Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ New Beginnings ❯ Chapter 9 ( Chapter 9 )

A/N: Don't ask me how but I got this chapter up also!!

Disclaimer: I do not have the privilege of owning Yu-gi-oh or any of it's characters. I am merely a poor fanfiction writer that is way too obsessed with it and has way too much time on her hands.

Chapter 9

Ryou was enjoying his morning walk to school; it was an absolutely beautiful day. He thought about the day before and smiled. He had woken up with his Yami still in Joey's bed and they were all curled up around him. He just wished he could do that every morning.

He had fixed everyone some breakfast including Joey's aunt then proceeded to spend the entire day with him. They were lazy the whole day spending much of the time on the couch together, well at least when they weren't in Joey's bedroom. Ryou blushed at the thought. He didn't get home until late and had to still do his homework, so he was tired this morning.

He got to Yugi's on time and Yugi seemed to be in great spirits. He was chatting non-stop with Honda and Mai. In fact he was practically glowing he was so happy and couldn't stand still for one moment. He felt arms wrap around him and he smiled at Joey.

"Good morning my love." Joes said kissing his neck.

Ryou leaned back into him. "Good morning to you also."

"What is up with Yugi?" Joey asked seeing the glow around him.

Ryou shrugged, " I have no idea, I haven't even said hi to him yet."

"Well let's go say hi then." Joey grabbed Ryou's hand and walked over to them.

Yugi seeing them smiled and ran up to them. "Good morning you two!"

"Well you're in a good mood, what's up?" Joey asked.

"Can't I just be in a good mood, it's such a beautiful morning." Yugi said mischievously with his large eyes twinkling.

Ryou laughed and the group strolled to school without a care in the world. When they met up with Anzu though, Yugi sobered a little and Joey was even more confused then ever about his friends strange behavior.

Once at school Joey quickly went to his locker and met up with Ryou. "Hey love" he said coming up next to him.

They both agreed that even though they were open with their friends that they might still want to play it down at school. Ryou elbowed him gently, "did you get your homework done?"

Joey stopped and looked at him wide-eyed, "We had homework?" When Ryou opened his mouth to chastise him Joey pulled out the paper smirking.

Ryou batted him on the head, "hey what do you think is going on with Yugi?"

"I have no idea but I plan to ask him during lunch."

Ryou pretended to pout, "So I take it you don't want to meet up?"

Unfortunately Joey took him for being serious, "Um…"

"I'm kidding find out what's going on with Yugi and we can meet up after school. Let's try to get everyone to the park."

Joey agreed as they sat down at their desks and let the day begin. The morning went by pretty fast, gym was weird though because Yugi was avoiding Anzu like the plague and none of the other's could figure out why.

As soon as gym class was over Yugi was gone instead of walking with Ryou and Anzu. Anzu looked lost and Ryou couldn't help but feel for her, "Anzu I don't mean to be nosy but what is going on with you and Yugi?"

She shook her head and looked at him with the saddest eyes, "I wish I knew. I hope he's still not mad at the way I acted coming home on Saturday. Neither him or Yami called me at all yesterday."

Ryou gave her a smile, "I don't know he doesn't seem upset or anything. Besides he doesn't hold grudges, well whatever it is I hope it works out for you guys."

She tried to smile back at him, "Thanks Ryou."

They made it through Chemistry and Ryou noticed the spaced out look that Yugi seemed to have. 'Must be talking to his Yami. This is so weird.' He thought.

After class they met up with Honda and Joey who winked at Ryou. When they turned to walk to lunch Joey put a hand on Yugi's shoulder. "Hey Yug wait up I want to speak to you in private."

Yugi looked at him puzzled then waived the other's on. They walked outside and sat out on the steps. "So what do you want to talk about?"

"You" Joey said looking at him.

"What about me?"

"What is up with you today, first your like on top of the world, then Anzu comes along and you avoid her."

He got a spacey look that Joey knew so well, he waited until he was done talking with his Yami. It didn't take long and he looked at Joey smiling.

"I am in love Joey."

That wasn't what Joey had expected. "Well we all know that with Yami and Anzu so what's the big deal?"

Yugi shook his head sadly, "no not Anzu. I thought I loved her, well I do, but no different then you or the others. But I mean someone else besides Yami."

Joey looked at him, 'well he sure looks in love.' "Then come on who is it." He said grinning.

"Seto" he said shyly.

Joey didn't stop smiling as he looked down at him, "Heh that's really funny I thought you said Seto."

"Joey! I did, I am in love with Seto and so is Yami."

Joey put a hand to his forehead feeling faint. "Seto? As in Seto Kaiba?"

Yugi nodded.

Joey ran is hands through his hair, "when did this happen?"

"Well I think I have always cared for him and I know Yami did. Seto and him admitted their feelings for each other on …"

"Saturday night?" Joey finished for him. He was putting two and two together.

Yugi nodded.

"Yugi do you realize what your saying, this is Kaiba! Seto Kaiba!"

Yugi frowned at him "Yes I am fully aware of what I am saying Joey, I am sorry you can't be happy for me."

"Happy, Yugi it's…it's…Kaiba!" Joey said exasperated.

There was a small flash of light and Yami was now standing behind Yugi. He glared at Joey hard and it hit him. Yugi was serious…they were serious. 'Wow I would have never seen this one coming.'

He sighed in defeat; "Well you do seem awfully happy this morning, more than I have seen you in along time. I guess I could get used to it."

Yugi smiled throwing his arms around Joey and Yami just nodded at him before disappearing.

"So that's why your avoiding Anzu?"

Yugi sighed, "Yes, Yami wants to tell her himself after school"

"She's going to be hurt you do know that."

Yugi grimaced and looked at his hands, "I know I wish we didn't have to do that but it can't be helped."

Joey shook his head still amazed at what Yugi just confessed to him, "You really in love with him aren't you."

"Yes and you should see Yami and him. Wow! I didn't know Yami could feel that way about somebody else. It's almost like they were made for each other you know."

Joey laughed softly before adding, "Well he better not hurt you guys"

"Joey, I don't think that would ever happen."

They got up noticing the time and Yugi gave him another hug. "Thanks for understanding."

"Hey no problem, you don't mind if I tell Ryou do you?" Joey asked while walking back in the school.

"No I don't see a problem just not anyone else I don't want Anzu to hear it from anyone except Yami."

"Gotcha." They met up with the others and everyone agreed go to the park after school.

Yugi and Honda walked together to the next class with Ryou and Joey trailing after them. Yugi smiled knowing what they were talking about.

"So what's up?" Ryou asked quietly.

Joey looked around before pulling him off to the side, "man you can't say anything until later."

Ryou nodded, "okay so what's up."

"You are not going to believe this, but Yugi and Yami are involved with Kaiba like seriously involved."

Ryou grinned brightly, "Are you serious, that is so wonderful."

"Wha…"

"Well they are all perfect for each other, Yami will be good for Seto. He needs someone strong in his life and Yugi will be good for him too."

Joey stepped back crossing his arms, "What about him? Is he good for them?"

Ryou shook his head at his love putting a hand on his arm, "There is a lot more to Seto Kaiba then you give him credit for, trust me I am more than happy with this."

Joey rolled his eyes, "I can tell"

"Oh stop! It's not that bad," Ryou said smacking the arm his hand was on. " That explains Anzu."

"Yes, that's why I said don't say anything. Yugi doesn't want her to know until after Yami talks with her this afternoon."

"Poor girl, but we all knew this was going to happen. Yami wasn't going to put up with her much longer treating Yugi like she did. Not that I blame her if she didn't have the feelings for Yugi but that's just the sad truth,"

Suddenly they noticed the time and raced to class and sat down right before the bell rang. Yugi caught Ryou's eye and Ryou gave him a bright smile. Yugi all but bounced in his seat and Ryou laughed quietly.

After school they got to the park sitting in their favorite place. Joey pulled Ryou over to a table wanting him all to himself. They notice Yami pull Anzu to a tree and sat down with her. Yugi Honda and Mai were goofing off themselves.

"I love spring" Joey said.

"I know you do," Ryou said giggling as Joey nuzzled his neck.

"So what do you want to do this weekend?" Joey asked.

Ryou turned his head so he could look at him, "I don't care as long as we do it together."

"Same here." He said kissing Ryou's lips softly. He would never get tired of the feeling that Ryou could stir in him with just a kiss and groaned when he opened his mouth for him.

They kissed passionately for a while, someone said something to them but Joey just waived them off. He didn't want to stop ever leaving the soft lips. Finally having to pull back, he smiled a little breathless. He looked around to make sure no one was gawking "where's Yugi"

"I think he just left" said a panting Ryou.

"Oh man! Come on I forgot to ask him about that project were doing." He grabbed pulling Ryou with him who waived at everyone while being dragged behind him.

They got near the game shop and Joey froze. They saw some creep take Yugi into a building near them. Ryou seeing the same thing gasped and Joey took off running seeing red.

When he ran in he saw the guy was about to punch his friend and grabbed his wrist wanting to pound the guy to a pulp. The man turned on Joey "Leave punk this is none of your concern."

"I beg to differ" Ryou said unusually furious himself.

"You mess with Yug and you mess with me and I don't like people messing with me." Joey said squeezing the man's wrist hard. He was so mad he could kill him.

He jerked his hand away from the pain and threw Yugi across the room. Ryou gasped and ran to him worried as he saw the man get into a fighting stance. Joey raised his wrists and they heard footsteps running down the sidewalk outside. Ryou smiled knowing who it was hoping that they would get there in time.

The man must have heard it to, he glared disgustingly at Yugi sneering, "well at least Kaiba got his other message," and then he turned and ran.

"Kaiba?" Ryou pondered to himself.

Yami had just entered the building running at full speed. He ran straight to Yugi hugging him tightly. Ryou left his side to go to Joey who still looked pretty angry and shaken up. He put his arms around his love and Joey buried his face into his hair.

Ryou just held him feeling him tremble with adrenaline when they heard Yugi, "Thanks guys but how did you know?"

"We didn't, Joey had wanted to ask you something and forgot about .it until after you left. So we came after you and saw that guy pull you into here. Good thing too." Ryou said smiling gently at his friend.

Yami smiled at them, "I owe you so much now" Joey just nodded not wanting to let go of Ryou.

They heard Yami ask Yugi. "Did he say what he wanted?"

"He said I was a message or something, then he ran. But I'm worried about Seto he said at least he already got one message. What does that mean?"

Ryou and Joey looked at each other and shrugged. 'How does this tie in with Kaiba?'

"Mokuba!" Yami suddenly shouted.

"What?" Ryou looked at him confused..

"We need to get over to Seto's now! Mokuba's in danger." Yami said.

Ryou and Joey nodded, "Let's go."

Mai stopped and grimaced, "Um if you don't mind I would rather not unless you needed me desperately. Kaiba and I don't get along very well."

"That's fine Mai." Yami said.

She looked at Honda, "Will you take me home?"

Honda looked at Yami who nodded at him. "Of course."

Anzu who was now over the shock of Yugi getting attacked shook her head. "I don't think it would be a good idea if I went right now. I don't think I would do any good."

Yami walked up to her and smiled. "I understand"

Joey put his hands on his hips looking at the group, "Well whoever is coming lets go back to my place. I am sure that my aunt won't mind us using her car to get out to the Kaiba mansion."

Yugi and Yami nodded waiving bye to the others. They got to Joey's apartment in a hurry and Ryou could tell Yami was restless. After explaining the incident to his aunt she agreed to let him borrow her car only if he promised to be careful.

He agreed and they all piled in, Yami holding Yugi close in the back. "I can't thank you guys enough" Yami said.

Ryou turned and smiled at him holding on to the door handle for dear life. Joey was speeding and that was never a good thing.

"Don't thank us yet" Ryou said, "we still have to get you there in one peace."

Just as he spoke a poultry truck had swerved to miss a bump sending it sideways. Joey quickly turned the wheel but at the speed they were going they ended up skidding. Ryou closed his eyes praying that he would live through this and he could hear his Yami cursing at Joey nonstop.

When the car stopped moving Ryou opened his eyes and was practically face to face with a chicken on the other side of his window. Joey had jumped out and was yelling at the driver who quickly ran away.

"Ah ya coward, come back here!"

"Come on Joey we have to get to Seto's remember" Ryou said. They drove without further incident Ryou couldn't help but laugh as the two in the back who were ducked low in the seat.

When they got to he mansion there were guards everywhere and Joey was extremely nervous. 'What am I doing here?' He looked at Ryou who smiled at him, 'because he's here'.

Yami rang the bell then stood back crossing his arms. A frazzled Seto opened the door looking shocked at them. He ran a hand through his hair trying to smile. Ryou watched as Yami walked up to him "Mokuba?"

"How did you know?" He asked pulling him in, Ryou and Joey followed them into the living room. Joey kept watching Yugi to make sure that he was okay.

Ryou heard Yami telling Seto "Yugi was attacked today."

Seto stopped walking causing Joey to run into Ryou, "Yugi?" he whispered to him.

"Yes thankfully Joey and Ryou had followed me when it happened." Yugi quickly explained the attack and what the man had said about him already getting one message.

Joey and Ryou sat down on the soft couch. Joey watched as Seto sat down across from them on the hearth and Yugi sat down beside him in the floor. He almost smiled at Yami who looked like he was keeping guard over the two leaned on the wall.

His eyes went wide though when Seto ran a hand through Yugi's hair, "You sure your okay?" Yugi just nodded at him.

Ryou looked at Joey smiling he noticed the look he was giving the two in the floor. It hadn't surprised him one bit and he squeezed Joey's arm a little before turning to Seto asking him "What happened to Mokuba?"

"He was attacked also, beaten pretty badly. He's asleep upstairs in his room right now. Whoever did it broke two of his fingers on purpose." Seto said clinching his fist.

"Seto whoever did this knew that to get to you he could go through not only your brother but Yugi. Do you have any ideas on who it could be?" Yami asked and Ryou felt a familiar fear that had been buried now for months starting to resurface. This incident was starting to bring back memories…horrible ones.

"I could only guess right now, Mokuba wasn't able to talk much when I found him." Seto said Ryou closed his eyes for a moment to try and hold down his anxiety.

He opened them again and smiled for the sake of smiling, "Well whoever it is we will find them that's for sure."

"Yeah and then it's hurt'n time!" Joey said holding his fist in the air. Ryou shook his head he loved him so much.

"So let's look at what we know," Ryou said. "It's centered around Seto and they are going after Yugi and Mokuba. We don't know why but that man was pretty angry looking."

"I wish he didn't run when he did I would creamed him, and that's before I knew he was picken on little kids." Joey meant it too, first one of his best friends and then the little tiger.

Ryou shaking a little, "I know what you mean love."

They watched as Seto suddenly got up and stormed out of the room.

"I know how he feels." Joey said quietly watching him go.

Ryou smiled at him sadly, "well at least Mokuba was spared something like that." Yami agreed with him and watched as Yugi left to follow Seto out the door.

"If anything had happened to Yugi… Joey how did you handle it?" Yami asked quietly.

Joey pulled Ryou to him, "I don't know Yami, I just knew I had to be strong for him."

Ryou didn't say anything he just closed his eyes.

"Plus I had a little help…" he said smiling rubbing a finger softly down the ring.

Yami nodded knowing what Joey meant. He remembered what Ryou's Yami had done for them and it really surprised him. They were startled out of their own thoughts by the phone ringing. Joey jumped up and ran into the kitchen grabbing it.

"Joey you can't answer…" Ryou stopped as he head Joey answer the phone.

"Hello….okay hold on" Ryou stormed up to him and grabbed the phone from him and stalked out the patio door. He stopped and smiled at the scene before him, how could Joey not see how crazy Seto was for those two with the way that he was holding Yugi.

Seto looked at him, Ryou smiled sheepishly and held up the portable. "Joey answered it before we could stop him, sorry about that."

"Tell Joey that to answer my phone is not a very smart thing to do."

Ryou nodded and headed back inside finding Joey, he was aggravated with him. "Joey I told you that you shouldn't have done that."

"I'm sorry I was really just trying to help, Kaiba didn't look like he was in the mood to talk to anyone."

Ryou shook his head and was startled when Yami suddenly stormed outside. Joey and him looked at each other nodding and followed him out. They didn't actually go out on the patio and chose to give the three their space.

"What do you want Nyoko?"

"Nyoko?" Joey whispered.

"Seto's ex?" Ryou whispered back.

"Ohhhh" Joey said before he heard Seto again "What! What are you talking about?"

Ryou was worried when Seto looked extremely angry and shouted into the phone "Nyoko! What did you do?"

Ryou was not happy with what was going on at all. He held on to Joey tightly trying to will the flashbacks away.

// Are you okay Ryou? //

/Yes, it's just too familiar that's all. /

// Do you want me to take over? // Ryou was surprised that he sounded so concerned.

/No, I'm fine./

"You crazy bitch!" Seto shouted, Joey felt Ryou tremble a little and pulled him closer kissing the top of his head. He had to admit Kaiba was pretty upset.

"You have no idea what you have done, you will pay for hurting Mokuba." Ryou gasped, this was his ex's doing. What is it with people they know hurting the people they loved. He was thankful for Joey at that moment and his Yami.

// I told you; you should have let me kill her when I wanted to. //

Ryou sighed, /you can't go around just killing people that make you mad. /

// Yes I can, I have done it for centuries. // Yami Bakura said as if it was no big deal.

/Well you shouldn't. /

Joey watched Ryou speak to his Yami looking him over. He hated that he was so upset about this, he then thought of Yugi. If he hadn't followed him, he could be like Mokuba now or worse. He wanted some action and wanted some now.

"Don't say I didn't warn you." The tone in Seto's voice sent a chill through Ryou.

"I take it that crazy ex of yours is causing this mess huh. So what are we going to do about it." Joey said wanting to beat the bitch into the ground.

"You are not doing anything, I want you all to stay here, I am going to pay her a visit." Seto said and walked by them. Joey turned to Ryou as he walked inside, "Oh we will see about that."

They walked in to see Yami grab Seto. "No! You are not going alone!"

"Yami!"

Joey's mouth dropped open when Yami wrapped his arms around Seto. Yami was not a touchy feely person not even with Anzu. The only person that he was ever that affectionate with was Yugi.

"No, Seto I have a stake in this too. He almost hurt Yugi; he could hurt you I can't allow that. I am going and you are not going to stop me."

"Fine, but you will be careful." Seto said shocking Joey further. He had always thought he had Kaiba figured out but obviously he was wrong. He saw Yami nod slightly and kiss Seto.

"I'm going to" Yugi said coming up to the two.

"NO!" Joey smiled he knew what they were feeling; he wouldn't have allowed Ryou to go either.

"It will be dangerous aibou you need to stay here."

"But…"

"No buts, Yami's right. Besides I need you to help Ryou and Joey here to watch after Mokuba."

Joey shook his head no way he was staying here, "I was going with you, and don't try to stop me Kaiba."

"Joey this isn't your fight."

Joey raised his fists and he felt Ryou wrap his arms around him. Ryou knew that Joey was extremely upset and would probably do something rash. "The hell it ain't, whenever there's a chance that someone I care about may get hurt then it's my fight."

Seto looked like he was about to argue then looked at Joey sighing,

Ryou held Joey close, in truth he didn't want him going. None of them knew what they were getting themselves into. He knew he had no choice though; Joey would stick by his friends no matter what. "Yugi and I will watch after Mokuba while your gone. You three just be careful."

Joey gave him a quick kiss then asked "Great when we going."

"Right now" Yami said letting Seto go to head towards the door.

"Hold on I want to check on Mokuba one more time." Seto headed upstairs with Yugi following him.

Ryou turned to look at Joey, "you be careful, I want you coming back in one peace." So many thoughts were going through his head; he couldn't lose him now not when he needed him so much.

Joey kissed him softly again sensing his distress. "I will don't worry about me Ryou. I can take care of myself."

//Sure he can… you just tell that idiot to bring himself back in one peace and that I want to see him again.//

Ryou gave a small smile and whispered the message to Joey. He could see the small shock in Joey's eyes and he said, "Tell him thank you and the same."

// I heard him //

/You care for him don' t you. /

// You're the one that cares for him I just have to put up with you. //

/You don't full me for one bit./

Ryou buried his face into Joey's shirt, "I just can't but help worry I am so sorry."

"You worry to much love, hey it's me I will be ok."

Ryou tried to laugh, "yeah that's what worries me."

"Oh come here you," he wrapped his hands into Ryou's hair pulling close. He kissed him soundly and slipped his tongue in between Ryou's quivering lips. He could tell Ryou was close to crying and tried to pour every amount of emotion that he felt into that one kiss. Neither one of them took notice of Yami leaving the room.

Ryou pulled back looking into his eyes. "If anything happened to you Joey…"

"Ryou…" Joey started.

"Joey it's just your such a big part of my life now, I don't know where I would be without both of you here. Without either one of you I will never be whole, I love you so much and I just…" Ryou stopped as tears slid down his cheek.

"Hey we got through a crisis like this before and we will do it again. Someone hurt the crazy little rugrat up there and I am gong to make sure that someone pays. You saw that guy Ryou, he was huge, imagine him beating up on Mokuba and I can't sit by and let that happen."

"I know that." He said quietly before kissing him again they held each other close Joey being able to taste the salty tears and not sure whether they were Ryou's or his. He felt Ryou wrapping his arms around him and he tangled his hands into his hair. Truthfully Joey never wanted to let go and leave him, not with Ryou this upset.

They were so wrapped up into each other they didn't see the three people coming down the stairs until they heard someone clearing his throat. Pulling away from each other Ryou blushed a little and smiled as Joey was tinted red also.

"As much as I hate to break this up we have to go." Seto said the dreaded words and Ryou felt his cold in his stomach.

"Right okay lets go then." Joey said giving Ryou one more mall kiss.

"Be careful I mean it." Ryou said one more time knowing that he wouldn't be able to stop them almost made him breakdown crying.

"I will I told you already," he said before letting go to join Seto and Yami. Ryou barely noticed that Yugi come stand by him as they watched the others leave. He couldn't shake the feeling all of a sudden coming over him, he felt like that might have been the last kiss that Joey would ever give him.

Yami Bakura was restless also, he had the same feeling and he didn't like it. He sat down on his bed rubbing his hands through his hair. 'Why did the idiot have to go, Kaiba was right it's not his problem.'

"They will be okay won't they?" Ryou asked the other not taking his eyes off the now shut door.

"Yes they will be." He heard the smaller one say but Ryou couldn't convince himself. Something was just not right.

Ryou turned to follow Yugi back into the living room and he could feel his Yami stirring around, he was anxious about something. Obviously whatever was bothering him was bothering his darker one too.

He sat down on the couch with Yugi on the other side; he was spaced out a little. "Well what do we do now?" Ryou asked.

Yami Bakura snarled having about enough of what he could take, this was getting ridicules. Ryou cared for the boy but he was to soft to make sure he remained safe. Why was it always up to him, he should kick Ryou's ass for letting him leave like that.

"We wait." Was all Yugi said.

Yami Bakura growled he was tired of waiting and he knew Ryou was feeling the same thing that he was. They were both surprised when Ryou's ring glowed and to find Yami Bakura now sitting in between them. He glared at the two, " I don't think so."

"Yami?" Ryou said startled.

"What do you mean Yami Bakura?" Yugi asked a little nervous.

"I am not waiting around here to find out if they come back alive or dead. I'm going that's all there is to it." Yami Bakura said standing up.

"No!" Ryou said jumping up also, scared that he would lose both of them now.

"RYOU!!!" Yami Bakura raised his hand to him, "You feel the same thing I do don't you!!!!" He was practically growling at him.

Ryou dropped his head and nodded.

"Ryou what is it, what do you two feel" Yugi asked confused.

A tear slipped down Ryou's cheek, "I just feel that we won't see Joey ever again."

CRACK!!!!!!

Yugi gasped as Ryou held his check where he had been slapped! "Don't you dare say that again Ryou! Quit your sniveling, I am going over there and bring him back alive. Do you understand."

Ryou nodded to stunned to speak.

Yugi who was frowning spoke up, "I know your upset but you didn't have to slap him did you?"

Yami Bakura turned on him and would have slapped him too if he didn't think that he would have to fight the pharaoh over it. "Didn't I? Look at him Yugi, Joey would go to the ends of the earth for him and all he can do is sit here and cry like a little girl. Someone needs to wake him up!!!"

Ryou shook his head, "it's okay Yugi, really. He's right, terribly right and I am going with him."

"You can't go!" Yugi said not believing this.

"How else is he going to get there? He can't drive and I have Joey's keys."

Yugi put his hands on his hips, "If your going than I am going."

Yami Bakura glared at him, "Little one, the pharaoh will not be happy but it is your choice."

"I know he won't just let me go tell Mokuba that were going." Ryou nodded and watched Yugi bounce up the steps.

Yami Bakura turned to him and Ryou turned his head in shame. His words had stung but he knew they were true. He just let Joey walk out of here knowing full well that something could happen to him, he didn't deserve either one of them.

He felt a hand touch his face and he tried to move away but the hand gripped it tightly. He felt firm warm lips on his and hands wrap around his waist. The mouth coaxed his open a little and he felt his Yami enter his mouth.

After just a few seconds he pulled back and Ryou opened his eyes to look into his. "You are right…"

"I know I am, but you didn't need…." He trailed off running his hand across Ryou's face where it was red. That beautiful face that he dreamed about so much, the face that was like a balm to his burning soul. He had lost his patients again with him; he should never have slapped him, Ryou was having a hard enough time with the ghosts of the past. Damn it, this just wasn't his thing.

For the first time ever Ryou thought he actually saw regret in those deep brown eyes. He was about to ask him when he heard bouncing down the step. Yugi carrying two baseball bats shrugging. "Mokuba thought we might need a little something, he also gave me the address of the house and I called grandpa."

"Let's go then" Yami Bakura said heading out to Joey's car.

Yugi got in the back with Ryou driving and his Yami beside him. Ryou started the car and took off like a bat out of hell. He normally was a fairly safe driver but the feeling was overwhelming him to hurry up. Yugi made a silent prayer that they would get there safe and shook his head as he saw Yami Bakura enjoying the speed.

"So where are we going?" Ryou asked.

Yugi gave him the quick directions and Ryou nodded. Yami Bakura then spoke up, "I want you two to stay behind me and you use those bats if you need to only."

"What about you?" Ryou asked not taking his eyes off the road due to the dangerous speed that he was going hoping that they wouldn't get pulled over.

"I have my own something," he said thinking about the knife he always carried. Ryou nodded knowing what he meant and hoped that Yugi wouldn't ask to many questions.

When they got there they saw Seto's car and pulled in behind it. Turning off the engine they snuck in through the woods. The wall was a little high but with the help of Yami Bakura they were able to get over it. As they walked by a window of what looked like a study Ryou froze.

They saw Joey kneeling on the floor with a gun pointed at his head executioner style. There were also two more goons standing by the door. Yami Bakura snarled and broke a window nearest to the room. The three climbed in and ran to the room they saw.

When they got near it they heard the older man say "I hope you won't be missed to much" as he pressed the gun to Joeys head. They barely saw Yami Bakura move as he now held the man with a knife pressed to his throat, hoping that he would give him a reason to slit it.

Ryou and Yugi saw the other two men jump and smashed the bats across the back of their heads knocking both of them out. Ryou's Yami smirked at them and nodding to Ryou a job well done.

Ryou saw Joey turn around eyes wide obviously stunned but smiling "What are you guys doing here?"

"I was just about to ask the same thing," Ryou heard over his shoulder. He turned to see Seto walking in the room. He didn't look happy at all and he regretted allowing Yugi to join them.

"Blame it on me, I didn't like the idea of Joey coming here with just the two of you so I decided to take things in my own hands." Yami Bakura said still holding the knife, 'come on give me a reason'.

"And why did they follow you?" Yami Bakura looked up at from his victim at the furious Yami Yugi. He had told Yugi he wouldn't be happy. "I didn't threaten your light pharaoh, I just told them I was going whether they liked it or not."

"I didn't think letting him roam around here by himself was a good idea" Yugi said.

"Well I for one am glad you came." Joey said getting up and walking over wrapping his arms around Ryou. Ryou held on to him for dear life thinking how close he came to losing him. It didn't last long though as he heard his Yami say "So now to finish this one off" Ryou was horrified no more, he just wanted to go home.

"Yami Bakura, No! We can't just kill him" Yami said.

"Why not?" Yami Bakura asked, what was this double standard. If it had been Seto or the little one the pharaoh would not have let him live very long either. He saw the two lights glare at him and he glared back especially at Yugi. "You don't even know what he was planning and yet you want me to spare his life."

"And what were you planning?" Seto asked and Joey handed him a file, personally Joey kind of agreed with Yami Bakura but he wouldn't say it out loud.

He read through it and threw the thing across the room. "I wondered why this deal went so smoothly, I had always heard that you were a hard bastard to deal with now I know. You prostituted your own daughter?"

Ryou just wanting to go home walked over to his Yami laying a hand on his arm. "Don't do it Yami, it's not worth it." Ryou knew that he couldn't make this man disappear so easily like he did Joey's father, and the trouble it would cause would be horrible.

Yami Bakura glared at Ryou, then seeing the red mark on his face his softened just a little. If you didn't know him you wouldn't be able to tell, but Ryou could. He would do it for Ryou and lowered the knife. He practically picked up the older man and threw him so that he landed face first on the floor. Blood trailed from his nose where it had busted form the impact. Smiling at the out come a little he crossed his arms and looked at his lover. "Is that better?"

'What am I going to do with him?' Ryou thought sighing and nodded to him.

"Our business is now officially over." He heard Seto say.

They walked out of the room into the other where Ryou and company came in through. Climbing out the window they quickly got back to their cars.

"Do you guys want to meet back at my house?" Seto asked.

They agreed and Ryou, Joey and Yami Bakura went in Joey's car. While the other two went with Seto of course.

Ryou drove with Joey next to him and his Yami in the back. "Are you okay love?" Ryou asked him.

Joey nodded it really hadn't sunk in yet how close he came to being dead. "Thank you guys, really I owe you."

Yami Bakura reached forward and whacked him in the back of the head.

"OUCH what was that for?"

"Well let's see for getting involved in something that you should have stayed out of, for making Ryou worry, for almost getting yourself killed and then acting like it's not big deal! Shall I go on!"

Ryou smiled to himself; obviously it wasn't just because it made HIM worry.

"It is a big deal… I just… I don't know what to say." Joey said quietly.

Joey then felt arms wrap around him from the back seat. "You idiot do you know how close you came to dying, what would we… I mean Ryou have done if something happened to you. You can't go off half-cocked and not think of the people that care so much about you. " Yami Bakura whispered in his ear.

Joey leaned his head back so that it was close to the one leaning over the seat. "I had to do what I thought was right. I couldn't let what happened go, you should know me by now."

He felt soft kisses on his neck and sighed as hands ran through his hair. Yami Bakura wanted to scold him more but decided against it he felt tired for some reason. Ryou was smiling at him in the rearview mirror and he nodded to him. Yami Bakura then asked, "Are you spending the night Joey?"

"No I really should get home, my aunt is probably worried sick. I will see you tomorrow though?"

Yami Bakura thought about it, "Maybe…you two get home safely." Was all he said before going back in the ring.

Ryou smiled at Joey and the blonde noticed that Ryou had been silent the whole trip. He didn't know what it was about but that would have to wait. They had just pulled up outside of Kaiba's place.

They stepped out of the car and Joey could tell that Ryou was strained a little. He walked into the house and heard Yugi, Yami and Seto talking. Seto waived by to them barely before bounding up the stairs and Ryou smiling waived back.

Yugi came up to them, "We were talking and wondered if you two were going to school tomorrow?"

"Why?" Joey asked.

"Well I just think it might be a good idea especially for Joey to rest." Yami said coming up behind him.

Ryou agreed and they decided to take tomorrow off. "You three take care" Ryou said as he pulled Joey out the door to the car. Joey grabbed his keys from Ryou.

"HEY!"

"Sorry love I am driving now"

"No buts now get in my white knight." He said smiling at him.

Ryou giggled, "nah my Yami is the white knight I am just his squire."

//Bitch more like it! // Ryou heard him laughing.

/I thought you were resting!/

// I am but I couldn't help myself now goodnight.//

Ryou couldn't help but smile at the mental yawn as he got in the car. "Your both my hero's." Joey said turning on the car.

Ryou shook his head and curled up next to him as Joey put an arm around him as they sped off. "No I had to come, I had to make sure you were ok.

Joey kissed him on the head without taking his eyes off of the road. They drove most of the way in silence with the radio playing softly. Joey heard a peculiar noise and looked down to see Ryou asleep snoring.

His heart swelled as he thought about how much he was loved by this angel, Yami Bakura surprised him today also. When they got to Ryou's house he carried him in, having a key to the house now. Ryou's father was asleep and he gently laid Ryou down on the bed. It was so tempting to curl up with him but he really needed to get home.

He was surprised that Ryou hadn't woken up once. He kissed him softly then kissed the ring. Goodnight you two sweet dreams." He left no longer confused about what he felt for the white haired demon that he shared Ryou with…he loved him as well.

By the time Joey got home he was exhausted and went upstairs to his room. His aunt peaked out asking if he was okay then after wishing him a goodnight closed the door. He grabbed some shorts and took a quick shower washing on autopilot. Once he was clean he put on some short before curling up in his bed falling fast asleep.

TBC

*****

Thank Ya!! One more Chapter to go!! I hope these last two weren't too boring with the same ol' plot as Pressure. The next chapter should be out in a few days it's about half way written!