Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ New Beginnings ❯ Chapter 8 ( Chapter 8 )

A/N: WOW!! I can't believe all the reviews, wow wow wow! Thank you guys so much your awesome. Sorry it took me longer to get this out than I thought…I never realized how hard it was going to be to coordinate between stories. This chapter starts running along side Pressure now, some of the scenes will be familiar but done from different angle. I am not quite sure how it turned out though I hope it's enjoyable enough for everyone.

Disclaimer: I don't own it… never have and probably never will.

Chapter 8

Joey felt the warm breeze coming in through the kitchen window ruffling his hair. He looked outside and sighed, spring… a time for lovers. He shook his head here he was sitting at the kitchen table doing his homework and being terribly depressed. He and Ryou had a horrible fight last Friday and had almost broken up over it. Neither one was speaking to the other nor had Joey seen him all weekend.

Joey dazed out as he thought about how they had spent the entire spring break together only to have it end in disaster. Joey had been invited to go out with Honda and Mai, which was something he really had wanted to do. He felt like he had been totally ignoring one of his oldest friends and missed some of the things that they used to do. The problem was though that he had already promised Ryou he would come over.

He called Ryou and tried talking him into going out with them and he refused. Ryou still didn't want to tell anyone about their relationship and Joey blew up at him saying that he was tired of sneaking around. He accused Ryou of being ashamed of him and not really loving him before he slammed the phone down hanging up on him. Because he was so pissed off he didn't go out with Honda anyway.

He sighed he knew he shouldn't have treated Ryou that way; his lover was overly shy and sensitive about things. He didn't understand it but knew Ryou had his reasons, Joey guessed it was because Honda, Mai and Anzu weren't really close to him. Not like him, Yugi and Yami, truthfully Joey didn't even know what they would say.

He leaned back in the chair, closing his eyes and cursing himself for losing his temper. He knew he had really hurt Ryou and didn't know if it was repairable he was a fool. Ryou loved him more than anyone has in his entire life and he head to go and screw it up.

He took the pencil and threw it across the room calling it every name he could think of. He hated fighting with Ryou, to hear him so upset knowing that he was the one that caused him pain, if anyone else had caused him that much pain he would have put a serious hurt'n on them.

Joey clinched his fist, damn it he was also hurt. He really didn't want to hide what they were doing anymore he wanted to hold Ryou while they were out. If he felt the urge to kiss his beautiful lover and shout to the stars he wanted to be able to anytime and anyplace. They never went out with the others because neither had a good time trying to keep their hormones in check while around each other. He threw the other pencil that was lying on the table.

He stewed a little but more before he looked down to finish his homework. He reached for the writing implement Growling, "Where the hell are my pencils!" He then saw them lying across the room, he slammed his fist down in frustration. Then while muttering to himself about how much trouble white haired boyfriends are he got up to retrieve the abused pencils.

He sat back down and looked down at his homework frowning, he wished Ryou was here he would be able to help him through it. But that wasn't going to happen, Ryou probably wouldn't speak to him ever again.

He looked at his book chewing on the eraser but not actually seeing the words, he just kept replaying the conversation over and over in his head. He was startled out of his thoughts when the phone rang, praying that is was Ryou he nearly tripped over his own feet trying to get to it.

"Ello?"

"Hello may I speak to Joey Wheeler please?" A deep voice asked. Joey almost hung the phone up, he hated salespeople.

"Speaking, who is this?" Hoping that he would be able to bitch someone out.

"It's Seto Kaiba Joey." The voice said.

'Well that's not something I was expecting.' He thought before saying "Kaiba! Hey long time no hear. Why you calling me?".

"What if I said that I missed you and just wanted to chat?" Joey looked at the phone like Seto had just lost his mind.

"Heh I would wonder what in the hell your up to?" Joey said only half jokingly.

"Yeah I guess you would, anyway the reason I am calling is that it's Mokuba's birthday is on Saturday."

"Really? He didn't say anything about it." Joey said looking at the calendar next to him..

"He probably wouldn't he doesn't like to make a big deal out of it, but I am holding a surprise party for him at my beach house and wanted to see if you guys would come. He has very few friends and he seems fond of you all for some reason." Joey rolled his eyes, Kaiba would never change.

"Yeah you can count me in." Joey said.

"Great, now can you do me a small favor?"

'Now I know he has finally cracked' Joey thought, "Uh yeah I guess…"

"Listen I don't have time to call everyone, can you call them for me. I will give you the directions to the house."

Joey frowned he wasn't in the best state of mind to do this. "Uh yeah I can if you want but I am not really good at that sort of thing. Yugi has a better memory than me, why don't you call him?"

" I have faith that you can do it Joey."

"Like I said Kaiba I really don't mind but I can see me really messing up the directions. Look Yugi is usually out at the park until dark right now, which is right down from your office. Can't you just go out and talk to him?" Joey was way to preoccupied at the moment.

"Really? I probably could.".

"I mean come on Kaiba do ya really want me doing something that important for ya"

"Fine fine, look sorry I asked you to do this. I will go talk to Yugi, just let me know if you're going." He snapped.

"Sorry that I am being difficult but I just want to make sure nothing goes wrong for your brother's birthday. We're pretty fond of him ya know, and yes I will be there." Joey said.

Joey could hear Seto sigh, . "Sorry to snap at you Joey but it's been one of those weeks. Don't worry I will go talk to Yugi."

"Okay and see ya on Saturday!"

"Yeah on Saturday." Seto said then hung up.

'That was totally weird and unexpected' he thought. He leaned back against the wall looking at the phone, wondering if he should call Ryou for the twentieth time today. He ran a hand through his hair, well might as well. He picked up the phone and Joey stopped, debating if he should call Ryou, how he hated this. He hadn't spoken to him all weekend and Ryou had given him the cold shoulder all day even in gym. ' Oh what the hell' he dialed the number.

He pulled the chair over from the table sitting down trying to calm his nerves as the phone started ringing. 'He has to forgive me, he just has to.' Joey thought as he felt his stomach tighten. If Ryou didn't forgive him he didn't know what he would do.

He was about to hang up after the eighth ring when he heard it pick up.

"Hello" came the sweet voice from the other side and Joey closed his eyes. He loved him so much.

"Hello" Ryou said again not hearing anyone.

"Uh… Hey" Joey said unsure, praying that he wouldn't hang up on him.

"Joey?"

"Yeah it's me." He said quietly.

The phone got really quiet and Joey got nervous. 'he hates me! I know he does! I have lost him, oh man I suck!'

Not being able to stand the silence anymore Joey spoke, "Ryou?"

"Yes?" Ryou said softly, Joey could hear the tears in his voice and it broke his heart. He gripped the phone hard squeezing his eyes shut.

"Ryou can I come over? I want to talk to you." Joey said his voice shuddering; he was close to tears also.

"If you want dad wont be home until later." Joey heard Ryou say so softly that he could barely hear him.

Joey nodded his head then remembering that he couldn't see him said "Okay…I will leave now"

"Okay see you soon" Ryou said hanging up the phone.

Joey put the phone back in the cradle and willed the tears back. He didn't realize how much he had hurt his snow angel and it was killing him inside. He left a note for his aunt quickly telling her that he would finish his homework later. Locking up behind him he headed down the street to Ryou's house hoping that this wouldn't be the last time.

When he got up to the cute little house he noticed that he was shaking. He hoped that he could keep himself together long enough to make amends with his love. He knocked on the door softly and waited. When Ryou opened up Joey's heart shattered all over again, his cheeks were puffy and his eyes were red. He wouldn't even look at Joey at first.

"Ryou…I…" He started softly then stopped not knowing what to say to make it better between them. He felt a tear slip down his cheek and saw that Ryou was crying as well his arms wrapped around himself. 'I guess this is it.' Joey thought.

Next thing he knew there was a blur and Joey had a sobbing Ryou in his arms. He held him close crying softly also burying his face in the cotton like hair.

"I am… s-so sorry…y-y-you are so right." Ryou said choking on his tears, " I-I…have b-b-b-been selfish." Ryou was horribly upset not only because he felt like he was losing Joey but because his Yami had been cruel about the whole situation. He blamed Ryou entirely for this mess and wasn't going to let him forget that if he wasn't such a wuss then he wouldn't be losing Joey. The worse part was that they were both right and if he lost Joey it would be his fault and he didn't know if he could handle that.

Joey rubbed his hands up and down Ryou's back then kissed him on his forehead. "Ryou?" he whispered.

Ryou pulled away and not wanting to look into Joey's eyes afraid of what he might see. "come in."

Joey who was still in shock followed Ryou in to the living room feeling a little bit better. He sat down on the couch and Ryou sat down beside him biting his lip while looking at Joey. Joey suddenly pulled him close nuzzling his neck smelling his scent.

"Do you hate me?" Ryou asked quietly. Joey pulled back and cupped his face tears streaming from the rich dark brown eyes.

"No Ryou I could never hate you, I was worried that you hated me. I love you so much!" He kissed him hard tasting Ryou's tears.

Ryou wrapped his arms around him, "I am sorry"

"Shhh you already said that." Joey said running his hand through his hair. Kissing him the soft locks crying.

He pushed Ryou back and wiped his tears away with his hand smiling at him. "No crying okay?" He felt like a hypocrite because of the tears that were streaming down his face but he couldn't stand it anymore.

"Only if you stop" Ryou said trying to smile and sniffling the same time.

"Deal" Joey said softly kissing him gently.

"I really mean it your right we shouldn't hide anymore. I mean Yami and Yugi have known for awhile and they're happy about it."

"I tell you what think about it hard…I didn't mean to push you, I still want to tell them but only when your ready. I promise I won't push you again."

Ryou smiled at him eyes glistening from the tears, "I will try." Joey kissed him and felt Ryou curl up against him holding him close. Ryou was suddenly tired, he felt emotionally drained in a good way. Between that and the fact he had gotten about two hours asleep the whole weekend, he was asleep in Joey's arms before he knew it.

Joey feeling Ryou fall asleep closed his eyes also, they were itchy from all the crying he had done. Part of him wanted to jump up and cheer that Ryou was still his but another part, the part that won out, just wanted to hold him. Ryou's gentle breathing finally lured him to sleep also. When Ryou's father came in he smiled at the two happy that they had made up. He didn't know what the fight was about it had upset both of them, but he knew that they would eventually work it out. The two were way too much in love to fight for long.

He woke them about up an hour later, and they both smiled at him. He just told them to behave as he went back to his study.

"I probably should get going, I still have homework left." Joey said staring into Ryou's face.

"Okay" he said softly.

"I love you" Joey said his face so close that he could feel the other's breath on his lips.

"I love you also." Ryou not moving, not wanting Joey to go either.

Joey looked at him intensely "So are we okay?"

Ryou brought his mouth closer so their lips actually touched. "More than okay"

"I missed you" Joey said softly against his lips while closing his eyes. Ryou didn't say anything and he pressed his lips harder against Joey's. Joey groaned as he felt Ryou kiss him and wrapped his arms around him slipping his tongue into Ryou's mouth.

Ryou's tongue came up to meet his forcefully leaning Joey back so that he was laying on him. Joey held him close rubbing his hands up and down his back slipping underneath the shirt to feel the soft skin. Ryou shivered at the soft touch and his mouth left to kiss his neck nipping at it.

"Hmmm as much as I want to continue this…" Joey started.

"You have to go, I know" Ryou whispered in his ear. Laying his head against his shoulder, Ryou just closed his eyes for a moment feeling their hearts beat against each other.

Feel Joey poke him he giggled and sat up. Joey wiggled out from underneath him and pulled him into his lap. "I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you." He said kissing Ryou's face all over. Ryou giggling fell out of his lap onto the floor where Joey tackle him and pinned him down.

"I thought you had to go?"

"I'm going but one more kiss" Ryou nodded and Joey kissed him hard pressing his entire weight on to his love. Ryou wrapped his legs around him and would have done the same with his arms except that Joey was holding them down.

Joey groaned pulling away he didn't want to go, he wanted to carry him into the back and make sweet love to him the entire night. Instead though he stood up and pulled him against him. "I didn't apologize earlier, I should have never yelled at you like that. I was so wrong, I can't believe you forgave me."

Ryou shrugged, "I love you too much not to." He said simply.

"What did I do to get this lucky." He said as Ryou was pushing him to the door.

"Hmm I was just thinking the same thing." Ryou said opening the door pushing him out. If he didn't he would pull him into the bedroom and never let him leave.

"Joey?" Ryou and Joey were standing on the small porch in front of the house.

"Yes love?"

"Give me a little more time, we will tell them soon I promise. I just have to have a little more time, I can't explain why but it's something I have to get over."

Joey kissed him, "I know love take your time. I already told you I won't push you again I swear it."

He started to walk away then stopped and turned around. He walked back up to a confused Ryou, "I almost forgot you will never guess who called me today."

"Who?"

"Kaiba"

"Seto?" Ryou said shocked.

"Yep that's the one."

"What did he want?"

"Saturday is Mokuba's birthday party and we're invited. Actually the whole group is invited."

"How cool." Ryou smiled brightly.

"Yep, though I pissed him off I think." Joey said shrugging,

Ryou put his hands on his hips. "What did you say to him?

"Nothing… he wanted me to go call everyone and get them to the party. I told him to get Yugi to do it I wasn't really good at that kind of thing."

"Did he understand?"

Joey shrugged again, "I think so it's hard to tell with him."

"You just have to get to know him." Ryou said hugging him again.

"If you say so." Joey kissing him one more time pulled away to go home.

"Call me tonight when your homework is done." Ryou yelled as Joey walked down the sidewalk.

Joey walking backwards yelled "will do and love you."

Ryou giggled feeling better then he had in days before shouting back waiving "Love you too!" He turned and waived at the neighbor who was peeping out of her window who quickly shut her blinds. Ryou shrugged and went back inside all of a sudden very hungry.

The days went by quickly for the couple and Yugi was happy to see that his friends had made up. Yami had told him not to worry about them but Yugi just wanted them to work out so badly. It was now Friday and Yugi seemed to be in a good mood as well. There were sitting in the park with Yami and Anzu talking about something over to the side. He got the feeling that Anzu wasn't happy about whatever they were discussing.

"So are you and Joey going tomorrow?" Yugi asked Ryou quietly so only he heard. Ryou nodded smiling as he watched Joey tackle Honda.

Ryou turned from the scene in front of him to look at Yugi "I can't believe that Seto is actually being social"

"Well he has been through a lot lately, I think stress can get to us all." Yugi said smiling.

"He brings it on himself though." Ryou leaned on his knees a little.

"So how are you and Joey doing?" Changing the subject Yugi did not feel right talking about Seto's private life.

Ryou face brightened considerably, "Were doing pretty good."

Yugi laughed at him, "Yes I can tell."

"I'm so lucky you know" Ryou said as they watched Honda a Joey sit down to play some Duel Monsters.

"I know the feeling" Yugi said his gaze drifting off.

The two watched Honda and Joey trying to play duel monsters and had to chuckle between themselves. Mai was coaching Honda and she wasn't a very patient as she kept hitting him on top of the head every so often. They were interrupted from their show when Anzu walked up to them glaring at Yugi sitting down beside Ryou. Yami shaking his head followed and sat down beside Yugi with an arm around him. Ryou didn't really appreciate being stuck in the middle but didn't want to insult them by getting up either. He looked at Anzu who just stared at the ground; her expression was half mad and half upset.

/I wonder what this all about? /

// How the hell should I know, do you really think I care. //

/I was just asking/

// Hmph worry about your own relationship not someone else's. //

/ What do you mean? /

// You know what I mean //

/ He understands that I am trying to get over this./

//Whatever, you're going to end up ruining this eventually and then what. //

/Yami! Your not being fair/

// I am just telling you the truth, Ryou. If you don't get over this phobia then you might as well dump him now and find a slut to be with. He's been very patient with you but it's not going to last forever no matter what he says.//

They heard a shout breaking Ryou away from speaking with his Yami, he giggled as he looked over to see that Honda and Joey had each other in a head lock. "They will never grow up will they?"

Yugi chuckled, "probably not"

"So you guys want to do anything tonight?" Ryou asked.

Yami thought about it, "I don't know what about you aibou?"

"I don't want to see a movie or anything like that but yeah I wouldn't mind doing something." Yugi said brushing Yami's bangs out of his face.

"Like what?" Yami asked softly, and Ryou smiled at them. Yami would show tenderness to Yugi that he wouldn't dare show to anyone else.

"What are you guys discussing?" Joey asked walking up to them with Mai and Honda.

"Oh were just trying to figure out what to do tonight." Ryou wanted to pull Joey to him but the familiar fear returned keeping him at bay.

"We were planning to see a movie" Mai said flipping her hair over her shoulder looking at Honda.

Ryou shook his head "Yugi doesn't want to see a movie though, and in actuality neither do I"

"We can go to my place and hang out?" It was the only thing Yugi could think of.

"We could if you want" Ryou said looking at Joey.

"Yes, whatever you guys want." Anzu said a little bit sadly. Yami turned to her with compassionate eyes and reaching around Ryou rubbed her arm a little. She tried to smile but it didn't work out very well.

"What do you say Mai we could rent a movie or something." Honda not wanting to be left out looked at her hopeful.

"Yes we could but I was really looking forward to seeing the other one." She frowned a little. "But if you really want..."

Honda shook his head and pulled her close. "No way if you want to see the other then were there, that is if you guys don't mind."

Joey laughed, "Man you are sooooo whipped."

Yami laughed at Joey and Yugi said, "whatever you want to do Honda."

Once all was in agreement they left the park and headed to the video rental. Soon though another argument started on what to rent. Joey wanted a good horror movie, Yugi and Ryou wanted a comedy, Anzu didn't care and Yami wanted something with lots of action. Yami eventually got his way and Yugi took it up to the desk to pay for it.

When they got to Yugi's house Ryou decided to help Yugi get some snack together. Sugoroku decided that the youths didn't need him around, said his goodbye leaving everyone to the living room and retired to his room.

Yami and Yugi curled up on the couch together while Anzu sat next to them. She was curled up with her feet underneath her and was pretty spaced out. Yami looked at her and sighed kissing Yugi on the head.

They turned the lights off with Joey and Ryou fighting over the last chip, they were sitting in the floor in front of the couch. Yami reached down and took the chip from them and halved it with Yugi. Joey pouted and Ryou giggled at the look. 'He can be so cute at times,' Ryou thought. Yugi pointed at the TV and they turned to watch the movie soon losing themselves into it.

When the movie finally went off Ryou stretched accidentally hitting someone's leg he turned to apologize and noticed that Anzu was still spaced out, she didn't even know he had hit her. Ryou was puzzled but didn't say anything. When Yugi got up to turn the lights on she also got up and walked to the kitchen. With a nod to Yugi Yami got up and followed her, Ryou and Joey were tactful enough not to ask Yugi what was up.

A few minutes later a sullen Anzu walked out telling the other's bye and left. Yami walked her to the door and Yugi sighed watching them leave. Ryou got the feeling that whatever was happening it was mostly centered around Yugi's and hers relationship. A few minutes later Yami came back in and just shrugged sitting down with Yugi. He pulled Yugi onto his lap kissing him while his light snuggled in.

Joey and Ryou moved where they could see them and also curled up together. Ryou leaning against Joey was sitting between his legs with Joey's arms wrapped around him. "What time are we supposed to be there again?" Ryou asked.;

"Twelve, I left a message for Seto to call me so I can assure him that we would be there tomorrow." Yugi said.

Joey and Ryou nodded understanding, Ryou then thought of something. "Who is riding with who?" Ryou asked

"Well Joey can drive." Yugi mentioned.

"Oh that's what he calls it." Ryou joked and received a pinch on his thigh for it.

"Who else can drive.?" Yami asked.

Yugi thought about it, "Honda and Ryou."

"Uh huh, Ryou's with me." Joey kissed his snow angel on the back of the neck.

They talked a little bit more before agreeing to meet at nine-thirty much to Joey's disappointment. That way it gave them thirty minutes to get to their act together and get to the beach. When it was time to leave Joey decided to walk Ryou home before going home himself.

"Just make sure you get some sleep tonight!" Yugi said as they were leaving causing Ryou to blush hard.

"Heh, who needs sleep." Joey said waiving as they walked away.

"He's right though it's a two hour trip one way you will need sleep."

"Don't worry love, I plan on sleeping. I just wish it were with you that I was sleeping with. Joey hugged him close while walking.

"Then why don't you?" Ryou said slipping a hand lower on Joey's hips.

"Because I have to go home to get the car and I don't want to be the cause of everyone being late. Then that would give Kaiba a reason to insult me again, uh huh not doing that."

Ryou looked at Joey and smiled at him. He was wrapped up in his own thoughts and talking just to hear himself speak but it gave Ryou time to study him. He loved the way that one hair would always get in Joey's eyes causing Joey to throw his head back a little ever so often, Ryou didn't think that Joey even realized it.

When they reached Ryou's house he turned to Joey, "You sure you don't want to come in?"

Joey pulled him towards him feeling his soft body press up against him, "you sure our tempting you know that love. But I better get home, we will spend the whole day tomorrow together anyway."

Joey kissed him hard and long before turning to leave, which he really didn't want to do. Spending the night with Ryou and waking up with him in his arms was one of his favorite things in the world. Ryou watched them go sadly and walked into his house and straight into this room.

/Your right, I need to stop this. He won't wait forever/

//Of course I'm right you idiot, why would you question otherwise.// His Yami snapped.

Ryou sighed as he turned off the lights, slipping into some shorts and crawled into bed. /But what if they don't approve, I mean what if they shun Joey because of us./

//That won't happen and you know it.//

/I guess so, but…/

// Ryou! You do this every time you decided to come out with your relationship, you spend the whole night talking yourself out of it. Why don't you just get over your pity party and do what needs to be done to keep Joey in your life.// Yami Bakura growled.

Ryou sighed, /Again your right I guess I should get some sleep./

/Goodnight Ryou/

/Goodnight oh and Yami…/

Yami Bakura sighed, //What?//

/Thanks/

He could hear him chuckle and give him a mental kiss before settling down. His mind made up, a determined Ryou fell asleep dreaming about his two loves.

Joey actually made it on time to Yugi's the next morning and still found everyone waiting for him. "About time!" Honda said smiling as he ran up to them.

"What do you mean?" Joey said glaring at him.

Honda laughed, "Yugi said nine-thirty not…" Honda looked at his watch, "Nine-thirty and fifteen seconds."

"Ha Ha you are so funny" Joey said crossing his arms.

With Ryou giggling they all started to get into the cars, before Joey got in though he struck a dramatic pose, "Okay everyone follow me, I will get us there."

Yami looked at him, "Do you know where were going?"

Joey scratched his chin, "Uhhh"

"Yeah that's what I thought, your lucky that I am riding with you instead of Honda, then you wouldn't have bragging rights." Yami said pointing at him calming the blonde down. Joey put a hand behind his head and laughed.

Honda shaking his head got into the driver seat with Mai in the passenger. Anzu who was still not over the night before decided to ride with them besides she trusted Honda's driving a whole lot more than Joey's.

Soon they were on the road and Yami just prayed that they would get there in one peace. Yugi was curled up to Yami and had a sleepy look. Yami was staring out the window running his hands through his light's hair.

"You two look tired, up late?" Ryou asked the two in the back.

Yami gave him a weird smile before nodding and turning his head to the window. Joey and Ryou just shrugged at each other when Ryou turned around. Ryou would have talked more to Joey but it was scary enough to have him drive while concentrating let alone doing something else.

"So why is Seto throwing a party for Mokuba?" Ryou asked Yugi hating the quiet in the car.

Yugi half asleep looked at him, "I think he is feeling guilty for not spending much time with him."

"Have things gotten that bad?" Ryou asked shaking his head.

Yami surprised him with a small sarcastic laugh but did not elaborate.

"Well you know how Seto is Ryou, he is a workaholic." Yugi said before turning to Yami. "You said his girlfriend would be there?"

"Kaiba has a girlfriend well miracles will never cease" Joey said.

"If you weren't driving Joey…" Yami growled at him.

Joey looked in the mirror confused to see both Yugi and Yami glaring at him. "Whaaatt?"

Ryou smiled at the two a little then turned to his lover. "You do know some people actually do like Seto in this car."

Joey looked at him sideways then back at Yugi and Yami in the mirror, "Hey it was a joke! I swear it."

"Well it wasn't funny" Yami said.

"Okay so new topic…what's up with you guys and Anzu" Joey said trying to get himself out of trouble.

Yami glared at him even harder and Ryou shook his head. Yugi got really silent and dropped his head.

"Um never mind I asked" Joey said frustrated.

They drove for a little more in silence and Joey started feeling uncomfortable. Yami noticing sighed, "I'm sorry Joey I don't mean to snap."

Joey smiled back at Yami, "Hey don't worry about it let's just forget about it. I just now know what NOT to talk with you about it."

Yami chuckled a little and scooted to get more comfortable with Yugi lying on him. Ryou smiled at the two before reaching over giving Joey a kiss on the cheek. With everyone in a better mood they got into some pretty interesting conversations to past the rest of the time quickly.

When they got to the beach house to say Joey was impressed would be an understatement. They parked their cars around back as instructed and Joey stretched smiling as he breathed in the salt air. Ryou was standing next to him and Joey could see an odd glint in his eye, he was about to ask him about it when, Honda interrupted him. He pulled Joey and Ryou into house, which was decorated grandly for the youngest Kaiba's birthday.

Ryou and Joey noticed a very pretty girl checking out the different decorations. When they walked in however she barely looked at them before she turned her head and walked away. Without a second glance she sat on a window seat studying her nails. Ryou and Joey shrugged at each other and put their gifts on the table for Mokuba.

Ryou looked over at the girl again and figured that this was Seto's girlfriend that Yami had spoken about. He decided to say hi, he figured that she was probably shy and decided to break the ice.

He walked over to her and smiled brightly. "Hi I'm Ryou Bakura" he said sweetly.

She looked him over and rolled her eyes. "Let me guess your one of Seto's friends."

Ryou was a little taken back by her nasty tone and the others had stopped what they were doing watching them. Joey glared at her for taking such an attitude with Ryou.

Ryou tried to keep his smile on his face, "Uh Yes I am and you are…?"

She looked him up and down before sneering at him. "Do I look lonely over here, what signal did I give off saying that it was okay for you to come talk to me. Look I don't want to know who you are and I particularly don't care. Now if I were you I would march your pretty little face back over to your pathetic friends and not bother me again." With that she turned her head away from him.

Ryou felt his Yami's anger and he calmed him down quickly. "I am terribly sorry for bothering you" he said politely and she just waived him off.

He walked back over to Joey giving him a look that said 'don't go over there'. "What's her problem?" Joey asked.

"I think she doesn't like us." Ryou said and heard Yami sigh before he slapped Joey's hand that was trying to get to the chips.

"Hey!" Joey said holding his hand.

Yugi shook his head, "You have to wait until the party Joey!"

Joey looked at the food longingly, "Oh man I am so hungry."

"You poor thing" Ryou said dragging him away from the food. Joey didn't know what was up with his love today but he was not going to even begin to complain.

They sat around joking around a little while waiting on the Kaiba's to show and Ryou kept as far away from the strange girl as possible. One… because he didn't want to get his eyes clawed out and two… he didn't want his Yami killing her which he had told Ryou he was planning to do many times over.

One of the servants ran into the room suddenly and said that Seto with Mokuba had just pulled up. She went around and turned off all the lights leaving the room fairly dark. Ryou felt Joey beside him and smiled up at him as he felt a hand on his back.

In just a few minutes the door opened and the two Kaiba's walked through it. As soon as they were in Seto flipped on the light.

"SURPRISE!!" They shouted and Ryou smiled at the shocked looking Mokuba. He couldn't help but giggle as he looked around before throwing his arms around his brother. Ryou leaned against Joey as he saw the tears in the little guy's eyes, Ryou knew this meant a lot to Mokuba.

The group practically cheered when he heard Mokuba say to his brother "You're the greatest I hope you know that!"

Joey patted the boy's head as he came over and joined them, "Come on Mokuba, I was told that we can't eat until you were here, and I'm starving!" Mokuba rolled his eyes a little and took off to speak to Yugi.

"Well then come on!" Ryou said exasperated grabbing his arm, "let's get you some food before you shrivel up and blow away." Joey was stunned that Ryou was being so open but loved it and really hoped it continued.

Ryou was in too good of a mood, right then he didn't have a care in the world. He liked seeing his friends happy, he looked over at Seto and saw him speaking to Yami. "Your in a good mood." Joey said whispering to him.

Ryou grinned at him moving a little closer to Joey but didn't say anything.

"Hey by the way did I tell you how good you look today?" Joey whispered again. He did to, Ryou had on khaki pants and a dark green silk shirt that wasn't tucked in. Ryou blushed, "thank you" he said quietly.

They would have continued but Mokuba tackled Joey and Ryou cracked up laughing. "Come on Joey who's the man now!!!!!" Mokuba said sitting on his back. They play fought for a bit while Ryou and Honda cheered Mokuba on.

"I feel so loved" Joey cried smiling at Ryou.

Ryou held out a hand to help him up. "Oh you know you are"

Ryou looked around for Mokuba and saw him with Yugi trying to figure out what all the gifts were before he opened them. Ryou laughed pointing Yugi out to Joey, he almost looked like a little kid himself with his eyes bright and shining.

Soon the cook came out with the cake and they all sang happy birthday to the birthday boy. The cake was gorgeous with lots and lots of icing. Mokuba's eyes went big as he saw it before blowing out the candles making a wish. He smiled at his brother when he opened his eyes and Ryou got the feeling that Seto was at the center of that particular wish.

As soon as the cake was demolished, Mokuba tore into his presents getting some very nice things. Ryou smiled as he saw him get a kiss from Mai for bragging about her gift. Anzu was still in a sour mood from last night but she was trying. Ryou shook his head whatever was going on wasn't easy on any of them.

He noticed out the corner of his eye Seto's girlfriend was missing which was just find with him, He wished he knew what his friend was thinking when he got together with that hell cat. He felt someone very close behind him and he turned around grinning at Joey.

"Hey beautiful enjoying yourself" Joey whispered in his ear. Ryou stepped back for a moment pressing himself into him surprising the blonde.

"Yes I am very much."

Joey looked around and saw that the others were in a game of some kind. The rubbed a finger down Ryou's arm, "I have plans for us later"

Ryou chuckled, "you always have plans for us."

"Heh yes I do, and have I told you today how much I love you."

"I lov…Woah" Ryou was cut off as Mokuba dashed between them being chased by Yugi and Anzu knocking Ryou down.

Yugi stopped and looked at him sheepishly, "I am so sorry Ryou."

"Don't worry about it" he said laughing. He looked over and noticed that both Yami and Seto were gone.

"Where's Yami?" he asked Yugi. It seemed smaller boy just noticed it himself "I don't know" Yugi then broke into a peculiar grin.

Ryou and Joey gave him both a weird look and Mokuba came up to them. "I am sorry about that Ryou but you made such a good obstacle for them to get around."

Ryou laughed, "no harm done."

"Okay that's enough of beating up on Ryou, let's play something else." Anzu said.

"What do you want to play?" Honda came over to them. He had cake on his face and Mai was trying to wipe it off.

"Charades?" Ryou asked, trying to think of something that wouldn't tear the house down.

"Sounds good to me" Yugi said, Anzu seemed to notice that Yami was missing as well.

"Where's Yami?" she asked Yugi.

Yugi shrugged at her but didn't say anything.

"Okay…" she said frowning a little.

They went into the dining room sitting in the different chairs. When it was Ryou's turn he chose a movie and eventually Mai got it right. He was not at all a very good actor, though a better one then it seemed Joey was.

Ryou had no idea what Joey was trying to do, he had one foot across the other and his head was sideways. He had one arm wrapped around behind him while the other was wrapped around the front.

All Ryou knew was that it was a movie and that was it. He did look awfully funny though and was giggling through Joey's turn.

They would have continued but Seto surprised them all but barging into the door with Yami behind him. Seto looked very excited about something and was about to say something when he stopped seeing Joey. He smirked and said "If Joey is supposed to be abstract art then he has it down pat."

"Seto!" Joey said looking at him angrily muttering to himself, "has no one ever heard of Twister."

"Mokuba is Nyoko still upstairs?"

"Yes she hasn't come down why?"

He just winked at him and bounded up the steps.

Mokuba startled Ryou by jumping up and shouting "ALL RIGHT!!" Confusing him even more.

Yami chuckled at Ryou and Joey was still glaring at Seto's retreating form.

"Come on everyone lets go sit down and enjoy the show that's about to happen!" Mokuba announced as he bounced into the living room. Ryou and Joey just shrugged at each other and followed. That sat side-by-side watching Mokuba bouncing in his seat.

It wasn't long until they heard some shouting upstairs and Ryou was concerned. /What in the world is going on? /

// I don't know but it sounds like fun //

/ Your warped /

// Nope, it just sounds like that bitch is getting a taste of her own medicine. / Yami Bakura still wanted to strangle her for talking to Ryou the way she did.

Joey wasn't sure what was going on but Yami he had a smug smile on his face and Mokuba was happy. He caught Yugi's eye and he just shook his head. They heard a loud crash making Ryou and Yugi jump.

Mokuba just raised a fist in the air saying "YES!" Joey was really worried now. They heard some more shouts and Seto came stomping down the stairs carrying his girlfriend on his shoulder.

Ryou tried not to laugh because the poor girl looked quite upset but he couldn't help it as the corners of his mouth turned up as she screamed "Put me down Seto!"

"You said I had to throw you out physically well guess what, that's what I am doing." Joey couldn't believe this was happening.

Ryou and Joey got up and followed everyone outside and saw Seto throw her into the mud. He heard Yugi gasp beside him.

"Whoops I shouldn't have done that, now the car will get all dirty." They heard the young billionaire say and he could here Yami chuckle. Ryou all but laughed out loud as she got up and fell back down again before she managed to climb in.

Mokuba waived happily as he watched the car go while Honda and Joey were stunned looking at Seto. He glared at them when he walked back in the house as if to dare them to say anything. "Yep that's the Kaiba we all know and love he muttered only loud enough for Ryou to here.

Ryou just smiled at him and pulled him inside and a now very happy Mokuba was bouncing around the room.

Yugi, Joey and Ryou were standing in a corner talking. "What was that all about?"

"I think I have an idea…" Yugi said smiling as he saw Yami sit down next to Seto talking to him.

"Well you have to admit this hasn't been a boring party and it couldn't have happened to a nicer girl" Ryou said, still sore about her chewing him out.

Joey gave him a weird look before Mokuba came running up to them. He touched Yugi and Joey "Tag your it!!"

They both turned on him and gave chase. Ryou watched Joey run after Mokuba and got an evil idea. As Joey ran past Ryou jumped on him pinning him to the ground. Joey surprised yelped before laughing hysterically as Ryou tickled him where he knew he was ticklish the most.

Ryou was straddling him and laughing also not realizing that they were making quite a scene. He stopped tickling him and Joey looked at him with his eyes shining bright. Ryou looked at the lips that were so inviting while Joey panted for air. 'Well here goes,' Ryou thought as he pulled Joey to him and kissed him right then and there. He was holding on to his shirt as he slipped his tongue between his lover's lips.

He felt Joey wrap his hands in his hair and he let out a small moan. Next thing they knew there were whistle and cat calls.

"Hmph he never kissed ME like that." The two heard Mai and Joey looked up at her laughing softly while Ryou blushed hard.

Joey grinned at his ex, "Uh yeah but Mai you just ain't this cute, no offense or anything." Ryou rolled his eyes and buried his head into his neck.

Mai glared at him but found Honda pulling her away for a moment.

"About time" A voice said next to them.

The two looked at Mokuba, "You knew?"

"Oh come on it wasn't hard to know! I just wondered how long it was going to take you guys to tell us." Mokuba said with his arms crossed.

Ryou climbed off a Joey still blushing, "well it was just one of those things."

Joey put his arms around Ryou and watched as Honda and a now calmed down Mai approach them. Thankfully Kaiba hadn't opened his mouth.

"When did this happen?" Honda asked totally shocked.

Mokuba looked at them. "You mean you couldn't tell."

The two shook their head.

Honda glared at them "Well??"

Joey swallowed. "um since…fall" he muttered the last part.

Honda came closer, "since when?"

'Fall" Joey whispered.

"Fall?"

Joey looked down at his shoes, "Yeah about the time Mai and I broke up."

Mai laughed, "I thought you were hanging out with Ryou all this time because you were pining over me."

Joey laughed, "Well…heh…uh…yeah"

Honda wasn't going to let it go though, "And you were mad at me about going behind your back,"

"It's not the …."

Ryou interrupted him, "don't be mad at him, he wanted to tell you guys but I didn't want him to say anything."

"Why not Ryou," Anzu came over with Yugi.

"I didn't know where our relationship was heading at the time and after that I don't know I guess I was worried about what you three would say.

"Three?" Honda asked.

Yugi blushed, "uh yeah we kind of knew."

Anzu turned to him, "and you didn't tell me?"

"They asked Yami and I not to say anything, it was by accident that we found out ourselves."

"Man you guys are sooo lame, I saw it during Christmas they had that all gushy eye thing going at each other." Mokuba said walking away from them throwing his hands up.

The rest just gave him an odd look. Honda turned back to Joey, "well okay then you're off the hook… this time." He then winked at the couple before walking over with Mai to get some more food. Yugi pulled Anzu over to the side talking to her leaving Joey and Ryou by themselves.

Joey pulled Ryou to him close from behind and laid his chin on his shoulder. "What made you do that?" he asked softly.

"I don't know, it just seemed so right and I wanted to do it and the hell with everyone else." He said smiling as Joey kissed his neck,

"You spend way to much time around your Yami." Joey laughed; Ryou turned to look at him and could see how happy he was. He was sorry that he had waited so long but he couldn't change that now, only make it up to him.

It wasn't much longer until the party ended finding Ryou and Joey shocked that Mokuba was coming back with them instead of Yami. Ryou smiled at the two on the couch as they left wondering if something was up. Mokuba was riding with Honda and Mai leaving a very angry Anzu riding with them.

They waived at Yami and Seto one last time before getting in the car. Anzu was sitting next to Yugi with her arms crossed and Ryou was glad he was up front away from her.

"I don't see why he is staying." She said as Joey pulled out of the driveway.

Yugi sighed knowing that this was not going to be a nice ride home. "Because as he told you he has something to discuss with Seto."

"Well why couldn't I stay." She said looking out the window.

"Because it was something private" Yugi said trying to calm her down.

Anzu didn't say anything else after that; she was lost deep in her thoughts. No one said much of anything either not really wanting to upset their female friend any further that she already was.

When the two cars pulled up at Yugi's Anzu sighed a little before getting out. She quickly said her goodbyes saying that she just wanted to go home and lay down for a while. Yugi understanding gave her a hug before she left with a little sadness in his own eyes.

"What are you guys up to tomorrow?" Joey asked with his arm around Ryou.

"Well Mokuba and I have stuff to do around here helping Grandpa. Who knows what time Yami will be home." Yugi said.

"Don't look at us we have to have lunch and with my parents tomorrow" Honda said.

Ryou yawned a little covering his mouth with the back of his hand. "Tired Ryou?" Joey asked quietly.

"Just a little"

"Hey guys are we doing anything, it's still quite early to call it a night for a Saturday." Mai said.

"Well I have to return the car so why don't we all hang out at my place, my aunt won't be home until later." Joe said.

"Good enough for me." Honda agreed.

Yugi looked at Mokuba, "you guys go ahead I think we're going to stay here, we have an early day tomorrow." He was pretty sure that Seto wouldn't want his little brother out wandering around the city.

Joey understood and after their saying goodbyes they left to go to his place. It was a great feeling for Joey, before he wouldn't dare take any of his friends home when his dad was still alive, now his life was fairly normal. When they got there they decided to go to Joey's room and hang out. Joey turned on the radio while everyone made themselves comfortable. Honda and Mai were on his bed and Ryou in the large Yellow beanbag chair in the corner of his room, which Joey came over and curled up with him in it. It was actually one of their favorite places many times Joey would nap on it while Ryou read a book.

"I can not believe that you two kept this from us, how serious are you two?" Mai asked smiling as Honda was kissing their neck.

Ryou smiled at them and blushed, "that serious huh." She said grinning.

"Heh well you know" Joey said holding Ryou closer.

Honda laughed, "Yeah we know"

"He you guys want to watch a movie?" Joey asked deciding to change the subject. He had gotten a small TV/VCR for Christmas that sat on his dresser.

"What do you have?" Mai asked, he reached up behind him and named off some titles. They settled on one and Joey got up putting the tape in and turning off the lights and radio.

Mai was lying on her stomach with Honda beside her holding her close. Ryou shivered as he felt Joey's hands run up and down his arm move to his sides. He heard a noise and glanced up to see Mai and Honda making out.

Joey winked at him and threw a pillow at the couple on the bed. "HEY!!!!"

"Well pay attention this is a good part" Joey said evilly.

Honda threw the pillow back at them and Ryou ducked his head into Joey's chest. They giggled for a movement until the movie caught their attention again with a particularly good seen. It was one of Ryou's favorite movies, it was an American import called Matrix. Joey had the subtitled version just for Ryou since of course he didn't need the dubbed.

Sometimes Ryou would giggle when it was translated wrong and Joey would bop him in the head telling him to quit. They heard a groan and saw that Mai and Honda were really going at it again. It was pretty dark but Joey could tell that it was getting pretty serious. "Hey hey not on my bed you two, we have to sleep there."

"We?" Ryou asked.

"Oh you want to spend the night don't you?" Joey asked innocently.

"Your aunt won't mind."

'Nah, she's almost as cool as your dad. We just can't make a lot of noise."

Honda and Mai stopped what they were doing looking at the two in the beanbag. Ryou's head was lying on Joey's chest and Joey's arms were wrapped around him possessively with a blanket over them.

"You know I never thought about you two being together but now that I know you are your really a cute couple" Mai said.

"Well with him who couldn't be" Joey said smiling at Ryou who rolled his eyes and buried his head again.

They laughed at him, "Oh hush I love this part." Ryou said pointing to the movie.

Joey kissed on top of the head, "You have watched this thing three hundred times since I bought it. I think you can miss it just one time."

"No I can't now just hush," Ryou huffed, Mai and Honda cracked up laughing at the two.

They quieted down and finished watching the movie. When it was over Joey smirked because Ryou had fallen asleep on him. "And he yelled at us for talking to much." He whispered to them.

"You really are close aren't you?" Honda said.

Joey smiled at his long time friend and nodded, "I love him with all my heart."

They smiled at each other "I think he feels the same way about you." Mai said.

Joey nodded brushing the hair out of Ryou's face who was snoring softly. Honda smiled watching the tender motions "Well I think he has the right idea, will just show ourselves out since it looks like you can't move right now."

Joey nodded, "Thanks and I guess we will see you in school on Monday."

They walked out and Joey heard the door shut. He hugged Ryou close just enjoying listen to him breathing softly against his neck. Deciding that they really needed to go to bed he shifted out from underneath him. He then picked him up and carried him to the bed laying him down.

'Wow Ryou must really be tired not to have woken up.'

He went into the kitchen and called Ryou's father. He explained that Ryou had fallen asleep and his father was perfectly okay with him spending the night. He then left his Aunt a note and went back into the room. He was surprise when Yami Bakura grabbed him around from behind while shutting the door.

"Hi" Joey said relaxing into the strong arms for a moment.

"Well it seems that no more sneaking around for you two. That should make you happy."

Joey turned in his arms and kissed him softly. "I think it makes both of us happy."

Yami Bakura ran a hand down Joey's cheek, before kissing him again. "Come on let's get him comfortable and get some sleep."

Joey nodded and with the dark one's help they got Ryou out of his jeans and shirt. Joey then stripped down also grabbing some shorts for all three of them. They slipped some on Ryou and Yami Bakura changed. Joey couldn't help but watch as Yami Bakura changed out of his clothes. His body was much more muscular then Ryou's, Joey loved watching the tone arms and legs. Yami Bakura catching him smirked, "what? Do I look that bad?"

Joey blinked then looked at him blushing. "Heh..uh no of course not."

"Pervert" he said as he came up and kissed him soundly on the lips. "Now let's get some sleep."

They crawled into bed with Ryou between them and Ryou cracked his eyes open smiling at the two. His Yami held him from behind and Ryou snuggled into him. "Goodnight sweet Ryou" was all he said before closing his eyes. Joey kissed him softly on top of the head hearing him sigh.

It wasn't long until Joey was the only one awake. He watched the two sleep, his heart sped up every time he looked at them. He smiled because Yami Bakura's breath kept blowing Ryou's hair a little back and forth. They looked so much alike when they were asleep and there were times when he would stay up half the night just watching them. He cared for them so much and he depended on them, even Yami Bakura. He would never trust him completely he was too unpredictable, but that didn't stop the way he felt about him.

Joey reached over tucking Yami Bakura's hair behind his ear running the soft strands through his fingers. "Sleep well beautiful" he whispered. He then kissed Ryou saying, "Sweet dreams my love". He closed his eyes falling asleep almost immediately.

TBC

*****

Thanks as always. I kind of lied last chapter NOW there are two more chapters to go! I already have the next one written I just have to edit it now so it should be out by tomorrow or the next day at the latest.