn't feel Seto.

The first thing he became aware of was the devastation in the room. It looked like Seto had methodically dismantled the place. Every picture had been taken from the walls and smashed, the glass littering the carpet. The desk chair was lying against the wall on the opposite side of the room, the wall above it dented. The computer lay in pieces on the floor next to the desk and most of the bedclothes were lying on the floor by the window, feathers spilling from the torn pillows.

What worried him most though was Seto himself.

The taller brunet was standing to one side of the bed, looking at Tristan but obviously not really seeing him. His eyes held a glazed look that was all too familiar to Tristan. So was the meekness in his posture and Tristan knew exactly what it was that Seto's wanted.

/Fuck./

~*~*~*~*~

Tris: No way!

Seto: Great! Just frigging great!

YD: *cackles evilly*

Tris: There's NO WAY I'm gonna do that!!

YD: You'll do as you're told, boy-o.

Yugi: When do I get to go back to being my loving self?

DD: *shrugs* I've lost total control over Dragon.

YD: You never had any to begin with.

DD: We've already started the next chapter and the next chapter of Soulmates is about half done. We're hoping to update that over the weekend.