Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Family By Choice ❯ chapter20 ( Chapter 20 )

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

~*~*~*~*~

YD: This chapter is FULL of lemony goodness!

DD: Yeah, but it's kinda sad too.

YD: Except for the kids being cute.

DD: All readers hereby have our permission to squeeze the hell out of them.

~*~*~*~*~

Tristan stood, staring at Seto, trying to reject in his own mind what he knew his friend wanted.

"Tristan…please…" Seto's voice was barely audible. "I…I need…"

"No." Tristan shook his head. "I won't."

Seto's eyes cleared and he looked at the other brunet, incredulous. "What?!"

"I'm not going to do it." Tristan approached his friend, reaching out to him. "We're not going there again, Seto."

"You're denying me?!" Seto pulled from Tristan's grasp. "Why?!"

"It's not the answer. Look," Tristan reached for Seto again, but the taller man avoided him. "I'll hold you if you want. I'll make love with you if that's what you need, but I'm NOT going to hurt you. I can't do that, pal. Giving up control to me is not going to see you through this."

"I can't believe you're saying no." Seto backed up a step, his eyes blazing. "When Joey left and you came to me…I gave YOU what you needed, even though it almost cost me Yugi."

"We were BOTH willing, Seto. I'm not willing to do this." Tristan could feel his temper rising, incensed that Seto was deliberately trying to make him feel guilty. "There's no comparison."

"Yes, there is! I've always given you what you needed! Why the hell are you going all high and mighty on me now?!"

"I'm not..!"

"Yes, you are!" Seto's hands clenched into fists. "Who the fuck do you think you are, Tristan?! I thought you loved me!"

"Don't you dare!" Tristan shouted, knowing that both the situation and his temper were quickly getting out of control, but unable to stop it. "I do love you! THAT'S why I'm saying no! I won't let you do this to either of us!"

"You fucking liar." Seto hissed. "You always said you'd do anything for me. Ever since you've been with Joey you've been denying me at every turn. And now that you're fucking Otogi, it's going to get worse. You don't even love him, do you? You're a controlling, manipulative bastard, Tristan. You're nothing but a selfish prick. I don't even think you really love Joey."

That did it. Tristan couldn't have stopped himself if he wanted to. A red haze spread across his field of vision and he snapped.

His hand flashed out and he struck Seto across the face. The blow lifted the taller man off his feet and he crumpled to the floor. Tristan went after him, unable to control the blind rage tearing through him. He grasped Seto by the arms and hauled him to his feet with the intention of beating him senseless.

It was Seto's whispered words, along with the familiar glazed look returning, that made him realize what he had just done.

"Do it again."

"Seto…" Tristan, shocked and disgusted with himself, wrapped an arm around the other man, his free hand coming up to wipe away the blood trickling from the corner of Seto's mouth. "Oh, gods…I didn't mean…I'm…Seto…I'm so sorry."

Seto whimpered, going limp as Tristan touched his rapidly swelling mouth. "Tris…please."

Tristan scooped him up, crossing over to the bed and sitting down, settling Seto into his lap. "Shh…it's okay, pal. I'm sorry."

Seto shivered violently as strong arms came around him. He laid his head against Tristan's shoulder, tears tracking down his face. Tristan tipped his face up and kissed him softly.

Feeling Seto's emotions filling their bond again, Tristan ran his fingers through the other's hair. /I love you, Seto./

"Tris…" Seto clung to his best friend. "I'm sorry."

"So am I." Tristan tried to beat back the guilt, not wanting Seto to feel it. "Gods, I could have seriously hurt you. I didn't mean to. You said…I…I didn't mean to hit you. Seto…I'm so sorry."

Seto lifted his head and, seeing the tears in the other brunet's eyes, freed his arms and reached up to cup Tristan's face in his hands. "I didn't mean it. I shouldn't have said those things to you, Tris. You're not selfish…you're anything but. And I know you love Joey."

Tristan kissed the corner of Seto's mouth, where there was a dark bruise forming. "I know. I shouldn't have lost my temper. I just…I just can't control it sometimes."

"I know that…and I took advantage of it. I had no right."

"No." Tristan shook his head. "Don't. I know what you're going through. We can sit here all day apologizing to each other and it's not going to get us anywhere."

Seto wound his arms around Tristan's neck and laid his head on his chest. "I love you, Tris. And…and right now I really need you to make love to me. I want you to take me."

"If that's what you need." Tristan replied softly.

Seto nodded. "I can't remember the last time you did."

"I can." Tristan kissed the top of Seto's head. "It was about three months before you got together with Yugi and Yami…just after your birthday."

"No," Seto lifted his head, looking into Tristan's eyes. "There were times after that."

Tristan looked away, his voice dropping to a whisper full of self-loathing. "That wasn't love, Seto."

Seto frowned, catching an image from Tristan's mind. An image of them…Tristan pounding into him, his hand wrapped around Seto's throat and Seto with blood on his face and a blank look in his eyes. He reached up and grasped Tristan by the chin, turning the bigger man's face toward him.

"Don't." Seto said firmly. "It WAS love, Tristan. It was about you loving me enough to give me what I needed…even if you hated what you had to do."

Tristan removed Seto's hand from his face, not meeting his eyes and fighting not to give into the disgust he felt. He tipped Seto from his lap and stood. "Come on, pal."

Seto shook his head, confused.

"We can't stay here. There's glass all over the place." Tristan explained.

"Oh." Seto said softly. "I didn't think about that. I should have known you'd come…and I didn't even think about you cutting yourself."

"Shh." Tristan put his arms around the taller man. "We're all allowed to lose it once in a while, pal. I'm just glad the kids weren't here."

"Oh, gods…" Seto looked at Tristan, his eyes wide. "The kids…fuck! I'm such an asshole! I didn't even think about my kids!"

"They're fine. They're going to stay over at my place tonight. Joey's going to come straight home from work and I'm sure Claudine will stay too."

Seto shook his head, pulling from Tristan's arms. {How can I call myself a good father?}

"Hey." Tristan grabbed Seto by the arm. "Don't go there. You ARE a good father."

Seto sighed, shaking his head again. The sound was one of such deep sadness that it brought tears to Tristan's eyes. He reached for Seto's hand, lacing their fingers together and, giving him a gentle tug, led him from the room without another word.

Tristan opened the door to the bedroom he and Joey always stayed in and pulled Seto inside, shutting the door behind them. He turned to the other man, reaching out and taking him into his arms. One hand gently tracing the contours of Seto's face, Tristan leaned in and kissed him.

Seto brought his arms around Tristan, clinging to him and responding with desperation. {Tris…}

/I'm here, Seto./ Breaking the kiss, Tristan began to unbutton Seto's shirt, taking his time and kissing every inch of skin as it was exposed.

Seto moaned and, as his shirt hit the floor, reached out to reciprocate, slowly unbuttoning Tristan's red silk shirt. He ran his hands over the smooth flesh, sliding his hands up under the shoulders of the garment and pushing it off to join his own. He bent his head, kissing a broad shoulder, moving up Tristan's neck and across his jaw to find his lips again.

Tristan wrapped his arms around Seto and pulled him tightly against him, his body responding to the feeling of their bare skin meeting. He gently forced his tongue into Seto's mouth, exploring the hot cavern.

{Tristan…I need you.}

/I know. It's okay, pal. I'm not going to leave you./ Tristan moved away slightly, keeping an arm around the other brunet, and reached to brush sable locks out of azure eyes. "I'll be here as long as you need me, Seto. I promise."

Letting his hands drift down the muscular body, Seto's fingers found their way to Tristan's belt, deftly undoing it and pulling it from the loops. He leaned down to kiss Tristan's chest when he was overwhelmed by a bout of dizziness.

Tristan grabbed him, shouldering up under him and bearing his weight as he guided him over to the bed. He sat him down and knelt in front of him, grasping him by the arms.

"Seto? Are you okay?" Concern clouded the hazel eyes.

"I'm fine."

"Maybe you should have something to eat. You didn't eat dinner last night, and you haven't eaten today, have you?"

Seto shook his head. "Not hungry."

"Seto…"

"No. Tristan, please…I'm okay." Seto leaned forward and dropped a kiss on Tristan's forehead. "I just got dizzy for a second. I'm fine now."

Tristan looked skeptical, but stood up, drawing Seto up off the bed. He took Seto into his arms, kissing him again. He finished undressing the other man and pushed him down to sit on the bed again.

Seto reached out, pulling Tristan to him and wrapping his arms around his hips. He laid his head against Tristan's stomach, a small sigh escaping him as he rubbed his cheek against the warm flesh. {You feel so good.}

Tristan didn't reply, just stroked his fingers through Seto's hair. He let Seto cling to him, offering nothing more at that point than the comfort of his presence. He could feel Seto's exhaustion, his need, and the almost all-consuming sadness.

He tipped Seto's head back and looked into his eyes, giving him a small smile. /Tell me what you need./

"I need you." Seto whispered. "I need you to stay with me. Don't leave me like Yami did…like Yugi did."

"I'll never leave you, Seto." Tristan let his love for his best friend fill their bond. "I don't think even death could make me leave you."

"Love you so much, Tris." Seto buried his face in Tristan's stomach.

Tristan stepped back, going down on his knees again and cupping Seto's face in his hands. "I love you too, pal."

He didn't like the way Seto was feeling. He could feel Seto's love for him, but it bordered on something it should never have. They had never felt that for each other. They loved each other, yes, but not like this.

"Tristan…"

"Seto…no. Not like this." Tristan looked into Seto's azure eyes, seeing something that he had never seen directed at him. "Please…don't do this."

Tears filled Seto's eyes and a sob escaped him. He reached out, wrapping his arms around Tristan's neck. He began to cry, his thoughts a mass of confusion.

Then it struck Tristan. Seto was so desperate at that moment; he was projecting his need for love on the one person who he knew wouldn't reject him. The one person who had always been there for him.

/I'm going to kill Yugi./ Tristan held Seto tightly. /How can he do this? I'm going to give him a piece of my mind. And drag him back here and make him see what he's done to Seto./

Seto caught Tristan's thoughts and moved back, his pale face wet with tears. {Tris…why? What did I do to make him so mad at me?}

"Nothing." Tristan replied, untangling himself from Seto and standing. "Come on. Into bed. You need some sleep. I promise, I'll make this right, Seto. I'll talk to Yugi."

Pulling back the covers on the bed, Tristan got Seto settled and then undressed, climbing in next to him. He immediately took Seto into his arms, holding him gently and kissing the tears from his face.

"Go to sleep, pal." Tristan said. "You're exhausted. Take a nap and then we'll get some food into you. You're pale."

"I don't want to sleep." Seto tucked his head under Tristan's chin. "I can't sleep. Please, Tristan…make love to me."

"Seto, I don't think…"

"Please." Seto interrupted, pulling back and looking up at the other brunet with tear filled eyes. "I need…I need to forget. Please…make it go away. It hurts too much. Just…please Tristan, I'm begging you…make the pain stop."

"Oh, Seto." Tristan pulled him close again, his heart aching. /I'd give anything to make it all right, pal. You know I'd do anything to make it all better./

"Take me." Seto arched his body against Tristan's. "Make me forget, Tristan. Please…make me forget."

Tristan pushed Seto over onto his back and moved over him, looking into his eyes. "Are you sure this is what you want?"

"Yes. Yes, Tristan…please."

Tristan lowered his head and claimed Seto's lips, kissing him, testing his resolve. Seto responded with passion, his hands beginning to roam the other's body. A moan escaped the bigger brunet and he grasped Seto's shoulder, pulling him closer and deepening the kiss until Seto drew back with a small hiss.

"Oh, shit." Tristan gently touched the bruise on Seto's mouth. "Sorry."

"It's okay." Seto assured him, kissing him lightly on the lips.

Guilt clouded Tristan's eyes for a moment. "Seto…I'm sorry..."

"No more apologies, Tris. Let it go. Love me."

Tristan traced the contours of Seto's face with his fingertips and then tipped the taller man's head back, leaning in to kiss his neck. He could feel Seto's desire growing and it fed his own. He nipped gently at the other man's jaw before moving down to trail gentle kisses across his collarbone.

Seto whimpered softly, one hand gripping the back of Tristan's neck while the other fisted into the sheets. He arched up, trying to get closer as he gave himself up to the yearning of his body.

Tristan paused in his ministrations, turning and taking out a tube of lubricant from the bedside table drawer, placing it within easy reach. He then turned his attention back to Seto, moving to lay half on top of him. It felt so good not to have to worry that the other couldn't bear his weight, that he might frighten him if he pinned him down.

Feeling Tristan's weight settle on him, Seto sighed, reaching to brush his fingers through short, spiky hair. "Feels so good. Gods, Tris…I need you so much."

"I'm here." Tristan replied softly against the smooth skin of Seto's chest. "Like always."

"Glad you are." Seto let his full feelings fill their bond, wanting Tristan to know just how much he meant to him.

Feeling it brought tears to Tristan's eyes and he lifted his head, seeing Seto's sapphire orbs leaching to hazel. "I never knew you felt THAT strongly."

"How could I not? You've always been there for me. Once…I loved you. The way I love Yami and Yugi. But even then I knew your heart belonged to Joey. I learned to be content with what I had and what I felt for you became something different…something special. And so much more. But there's still a place in my heart that belongs to you, Tris. There always will be."

"Seto…"

"No. Don't say anything." Seto interrupted. "I know you've never felt that for me and that's okay. I'd rather have what I have with you now. It's just…after everything that's happened…Bakura told me that you were almost hit when Mokuba was shot. I…I just needed to tell you. I don't think I could bear the thought of something happening to you and I never told you."

Tristan was at a loss for words. He wasn't sure how he felt about Seto's admission. In a way, it hurt…because he didn't return that kind of feeling. But Seto was right about one thing. What they had was different than what they shared with their spouses. Not more…not less…just different. They were connected in a way they could never be with the others.

"I do love you, Seto." He finally said. "It's just...it's…unique."

"I know." Seto smiled. "And it's better, you know?"

Tristan smiled back, seeing the truth in Seto's words. "It is. I wouldn't give this up for the world."

"I'm glad." Seto pulled Tristan's head down and kissed him. "Now…I think you were making love to me before I spouted off with confessions of old feelings."

Tristan snickered. "Hey, I was content doing what I was doing. You were the one that started it."

"Hmm…" Seto ran his hands down Tristan's back. "Then I think you'd better keep doing it."

Tristan grinned and then kissed Seto's eyes closed before covering his face with small, feather-light kisses. He worked his way back down to Seto's chest, immediately taking a nipple between his lips and sucking gently.

Seto shuddered, letting himself get lost in the passion coursing through his body.

Lost.

He could get lost in the sensations Tristan was engendering in him. It didn't matter that beyond these four walls, outside the comfort of Tristan's arms, the pain was waiting for him. Right now, in this moment, all that mattered was what he was feeling, the man making love to him and the emotions they were sharing.

"Tristan…" Seto moaned, his hands finding their way to broad shoulders, fingers digging into rigid muscle. "More…please…"

Tristan moved down, his tongue delving into the other's navel and wringing a cry from the taller man. He pushed Seto's legs apart and moved in between them, his fingers teasing lightly over the inside of his thighs.

He kissed his way up to Seto's hip and, meeting his eyes, took his arousal between his lips, running his tongue around the head before completely engulfing him. Leaning up on his elbows, Seto watched his erection slide in and out of Tristan's mouth. He thrust up with a groan, burying himself completely in the wet heat surrounding him.

Tristan growled, the vibrations sending a jolt through Seto. He pinned the smaller man's hips down and took him deep into his throat, swallowing. Seto screamed with the sensation, falling back onto the bed and beginning to writhe beneath Tristan's hands.

/Come for me, Seto./ Tristan pulled back, licking up Seto's length to stab his tongue into the weeping slit.

{I want you inside me, Tris…please…take me.}

Tristan reached for the lube, opening it and spreading a generous amount over his fingers. He thrust two digits deep into Seto's body, at the same time taking his arousal back into his throat and swallowing again.

"Tristan! Oh, gods!" Seto pushed against Tristan's hand. "Please…please…"

/Come, Seto./ Tristan groaned hearing Seto cry out as he made contact with his prostate. /Please…gods, I need to taste you./

{So good…Tris…}

/Come./

"Tristan…" Seto moaned deeply, feeling himself beginning to lose control

/Now./

Seto's body jerked violently as he climaxed, screaming Tristan's name.

A hard shudder tore through Tristan's body as the taste of Seto's release filled his senses. He finally released him, rising to his knees and looking down at the taller brunet, watching him carefully. He could still feel Seto's fatigue, worse now as a result of his orgasm. Maybe now he could convince Seto to get some sleep.

"No." Seto lifted his head, his voice weak. "Take me."

Tristan grasped Seto by the hips, lifting him slightly and slowly pushing into him. A deep growl slipped from him as he became completely embedded inside the other man. Seto moaned, reaching out and gripping Tristan's forearms.

Struggling to stay still to give the other time to adjust, Tristan stared into Seto's eyes, noticing they had gone completely hazel. "Gods, Seto…it's been so long."

"Too long." Seto replied, looking up into Tristan's sapphire eyes. "I had forgotten what it felt like to have you inside me."

"Seven years. Feels so good, babe."

Seto's heart warmed at the endearment. "And it's been seven long years since I've heard you call me that."

Tristan smiled at him, leaning down and caging Seto in with his hands on either side of the taller man's body. "You missed it, huh?"

"I have." Seto wrapped his legs around Tristan's waist. "Didn't realize how much until just now."

Tristan leaned in further, brushing his lips against Seto's swollen mouth. He began to move slowly, wanting to reawaken Seto's need gradually, to draw it out for both of them.

"Mmm…you feel incredible, Tris." Seto let his hands slide up Tristan's arms to caress his shoulders before moving down his chest.

Old memories began to some back to Seto. Memories of how things used to be between them. Their first kiss, the first time they had touched each other intimately, the first time Tristan had made love to him. He opened his mind fully, sharing them with Tristan and feeling his response to them.

/It meant a lot to me, Seto…that I was your first. I just wish you had been mine./

{I was the first to truly love you, Tris.}

/I know that…now./ Tristan spared a hand to lightly stroke Seto's face. /I've never been able to thank you for seeing me through that./

{You don't have to.} Seto thrust up against Tristan, moaning as the pleasure spread through his body. {I did it because I love you.}

/I love you too, pal./ Tristan braced himself again, picking up the pace and watching as the sweat beaded up and ran down Seto's body.

"Tristan…yes…" Seto hissed as Tristan suddenly slammed into his prostate, sending a jolt of pure pleasure coursing through him.

Tristan felt it too and he slowed his movements, hearing a groan of protest come from Seto. He concentrated on what Seto was feeling and it eased his own need.

Seto pushed up to meet every thrust and soon enough, his breath was coming in harsh pants and the look in his eyes was enough to convince Tristan that he was getting close…even if his hadn't been able to feel it.

"Tris…Tris, please." Seto gasped. "I want you to…I need you to…"

Tristan knew exactly what it was Seto wanted and, supporting his weight on one arm, he withdrew from Seto's body, moving close and grasping both their erections in his hand, stroking hard.

"Gods…so good…" Seto clutched at Tristan's shoulders. "Close…Tris…do it."

"That's it, babe." Tristan coaxed him as Seto thrust into his grip. "Let go…take me with you, Seto."

A single cry of raw pleasure, torn from two throats, echoed in the room as they climaxed simultaneously, their release splattering across Seto's chest and stomach.

Tristan pushed himself up, kneeing back on weak legs and grasping Seto's knees to keep himself from falling over. He looked down at Seto, shuddering at the sight of the other man's body bathed in sweat and the evidence of the passion they had always had for one another.

He crawled over to Seto's side, collapsing and reaching out brush the other's hair out of his eyes. "Seto?"

"Tristan…gods…" Seto reached up with a trembling hand and touched Tristan's face. "Love you."

"I love you too, pal." Tristan replied, his breathing returning to normal as he felt the strength flowing back into his limbs. "Be right back."

Rising from the bed, Tristan went into the adjoining bathroom, quickly cleaning himself up and bringing a damp towel back to the bed. He sat down next to Seto and began to wipe his chest and stomach, smiling as glazed azure eyes blinked up at him.

He tossed the towel to the floor and lay down next to his friend, pulling the covers over them. He took Seto into his arms, kissing the top of his head as the taller brunet cuddled into his chest. He held Seto gently, not saying a word as he felt him succumb to sleep.

/That's it, Seto. Sleep. It's going to be okay./ Tristan closed his eyes, feeling sleep stealing up on him.

Better to get some rest now. He knew he wouldn't get much in the hours to come. The day was far from over and he knew the night would be rough on Seto. Until he could go and bring Yugi back he knew that Seto would continue to slip in and out of this depression, his need cresting and ebbing as the night wore on.

/I'll bring him back to you. I'll make him come home. I promise./

~*~*~*~*~

"Uncle Otogi?"

Otogi looked up from where he was playing with Matthew on the floor to see Justin standing by his side, a concerned expression on his face.

"What's up, little man?" Otogi asked, sitting up and putting Matthew into his lap, quickly distracting the baby with one of Lexi's stuffed animals to keep him from pulling his hair.

"Can I ask you a question?"

"Sure."

"How come you were in bed with Uncle Joey the other night?" Brown eyes regarded the raven haired man curiously over the tops of dark glasses.

"Umm…" Otogi hesitated. {{Shit. Why did I have to get this question?}}

"Otogi?" Claudine came into the room, giving Otogi a respite from the boy's curiosity. "Matthew needs to go down for a nap."

"Okay." Otogi stood with the smallest Kaiba in his arms and handed him to his nanny. "Where's Lexi?"

"She's in the kitchen having a snack and playing with her cat." The woman replied. "I'll just take little mister here upstairs and get him settled and then I can make you some lunch if you'd like."

"No, that's okay." Otogi kissed the baby, having to untangle his bangs from little fingers as Matthew yanked the dark strands. "I'm not hungry."

"Alright." Claudine replied, the look in her eyes clearly stating that she thought he should be eating but wasn't going to argue.

Otogi shook his head as she walked from the room, thinking to himself she was worse than her sister, Odette, who he had heard verbally chewing Seto out for not eating on occasion. He smiled as he sat on the couch. All Seto's staff seemed to consider their employer's extended family's health a personal responsibility. Joey had told him they had all received a dressing down from Odette at some point over the years.

"Uncle Otogi?" Justin was standing in front of him, leaning against his legs. "You didn't answer my question."

Otogi sighed and picked the boy up, setting him on his lap. "What question was that, Justin?"

"Why were you sleeping in Uncle Joey's bed?"

"I was tired." Otogi replied, hoping that would be enough.

He should have known better.

"Why couldn't you sleep in another bed?"

{{There's no getting away from this, is there?}} Otogi could hear Joey's voice in his head, telling him to be honest with Justin. He knew that they always answered the boy's questions truthfully, but only gave him as much information as needed to stop the questions. "Well…Uncle Joey asked me to."

"Oh." Justin pushed his glasses up his nose, only to have them slip right back down again. "But…how come you were naked?"

{{Gods…}} "I always sleep naked."

"Oh. Well…I guess that's okay. Dad and Daddy and Pharaoh do too. And Lexi told me Uncle Tristan and Uncle Joey sleep naked all the time. You know…the other night the air conditioning wasn't working and it was really hot in my room and I slept naked…felt really weird." Justin paused to take a breath. "But…umm…can I ask you something else?"

"Why not?" {{You will anyway.}}

"Do you love Uncle Joey?"

{{Be honest.}} Otogi shifted Justin in his lap so he could look at him. "Yes. I do."

Justin seemed to consider this for a minute and then opened his mouth to ask the next question. "Do you love him like…umm…Daddy loves him? Or do you love him like Uncle Tristan loves him?"

Otogi smiled. "Like Uncle Tristan does."

"Oh." Justin cocked his head to the side. "So, are you a couple?"

"A couple of what?" Otogi rubbed his forehead. He was beginning to get a headache.

"You know…a couple. Like Uncle Joey and Uncle Tristan were before they got married."

"Umm…I…I guess."

"Well…do you love Uncle Tristan like that too?"

{{If you only knew, Justin.}} Otogi looked the boy straight in the eye and said what he hadn't admitted to the one person who needed to hear it. "I do."

A bright, rare smile lit the boy's face. "That's good. `cause Uncle Tristan needs a lot of people to love him."

"Does he now?" Otogi bit his lip, suddenly seeing why Tristan had such a hard time not squishing the kids to death. Justin was too cute when he smiled.

"Yah-ha." Justin nodded. "You know why?"

"No, why?"

"'cause he hasn't gots parents that love him." Justin said with perfect seriousness.

"What makes you say that, Justin?" Otogi asked, wondering how the child knew about Tristan's problems with his parents.

"I heard Uncle Tomb Robber tell Uncle Ryou that Uncle Tristan's parents were dicks. I know that's a bad word. It's a bad word for someone who's really, really mean. And then Uncle Ryou said that Uncle Tristan's their son and they should love him no matter what, but they don't." Justin looked up at Otogi, his hazy brown eyes worried. "You know, sometimes…when he thinks no one can see him…Uncle Tristan looks really sad. I think he's sad that he hasn't got parents that love him like I my daddies love me."

"Justin…"

"But, you know what?" The boy interrupted. "Maybe if he knows we all love him; he won't be so sad that his parents don't love him."

"Well," Otogi put his arms around Justin, wondering how it was that this child had more insight into Tristan's personality than he did. "Maybe you should tell him how much you love him. I bet it would make him feel really good."

"You should tell him too." Justin said. "I think he'd REALLY like to know you love him."

{{Somehow, kiddo, I seriously doubt that.}} "Maybe I will."

"Otogi!" Claudine called from the kitchen, interrupting their conversation. "Could you come here please? We have a problem."

Otogi tipped Justin from his lap, rushing into the kitchen. "What's wrong?"

He slapped a hand to his forehead, seeing Lexi sitting at the table with a big grin on her face…and an eight sided, triangular die sticking out of one nostril.

"Alexis Wheeler," Otogi crouched down in front of her. "Were you playing with my dice again?!"

"Lexi own-ee needed a tee iv a dize tit up Lexi noze." Big hazel eyes twinkled up at Otogi. "Iz tuck."

"What?!"

"It's stuck." Claudine reiterated. "I can't get it out."

"Your fathers are going to have my head on a platter." Otogi picked Lexi up out of the chair and sat her on the counter next to the sink. He looked carefully at the green piece of plastic protruding from the little girl's nose. "Lexi, what made you decide to do this?"

Lexi shrugged. "Dunno."

Otogi sighed, bending closer and examining the problem at closer range. "I think I can get it out. Claudine, can you go upstairs and get me a pair of tweezers? They should be in the medicine cabinet in Lexi's bathroom. If they're not there, check the other bathroom."

Claudine nodded and ran up the back stairs, quickly returning with the tweezers and handing them to Otogi.

"Okay," Otogi held them up, grasping the end of the die. "Hold still, Lexi."

The die was cut with numbers instead of dots and Otogi was able to set the edges of the tweezers into the grooves. He gave it a gentle tug, but it didn't move.

"Togi! Top!" Lexi squirmed, making the man lose his grip on the stubborn game piece. "Tick-tels!"

"Lexi, I have to get this out." Otogi reached for her. "Come on, little girl."

"Tant." Lexi rubbed her nose. "Tick-tels. Lexi dunna t-neez."

"Just for a second." Otogi reached up with the tweezers again.

"Lexi dunna t-neez." The little nose wrinkled and she sneezed.

The die flew from her nose and struck Otogi between the eyes. Justin and Claudine burst into laughter.

"Eww!" Otogi wiped between his eyebrows. "That's just nasty."

Claudine scooped the die up off the floor and offered it to Otogi. "Here you go."

Otogi shuddered. "Throw it out. I've got more. I don't need one covered in kid mucus."

"Lexi torry, Togi." Big, hazel eyes looked up into emerald.

"It's okay, honey." Otogi ruffled her hair and lifted her down off the counter. "Just don't do it again. You're going to get me in trouble with your fathers."

"Lexi no wan dat!" The little girl shook her head. "Tan Lexi doe pay?"

"Yeah…go play."

Lexi ran for the table, crawling under it and grabbing her kitten. She crawled out the other side and, calling for Justin to go with her, ran for the living room.

"You don't have much experience with kids, do you, Otogi?" Claudine asked with a small smile.

"Before these little monsters? No."

Claudine laughed, turning to the counter and turning up the volume on the monitor. Otogi smiled, hearing Matthew babbling to himself.

"Gods, that's cute." Otogi smiled at the woman. "You know, Claudine, I don't think I'd give this up for anything."

~*~*~*~*~

Tristan sat on the small veranda outside the bedroom, watching the stars wink on.

Seto was lying in the room, asleep.

Lighting another cigarette, Tristan leaned back on the cushioned, wicker loveseat with a sigh. The last few hours hadn't been easy. Seto's emotions were all over the place and Tristan was exhausted.

After they had made love the first time, Tristan had woken before Seto and gone looking for Odette. He had asked her to dismiss the staff and make sure those that lived in the mansion kept out of the main areas of the house.

When he had headed back upstairs, he had found two young maids standing in the middle of Seto's bedroom, looking around at the destruction with identical "where do we start" looks on their faces. Tristan had told them to leave it and dismissed them, telling them to go home.

He had plans for the wrecked room and he didn't want it touched.

When he got back to his own bedroom, he had found Seto just waking up. He had gotten back into bed with the other brunet and just held him for a while. After about an hour, he convinced Seto to go down to the kitchen with him and have something to eat.

Halfway through making dinner, Seto had practically thrown himself at Tristan and they had ended up making love in the kitchen with Tristan taking Seto on the table. After they had eaten, they went back upstairs and showered together and Seto had wanted Tristan to make love to him again.

He had finally managed to get Seto back into bed after that, holding him until he fell asleep. He had managed to get a few hours sleep himself, waking less than a half hour ago.

Another sigh escaped him and he leaned over to the side table, putting out his cigarette. He needed a few minutes to himself, and he knew it wasn't going to last. He could feel Seto returning to consciousness.

{Tristan! Where are you?!} A flood of panic came along with the words.

/It's okay, Seto. I'm outside./

Seto came out, naked, and went straight to Tristan, straddling his legs and reaching out to put his arms around him. /I thought you left./

/I promised you I wouldn't./ Tristan pulled Seto down into his lap. "And when have I ever broken a promise to you?"

"Never." Seto whispered, resting his head against Tristan's shoulder.

Tristan's arms came around Seto and he held him gently, feeling waves of need rolling off the other man. He stroked Seto's bare back, his fingers tracing lightly down the length of his spine.

Seto shivered and moved back, looking into Tristan's eyes. "I need you, Tris."

Tristan didn't reply, just tipped Seto's head back and began kissing his neck. Seto moaned softly, feeling the desire rising rapidly, consuming him. It had been like this all day. He'd become overwhelmed by need and Tristan would respond, instantly and without question.

Seto leaned back further, untying Tristan's robe and reaching to run his hands over the broad chest. He could feel Tristan's arousal already pressing against him; feel Tristan's need matching his own. He couldn't wait any longer. He needed to feel Tristan inside him.

He rose, opening Tristan's robe fully, and turned around. With Tristan's hands on his hips guiding him, he lowered himself onto the other's length, a whimper escaping him.

Tristan pulled Seto back against him as he became fully seated inside the taller brunet. Over the past hours, he had learned how to use Seto's need to awaken his own, so his body reacted immediately whenever Seto wanted him.

Seto held still, just feeling Tristan. He had no desire to move. He only wanted to feel the other inside him.

Tristan pushed Seto's hair aside and kissed the back of his neck. Almost from the moment he had touched him, Seto's emotions had overpowered Tristan, crushing the bigger man's thoughts and feelings, pushing them aside and rendering them insignificant. All he was able to feel was what Seto was feeling.

Seto brought a hand back, cupping the back of Tristan's head as the shorter brunet began caressing his chest. "Tris…I'm sorry."

"Shh…no." Tristan ran his fingers over Seto's stomach, feeling the guilt coming from his friend and knowing exactly where it was coming from. "You're not using me, Seto. This is what I'm here for. To give you what you need. This is what I've always been here for."

"What about what you need?"

"It's not important. You're what's important."

"And I'm grateful. It's just…" A vague image of Yugi flitted through Seto's mind and he tried to shove it aside.

/I know, pal. And I promise I'll make it right./

{I need him, Tristan. Nothing's right without him.}

Tristan dropped a kiss on Seto's shoulder. "It's going to be okay, Seto. Trust me."

"Always." Seto replied softly, tilting his head to one side as Tristan trailed hot kisses up his neck.

/Forget for now, babe. Don't think. Just feel me. Let everything else go./

Seto tried, desperately, to give himself up to Tristan. But he couldn't do it. Not this time. Even feeling Tristan's strong hands on his body, feeling his thoughts, his love, he wasn't able to let go. Tears sprang to his eyes as he felt Tristan's fingers closing over his erection, beginning to stroke him gently. He moved slightly, a small gasp falling from his lips as his prostate was struck dead on…and it still wasn't enough.

"Let go, Seto."

"I can't. Tris…I can't."

"Yes, you can." Tristan tightened his grip on Seto's arousal and began to thrust up into him. "It's okay. It's alright, Seto. I understand."

"Yugi…please…" Seto whimpered, beginning to ride Tristan hard, images of his husband filling his mind. "Tristan…I'm sorry…I'm sorry!"

"No…no apologies." Tristan kissed Seto's neck again. "If this is what you need…"

"I need him! Oh, GODS! Please!" Seto began to writhe, losing the rhythm. "Tristan…I need Yugi…I need him!"

"Let go, Seto." Tristan said again, the words lost under the sound of Seto's sobbing.

Seto climaxed, screaming Yugi's name and it pulled Tristan over the edge as well. He went limp against the bigger brunet, the tears flowing unchecked down his face. As his breathing slowed and his head cleared, what he had just done hit him like a bolt of lightening. It was the one unspoken rule. They never mentioned their spouses when they were together like this. And Seto had not only broken that rule, he'd slaughtered it.

He reached out through the bond tentatively, almost afraid of Tristan's reaction. {Tris…I…}

Tristan's arms tightened around Seto and he rested his forehead on Seto's shoulder, completely drained both physically and mentally. /It's okay./

{No. It's not. I can't believe I…oh, gods, Tris, I'm so sorry.}

/Let it go, Seto. I said it's okay./ Tristan's mind was numb. He was having a hard time separating his thoughts from Seto's and he was too exhausted to think at all, let alone decide how he felt about what just happened.

Seto shuddered at the lack of feeling coming from Tristan. He pulled Tristan's arms from around his waist and slowly stood on shaking legs, turning around to see Tristan leaning back, sweat running down his face and his eyes holding no hint of blue. They hadn't connected the way they usually did and Seto's heart cracked painfully.

Tristan looked up at Seto, his expression unreadable. He stood and took Seto's hand, leading him back into the bedroom without a word.

"Tris…wait." Seto stopped him with a tug on his hand. He reached out through the bond again and felt nothing. Tristan was blocking him. "Please…I'm sorry."

Tristan shook his head and took Seto into his arms. "I just need to be alone with my own thoughts for a while, pal."

Seto bit his lip and looked away. "I didn't mean…"

"Look…I understand. And it's okay…really."

Seto's eyes widened as something leaked through Tristan's shields. Guilt. "Tristan! What the hell are YOU feeling guilty for?! Gods! I was the one who..!"

"Stop." Tristan buried his face in Seto's hair. "You have nothing to feel guilty for. It was my fault."

"That's absurd! Tristan…"

"It was." Tristan said quietly. "I couldn't make you forget. I didn't give you what you needed."

"No. No, Tristan," Seto wrapped his arms tightly around the bigger man. "You did. You have. You always have. It's not your fault."

Tristan sighed, pushing aside everything he was feeling and pulling from Seto's arms. "Come on, pal. Let's go back to bed. You still look beat."

Seto frowned as he let Tristan draw him over to the bed. {He's doing it again. Damn it. I frigging HATE it when he ignores what he's feeling. He was doing so well too.}

As they settled back into bed, Seto reached out and gently stroked Tristan's face, not saying anything. Tristan smiled and pulled Seto close, arranging them so Seto's head was tucked under his chin. He gave Seto a little squeeze and let his barriers down.

A bolt of relief shot through Seto when he felt it. {Tris…I am sorry. I know I hurt you and…}

/Seto, it's okay./

{No, it's not. Stop pretending you're not feeling hurt. You can't hide what you're feeling from me, remember?}

Tristan nodded slightly and began stroking Seto's hair. /Okay, fine. It does bother me, but I understand. What you're going through isn't much different than what I went through when Joey left. So…it's okay. I know under normal circumstances that it wouldn't have happened./

{It wouldn't have.} Seto pulled back and leaned up to kiss Tristan gently. {And I'm sorry it did.}

/Apology accepted./ Tristan smiled at the other brunet. /Go to sleep, Seto. It's all going to be better in the morning./

Seto threw an arm around Tristan and laid his head back down on his chest. He closed his eyes and let the sound of Tristan's heartbeat lull him to sleep, content that Tristan wasn't upset and that he had forgiven him. As sleep claimed him, the thought that Tristan had never broken a promise to him crossed his mind. And he trusted that Tristan WOULD make everything all right again.

"Goodnight, Seto." Tristan whispered as he felt Seto fall into a deep sleep. "Before the day is out tomorrow, I'll bring Yugi home to you. I promise."

~*~*~*~*~

The grey light of the dawn peeked through a crack in the curtains to illuminate the lone occupant of the bed.

Tristan came from the bathroom, showered and dressed, and went to Seto, bending down and kissing his forehead. The taller man didn't wake.

/I'm going to get him, Seto. Sleep. When you wake up, he'll be home./

Tristan strode from the room, determination in his step.

It was time to put a stop to Yugi's misdirected foolishness.

~*~*~*~*~

Tristan nodded to Rod and Gary, the two guards at Mokuba's door and entered the room.

Yugi was sitting in the chair next to Mokuba's bed, holding the sleeping teen's hand. Roger was sound asleep in a cot on the other side of the bed.

Tristan approached quietly and laid a hand on Yugi's shoulder. "Yugi?"

The amethyst eyed man looked up and for a second, Tristan's heart twisted. The big, purple eyes were red rimmed from lack of sleep and he was pale, looking ten years older. Tristan steeled himself against it though. He was here to take Yugi home…whether he wanted to go or not.

"What are you doing here so early?" Yugi asked, his voice as weak as he looked.

"I'm here to take you home to Seto."

Yugi's eyes hardened. "And what makes you think I want to?"

"You're coming home." Tristan stated firmly. "Seto's falling apart and he needs you."

"Mokuba needs me. And if it wasn't for Seto…"

"DON'T go there." Tristan grabbed Yugi by the arm and hauled him out of the chair, his temper flaring. "You're coming home!"

"Tristan?" Roger, woken by their raised voices, sat up on the cot. "What's going on?"

"I'm taking Yugi home." Tristan replied. "Go back to sleep, Rog. It's still early."

"Let go of me, Tristan." Yugi's voice was cold as ice.

"No. I said you're coming home and you're damn well going to. Even if I have to drag you the whole way."

Roger met Tristan's eyes and he nodded slightly. He had tried last night to convince Yugi to go home, but he had simply changed the subject.

"Tristan…let me go!" Yugi struggled as Tristan began to pull him towards the door.

Tristan tightened his grip. "Keep your voice down. You're going to wake Mokuba."

Yugi clamped his lips shut but continued to struggle as Tristan dragged him out the door. Seeing it, Rod approached them.

"Umm…Mr. Taylor?" The guard said nervously.

Tristan pinned the man with a deadly look. "This is a family matter. Back. Off."

Rod swallowed hard, noticing for the first time just how big Tristan was. "Y-yes, sir."

Tristan didn't say a word to Yugi as he dragged him through the hospital, glaring at anyone who dared to make eye contact.

Gaining the parking lot, he finally let go of the smaller man, giving him a shove toward the car. "Get in."

Yugi crossed his arms over his chest and set his jaw, refusing to move.

[[Aibou? What's wrong?]]

Tristan saw the slightly unfocused look in Yugi's eyes and correctly guessed that Yami was awake. "Does Yami know what a prick you're being?" He asked bitingly.

[[What is he talking about?]] Yami asked, confused.

Yugi didn't answer and Tristan spoke up again. "So you haven't told him that you're wrongly blaming Seto and that you're refusing to go home or even speak to him?"

[[What?! Yugi! How can this be Seto's fault?!]]

//If he hadn't been such an asshole, Mokuba wouldn't have been there! He wouldn't have been shot!//

[[That's ridiculous! Mokuba was in the wrong place at the wrong time. It's not Seto's fault! I can't believe you'd be so unreasonable!]]

"He won't go home, Yami." Tristan said, seeing the familiar look in Yugi's eyes that told him he was talking to his other half. "He hasn't seen the boys and Seto's completely gone to pieces."

"He's fine!" Yugi retorted. "He has YOU, doesn't he? He doesn't need me."

"Bullshit!" Tristan yelled. "He's barely stopped crying since yesterday. He needs you! You! Not me! Damn it, Yugi! He cried in my arms like a child last night! Now get in the fucking car!"

"No."

Tristan fought down the urge to pound Yugi into the pavement, clenching his fists. The well-known red haze was spreading across his field of vision and he took a step back, putting some space between himself and the man that didn't know how close he was getting to a serious ass-kicking.

[[Aibou…get in the car.]]

//No. I won't.// Yugi tried to calm the fluttering, sick feeling in his stomach. He was fully aware of just how pissed off Tristan was getting, and he knew he could very well find himself on the wrong end of the big brunet's temper. //I don't want to leave Mokuba.//

Tristan took a deep breath, trying to bring himself under control. Yugi had guts; he had to give him that. "Look, Yugi," He said quietly. "You don't know what you're doing to him."

"I need to stay with Mokuba." Yugi said, avoiding Tristan's eyes.

"Last night…" Tristan's voice caught. "Yugi…last night he…when we were making love he…he cried for you."

Yugi looked back at Tristan, his eyes wide. He bit his lip, seeing the tears sparkling in the hazel orbs and his heart broke. It wasn't very often that he had seen Tristan cry.

"Please, Yugi." Tristan whispered. "Please…come home. He needs you."

[[Aibou, please. Go home. Don't do this to him. I can't be there for him…and it's killing me that I can't. Why would you think that what happened to Mokuba would affect him less that it does you?]]

Yugi bit back a sob and turned, opening the car door and getting in without another word.

[[Thank you, my light.]] Yami's voice faded away and Yugi knew the argument had taken too much out of him. A quick check of Yami's soulroom proved that former Pharaoh was asleep again.

Tristan got into the car, saying nothing as they traveled back to the mansion. He kept his mind wide open, feeling to see if Seto was waking up. So far, he was still sound asleep, the emotional stress of the last few days taking their toll on him.

When they got back, Tristan waited just inside the door for Yugi to enter the house. "Before you do anything…there's something I want you to see."

He took Yugi's arm again, gently this time, and led him upstairs and into the bedroom Seto shared with his husbands. He opened the door and pushed Yugi inside, standing behind him to keep him from leaving.

"Oh, gods." Yugi whispered, seeing the devastation of the room.

"I didn't get here in time to stop him." Tristan said. "Odette called me. I think she was afraid he had completely snapped."

Yugi turned around to look at Tristan, revealing the tears flowing unchecked down his face. "Where is he?"

"In my room." Tristan said, turning and leading the way down the hall.

He quietly opened the door and stepped back, letting Yugi enter first. He saw the look on the shorter man's face when he saw Seto lying in the bed, a large, almost black bruise on his face.

Yugi went over to the bed, leaning down and brushing the tips of his fingers across the dark swelling. His eyes met Tristan's, reflecting sorrow and guilt.

"You did this, didn't you?" He whispered.

"Yes." Tristan looked Yugi straight in the eye, letting him draw his own conclusions. If Yugi wanted to assume that they had reverted to their old ways of Seto handling his pain and hurt, Tristan wasn't going to stop him. "I did."

Yugi dropped onto the edge of the bed, sobbing. "Oh, gods, Seto. I'm so sorry."

Seto stirred, opening his eyes and bolting up in the bed when he saw who was sitting next to him. "Yugi!"

"Seto…" Yugi threw himself at the brunet, wrapping his arms around him and peppering his face with kisses. "I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! Please…forgive me!"

Seto buried his face in Yugi's hair, bursting into tears. He fell back on the bed, taking Yugi with him and clutching him as though he was afraid if he let go, Yugi would disappear. "Yugi…oh, baby…"

Yugi continued to kiss him, still apologizing as Seto clung to him tighter. The only sound in the room was of their sobbing as the heartbreaking reunion took place.

Neither of them noticed Tristan's silent departure.

~*~*~*~*~

Seto: Well, it's about damn time!

YD: I wanted to continue on with the obvious make-up lemon, but it's going to have to wait until the next chapter.

Yugi: How come I always have to wait for my lemons?

DD: Trust me, cute stuff, it'll be worth it.

Tris: Are we done now? I need a nap.

Lexi: Papa no teep! Lexi wan pay!

Tris: *groans*

Joey: Oh, the joys of parenthood!