Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ So In Love With Two ❯ And They Call It Puppy Love ( Chapter 1 )

So In Love With Two

Author's notes:

First Things First: Hey everyone, so this is my first Yaoi fic. . . and my first YGO fic too… Pretty darn excited, I'll tell ya. Let's see, okay, there is a little OOC here and there, but I tried to make it mostly believable. Anyway, this first chapter's a little lengthy, but I wanted to get the story fully set up. Actually there's a lot of lengthiness throughout this thing, but oh well. Things get more interesting in the next chapter, but for those of you who like instant gratification there's a lemon here. I hope you guys don't hate it. So please read and review… Please Please Please

Disclaimer: Last time I checked I wasn't cashing paychecks bigger than 300 dollars, and I was still a broke-ass college student, which means I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh… If I did, well, let's just say things would be a little different… There's also some lemony content in this chapter… and others. (Author smiles mischievously) And of course, I don't own the songs I was listening to while writing this epic, so all the songs and lyrics belong to their respective owners.

Summary: Mainly K/J and T/J however, Y/YY make an interesting side story to this insanity. Basically, Joey loved Tristan before he knew what love was, but neither of them was ever ready to try and make it work. Tristan has a boyfriend and Joey's been preoccupied thinking about a certain CEO… But things change when Tristan and his boyfriend break up and Seto Kaiba, Joey's seemingly harmless fantasy crush, becomes more like an actual possibility. Joey was fine being alone, but now he doesn't know what to do cause he thinks he may be in love with them both. Meanwhile, Yugi's crush on Yami is going nowhere, despite everyone's insistence that Yami knows how his light feels and feels the same way in return. Yugi has his doubts, wondering why exactly Yami is suddenly spending so much of his free time with Malik. Okay, I tried to make it sound less corny then it does, but I couldn't think of anything… oh well, just pretend it sounds amazing and read it…

Song Notes: Okay, I have always had huge admiration for all the authors out there who can write song fics, or stories based on poems. I'm not that good. However, I love writing while I'm listening to music. My taste is really eclectic, I like everything with a good beat. So, while I wrote this, I was listening to certain songs that inspired me. Including one that inspired the title. So for anyone who cares, I'll mention the song(s) that kind of set the tone for the current chapter. I think they're all good songs, pretty mainstream stuff, nothing underground, though I'm heavy into underground everything. So if you're into the songs, that's cool, if not, that's cool too… Kind of like those television shows that tell you what songs they played during the show: "Tonight's program featured songs from… Elton John, Eminem, and Enya." You get the point. You could look up the lyrics or download the song and be like… "Oh, so that's why this chapter blew chunks"…whatever. Just gives you an idea of where my head's at. Anyway, this chapter was inspired by a song by my favorite Emo band of all time, Incubus- Stellar (Great song to be listening to while Ryou and Yugi are having one of their talks), also by So In Love With Two- by Mikala, More to Life- by Stacie Orrico (yeah, it's pure pop… but it's catchy dammit), Fallen- by Mya (good stuff), and a classic,Lovefool- by the Cardigans… (I wonder whatever happened to them…)

Chapter 1: And They Call It Puppy Love

Joey checked his watch one final time before he broke out into a run. If he didn't get the timing just right he'd miss what he waited every morning for. Pathetic really, really quite pathetic, but this was the kind of thing that defined his life. If he missed this little morning ceremony it set a negative tone for the rest of the day. With that in mind, the determined blond rounded the last corridor of the east hallway and arrived just in time.

Trying and failing miserably, Joey struggled to catch his breath as he began fumbling with the combination to his locker. He had really cut it close this time. The secret object of his desires was sure to be three lockers away at this very moment. He finally flung open his metal cell and knowingly positioned the door so that he could watch his crush retrieve his books in the locker mirror. He really needed to get a life. But he couldn't help it. Every morning, without fail, for two months now Joey stood lifelessly at his locker, eyeing that teen dream of a boy next to him, nonchalantly swapping books and preparing for another endless day of high school.

Seto left just as quickly as he appeared. Leaving Joey feeling unfulfilled. How long was this going to continue? Gods! Seto Kaiba? Why? What had he ever done to deserve this fate? The guy calls me a mutt for Gods sake, Joey screamed silently to himself. What was he doing? He started closing the locker when Tristan came running up to him.

"Wait, I'm coming. Don't close it." Tristan smiled at his best friend as he started flinging books out of his bag and into the locker. "Thanks, Joey, I appreciate it."

"Not a problem." Joey let Tristan use the locker because Tristan's was half way around school.

"Did we have homework?", Tristan asked. He always asked that same stupid question.

"Yeah, we did."

"Shit, I didn't do it."

"With Ky again last night?", Joey asked, already knowing the answer to his question. Tristan's smile was answer enough. "Is that why you neglected to call me?"

"Oops. I'm sorry, Joey."

"I know."

"No really. I know I've been so wrapped up in everything lately. School, tennis practice…"

"Ky."

"I don't mean to spend so much time with him, Joey. But he is my boyfriend, after all, I want to see him. And you know how it is with him. He's got so much going on right now. He's really stressed."

"I know."

"Joey, don't say it like that." Joey gave him a look. "Okay, look, we'll do something this weekend. I mean it. I won't make any other plans."

"Let me guess, Ky going out of town?"

"I suppose I deserve that. Please, I'm just asking for another chance. Anything you want to do this weekend. It could be just the two of us. I mean unless you wanna hang out with Yugi and Ryou and all the others. It's all up to you."

"It doesn't matter, we'll play it by ear. Making set plans never seems to work out for us anyway."

"I know I've been canceling plans and standing you up, and I'm never around anymore. But I will make it up to you this weekend. I promise, Joey." Joey looked at his brunet counterpart and nodded. "Good. We'll figure out what's going on later. I have to go, the bell is going to ring."

"Yeah. Okay."

What had ever made Joey want to be with Tristan a year and a half ago? Seto was an obvious fantasy crush, something that would never come true, something that was fun to sit alone and imagine. But Tristan, Gods, he had loved Tristan since they were kids. Before he even knew what love was. It had to have happened one day when they were searching for buried treasure in Tristan's backyard. Or while they were down by Domino City Pond looking for a live amphibian to take in for Show and Tell. Whenever it happened, Joey fell. And hard.

Last year was the worst. Joey's crush reached its pinnacle. Why did he have to fall for the seemingly straight guys? His best friend nonetheless. Tristan could have any girl he wanted, and he had had a bunch of them that school year before. Eventually, Joey grew out of it. He fell out of love with Tristan, but not before they shared a moment in time together. Before that, it was ridiculous to think about Tristan with sexual desire. He was straight. At least that was what Joey always assumed. But then one afternoon changed all that.

The bell rang. I'm in for another detention. Damn, I gotta go. Joey took off, barely remembering to close the locker behind himself.

Seto yawned. Planning Mokuba's birthday party was exhausting. Between that and school and Kaiba Corp, it was all he could do to keep from falling asleep. Mokuba's birthday: He had booked the caterer and the band. And the carnival equipment operators and circus personnel had all gotten their deposits. The only thing left was for the CEO to have his secretary send out the invitations. They should have been sent out weeks ago, but Mokuba was having trouble keeping the list of guests under seventy- five. Sure Mokuba only turned thirteen once, but this wasn't supposed to be the social event of the season either.

Seto was tried of waiting for his younger brother to finish the list, and finally gave him a deadline of today to get it complete. And here Seto was now, checking his email in the school library during study hall, looking for Mokuba's guest list so he could finally fax the damned thing to his secretary and get on with the rest of his life. Seto found the email he was waiting for and opened the attachment, carelessly scrolling through the list of names.

It looked like he had invited Domino City's entire youth population. Well everything looked in order. Then he did a double take. Seto probably wouldn't have noticed the name if it hadn't been on the bottom of the list. But there the name was, it stuck out like a sore thumb. Ignoring the "no talking" signs hanging overhead, he dialed Mokuba's cell phone on his own. Mokuba picked up.

"What's up, Big Bro?"

"Are you in class now?"

"No, lunch. Why, what's wrong, Seto?"

"Mokuba, I got your email. I was just looking over this list." The librarian gave Seto a glare. Seto simply shot an equally icy look back. "I think you made a mistake."

"A mistake? Where?"

"At the end. Wheeler's name."

"What, did I spell it wrong? Did I put the wrong address?"

"He's not invited, Mokuba."

"Yes, he is, that's why he's on the list."

"He shouldn't be on the list."

"Seto, you told me I could invite anyone I wanted. And I want Joey. He's my friend. He's really a great guy. You'd probably like him if you got to know him."

"I doubt that."

"Come on, it's my party. You won't have to talk to him."

"I guess I can stomach one afternoon with the mutt."

"Thanks, Big Brother. See you later, bye."

Seto said his goodbyes to his brother and hung up the phone. This was just what he needed. There was nothing about that fleabag Seto liked. As long as the dog stayed out of Seto's way it'd be fine. That hack duelist, Wheeler, everything about that guy ticked him off. That permanent look of stupidity on his face. All of that moppy, messy blond hair. That ridiculous laugh. And worse, that cockiness with nothing behind it to back it up.

Why am I even thinking about him? Wasting my time remembering everything about him that makes me dislike him so much? This was stupid. Anytime he saw Wheeler he felt the need to go over the list again in his head, almost as if he was trying desperately to remember everything he didn't like about him. Why was that?

And his brother was always hanging around with Wheeler and his friends. Like that time Seto had caught Joey and Tristan stealing a quick kiss at Yugi's grandfather's game shop. It was a while ago, maybe a year or so ago. Seto was on his way home from a business meeting and told his limo driver to stop so they could pick up Mokuba. When Mokuba didn't come out immediately Seto got out of the limo and decided to get his little brother himself. As fate would have it that was when he saw Joey and Tristan half behind a shelf exchanging a quick kiss.

They didn't know they had been caught. Mokuba came bounding out, asking Seto how his meeting was. Only then did Joey and Tristan even notice the oldest Kaiba brother was around. That was when Seto first suspected Joey could be gay. Around this time Joey had been clinging to Tristan like he was the second coming. Tristan was just as stupid as Joey was most of the time, certainly nothing to be idolizing. Something funny was going on between them, and the kiss proved it.

Not that Seto cared of course, he was just curious. Eventually though, Tristan and Joey's friendship shifted back to normal. And now Tristan was with some college guy. His name started with a K. Kim, Kyle, something like that. Mokuba had mentioned it a few times before. Yugi and the others apparently all liked him a lot, and they all thought he was pretty cute.

Why Seto allowed his younger sibling to regale him time and time again with sorted stories of the Yugi gang he didn't know. He supposed he let Mokuba go on and on, because his eyes would get so wide and his face would light up as he explained what Domino City drama he had just heard about at the game shop. He was more than a little interested, he guessed, but that was probably because Mokuba was a great source of information about his dueling rivals. Besides, when he paid complete attention, he usually gleaned some fascinating secret about one of them, which could always be used as black mail if a situation ever called for it.

Lately, though, most of the antidotes revolved around the dishwater blond. And Mokuba had explained on more than one occasion how Yugi and Yami were concerned that Joey was having trouble getting over Tristan. Tristan had had no trouble with his feelings, finding his current boyfriend at a party two months after Joey and him were going back to the way things were before what ever, happened happened. According to Mokuba, though, Yugi was worried Joey's heart would never fully heal. And recently, Yugi had pushed Joey into dating again. Gods, why in the world am I thinking about him?

That mongrel. I'm not going to think about him anymore, Seto decided. But he couldn't get the mutt from his mind. That stupid mutt. What was wrong with him, why in Gods name was he stuck in his head? It was like an obsession or something. So the dog was lonely, that didn't change the fact that he was an idiot. Of course he was alone, what normal person would want Wheeler anyway. He was doing it again. Remembering he had more emails to check, Seto closed the open window containing his brother's guest list, and pushed all thoughts of the fleabag from his mind.

"They're opening a Noodle Shop over on Sakura Street", Yugi announced as Joey and him entered their history class fourth period.

"A Noodle Shop, one of those trendy, hang out food places that have been popping up all over the place?", Joey asked.

"Yeah, it's supposed to be pretty nice. They're hiring, we should apply, Joey, look, I already went by there the other day and picked up applications for the two of us, see." Yugi was pulling them out of his book bag.

"What about your grandpa's shop, don't you get enough money working there?"

"It's not like my grandpa pays me a regular salary. Besides, this would be fun, something we could do together." Joey gave Yugi a look.

"Okay, if you really wanna apply fine."

"Isn't this going to be great?"

"I guess, Yug." He began filling out the form, and when he was done he handed it back to his short friend so he could go drop it off after school.

"And you'll get great experience working at a restaurant. One step closer to going to culinary school, Joey."

"If you say so, Yugi."

Yugi smiled at him and pulled out his notebook, the teacher was writing their latest homework assignment on the board. There was one thing you could say about Yugi, he was certainly positive. He was always so cherry and happy, if he wasn't such a nice guy Joey would probably be disgusted by his Sesame Street optimism. After all, the sun doesn't always come sweeping clouds away. Sometimes the clouds linger for a long time.

And Joey was already feeling a dark cloud lingering around him now, Seto was entering the room, making his characteristic entrance and handing the teacher a pass. Joey instinctively slouched in his seat. Hoping against hope that Seto wouldn't start with him the way he always did. And yet, part of him wanted Seto to start with him, call him a name in that deep, sexy voice of his. Today, however, Seto looked distracted, troubled, like he was Atlas, carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.

He slipped into his seat across from Joey and opened his laptop, beginning to type their homework assignment without looking at him. Joey felt slightly relieved, and copied the assignment into his own notebook. Maybe Seto wouldn't say anything to him today, maybe there wouldn't be the confrontation they always had in this class. Maybe…

"Who knows why we attacked?", their teacher asked. Hands shot into the air. Joey put his up too, he didn't expect to be called on, but he didn't want to keep it down, guaranteeing he would get picked on.

Seto looked up from his laptop. "Wheeler, why don't you save yourself the embarrassment and put your hand back down", he began, speaking in a low enough voice so that the teacher wouldn't hear him.

Joey looked over his shoulder. "Why don't you do us both a favor, Kaiba, and shut up?"

"Wheeler, there's no need to be so touchy, I was simply relaying a fact."

"Yeah, I got something I'm about to relay to you in a moment", Joey threatened, raising a clenched fist.

"Mr. Wheeler, is there something you wanted to share with the rest of the class?", their teacher asked. It never failed.

"Uh, well, actually…"

"Joey wanted to answer your question", Seto explained, giving Joey a typically evil glare.

"Well, Joey? Do you know the answer? I would certainly hope so since you were apparently too busy bothering Seto to be paying attention."

"Ooh, ooh, I know… I know!" Yugi exclaimed, trying to shift the class' focus off of his friend and onto himself. "It's because we viewed them as a threat and were tired of them giving supplies to the Allies…"

"I was asking, Joey, Yugi. But yes, that is correct. December 7th, 1941… the attack on Pearl Harbor…" Joey started tuning out, and smiled at Yugi who smiled back. He did a quick glance back at Seto who had a sour look on his face. What the Hell was his problem, why was he in love with someone who hated him. Part of him figured he loved him because Tristan was now attached. Maybe he had never stopped being in love with Tristan and this was simply a distraction… perhaps…

"You could take a picture, Mutt, it'd last longer", Seto said, not looking up from his typing.

"No, I wouldn't want my camera to break…"

"Mr. Wheeler, I'm not going to ask you again. What ever business you have to discuss with Mr. Kaiba will have to wait until after class. Next time I'm giving you a detention."

"Sorry." Seto smiled again, looking up from his laptop to see the embarrassed expression on the mutt's face before continuing in his typing. He wanted these notes for his business meeting done before lunch. And they'd get done too, except that he kept having the nagging feeling that those brown eyes of Wheeler's were on him again.

He looked up, Joey met his eyes. But he didn't look away. The guy needed help. It was official. The eye contact held for a while. What the Hell was he looking at, was there something on his face? "Yes?" Joey didn't respond verbally, he lifted his eyebrows and looked away. What the Hell had that been about? Seto made a mental note to ask Mokuba if the dog was taking any medication, the last thing he needed was a psychotic at Mokuba's birthday party. As it was half the yami's invited had more than a few screws loose.

"Who wants this?", Mai asked, lifting her peanut butter and jelly sandwich in the air for her table to admire.

"Give it to Joey, he's the human vacuum", Duke answered, taking a sip of soda. Mai reached across the table to give it to Joey when Tristan intercepted it.

"What are you doing, everyone knows Joey's allergic to peanuts, what, are you trying to kill him or something?" Tristan handed the sandwich to Bakura. "Let Bakura eat it."

"How do you know I won't die eating it?"

"You say that as if it'd be a negative thing", Yami replied indifferently, not looking up from his magazine. Bakura narrowed his eyes.

"Yami, don't say such things", Yugi scolded.

"You're awfully quiet, Joey, everything okay?", Tristan asked, changing the subject. Joey nodded.

"His mouth's full…" Duke said.

"Stop it, Duke", Tristan said. "Joey's upset… what is it? You can tell us, Buddy."

"Just a long day. I have a lot of homework to do. And dad is, well, he's going on Friday."

"It's this Friday? Wow, that's in four days… You must be beside yourself", Ryou commented.

"I guess. He's gonna be gone for a while at that treatment center."

"But at least he'll be getting help. And you'll have all of us to keep you busy", Yugi pointed out, smiling.

"And you'll have the house to yourself, party every weekend at Joey's place", Duke added. Tristan rolled his eyes.

"It's not like he's completely alone. The only reason the judge didn't make him move in with a relative was because his aunt and uncle live next door. And Serenity offered to stay with him", Mai said.

"Hey, Joey… It's Tristan."

"Oh, hey…" Joey trying to keep the shock out of his voice, as he spoke to Tristan after school. Why's he calling, me? Tristan had been a pretty absent friend ever since he had met Ky. As happy as Joey was for Tristan, he couldn't help being annoyed with Tristan's disappearing act since Ky appeared on the scene. "What's up?"

"Nothing, can't I call my best friend without there being some kind of ulterior motive behind it?"

"Of course, I didn't mean to imply anything."

"No, it's cool. Anyway, we didn't get a chance to figure out what we're going to do this weekend during lunch, after Mai and Duke tried to poison you things got all distracted", Tristan said, flopping on his bed.

"Yeah, like I told you this morning it doesn't much matter. We do the same thing whether or not we make plans. Why you have something special in mind?"

"I was thinking we could go see that new slasher flick. But it's up to you."

"Like I said, it doesn't matter, Tris…"

"Hold on, I have another call." Tristan clicked over. "Hello…"

"Hey, Babe", a deep masculine voice answered.

"Ky, hey."

"You free tomorrow night? I have to see you", Ky asked, smiling on his end.

"For you, of course."

"I have to tell you what happened to me today, Babe."

"Now? I'm on the other line."

"Oh, I guess I can call back some other time, it's not that important or anything…" Ky's voice dropped, trailed off.

"No, no, Ky. It's only Joey… I'll call him back later. I want to hear about your day."

"Thanks, Babe." Tristan clicked over again.

"Joey, I have to take this call. But I'll call you soon as I'm finished."

"Okay, Tris." Joey rolled his eyes and finished doing his homework.

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

Joey didn't hear from Tristan the rest of the night, not that that was in anyway different then any other night. Every time Tristan had an important call on the other line it was always Ky. Ky could certainly be controlling and manipulative when he wanted to be. But he wasn't going to think about Tristan. There were more important things to think about… like how goddamn sexy Seto Kaiba looked in his school uniform, rearranging his locker.

Seto didn't notice the drool pooling out of Joey's mouth as he watched Seto intensely in the mirror. Yugi thinks I need a hobby or something. Does Seto watching qualify?

"Morning, Joey", Ryou said, smiling at the blond teen. "What are you staring at?"

"Ryou, hey…" Joey jumped slamming his locker shut so that he couldn't notice the view. "Nothing, I was… I was checking to make sure there were no boogers in my nose…yeah, that's it…"

"Everything okay, Joey?" A concerned look dashed onto Ryou's face.

"No… yes, it's fine…" Ryou lifted an eyebrow. "Everything's fine. Why wouldn't it be?"

"Give him time, Ryou… the mutt has trouble comprehending difficult questions", Seto remarked, Joey spun around, face to face with the imagined love of his life. "I find it easiest to speak slowly and use small words…"

"And when I finish with you, Kaiba, they're gonna have to wire your mouth shut, I doubt you'll be speaking any words."

"It'd be like a day without coffee. I state a well known truth and the dog-boy makes a come back with empty threats."

"We'll see how empty they are in a minute…"

"Try me…"

"Joey, the bell is going to ring, we have class… come on", Ryou insisted, grabbing his friend by the shoulders. Joey narrowed his eyes. Seto smiled.

"See you in history", Seto added, before he took off.

Joey sighed. Maybe he could go to a counseling center, there had to be groups for people like him. There had to be a medical condition. . . it couldn't be normal to be in love with a person you hated. This was worst than Tristan…it was worse than when he loved Tristan because Tristan and him grew up together, they had a history… they were close friends. At least they were, before Ky came along.

At lunch things were the same. Mai once again gave Bakura her sandwich and Tristan made his standard apology about being caught up with Ky the night before. Ky was always going through some kind of drama. Maybe it was college life. That moody music they played on college radio stations, it was a wonder more of the students weren't depressive. And Ky seemed to be the kind of person who thrived when he was melancholy. Not that Joey knew that much about him, Ky seemed indifferent towards Joey and the rest of Tristan's friends. . . preferring the company of the college crowd to them. Not that members of Joey's little circle of friends were completely normal, of course…

"So you're sure that the mongrel doesn't have rabies or anything right?", Seto asked, thinking of how often Joey was at his locker, when he was… how he always seemed to be looking in his mirror. Mokuba was making himself comfortable on Seto's bed, the boy yawning from a long day of school. "He has all his shots, I'm assuming?"

"Yes. Like I told you, if you got to know him you'd like him…"

"And I already told you I doubt that, Mokuba."

"What I don't understand is your concern over Joey coming, I'm surprised you weren't worried about Marik or something."

"I have my reasons, Little Brother." Mokuba yawned again. "It's late, go to bed."

"I'm not a child anymore, Seto. Besides, you should take your own advice, do you have to type all the time?"

Seto didn't look up from his laptop as he answered, "I'm checking how Kaiba Corp stock is doing on the US stock market, which only opened two hours ago, and I wanted to configure my market shares in my portfolio. I'm trying to get ahead in my work so that I won't have any distractions for your birthday party."

"I know, everything you do, you do for me…"

"Not really."

"How so, Big Bro?"

"Well, if I don't continue to earn money, or worse lose money, I'd have to borrow from your trust fund and then you'd be broke and I'd have to support you for the rest of my life. And that's a burden I'm not prepared to take on, Mokuba."

Mokuba's reply was a pillow carefully aimed at Seto's head… "You missed…" Seto said, keeping the indifferent act up. The second pillow hit its mark. Mokuba started giggling as Seto jumped out of his leather chair and pounced, tackling the younger Kaiba on his bed.

"I'm going to make you wish you went to bed, Mokuba…" Seto promised, tickling him unrelentingly.

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

"Oh, Joey, I forgot to tell you yesterday. The Noodle Shop called, they wanted you to come in for an interview after school today, I told them it would be fine, I hope that's okay", Serenity said, putting her sandwich in her lunch bag. Another endless day of school was ahead of them. Gods, what Joey wouldn't give to stay home.

"Yeah, that's cool, thanks, Sis", Joey said, throwing his school bag over his shoulder.

"Hey, Joey… sorry I didn't call last night, Ky had an emergency", Tristan explained, moving the locker door so that Joey's view of Seto was ruined.

"It happens", Joey said, trying to sound convincing. Lucky for Joey, Tristan was too wrapped up to notice the frustration in his friend's voice. But Joey put up with it, because once upon a time Tristan and him… well, they had never gone out… well, not technically… but that was a long time ago. Why do I make excuses for him? Why is Ky so time consuming?

After another endlessly boring day, Joey made his way over to the Noodle Shop. The interview only took 15 minutes, Joey not sure if that was a good thing or not. Nothing he could do about it now, he supposed. Joey's dad wasn't home when he returned. Joey assumed he was probably boozing it up before he'd have to go to the treatment center in Tokyo in two days. It wasn't like Serenity and him saw him much anyway. If anything, him being away wouldn't be that dissimilar to him being home. Hopefully, this time when he did return he'd be sober. The phone rang, relieving Joey of his thoughts.

"Hey, Yug, what's up?"

"Nothing much, Joey. How'd the interview go? Mine's not until 6."

"Okay I guess, it was quick, in and out. They said they'd call by the end of the weekend."

"Did you check your mail yet?"

"No, not yet."

"Check it." Joey sighed.

"Okay, be right back, hold on." He put the phone down. He got to the door, put on his shoes, and walked to the mailboxes. He was waiting to see some kind of stupid friendship card that Tea was prone to sending on the whim. He wasn't sure about everyone else, but he really hated her sometimes. Who am I kidding, most of the time.

A couple of bills, some letters for Serenity from their mother. And an interesting looking letter from Mokuba. Joey walked back to the house and opened it. He picked up the receiver as he read the invitation to Mokuba's birthday party. "Hey, Yugi, I got this invite to Mokuba's party."

"Yeah, me too. It looks like so much fun. It says there's going to be a live band and carnival rides, and circus animals…"

"So I see."

"I already RSVPed."

"Why am I not surprised? So did Yami get invited too?"

"Yeah, he said he didn't see himself spending an afternoon with Seto Kaiba. But I RSVPed for him."

"Of course you did, Yugi", Joey said, smirking. "I guess it's not some kind of elaborate plot of Kaiba's to trap all his dueling rivals in one place and bump them off. Seems Serenity was invited too."

"Yeah, Mokuba invited everyone. Even Marik."

"Marik? Gods. I'm hoping that Malik will be there to keep him in line."

"Yeah, he's coming too. So are Bakura and Ryou."

"Damn it. Bakura too? Bad enough Kaiba's going to be there."

"Don't say that, Joey. Bakura's our friend."

"He's a psychopath."

"He's still our friend."

"You sound like Tea. If you weren't in love with Yami I'd suggest you marry her."

"Joey!" Yugi grumbled, yanking on the handle of his freezer rather hard in frustration. "No one is supposed to know about that."

"And no one does, except if you count Mai, Ryou, and of course Yami himself."

"Yami doesn't know… bad enough Mai and Ryou figured it out."

"Of course he knows. Otherwise, why would he be so protective of you all the time?"

"He's like my older brother, Joey."

"And? Your point?"

"He doesn't know. I've been really good keeping it from him. I'm better at keeping it quiet then you are about your crush on Kaiba."

"We agreed we'd never speak about that."

Yugi smiled, and rolled his violet eyes. "Whatever, Joey."

"Does this mean you don't still think Malik is after Yami?"

"I have a sneaky suspicion that, Malik has a crush on Yami. But I have no proof of that yet. Anyway, call Mokuba and RSVP. Do it before Yami and I come by to study for the exam. You didn't forget about that, did you?"

"No…" Joey was a shitty liar. Yugi rolled his eyes again.

"We're still on for eight right?"

"Um hum. Sure. You, me, and Yami", Joey answered, then considered what he had just said. "Gods, I don't want to be the third wheel… who else from our class could we get to come?"

"Bakura…"

"I'd rather get run over with a car."

"Don't say that, Joey. Look there's no one else in the class that we're even sort of friends with, so either it's Bakura, or Yami and I are coming alone."

"Fine, invite, Bakura. But the minute he starts up I'm calling the police."

"Oh, stop it Joey, don't be so overdramatic. Anyway, call Mokuba and RSVP. Maybe if we finish studying early enough we can all brainstorm on what to get him for his birthday. I mean, what do you get a boy who has everything?"

"Yeah, I was thinking that myself…"

"Yami's home… I'm going to go see if he wants me to fix him a snack. I'll call you when we're on our way."

"Yeah… okay, bye." Joey dialed Mokuba's number.

Mokuba ran into Seto's room, barely knocking before he entered. Seto looked up, annoyed, but said nothing as Mokuba climbed onto his bed. "I already got 12 RSVPs. Isn't that great? Yugi and Joey both called, the two people I wanted to come more than anyone."

"Wheeler called? He just better be house broken."

"Oh stop it, Seto. You're such a cynic. You really should give him a chance. He's going through a rough spot. His dad's going to a treatment center on Friday. Everyone's dating, and happy, especially Tristan. And I think he still loves him." Seto sighed.

"As fascinating as all of this is, Little Brother I do have work I have to finish."

"I know I was leaving. I was just letting you know so you'd have something to think about the next time you wanted to pick on Joey."

"I'll keep that in mind. Thank you." Mokuba sighed and left the older Kaiba's room. Seto continued his homework, un-phased.

"I'll be in my room if you need me, Joey", Serenity said, heading up the stairs as Joey went to open the door.

"Okay…" Joey sighed as Bakura bounded into the house, throwing his shoes off, pelting Joey with one of them, and then proceeded to the kitchen to help himself to the food in Joey's fridge.

"Bakura, don't be so rude", Yugi insisted, closing the door behind Yami and himself. The three teens could hear the mess the Tomb-Robber was making of Joey's pantry.

"It's gonna be a long night", Joey grumbled, slumping onto his couch. Bakura emerged with a hoard of food; Joey kept silent as he watched Bakura stuffing his face.

"Let's get started, shall we… we have a lot to cover", Yugi announced pulling out his books. Bakura lifted an eyebrow.

"Whatcha talking about, Yugi?"

"Um… for our exam tomorrow", he answered.

"We have an exam tomorrow?

"Gods, why did you invite him, Yugi, the guy's obviously going to hold us up", Joey complained, shooting Bakura a nasty look.

"Hey, I have an idea, I could send you to the Shadow Realm and then you won't have to worry about the exam at all, Joey…"

"The Shadow Realm, the Shadow Realm… I'll tell you where you can stick your Shadow Realm…"

"That's enough. Joey, calm down. Bakura can share Yugi's book", Yami concluded.

"Who the Hell wants to study? That's not what Yugi told me we were doing tonight."

"Aibou, what did you tell Bakura we would be doing here?"

"The reception was kind of bad on the phone. But I told him we'd be studying, Yami", Yugi answered innocently.

"Studying, I thought you said fucking." Yugi turned beat read, Yami rolled his eyes. Joey sighed.

"Look, get your mind out of the gutter, Bakura. No one's fucking here tonight", Joey stated.

"Just cause you haven't boned Tristan in a while doesn't mean you have to be so cranky. I'd be willing to do you."

"That's it, Bakura…." Joey was about to flip. Yami grabbed the blond and pushed him back on the couch.

"Bakura, we have an exam tomorrow. You're welcome to stay and study with us, or you can go off and do your own thing. If you plan on staying I'll assume we'll have no further interruptions about fucking", Yami stated.

"Fine, whatever. But I know what I heard."

"What are you talking about, Bakura? Why would I say that to you?", Yugi asked.

"Cause you want Yami to…"

"Read the outline for chapter 2", Joey finished. Yugi gave Joey a silent "thank you" and they finally started studying.

The next day, Yugi and Joey were trying to get in some more studying in the library during lunch before their exam. Yami was supposed to be meeting them after he talked to his and Yugi's art teacher. This gave Yugi time to ask Joey endless amounts of Yami questions. Joey didn't really care, he'd actually be happy for Yugi and Yami if they ever started dating. Just as long as Yami didn't end up turning into Ky Part 2.

"Yugi, I don't know what Bakura knows about how you feel about Yami. Why don't you just ask Ryou?", Joey decided, flipping through his notes.

"Think I should?", Yugi asked. Joey nodded. "I guess I will."

"Besides, Bakura probably found out from Ryou anyway", Joey pointed out.

Yugi's eyes grew large. "He swore he wouldn't say anything to anybody…"

"I'm sure he didn't. Bakura probably read Ryou's thoughts through the link."

"That doesn't make me feel any better, Joey", Yugi said, pouting.

"Speaking of mind reading, how do you know Yami hasn't read your mind already?"

"He respects my privacy."

"So he says", Joey stated, giving Yugi a skeptical look. "Reason number 17 why I'm sure Yami knows you're…" A sharp kick to the shin stopped Joey mid sentence. "Hey, Yami…"

"Yugi, Joey". Yami sat next to Yugi, pulling out his notebook. "I see Bakura isn't here. I guess he's in the cafeteria."

"Let him stay right where he is, I want to get a decent grade on this exam", Joey said, flipping through his notes again.

"Oh, Joey, Tristan wanted me to give this to you", Yami mentioned, handing the blond a folded paper. Joey opened it.

I know I've been distant lately. I don't mean to be. And this weekend I have every intention of making it up to you. Honest. Call me later. Tristan.

Joey folded the note back up and slipped it in a pocket. Tristan could be sweet when he wanted to be. And he wasn't a bad person. His priorities were just a little whacked. That's why I was in love with him. Gods, what a mess he had been back then. He was so afraid of being gay. He was tortured, having wet dreams about Tristan. That seemed to happen an awful lot, until of course Tristan and him consummated their friendship…

That fateful afternoon when they learned Tristan wasn't as straight as he was letting on:

It was the summer before last, Joey and Tristan had spent every waking hour together. Joey practically lived with Tristan, not that the Taylors minded in the least. After all, they knew what kind of man Joey's dad was. One afternoon Tristan's parents went out of town, and Tristan called Joey asking him if he wanted to come by to go swimming. Innocent enough..

Joey knew something was odd when he got to Tristan's house and no one else was there but Tristan. The impression Joey got was that the whole gang was coming over. But when he realized there were no signs of Yugi, Yami, Ryou or any of the others he got very suspicious. "If you want me to call everyone else, I can, Joey", Tristan had offered, diving into the pool.

"I mean it's fine, I just thought someone else would be here, is all." Joey dived in after Tristan and soon enough they were engaged in some intense horseplay. At first the play was innocent, like the innocent nature in which Tristan suggested Joey come over. A few splashes here, a couple of dunks there. Until invariably, the innocence seemed to leave as tension in Joey's bathing suit began to build.

It got to a point where Tristan had all but completely pinned Joey to one of the pool's sides. Tristan was taking a "break" from the "water wrestling" they had been engaged in. He proceeded to lean on Joey, his breath coming out in short little gasps. Joey's heart beat loudly in his ears. He could still remember the incredible willpower it had taken not to grab Tristan's lips with his own and act out every late night fantasy and dirty wet dream he had ever had about him. Somehow, he had even controlled himself enough not to get so hard that he'd give himself away. And there Tristan was, looking at him with those soulful cinnamon eyes, killing him softly.

Once Tristan had caught his breath, he continued in his water torture. As incredibly exciting as it was to be touching his longtime crush in this manner, Joey couldn't help but get even more uncomfortable. He certainly couldn't let Tristan know how much he wanted him, and how hard he was quickly becoming. Tristan, those damned tan abdominal muscles of his, and those broad shoulders. He was an Adonis, something a Roman sculptor would have killed to have used for a subject. That stunning body, that masculine smile of his, the way he always looked like there was some inside joke or something he was always smirking at. Those eyes that gave almost everything away, chocolate brown orbs filled with ardor.

Joey was helpless as he let Tristan win again and again, knowing if he had his way their guiltless game would turn into something x-rated. Before long though, Tristan's play was getting more and more aggressive and physical, and in the height of their amusement Tristan suggested they skinny dip. The nonchalant way in which Tristan made the suggestion and then slipped off his swimming trunks made Joey become immediately harder. His cock had managed to get only slightly erect, it pointing at a 45- degree angle, but now, there was nothing that was going to stop it. He dipped down deeper in the water, only letting his head peak out, lest Tristan see what Joey was sporting.

And his counterpart certainly wasn't making matters any easier, here he was, asking Joey to take off his suit, and telling him he was giving him until "three" before he did it for him. Joey could only stand there, very still, his mind scrambling with what to do. Not having any voice in which to protest, Tristan soon "helped" Joey remove his shorts. His gentle, insistent hands reaching under the water to grab the bathing trunks, Tristan seemed to linger at Joey's lower abs, pushing up against him as he pulled them off. All Joey could think was what he was going to say once Tristan discovered his erection. It was inevitable.

Tristan pulled at his trunks, he erection momentarily getting caught in the elastic. Joey's face flashed crimson. Tristan was going to think he was a fag. He was going to start yelling. But when his best friend did see it the reaction he received was surprising to say the least: "I always knew you were packing, but I never thought it was this big." Tristan reached back under the water and grabbed him. "And what's most interesting is that there's probably a little bit of shrinkage too."

"Tristan…." His breath was so raspy and he was so afraid he'd come in Tristan's hand. Tristan could only smile at the sound of Joey whimper his name, and without any warning planted a kiss on him. Tristan was insistent, luring Joey's tongue out to commingle with his. The kiss only deepened as Tristan became more dominant. Lips exploring lips, hands pawing at each other, somewhere in all the frenzy Joey moaned into Tristan's mouth. That moan sent Tristan's semi-erection flying up and hitting Joey's abdomen.

This was the start of what would become a fantasy so vivid that half the time Joey would only have to think about the ten-minute moment in the pool to get off. Although Joey still replayed the entire event in his mind to this day, his memory was fuzzy as to what transpired between the pool and the house. All he could remember was somehow being half dried off, and crawling naked onto his soon to be lover's bed.

"I have no idea what I'm doing, Joey", Tristan admitted, climbing on the bed.

"Could have fooled me." Impulsively, Joey leaned forward and kissed him.

"Lay back on my pillow." Joey complied, head already spinning. Tristan knelt between his legs. He spread them apart a little further so he had enough room. Then his head came down, and he lightly kissed the head of Joey's erection.

Trying to hide his inexperience, Tristan decided to just go with what seemed right. His tongue flicked out and swirled around the head of Joey's penis. It felt incredible. "Gods, Tris, this is so much better than using my hand." Tristan smirked. Then continued his exploration. The mystery behind oral sex was finally being revealed.

His tongue traveled down the length of Joey's erection, and then, teasing him, he licked his balls. Then he started licking the skin behind his balls and working his way back up. "Fuck, Tris."

"One step at a time, Joey", came the response. Joey had no idea what Tristan was up to when he started licking his finger. When his tongue touched his anus, at first Joey thought he'd been mistaken, but then he licked it again. As his tongue shallowly probed his hole, Joey realized this was no mistake. He began to squirm as Tristan drove his tongue deeper, driving him wild. Joey pushed his bottom into his face, losing himself in the feeling.

Suddenly, his finger replaced his tongue. It didn't feel as good, but it was still welcome. He kept it just at the opening, with only about a half inch inserted. This changed as his mouth engulfed

Joey's erection to the base. As he bobbed up and down on his cock, his finger echoed his head motions, going in and out of Joey's hole. Tristan pushed himself deeper, the pleasure sensations soon countering the minor discomfort. "Gods, Tris, ahhhhhhhh."

The blond could only clutch desperately at the comforter as his entire body began to tense. His hands frozen in the position, his climax building inside of him. Tristan took that it as a sign to go on and quickened his movements. His movements only sped up further as Joey felt himself reaching the brink, his orgasm impending, his climax surpassing any he had ever experienced solo. He could feel Tristan's finger thrust forward rapidly as his head came down on his cock.

It was all over, the head of Joey's penis scraped the back of Tristan's throat, and his entire body became rigid as he came in his mouth. It felt like it lasted forever, as spurt after spurt gushed forth, but finally it ended, with Joey's body going limp.

"What was that, Tris", Joey asked, wishing he didn't sound so naïve.

"You liked that, huh?"

"Yeah, but you didn't… you didn't come, Tris."

"I know, you wanna help me with that?" Without any further chat Joey smiled and Tristan was already off into the bathroom looking for some kind of lubrication. When he returned with some baby oil Joey was already hard again with anticipation.

Still hating the fact he sounded like a schoolboy in for the surprise of his life, Joey asked "What are you gonna do, Tris?"

"Something I should have done a long time ago."

Wordlessly they lubed Joey's anus and Tristan's dick until they were satisfied it was enough. "This is probably going to hurt, Joey", Tristan whispered, as he laid Joey back down on the pillow.

"Just, don't go plowing in like a porno star on me. Take it easy, okay?"

"Yeah, of course." He gave Joey his most convincing smile and a soft kiss before he positioned himself. Joey was already uneasy, remembering how Tristan's fingers had felt, and how tight his opening was. Tristan was already sizing him up like a holiday ham, lust long since filling his eyes and clouding his judgment.

"I mean it, Tris. I want my poop shoot to still be able to poop." Tristan made a face. "Don't look so disgusted. Or have you already forgotten what your plans for me are."

"I'll take it slow, Joey. I promise." And with that, Tristan began sliding inside. He debated whether or not to ease himself in little by little or to just keep pushing until he was at the hilt. He decided on the latter, after all, it was probably like peeling off a bandage. Taking it off little by little always hurt more than simply ripping the whole thing off in one pull. Tristan focused on being gentle, already seeing the wincing expressions his best bud was making.

Sooner than expected, Joey seemed pretty acclimated to Tristan's size and Tristan began his pumping, pulling his shaft almost all the way out, and then slowly driving it back in. At first the action hurt, but the pain was giving way to a little pleasure as Tristan's own ensuing gratification took over. "I gotta tell you, Joey, your poop shoot's pretty tight, I'm surprised you can take a crap at all."

"Oh, fuck, Tristan."

"I'm trying to."

His steady rhythm continued as he pressed against Joey's prostate. Joey began wriggling around in the process driving Tristan's manhood deeper inside of him. "Mmmm, Joey, this is wonderful. How's it feel on your end?" Tristan moaned, his brown hair still wet from the pool, moisture dripping onto Joey's chest and stomach.

"Damn, Tris…ahhhhh….don't stop." Tristan, of course had no intention of stopping. He picked up the pace. Joey grabbed his erection, matching his hand's movements to Tristan's thrusting. Tristan went faster, thrusting against Joey with enough force that the headboard was slamming into the wall like it was ready to snap into two.

"Ahhhhh, Joey, oh fuck." Tristan's words were barely making it to his lips. Ecstasy was winning out. Joey grabbed onto Tristan's shoulders, desperate to find something to hold onto. "Why the Hell…haven't we done this…ahhhh….before, Joey?"

"Tristan…." Tristan's name choking in his throat as he could feel himself going over the edge, his hips bucking back to meet each one of Tristan's shoves with one of his own. "You're killing me, Tris…"

"The feelings… oh Gods….entirely mutual…." Tristan tried to hold out a little longer, feeling the orgasm already taking its effect. He could feel Joey's muscles clamp around him. The incredible tightness only getting tighter, Joey's own ejaculation flying out, Tristan grabbed onto Joey's waist holding him still, still enough to empty himself inside of him. With that last ounce of energy escaping him, Tristan collapsed on top of Joey and the two teens feel asleep.

Soon after there were other afternoons, their first encounter giving way to many more. Until they both kind of wore each other out. Not physically, but emotionally. Too much of a good thing was not a good thing. Joey's crush, crashed. He still cared for Tristan, but seeing him everyday, being with him everyday, it was too much. He began noticing all the little idiosyncrasies that over time started to bother Joey to no end. At one point they practically hated each other, not speaking at all, only rushing off to Tristan's house after school and having sex with each other just to release stress. It was then that things got desperate. They wound up having to avoid each other for a month. Eventually deciding that having a physical relationship with each other all the time was too much.

"So what happens now?", Tristan had asked one day, while Joey was making noodles.

"I guess we go back to being friends", Joey had answered, he had looked up through his bangs.

"With benefits?" Joey had smiled. And that was how things became, satisfying each other's lust, no feelings in the way. That's how things were until Tristan met Ky, of course.

Although sometimes one of the teens would utter a sheepish confession of love while he was sure the other was asleep or in the heat of the moment when an "I love you" would escape passion filled lips, there was a nonverbal understanding that feelings got in the way. And Joey was fine with that, he was no longer in love with Tristan, as far as he knew, especially since he thought he was in love with Seto Kaiba. Seto was the only thing running through his mind lately. Sexual or otherwise. Of course what Joey wouldn't give to get Seto into bed…

"Don't look now, here comes Kaiba", Yugi said, ending Joey's train of thought.

"Kaiba…where?", Joey asked, spinning around too quickly on his chair. The next thing Joey knew he was on the floor, Seto fast approaching.

"Well, I see the school librarian finally took my advice and told you to stay on the floor. I never understood why they let animals on the furniture in the first place." Joey stood up, dusting himself off.

"Speaking of which, Kaiba, the circus called, they're gonna need you back by eight."

"They'll be fine, they have you booked as the main event."

"The only event you should concern yourself with is my fist hitting your face." Seto began laughing.

"You never cease to entertain me, Mutt." Kaiba ruffled Joey's hair as he headed for his favorite corner table. "I'll have to remember to bring some treats to school." Yami and Yugi grabbed Joey and began dragging him out of the library before the blond could say anything else, although Joey sure tried. Half the time Joey couldn't decide whether or not he wanted to sleep with the CEO or beat him up.

Seto settled down on his bed, exhausted from another long day at school and Kaiba Corp, and began checking his email on his laptop. It wasn't even that late, barely seven, but being a teen CEO wasn't easy. There was a message from one of his advisors, Seto opened it, scanning the document quickly. He got too much email to really read anything carefully. Besides, for the most part, the emails his business associates sent him could be surmised in three sentences or less. Why doesn't he just get to the point, he grumbled, scrolling down.

Apparently one of the backers on one of Seto's many projects had just backed out. Making him the key investor of some restaurant chain. When did I invest in this? He'd have to check his day planner. Which restaurant? He searched for the name, ready to make some phone calls and ask someone when he finally found it, The Noodle Shop.

Seto frowned. Weren't these places just a fad? But fads make money. People still drink Starbucks Coffee. And according to the email they were getting ready to open an 8th location in Domino City. Eight locations wasn't bad. The chain only started 5 years ago. Maybe that's why I invested in this… Maybe he'd go check out this place, once it opened in Domino. See how they ran the business, and as the key investor maybe he'd get some free noodles out of it.

"Hold on, Duke, I have another call", Serenity explained, clicking over. "Hi, no, Joey's not home right now he went over to a friend's house. He should be home later on tonight, can I take a message? Okay. Thank you. I'll have him call you. Bye." The redhead reconnected with Duke. "Oh, it was the manger from the Noodle Shop. Joey got the job. Yeah, he's going to be really excited."

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

Joey's daily ritual continued the next morning. One day he was going to get caught. One day Seto would ask him why he spent day after day staring longingly through the small magnetic mirror Tristan had affixed in the locker. One day he was going to tell Joey he knew his little secret. It was only a matter of time. And perhaps that one day would be today…. Seto met Joey's eyes. He was watching Joey watching him. Joey nearly went into cardiac arrest. Before he could even formulate a plan of action his locker door shook.

Tristan appeared on the other side, swinging the door inoffensively. Joey spun around, trying to see where Seto had gotten too. But he was nowhere to be found. Joey let a small sigh of relief escape him as Tristan flung his backpack to the ground. Joey, startled watched his best friend crouched down and begin throwing all his things into the locker with enough force that Joey was half expecting the locker to break.

"Something wrong, Tris?", Joey asked, his eyes not leaving the scene before him.

"Why, does it show?", Tristan asked, not bothering to look at Joey as he stood back up.

"I'm just asking, jeez, Tristan", Joey said, running his hand through his hair, trying to tame his stubborn bangs.

Tristan sighed. "Just forget it, Joey".

"It's forgotten." Joey watched as Tristan slammed the locker shut and picked up his book bag. "I'm sorry if it's something I did."

Tristan opened his mouth to speak, before stopping in mid thought. "Ky broke up with me last night."

"You guys always break up."

"It's different."

"Nothing is different. You'll be back together by lunch time."

"No. We won't. Ky's transferring."

Joey turned so that his shocked expression could be in Tristan's full view. "He's transferring? Where?"

"To a school in London."

"London, as in England?"

"No, London as in Thailand."

"There's a London in Thailand?"

"Joey, be serious would you, for once in your life. Please."

"Sorry, Tris, I was just trying to crack a little joke to lighten the mood."

"I don't know what I'm going to do without him, Joey. I feel empty enough when I don't see him for a week, what am I going to do when I won't see him again."

"He doesn't want to try for a long distance relationship?"

"No, and I don't think I'd want one either. Besides, I'm sure he'll find someone better than me in England anyway."

"That can't happen, Tris. There isn't anyone better than you."

"Don't start, Joey", Tristan balked, he was making his way down the hallway now, Joey matching his footsteps. "You're required to say that, you're my best friend."

"Best friend aside, there was a time in my life when I was completely infatuated with you. You haven't forgotten that, have you?"

"How could I forget you chasing after me like a lost kitten. But even you realized I was too much. You had to get away. Like Ky. He was probably applying to schools all over Europe and the States so he could have a solid excuse when he dumped me." He crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against a new row of lockers.

"Oh stop it, Tristan. It's fine if you're going to be upset about this, but I'm not going to sit here and listen to your self-pitying propaganda all morning. If Ky were going to England to get away from you, which I don't believe for a second, then he's obviously suffering from some head trauma. You're too incredibly amazing to put into words, Tris. No words of mine would ever do you justice."

Tristan lifted an eyebrow. "The Tristan Taylor I know sucks it up, he gets drunk, he moves on. It's gonna hurt for a while, I'm not saying it doesn't. But if you think for a moment I'm going to want to hear anymore crap about you not being good enough, or Ky wanting to get rid of you, you have another thing coming. Understand?" Tristan didn't respond at first. "Well, do you?"

"Yes", he answered with a firm nod. "At least I can't cancel our weekend plans, huh?"

"Wouldn't of thought of it that way… but yeah, that's true." Joey smiled at him.

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

Ryou and Yugi were lying on Yugi's floor, in his darkened bedroom, staring at the glow- in the- dark stars on his ceiling, like they did many a Saturday night. After a day of fun with their friends they often retreated to the smaller teen's room to contemplate. Normally they did this when they wanted to speak about their yamis, but tonight they were speaking about everything, including Tristan and Joey.

Ky and Tristan had broken up only yesterday, and already Tristan was acting as if nothing was amiss. Worse Joey and him were spending the weekend together. Everyone agreed that, at least for the first couple of weeks that their father was away in Tokyo at the alcohol abuse treatment program, Serenity and Joey should spend the weekends at someone else's house. Serenity, Mai, and Tea were all spending the weekend at Mai's, and Tristan had insisted that Joey spend the weekend with him. No one objected to the idea, least of all Joey, but now as Ryou and Yugi contemplated the arrangement the two teens began having their doubts.

"I know Tristan means well, but I have a bad feeling I know what's going to happen this weekend", Yugi stated, sighing softly.

"Tristan's really hurting right now, and he's very vulnerable. He's in denial. He isn't thinking about Ky, and he refuses to get upset or cry over it, he's holding it all in", Ryou added.

"And Joey's confused. His crush on Seto frustrates him. And now his dad's gone, and he's defenseless too. It's a lose/lose situation, Ryou."

"Um hum. There's nothing we can do about that though. Joey's lonely. And here's Tristan, free of Ky… maybe they can even go back to the way things were before. A year ago."

"Can you ever really go back?"

"I don't know, I guess we'll find out. I know the last thing either of them needs is a dependency on the other one, but if for the time being they can comfort each other, I don't think there's anything wrong with that, Yugi."

"I suppose you're right."

"Did you figure out what you're going to get Mokuba for his birthday?", Ryou asked, sitting up, changing the subject breathlessly.

"No… you?" Yugi sat up.

"Um um… it's hard, there's nothing Seto can't buy him."

"I know. I was thinking I'd get him a photo album and fill it with pictures of all of us together. I'd just have to take some more. Which means we're going to have to invite him to come out with us a lot for the next couple of weeks", Yugi explained, sitting against his bed.

"Yeah. We should probably invite Seto too. I feel bad, he doesn't have any friends, besides Mokuba. And if we start hanging out with Mokuba more he might become resentful of us."

"Yes, that's a good point, Ryou. But remember, Joey gets really uncomfortable around him." The shorter teen drew his knees in close to his chest, and hugged them. "I still get uncomfortable around Yami and we live in the same house."

"Boy, do you ever", Ryou teased.

"Speaking of which, I was wondering something…" Ryou's smile persisted, Yugi looked at his knees. The smile faded.

"What is it, Yugi?"

"Did you, did you tell Bakura about it? I mean, it's not a big deal… I was just wondering how many people know…" Yugi trailed off, still refusing to make eye contact.

"I never told him, Yugi. Honest. It's not something I think about very often, it's not like he could have even read my thoughts. If Bakura knows it's because he figured it out on his own. You try to hide it, but sometimes you say certain things that give it away. Not to make you feel bad about this, Yugi, but I'm pretty sure Yami knows."

There was a knock on the door. "Come in", Yugi peeped, turning stiffly to look at the door. Yami entered, his eyes trying to focus in the dark room.

"Am I interrupting something, Aibou?"

"No, no… we were just… um… talking…about Joey and Tristan…"

"I see." Yami stood in the doorway, studying the other's movements intensely.

"You can come in, Yami. Did you want Yugi for something?", Ryou asked.

"No. I just wanted to make sure everything was okay. It was getting extremely quiet in here. I was wondering what you two were up to."

"Nothing…we weren't up to anything", Yugi assured him. Ryou smiled slightly to himself.

"You look like a kid who's gotten his hand caught in the cookie jar, Aibou…" Yami walked across the room, the organ in Yugi's chest pounding against his rib cage. "Were you and Ryou doing something naughty in here?", he continued, his voice even, standing over Yugi. Ryou watched, his smile broadening. Yami was teasing him, Yugi's face turning a dark purplish color.

"Why would you say that? Of course Ryou and I weren't doing anything naughty. Honestly, Yami, where do you get these ideas?"

"You sure?", Yami asked, his eyes focusing on his victim, he lowered himself so that his light and him were face to face. "It's okay, Yugi…you can tell me."

Ryou bit his lip to keep from giggling. Yami enjoyed torturing Yugi this way. Ryou wasn't sure when Yami had figured out Yugi was smitten, but it was clear he knew. But it seemed Yami wanted Yugi to say something first. And this little game Yami played, Yugi was always too oblivious to realize that this was Yami's way of flirting with him. They need to get a room…Ryou thought.

"Well, I'll leave you two alone. You can continue doing whatever it was you were doing in here, Aibou."

"Okay…" Yugi squeaked.

"You're welcome to stay", Ryou offered, smiling again. Yami and him exchanged a look.

"Yami has stuff he's probably busy with. He doesn't want to stay", Yugi stammered.

"I should be going. Aibou, don't do anything I wouldn't do. Ryou, keep an eye on him for me."

"Um hum", Ryou said, trying desperately not to burst out laughing. Yami closed the door behind himself. They waited for Yami to return to his own bedroom and shut the door before either of them spoke.

"Why does he do that?", Yugi complained, slumping.

"He does it on purpose. He enjoys messing with you, Yugi."

"I know. But why?"

"He likes you. And he knows the feeling is entirely mutual."

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

Joey awoke in a mess of sheets, blankets, and a comforter, on the floor, hitting it with a loud thud. Tristan yawned and looked over the edge of his bed, laughing to himself. "That's what you get for being a cover hog, Joey."

"Hey, I'm the guest. I should have first dibs on the covers." Joey rubbed his neck. "What time is it anyway?"

"Time to get going. We have school."

"Damn, it's Monday already?"

"You knew that last night, Joey, when you decided to spend the night again."

"Last time I checked, Tris, you're the one who insisted I stay." Tristan shot him a mischievous look. "I think you've become a bad influence on me."

"I'd say so. Come on, it's late." Tristan stood up, smirking as he watched Joey stare at his nakedness. When Joey realized Tristan noticed him looking he turned away and got up.

"So we're running late, huh?", Joey asked, trying to hide the blush, not looking at Tristan as he tried to use the blue down comforter as some kind of cover for his own nudity. He walked towards Tristan's bathroom.

"That's what I said."

"So late I don't have time to take a shower?"

Tristan looked at the clock on his wall, then at his counterpart. "There's always time to shower, Joey", Tristan concluded. Joey spun around.

"And what better way to save time then by showering together." Tristan lifted his eyebrows then sneered.

"It's official, I've definitely become a bad influence on you." Tristan gave Joey another smile, walked over to him and placed a small kiss on his cheek.

Yugi was making Yami breakfast. By the time the spirit came into the kitchen, everything was done. "What's all this?", Yami asked.

"Breakfast. It's the most important meal of the day, you know."

"This all for us?", Yami asked next. Yugi nodded. "How sweet. You cooked all of this?"

"Yeah. Grandpa went out already."

"So much food. Are those cinnamon rolls? The kind Joey makes?"

"Yeah, I followed his recipe exactly, I can't guarantee they taste as good though."

"I'm sure they're wonderful." Yami ran his fingers through Yugi's hair. Yugi was going to die. "There's so much food here, Aibou. We'll never finish all of this. You made too much."

Can't he just be happy? Does he have to complain?

"Maybe we can invite Malik over." Yami was already at the phone. "You don't mind do you, Yugi?

"Why would I?" Yugi slammed the cinnamon rolls on the table hard, surprised the plate didn't break. Doesn't Malik have his own yami? Why does he want mine?

"Careful, Aibou", Yami admonished. "Not so hard."

"Well maybe you can bring the food over to the table then…"

"I'm on the phone, shhh." Yugi clenched his fists. "Hi, Malik." Yami's tone of voice changed. Maybe it worked both ways, maybe Yami liked Malik back…

<b>Author Endnotes</b>: So goes Chapter one, once again apologies for the length. I got a little carried away. Anyway… please, once again, REVIEW. Oh, and here's a little teaser for the second part of this insanity I call my first YGO fic….

Okay, so I'd fuck him. Seto sat up. Yeah, so I'd fuck him. So what? Big deal. I haven't thought anything abnormal. I'm only being honest. And honestly he'd fuck Joey into next week. Throw him on the bed, do all kinds of roguish things to him. Was that it? Was that why he was so mean to the puppy? Was it sexual tension?

Yeah, that's what the therapist would tell him. So was that the cure? Get Joey into bed and he'd stop obsessing over him? Was it that simple? Nothing is that simple. But maybe in this case, that was the treatment. It was certainly worth a shot. And if Mokuba was right about Joey's feelings, then this wouldn't be difficult. Did he really want to sleep with him? Fuck him?

Yes. Yes he did. He wanted to screw the shit out of him. He had to admit it went beyond piece of mind. Joey was probably pretty good in bed. Of course he was. He was so fiery, so passionate. And the two of them together. Hum…He was really starting to like this idea. And it had been entirely too long sense he had last gotten any…