Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ So In Love With Two ❯ There's Something About Joey... ( Chapter 2 )

First Things First: Squeals!!!! I got reviews… this little insanity I've been mulling over has been noticed. Thanks guys, you're all too kind. I really have a weird mind…I just haven't had a chance to put it to good use. I'd love if I got some more reviews, that would be super. (hint hint) But really, thanks all of you for the lovely musings. I appreciate it. ^_^ This chapter is more than a third shorter than chapter 1, but still a tad lengthy.... (Sorry)

Disclaimer: 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… For those of you who like this kind of thing, there's a serving of lemonade in this chapter….. (hehehehe) And once again, I don't own the songs I was having a moment to while creating this craziness.

Song Notes: Well, this chapter was inspired by Lillix's - Tomorrow, a dancehall staple, Daniel Beddingfield's hit- Gotta Get Through This (a song that can apply to Tristan and Joey, although for different reasons), So Into You- Tamia (the version without Fabulous, not that that version isn't good too. Poor little Yugi), Jennifer Page's first single- Crush (I think the title speaks for itself) and finally an older song, but still a good one, the R&B hit from the Waiting to Exhale soundtrack, Brandy's pop song- Sitting In My Room (something I imagine many of the characters doing, carelessly daydreaming about love. Especially Seto. hehe).

Chapter 2: There's Something About Joey…


It was odd, Wheeler wasn't at his locker. Seto checked his watch. No, he had gotten there the same time he always did. But the mutt was MIA. Where is he? Wait, why do I care? I don't. This had to be the first time since school started that he didn't have to watch that idiot staring at him through the locker mirror. Did he think he didn't know? Of course I know he stares at me. He stares at me constantly. Why the Hell am I thinking about this? The CEO caught himself actually looking around the hallway to see what had happened to Joey. Seto slammed his locker and headed off to class.

Seto didn't notice him anywhere for the early part of the day. Joey didn't seem to be in school. Probably out sick. Mokuba would tell him all about it when he returned home. Why was he still contemplating this? Seto got to history class slightly late, having taken a conference call in the school library to the librarian's chagrin. There Joey was, sitting in his seat doodling on his notebook. He didn't notice him enter, or if he did, he didn't acknowledge it like usual. Something was different.

"Does anyone know why both the Axis power and Allies turned against Belgium by the end of the war?" A couple of hands shot in the air, including Joey's, Yugi's and Seto's. "Mr. Wheeler? Do you know?" Seto smirked to himself. Of course he doesn't know.

"It's because Belgium originally aligned with Germany, and was prepared to carry out their own extermination of the Jews in their country, but then when it looked as if Hitler was about to be defeated Belgium tried to align with the Allies, who wanted no part of them because they had tried to kill Jews a few years earlier. So they were caught between a rock and a hard place."

Yugi, the teacher, and the majority of Joey's classmates' mouth's stood agape. "Very good, Mr. Wheeler. Someone was obviously doing the weekend reading assignment and paying attention. Now, with the case of Belgium and Germany…."

Seto all but stopped listening and narrowed his eyes. Joey doing the reading assignment? What the Hell was going on? What was he doing this weekend? There is something very wrong… I must be dreaming this or something… Seto's eyes widened as Joey turned around and looked at him.

"Something you wanted, Kaiba?", Joey asked, casually.

"What?"

"You must want something, you keep staring at me."

"You're hallucinating."

"And you're staring…"

"Why would I be doing that?", Seto barked.

"I don't know…that's why I'm asking."

"Listen, Fleabag…"

"Mr. Kaiba, is there a problem?" Seto looked back at the teacher. "Something you needed?"

"There's no problem. I apologize for disturbing the class." The teacher lifted an eyebrow. Looking at Joey, then back to Seto. Satisfied, she left it at that.

~.~

Yugi waited for Yami at his locker. Yami was chatting it up with Malik, and two other guys from their class much to Yugi's disappointment. Why was Yami so popular? Almost everyday after school the former pharaoh had some kind of plans. And today Yugi was starting at the Noodle Shop, he wouldn't see Yami until late, he wanted to say bye to him. But Yami was a little too involved at the moment. Yugi closed his locker and headed down the hall with a sigh. This was ridiculous. Ryou couldn't be right about him, there was no way Yami liked him back. He probably had a thing for Malik, like everyone else did. Yugi was already convinced Malik liked him. Yugi pouted and leaned against a locker.

"Something troubling you, Aibou?", Yami asked, stalking down the hallway. Yugi stood there, Yami's slender body approaching him. "Aibou, I was afraid I wouldn't catch up with you before you left for work. I wanted to wish you good luck."

"Oh… thanks…"

"You okay? Did something happen, Little One?", Yami asked, narrowing his eyes. Here he goes again, with that protective stuff. I'm acting like I don't love when he does it…

"No, nothing like that. It's okay. Just really excited about my first day." Yami kept his eyes on his light, reading him effortlessly. "Something on your mind, Yugi, something you want to tell me?", Yami asked, mentally. Yugi shook his head.

"Okay then", Yami continued, aloud. "I will come pick you up after work then. Be good, Aibou." Yugi nodded again. What was Yami's obsession with making Yugi feel like a child? Of course he'd never return his feelings, he treated him like a ten-year-old. Seto Kaiba probably didn't baby Mokuba this much.

~.~

Joey opened his locker and a note flew out onto the ground. Joey knelt down and picked it up, scanning it: Hey, Babe, it's Tris. I have tennis practice today, but later… I thought we'd study. I can come by, and we could do our trig homework together. And this time I promise I won't try anything. At least not until we finish it. Joey folded the note and put it in his book bag.

That was Tristan's new thing, well, rather old thing. Calling Joey babe and baby. And as for doing their trigonometry homework together, that was something Tristan did at Ky's apartment. Or used to do, at least. Tristan was acting as if there was no Ky, that there had never been a guy named Ky in his life. Joey wasn't sure if that was the best way to handle the break up. But Tristan seemed to be okay. I suppose I'm thinking of an excuse for sleeping with him.

It wasn't as if Joey meant to. Part of him knew it would happen if he spent the weekend with him. Part of him even wanted it to happen. Gods, what was he doing, Tristan was on the rebound, the last thing he should have done was that. But he did. He did it anyway. It felt so good to be in Tristan's arms again, like they used to be. But it was wrong. Ky and him had only broken up on Friday, and Saturday night Joey and Tristan were…

"Joey, hey", Tristan said, running up to him. "Didn't see you at lunch."

"Yeah, I went to the school store to get some pencils. Got your note."

"Good."

"Something else you wanted, Tris?"

"Just to see you before you left", he answered, he gave Joey a little smile. "See you after tennis practice." Just when I thought I was completely over him...

~.~

After Seto's psychiatrist's appointment Seto took his cherry red Jaguar to Mokuba's school to pick his younger brother up. Mokuba ran to the car, a huge child's grin completely taken over his face. He opened the door and slid inside. "Hey, Big Bro, guess what, I got 13 RSVPs today at school. There's only a handful of people who haven't RSVPed yet… isn't that great?"

"Yes, Mokuba. Put on your seatbelt please." Mokuba did as he was instructed and started playing with Seto's radio. All Seto ever listened to was the news station that updated stock quotes every 15 minutes. "Do you mind, Mokuba?"

"No, not at all", Mokuba answered, finding a station that played the top 40 in constant, heavy rotation. Seto sighed. "How was your day? How was your session?"

"Fine", Seto answered, nonchalantly.

"Oh, guess what, Seto", Mokuba thought, turning in his seat to address his older brother directly.

"Yes?" Seto didn't look at him, but continued staring out the windshield.

"Yugi invited me to go to the roller rink with them on Friday night. He said you should come too, Seto."

"I don't roller blade."

"Oh come on, Seto. It'll be fun. Why don't you like them?"

"Because they're a waste of my valuable time." Mokuba slumped in his seat with a defeated look on his face.

"I can still go, right?"

"If you want to go, you can go, Mokuba. Just don't stand too close to the mutt, fleas are known to be good jumpers."

"Stop it, Seto. I told you Joey's going through a lot. Besides, with what happened on Friday with Tristan, everyone's in a weird mood." Seto turned slightly towards his younger sibling, trying to appear only slightly interested. "Joey's kind of got the job of caring for him."

"You don't say. And I suppose you're going to tell me why?"

"Not when you say it like that I won't."

"You don't have to tell me, I don't really care."

"Fine, but the suspense is going to kill you, Seto", his brother promised. Seto sighed. They both knew Seto wanted to know.

So Seto conceded. "If you really want to tell me then tell me, Mokuba". Mokuba smiled.

"Well, Tristan came to school Friday depressed because Ky broke up with him on Thursday night cause he's transferring to a school in London…"

"Ky who?", Seto asked, even though he knew exactly who he was.

"I told you about him, the college guy Tristan was in love with." Seto shrugged. He wasn't letting Mokuba know that he really paid attention to the stories he told him about Yugi and his pack of idiotic friends. "Anyway, so, since Joey's dad went to Tokyo everyone thought that Joey shouldn't stay home by himself so Serenity is staying with him during the week and they're both going to be staying at people's houses for the weekends. Tristan decided that Joey should spend the weekend with him. Of course you have to remember that Tristan's parents were going to his grandparents house for the weekend. So they had the house to themselves. Draw your own conclusions."

What! Seto screamed to himself. That certainly shed some light. "When Joey called yesterday he was still at Tristan's. He said he had had a wonderful weekend. I guess that means that Joey was able to comfort Tristan. If you catch my drift. I suppose Tristan's still on the rebound though."

"What an interesting story, Mokuba… thank you, oh so much, for telling it to me." Mokuba pushed Seto.

"You don't have to be sarcastic, Seto. Anyway, I guess this is going to change things between Tristan and Joey again. Joey sounded happy, though. It sounded like he had a smile on his face over the phone."

Seto wasn't responding, Mokuba had given him quite enough to mull over already. Tristan and Joey, again? What the Hell was Joey doing? Tristan, Trisitan. Didn't anyone else see something really wrong with that? Yeah, okay, he was kind of cute. But still. Tristan? The mutt's dumber than I give him credit for. Didn't he make this mistake before? Tristan! And what had happened to Ky? Why the sudden change in plans?

This was silly. Ludicrous. So now that Tristan was back in the picture… was that why he wasn't interested in staring at Seto at his locker anymore… was that it? What the Hell am I doing? Once again, wasted energy wondering about the idiot. But, no… it was like Joey was different now… was Tristan having that big an effect on him…. already? I don't believe this. Tristan and the Mutt, why?

"Seto?", Mokuba asked, seeing the serious look on his brother's face. Seto looked at Mokuba for a second and back out the windshield. "You look like you're deep in thought, something troubling you, Seto? This about Tristan and Joey?"

"What are you talking about, Mokuba?", Seto asked, giving Mokuba his trademark glower.

"I was just asking, no need to give me the death glare, Big bro." It's not my fault you like Joey...

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.
< br> Joey flopped into the house, dropping his book bag on the floor and slumping onto the couch. Serenity was warming up leftovers. "Joey, that you?", she called from the kitchen.

"Yeah… I think so…" Serenity walked over to him, and shook her head.

"You look exhausted. Long day at work?"

"Always." She smiled. It had been a long week, Yugi and him had worked three days each at the Noodle Shop. "I know what you're gonna say, Serenity, you're going to remind me that it's okay. That once the place opens next Friday things will be easier."

"Yep. Besides, it's Friday, Joey. No work tomorrow… and we're going to the roller rink tonight."

He sighed, and kicked off his shoes, forgetting to take them off at the door. At least he was off from work until Monday. "So who's all going tonight?"

"Um… Mai, Yugi, Ryou, Bakura, Tristan, Mokuba, Yami, Duke, Malik…"

"Hold on, Malik? Since when, Yugi told me not to invite him", Joey interjected. Serenity gave him a quizzical look.

"It's okay, Joey, I don't really think there is anything going on between Yami and Malik." Joey's jaw dropped open. "I know all about Yugi's crush. Same way I knew about yours." Joey shot Serenity a look.

"We are never going to discuss that in this house." Serenity rolled her eyes, mockingly. "Besides, I don't even know if I like him anymore. Tristan's been a pretty good distraction lately. But that's besides the point, how did you know about Yugi?"

"Duke might have mentioned it." Joey's expression grew cold. So what if they were together, that didn't give Duke the right to tell Serenity everything. Even if she was his girlfriend.

"Yugi was really angry when he realized Duke knew, don't let him know you know too."

"Wouldn't dream of it, Joey. But what's all this talk about you not liking you-know-who anymore? You really think getting involved with Tristian right now is wise?"

"I'm not involved with him", Joey said, turning away. Unless of course sleeping with him counts. But it was only last weekend. It was comfort sex. Who am I trying to convince here?

~.~

"Last chance to come, Seto. You won't regret it", Mokuba insisted, his bag hung over his shoulder.

"What part of "I have work to do" are you having trouble comprehending?"

"It's a Friday night, what part of "only losers stay home all weekend" don't you comprehend?" Seto narrowed his eyes. Mokuba knew he was pushing it now. He had to be careful with the things he said to Seto.

"Mokuba, I work hard all week to provide the lifestyle you've grown accustomed to. I have work I have to finish tonight. And once that's done I plan on taking a relaxing shower and going to sleep. And even if I had free time tonight, which I do not, I would not use it indulging in pointless activities with those individuals you call friends." Mokuba sighed.

"Seto, honestly, you act like such a child sometimes."

"Thank you, Mokuba, that means a lot coming from one."

"I'm almost thirteen."

"Almost doesn't count, Little Brother." Seto didn't look up from his laptop, missing the look on Mokuba's face.

"I guess I'm going then. Don't wait up…"

"Don't be out past eleven and I won't have to."

"Eleven thirty."

"No."

"Fine. Eleven." Seto still didn't meet his brother's gaze, but that didn't dissuade Mokuba from mentioning, offhandedly, "You know, in a couple of weekends, it's going to be my weekend to have Joey over. You probably wouldn't notice, you'll be typing."

"He's not coming over here", Seto said, not looking up.

"Course he is. That's why I mentioned it." That made Seto look up. Which was what Mokuba had been waiting for.

"I know you're not trying to defy me, so I'll see you at eleven when you get home."

"It's not a matter of defying you. I'm letting you know what's going to happen in a couple of weekends." Seto's gaze was turning darker. Mokuba knew it wasn't his defiance that was making Seto angry… it was Joey. "This is my house too."

"Perhaps you forgot this, but until you become an adult I am still your legal guardian. I am also the one who makes all the rules. And I am the one who will be deciding who or in this case, what comes into this house."

"Two words, Seto…birthday party." Seto's expression only grew angrier. Mokuba had insisted that Seto throw him an elaborate party with clowns and elephants and carnival rides, a party so over the top Seto wasn't sure if Mokuba even wanted guests or if he'd be content with the circus folk. So Seto said no, there was no arguing. Two days later he was calling all over Japan looking for acts. It wasn't like this had been a one-time concession. No matter how strict Seto was with his little brother he could never say no. Mokuba had him wrapped around his pinkie, and they both knew it.

Seto stood up, and crossed the room. "It's not too late to send you back to the orphanage, Mokuba", Seto mentioned, his look softening. Mokuba smiled. "Your friends are waiting, and I already told Bernard that you should be in the limo by quarter till. There should be no excuse for your tardiness arriving home. Are we clear?"

"Crystal." Seto sat back at his desk, the leather chair creaking. "Oh, you know, Seto…if it'll make it easier to stomach Joey I'll invite Tristan to come. I'm sure he wouldn't mind. Bye, Seto." Then Mokuba left the room.

Seto began typing again… within four seconds he had closed the laptop shut. Just what is Mokuba up to? Joey and Tristan… please… Hell would freeze over first. The thought made him physically ill. Bad enough that stupid dog would be over, that was more than bad enough. He'd have to contain the mutt to Mokuba's room. That mongrel…and Tristan. He hated them. Especially Joey… he probably had never hated anyone more, except maybe his stepfather. Well, he supposed he didn't hate Joey. He certainly didn't like him any, but he didn't hate him.

He needed to get his mind off of Joey. This was really getting serious. What am I doing? I have work to do. Seto opened his laptop back up. He'd check on the progress of the Noodle Shop, that little project he had invested in. Stocks were up, which was always good, and they were expected to do good this quarter. The owner and manager of the store opening in Domino City had been kind enough to send him updates of the progress, and according to the email Seto was reading they were going to be more than ready for the grand opening next weekend. Seto was invited to attend, and apparently a who's who of Domino was supposed to be coming. All this for a restaurant? I must have made a really good investment.

Seto scanned the rest of the email, getting to the end. There was an attachment, the complete employee listing he had requested. Not that Seto really cared, he was just curious. After opening weekend, he really didn't see himself stopping into the Noodle Shop very much at all. He just wanted to make sure there was no one who would be working opening night that could be a problem. After all, he had more than his fair share of powerful enemies. His exploits with the Big Five hadn't been completely unexpected. He'd send a list of the employees to his security guards, who could look it over and see if any names popped up as being suspicious. He was just being overly cautious. No one really knew he was an investor, at least not at the moment.

At the very least this was getting his mind off of old what's- his- face. Seto yawned, and scrolled down aimlessly. Maybe he'd go take a shower and watch some TV. The computer was ruining his eyes. Just as Seto gripped the black lid of his laptop the last name on the list jumped out at him. Joey Wheeler. Seto nearly ripped the laptop of his desk and threw it across the room. He closed the computer, and stood up.

What the Hell was this? Why? There had to be some kind of conspiracy. But no one knew about his investment, not even Mokuba. I just can't get away from that buffoon. That's it, he needed a cold shower. Something to give him a jolt. This thinking about Joey thing was getting completely out of hand.

~.~

"Come on, Yugi… you should come back out on the floor. Aren't you having fun?", Joey asked.

"No. I can't believe Yami invited Malik. He does like him. I'm sure of it."

"He was doing it to be friendly. Besides, if Yami didn't like you would he have sent me over here to find out why you stopped skating?", Joey pointed out. Yugi sighed. They were sitting alone at a table on the carpet watching their friends enjoying themselves out on the wooden floor, the disco-like lights, accenting the music pounding out of the speakers. Mai, Duke and Serenity were taking turns impressing each other with their figure eights. Mokuba, Ryou and Tristan were laughing at them, Bakura was who knew where, and Yami and Malik were skating together around the rink.

"I want to call Grandpa and have him take me home", Yugi decided. "Just tell Yami I'm not feeling good."

"Oh stop being a baby, Yug, you don't see me moping around with Seto not here."

"Yeah, well you have Tristan over there keeping you occupied. If I didn't know any better I'd say you were catching feelings."

"Me and Tristan?"

"Yeah… come on, those notes he leaves for you in the locker. And all the studying you've been doing together."

"Hey, don't change the subject. We're talking about you and Yami here. Yami doesn't want Malik, he wants you."

"It's not true. Look how he smiles when he's with him. He likes spending time with him. Malik's cute too."

"I mean, yeah if you like tanned guys."

"You like tanned guys", Yugi said, annoyed.

"Please stay. For me."

"I don't know, Joey", Yugi answered, sighing loudly.



"What happened to, Joey?", Trisitan asked. Mokuba spun around, spotting Yugi and Joey at a table. "You guys think he's in the bathroom?"

"I'm sure he didn't get far", Mai assured him.

"Still… he could have said where he was off too", Tristan continued, still scanning the rink.

"I'll go find him. You guys stay here", Mokuba announced. "I need a rest anyway." Mokuba skated off. He waited until he was reasonably sure Tristan wasn't watching him and bladed over to Joey and Yugi. Tristan was becoming sort of clingy when it came to Joey. And he needed Tristan to stay where he was while he spoke to their fair-haired friend.

"Hey, Mokuba", Yugi said, smiling warmly. That was the one thing about Yugi, Joey thought, he could always smile, even when he was in a bad mood.

"Hey guys. Yugi, Yami keeps asking everyone where you are, he wants to make sure everything is okay."

Yugi's expression lightened a little. "Really?"

"Yeah, he was going to come looking for you but I insisted I go looking for you instead. You know how worried he gets over you." Joey smiled a little. Yugi smiled a lot.

"I should go back out on the floor I guess. I don't want him to worry", Yugi said, standing up. "I'll see you guys out there." That cheered him up, Joey thought, more than a little satisfied by Mokuba.

Mokuba slid into Yugi's seat. Alone at last, Mokuba thought. He had to do this just right. He couldn't give himself away…

"Having a good time, Mokuba?", Joey asked, grinning.

"Of course, I always have fun hanging out with you guys." He smiled back. "And like I was telling everyone else, Seto's sorry he couldn't come. He did appreciate the invite though."

"Really? I get the impression he doesn't like us much."

"That's just, Seto. He likes playing tough and indifferent but inside he's pretty passionate. His therapist says it's a defense mechanism."

"I didn't know he saw a shrink."

"We both do. Seto is making progress. He actually smiles sometimes now." Joey lifted his eyebrows. "What? You don't believe me?"

"Even if that were true, that's something I'd never see. Your brother hates me, Mokuba."

"Hates you? He doesn't hate you. It's anything but hate."

"Huh?"

"Aww, you're cute, Joey", Mokuba said, smiling again. "You almost convinced me you haven't gotten it all figured out."

"It's time for couple skate. If you don't have a partner please make your way off the floor. Once again it's time for couple skate, only couples are permitted on the floor at this time." Mokuba and Joey exchanged looks.

"You better get out there, Tristan's probably waiting", Mokuba said, another devious smile.

"What about Kaiba?", Joey asked. Mokuba lifted his eyebrows. "I mean…what were you saying about him and me?"

"Nothing", Mokuba said, "I'm going to the snack bar." Then he was gone. Joey sat there more than a little stunned. Tristan spotted Joey a moment later.

"Come on, Joey, what are you doing sitting there like that?", Tristan asked, calling to him.

"Nothing. I'm coming."

~.~

Mokuba got home at eleven exactly. He knocked on Seto's door before opening it. Seto was watching one of those 24-hour news channels he liked so much. "I had a lot of fun", Mokuba announced, walking up to Seto's bed.

"That's nice."

"Did you finish your work, Seto?"

"Yes."

"Good. Anyway, I'll see you tomorrow then, goodnight."

"Goodnight. And go right to bed, you have practice tomorrow morning."

"Okay, Seto." Mokuba turned to leave. "Oh, there is one thing."

"Which is?"

Mokuba turned back around. "Joey was asking about you. Wondered why you'd be doing work on a Friday night. I told him what you told me, and he said that didn't make much of an excuse. He said if he didn't know any better he'd think you didn't like them."

"I don't like them."

"Joey said I should try harder to drag you out of the house the next time we go out, cause next time he's not taking no for an answer."

"You're lying", Seto said, not looking at his brother, but keeping his attention on the television set.

"I won't argue with you, Big Brother. Goodnight", Mokuba decided, walking towards the door. "You act as if you don't notice the way the guy falls all over himself around you." He closed the door. Then smiled to himself.

Seto stared at the door, his eyes narrowing. It couldn't be true, what Mokuba was implying. Of course not. Joey didn't….like him. Especially now that Tristan was back in the picture. Besides, Tristan needed some attention, he was on the rebound, and as far as Seto could tell, Joey seemed more than willing to provide it. He was sleeping with him again. How many times tonight was he going to mull over this. Besides, Seto did nothing but make the mutt's life miserable, why in the world would he… Mokuba was full of it.

~.~

Yugi changed into his PJs and headed back into the kitchen to get some milk. Yami was standing with the refrigerator door open, drinking the milk right out of the container. Yugi watched, hypnotized, the taller teen standing there with only a tight fitting white ribbed undershirt on and a pair of black boxers. It was like a movie, or a wonderfully detailed dream. He knew Yami could sense him, but Yami made no motion as he continued with the milk.

"What are you doing, Yami?", Yugi asked mentally.

Yami stopped what he was doing and looked at his counterpart. Then he motioned with the container. Yugi took it in his hands and repeated the spirit's actions, taking the white liquid to his lips and downing it. He was thirstier than he had first thought, gulping the milk like he hadn't had anything to drink in ages. He was barely breathing, the liquid leaking out of his mouth and down his chin. "Easy, Aibou", Yami insisted, through the link. He helped Yugi place the container back on the counter.

"You're making a mess, Aibou," Yami continued. He grabbed a nearby dishrag and carefully wiped the excess off his light. Yugi stood still, Yami's movements making a light breeze that was causing goosebumps to form on his arms. Yugi swallowed as Yami lingered with the dishrag on his abdomen. "Is that better?" Yugi nodded silently, his heart coming up to his throat.

Yami finished and placed the dishrag into the sink. "Thank you", Yugi whispered out loud. Yami smiled. Then he put the milk away and closed the refrigerator.

"Goodnight, Aibou. Pleasant dreams." He leaned over and placed a small kiss on the smaller teens forehead before turning to leave. Yugi watched Yami retreat back upstairs. He waited to hear the door shut before he slid down the refrigerator and onto the floor.

It was getting crazy, Yugi wasn't sure how much more of this he could take. Yami was making him nuts. Didn't he now what he was doing to him? Or maybe he did, maybe Ryou was right. But that was silly. He peeled himself off the floor. He rummaged in the fridge for something to eat. Nothing but three-day-old leftovers. Better than nothing, he guessed. He microwaved some, gulped them down and headed for bed. Once upstairs, and in bed Yugi tried to fall asleep. But Yami was still on his mind. That moment in the kitchen, still replaying.

Yugi smiled, what he wouldn't give to have thrown Yami on the floor and have his way with him right then. Didn't he know how delicious he looked standing in that undershirt? Yugi smiled a little mischievously. I need to calm down. I don't need to be getting hard over him again. That happened far too much as it was. He tried settling himself, and rolled over. Desperate to get to sleep.



Yugi wasn't even aware he had fallen asleep until Yami shook him awake. "Morning already, Yami?", Yugi asked, groggy.

"No, you were moaning, your Grandpa and I were wondering if you were having a bad dream." Yugi couldn't remember what he had been dreaming about, especially since he didn't remember falling back asleep.

"You're all sweaty, Aibou", Yami continued, concerned. "Here, let's get these blankets off."

"Okay…" Yugi helped him, that's when they noticed his erection. "Where did this come from?"

"You must have had a pretty interesting dream, huh?" Yugi looked up at the spirit and back at his crotch. He swallowed hard.

"I guess I did."

"Who was it about? Do you remember?" Yugi shook his head. "I bet I know. I bet it was about me."

"What?" Yami smiled, crimson eyes focusing on him. "Why would you say that, Yami?"

"Come on, Yugi, we share a link, do you honestly think I don't know what goes on in that little brain of yours? Don't worry though, Aibou. It's only natural to have these kinds of dreams."

"This is no time for one of your pep talks, Yami. I'd like it very much if you left now."

"Left? Aibou, you can't be serious. I think you'd like it very much if I stayed and helped you get rid of your difficulty."

"Yami…" Yugi wasn't sure how it happened, one minute he was sitting in his bed flustered, the next Yami had taken charge and was pulling off his pajama pants and straddling him. "What are you doing, Yami…"

"Don't think I didn't know what you were thinking in the kitchen. You dream about me often, don't you? Admit it." Yami was already undressing.

"I…um…I don't know… I, Yami…this isn't making any sense…"

"What makes no sense is why I didn't come in here sooner. You spend hours dreaming about me, night after night, and I pretend I don't know, when it would be so much easier to participate. You know, make the dream interactive." Yugi's shirt was tossed on the floor, along with Yami's clothing.

"What about Grandpa, you said he heard me moaning too…"

"I was lying to you. Your old man can sleep through a tsunami, Aibou. I'll show you what I mean, you'll be moaning again in a minute …" Yugi's boxers joined the pile of clothing already on the floor. Yugi gasped.

"This is lunacy, Yami. You're crazy…" Yugi's protest came to a halt as Yami kissed him. Yugi lay back on his pillow, Yami continuing to invade his personal space, pressing into Yugi with his hard-on.

"You were saying, Aibou?" Yugi panted, Yami working his way down Yugi's neck with tiny little kisses. "Would you still like me to leave?" Yugi shook his head. "I didn't think so." Yugi moaned as Yami slid a hand down his torso. "I think this little guy wants to come out and play, hum, Aibou?" Yami reached Yugi's member and gave it a playful squeeze.

"What are you doing, Yami?"

"What does it feel like, Aibou?" He squeezed it again, forcefully. Yugi yelped. "Um…so many dreams, Aibou…I'd think you wouldn't be so frightened." He pulled at Yugi, ever harder, Yugi practically about to come. "How many times have you replayed this moment over and over again?"

"Yami…. Gods… Yami…."

"Patience." He stopped his hand's busy work. Yugi groaned, only to feel something ten times better replacing Yami's fingers. He moaned again as Yami's mouth surrounded him.

"Oh my god, Yami…." Yugi's fingers found their way to the tri colored spikes on top of Yami's head as Yami continued his ministrations. Yugi moaned, Yami increasing his pace, taking Yugi's entire length into his mouth.

Yugi screamed, Yami sucked harder. He teased Yugi's erection with alternating kisses and licks around the tip. Yugi squirmed, it felt wonderful. Yami smiled to himself, satisfied at the frantic little sounds emanating from his hikari. Before long, Yugi exploded in Yami's mouth.


"Yami…." Yugi sat up abruptly, waking up for real. Damn another dream. It took Yugi a moment to make sure everything was okay. He removed his sheets and noticed his dick had gone limp, and he could feel a familiar sticky substance in his pants. Yugi sighed. This had been the worst dream he had had in a while. Last time he ate leftovers this late at night.

No, it wasn't completely the leftover's fault. It was Yami's fault, practically seducing him in the kitchen. Had he woken anyone up, Grandpa, or worse Yami? Yugi knew he had probably been moaning. Yugi changed his pajamas and walked across the dark hall to Yami's room. He didn't bother to knock and carefully opened the door, crossing his fingers.

Yami was lying on his side, breathing soundly. Yugi sighed and went back to his room. "Goodnight, love", Yugi thought, then left the room. As soon as Yami heard Yugi's door close on the other side of the hall he opened his eyes, rolled onto his back, and smiled.

"Goodnight, Aibou", he whispered to himself.

~.~

Joey yawned. "Gods, I'm tired. I haven't been getting nearly enough sleep. I don't think I slept at all last weekend."

"Well who's fault is that, Joey?"

"Tristan's." He smiled a little. Ryou smiled again. Joey was spending the weekend with the white haired teen, and to his relief Bakura was out trancing around with Malik somewhere. Joey yawned, thinking of what Serenity had said earlier in the evening. "Just do me a favor. I know I probably shouldn't be with Tristan again. But don't yell at me about that…"

"Hey, who am I to judge. Just as long as your happy, Joey. And nobody gets hurt."

"Thanks, Ryou." They smiled at each other. "I think I am happy. Things seem okay now."

"What about your blue eyes white dragon?"

"Well, I don't know, Mokuba said something to me at the rink tonight that kind of caught me off guard. When I said that I know that he hates me he said something about it being anything but hate. He sure acts like he hates me."

"He acts like he hates you, Joey. Did you ever think it was just that, an act?", Joey looked at Ryou for a while and shrugged.

"Now I see why Yugi talks to you so much", he finally decided. Ryou smiled.

"Are you going to get mushy on me now, Joey Wheeler?" Joey gave him a look and pushed him playfully.

"Stop it." He smiled. "I'm going to sleep now. Goodnight."

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

Seto was just arriving to his locker Monday morning when he spotted Joey pretending to fix his hair in his locker mirror. Seto checked his watch. He was right on time, and so, it appeared, was Joey. Where was Tristan? The stupid mutt was practically gawking at him.

"I'll tell you what, Mutt, I'll get you a camera. That way you can take a picture and admire it on a regular basis. This constant gazing is getting to be strange, even for you."

"Who said I was looking at you?", Joey asked, motioning with his head. Seto looked over his shoulder. Tristan and Ryou were walking down the hall. Ryou turned to go to his own locker, Tristan still approaching. Seto turned back to look at Joey.

"Fabulous, another moron." But for some reason Seto didn't leave.

"Morning, Babe", Tristan said, cheery, giving Joey a little kiss on the cheek. He dropped his book bag and began looking for his books. "Ryou, tells me you did all your homework at his place this weekend."

"Yeah", Joey answered, his eyes not leaving Seto.

"That's good. But anyway…" Tristan stood up and noticed Seto and Joey staring at each other.

"Oh, Kaiba… didn't see you there", Tristan said, looking from one teen to the other.

"I guess not."

"Joey, when did you and Kaiba start exchanging hellos in the morning? I thought you two hated each other," Tristan added.

"Hate's a strong word, Tristan", Joey said. Why did I just say that? He watched Seto narrow his eyes. And it looks like in this case it's not strong enough…

"The bell is going to ring", Seto declared, "If you'll excuse me." He turned on his heels and walked down the hallway. What the hell was that? Hate's a strong word? Why did Joey just say that? This had to be Mokuba's doing…it just had to be…cause if it wasn't…that would mean….no…it couldn't mean that…

Okay, you need to get a grip. So the mutt said what he said. What does that mean, in the grand scheme of things? And with the way you reacted, he still thinks you hate him. But don't I hate him? Why wouldn't I?

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

S eto had all week to ponder Joey's comment, and worse by the weekend Seto found himself sitting uncomfortably across from Mokuba at the Noodle Shop's grand opening. By now it seemed half the town knew that he was the top investor of the chain. Which put the Kaiba brothers in an even bigger spotlight than they were usually used to when they went anywhere in Domino City. A few people pointed, and whispered. Seto only narrowed his eyes, and shifted in his seat. Where the Hell is the waiter?

"My patience is waning", Seto complained, mainly to himself. Mokuba was busy waving at familiar faces.

"Our waiter's right behind you", Mokuba said, smiling at Joey sweetly.

"Well, it's about time. Listen, I understand you're busy but we've been waiting for…" Seto stopped as Joey walked to the center of the table.

"Good evening, my name's Joey. I'll be your server."

"We know your name, Mutt."

"Can I take your drink orders?", Joey asked, ignoring the comment, and flipping open his notepad.

"You have to be kidding me. You're our waiter? How many waiters are here tonight, at least twenty, and we get you? How did we manage that?"

"Seto, stop it. I'm thrilled Joey's our waiter. I'll have water, and my brother will have a White Russian. We still need a few more minutes to decide."

"Did Kimi tell you about tonight's specials?"

"Yes, she did", Mokuba answered with a smile.

"Would you like an appetizer?"

"No thanks, Joey."

"Okay, I'll go get those drinks now." He smiled back at Mokuba and didn't look at Seto at all. As soon as Joey was gone, Mokuba gave Seto an angry look.

"You're not going to make this any harder on Joey than it already is. I want you to be as nice to him as possible."

"I don't remember taking orders from my younger brother."

"Why are you so mean to him? I just don't get it. It's like, if you're not mean to him you can't speak to him. Have you asked your psychiatrist why that is? It seems like repression to me."

"Thank you, Mokuba."

Joey returned. He placed dinner rolls and garlic spread on the table. "One water, and one White Russian. Are you ready to order?"

"Yes, both of us will have the house special. Thank you." Mokuba took Seto's menu from his hands.

"I never said I was finished, Little Brother", Seto remarked, pulling his menu back. He looked up into the mutt's eyes, with all intentions of making another rude comment but he stopped himself before the words ever left his mouth.

"Would you like a few more minutes, Seto?", Joey asked. Seto? Why did I just call him that? He's going to have me fired…

"No, that's alright. Thank you." His voice was low. He handed his menu to Joey, their hands touching. Seto jumped.

"I'll be back." Seto watched Joey withdraw, his eyes finding their way to the tops of the blond's legs.

"Good, huh?" Seto turned back around, swiftly.

"What?"

"These", Mokuba answered, picking up a dinner roll from the basket. Seto looked at his brother.

"I have to use the facilities." He excused himself and went to find the bathroom. Mokuba shook his head, and took another dinner roll.

~.~

Yugi smiled at Mai and Ryou who were sitting at a table. "Where's Yami, wasn't he supposed to come with you guys?", Yugi asked.

"He was, but he remembered he had already made plans with someone else", Ryou said, diplomatically.

"Other plans? With who?"

"Malik", Mai said, with a sigh. "Look, Yugi…"

"It's fine. Whatever. Do you guys want something to drink or what?" Yami what are you doing? Why are you with him?

~.~

As long as he didn't trip over anything, as long as he didn't spill food all over Seto, he'd be fine. That's all he needed. Seto hadn't mentioned the fact that Joey had accidentally called him by his first name. Maybe it went unnoticed. "Here you go, two house specials. The plates are hot. Be careful not to touch them."

"Thank you, this looks really good, doesn't it, Seto?"

"Yes. Thank you, Wheeler."

"Is there anything else I can get you? More to drink?"

"No thank you", Seto said, not looking up from his meal.

"Okay. If that'll be all then, enjoy your meal."

"We will, thank you", Seto said, giving Joey a half smile. Can I say "thank you" anymore? I sound as stupid as he does.

~.~

Joey came back over to make sure everything was alright, and to see if the Kaiba brother's wanted dessert.

"We're stuffed, everything was delicious. Thank you for asking us though", Mokuba said, still smiling. "Hey, Joey, what time do you get off tonight?", Mokuba asked, continuing the conversation. Seto shot Mokuba a glance.

"Depends. Since I came in early I don't have to stay as late as Yugi. Actually, to be honest, I'll get off after I finish with you guys, not that I'm rushing you out or anything."

"We won't take offense to you not wanting us here", Seto mentioned.

"No, I really didn't mean it the way it came out…"

"I was only teasing you, Joey", Seto interrupted, looking up into honey colored eyes. Joey looked away, knowing his reddened cheeks were going to contrast sharply with his white shirt. Why did I just call him Joey? How much did I have to drink?

"Hey, Joey, how are you getting home then? Are you going home?", Mokuba asked, jarring Seto from his contemplation.

"Actually I'm spending the night with Tristan. Tristan told me to call him when I was all done", Joey answered, turning a little, so that Seto couldn't see how bright he was becoming.

"That's annoying. Why don't you let Seto and I take you to Tristan's in the limo. There's plenty of room."

"No, I couldn't, his house is like in the opposite direction", Joey started.

"We insist, don't we, Seto?" They both turned to look at him. Seto only sat there, his mind scrambling with what to say.

"No… it's really okay… really. I'll call Tristan…"

"Don't do that, Joey…Seto is more than willing, tell him, Seto."

"Mokuba…" Seto hesitated.

"No, don't worry about it. I don't want to put you out", Joey interjected.

"It's okay, Seto likes putting out, don't you, Seto?", Mokuba piped in. Seto and Joey met eyes. Both teens feeling heat creeping onto their faces. Maybe they could make a stop at the orphanage on the way home. "Good, then it's settled, Joey, you're coming with us."

~.~

Seto and Mokuba climbed in the limo, Bernard, their driver, shutting the door behind them. Seto waited for Mokuba to sit down before he began, "I'm only going to say this once, Mokuba. I am not sure what it is you're hoping to prove, or trying to start but I warn you, if you ever pull a stunt like that again Joey finding a way home will be the very least of your worries. Mark my words."

Mokuba looked at him and nodded. A few moments later Joey was completely finished and was knocking on the window. Mokuba opened the door and let Joey in. Once he was seated next to the youngest Kaiba brother, Mokuba knocked on the glass separating them from Bernard and they were on their way.

Mokuba looked at his brother, who still had the same look on his face. He was skating on thin ice. "Seto, did you have fun hanging out with me?", the youngest Kaiba asked.

"I suppose", Seto said, making sure to keep his guard completely up.

"I guess I'm not as much fun as his laptop, I think he's even named it." Seto narrowed his eyes. "Uh oh, Joey, look out, it's Seto's evil eye. If you stare at it for too long you'll turn to stone", Mokuba mocked.

"Laugh it up now, Little Brother. We'll see how funny this conversation will be to you when you wind up grounded."

"Does he do this to you too, Joey? Make threats he has no intentions of keeping?" Seto's azure eyes narrowed further. "I'm just joking, Seto. Don't get your panties in a bunch. Be happy for a change, we have company."

"I'd hardly consider him company", Seto said, giving Joey the once over.

"Well thank you, that means a lot coming from you", Joey mentioned, looking at him.

"Your welcome. Oh, remind me next time to get one of those pet carrying cases for you. I'm pretty sure it's illegal to ride around with animals that aren't properly stored."

"Don't think because your brother is here I won't punch you dead in that pretty boy face of yours."

Seto laughed. "You're too much, really. Have you forgotten where you are, or who you're talking to, Mutt?"

"After I knock you back into next week maybe we can both work on our memories, huh?"

"Hey, easy, easy". Mokuba grabbed Joey's shoulder. "He enjoys picking fights with you. Why rise to the occasion? Don't argue with him back."

"Look, I know he's your brother, and you see the good in him. And you have to admit that I've tried to be polite, but I give up. It's not my fault he hates me."

"Who said anything about hating you?", Seto snapped, suddenly wishing he could take back his question. He thought quickly, adding, "You make it seem as if this is about you. I have more important things to agonize over, taking time out of my day to sit and think about hating you is not one of them."

"So you don't hate me?", Joey asked, his eyes softening.

"I told you he didn't hate you", Mokuba answered. "You just didn't believe me."

"This is not a three way conversation, Mokuba", Seto publicized.

"If you don't hate me why are you so mean to me then, Seto?"

"Who told you to call me that?"

"Isn't it your name? Giving you the satisfaction of calling you Kaiba seems to just add to your power trip."

"Don't concern yourself with my motivations."

"Motivations? So there's a method to your madness? You're not just evil to me for sport?"

"Evil to you? Don't over-dramatize. Why would I waste my time? I would have nothing to do with you whatsoever if I wasn't constantly stared at."

"What are you talking about?"

"You, looking at me, in the hallway, in class, in the library. Staring."

"You must be imagining it. Why would I be staring at you?", Joey questioned.

"Wishful thinking on Seto's part", Mokuba continued.

"The next word that comes out of your mouth, Mokuba, will be your last. I kid you not."

"I knew this was a bad idea, I should have just called Tristan."

"You're right about that."

"Don't worry, we'll be at his house in less than a minute. Then you don't have to waste your time with me any further."

"Good. The sooner the better."

"My thoughts exactly." Joey looked out the window. "In fact, here's fine." He knocked on the window behind him. Bernard stopped the car. "Thank you for the ride, don't worry, you won't have to give me another one." With that, Joey was gone.

Mokuba waved sadly, then looked back at Seto. He hadn't seen Seto so mad in a long time. He shot Mokuba another look before Mokuba looked down at his knees.

Once they got home Mokuba followed Seto towards his bedroom. "Seto, listen, about what happened before…" Seto closed and locked his door in Mokuba's face. Mokuba slumped back to his own room. Seto sat on his bed, a tension headache already starting to build.

~.~

"What do you mean Kaiba gave you a ride here? Who's stupid idea was that?", Tristan asked.

"Mokuba's. I don't know why I ever got in the car. I'm an idiot." Tristan and Joey were on Tristan's bed, conversing about the night's drama.

"I bet he was a real dick to you in the restaurant too, wasn't he?"

"Well, no, not really. He was, polite. Even if it was an act. But than he let it all out in the car. We got into a huge fight. I don't even know why we were so mad. The whole conversation made no sense."

"He hates you, Joey. Of course he's not going to make any sense."

"No, see that's the weird part", Joey thought, "he made it clear that he doesn't hate me."

"Then why is he such a prick?"

"I don't know. I asked him that too. He said something about not having to explain himself to me. Some crap like that. Look, I'm just in a bad mood, I need a good night's sleep. I'll think about it tomorrow."

"Okay, that's fine. We'll talk tomorrow, Babe. Goodnight."

"Night."

~.~

Seto was lying on his bed, completely awake, even though he had taken medication with enough alcohol in it to keep him asleep for days. Plus he still had the alcohol from the restaurant in his system. In any case, he was stuck, thinking about the mutt. But not the incident in the car, but what had happened in the restaurant:

"No, I really didn't mean it the way it came out…"
"I was only teasing you, Joey…"

Seto sighed. Okay, for one, it was painfully clear that Mokuba whole-heartedly believed that Joey liked him. He was completely convinced. And for some reason Mokuba had to also believe that the feelings were, even on some unconscious level, reciprocated. Which was not true. No, he didn't hate Joey, and Joey didn't seem to hate him. Still, that was a long way from having feelings, it wasn't like he showed affection to the guy.

And how could Mokuba be so sure about Joey's feelings anyway? What about Tristan? Didn't he factor into any of this? We dropped him off at the guy's house. Of course he factors into this. It didn't matter, even if Joey had had feelings for him, after his behavior tonight, well…that was the end of that. All for the better, the last thing he needed was Joey fawning over him like some stupid…some stupid….puppy. Besides, Mokuba was a child, how did he know about this kind of thing anyway? He didn't. He couldn't.

After all, Mokuba had some how got it twisted in his mind that the feelings were requited. And that was utterly idiotic. He didn't like Joey. I don't like Joey. If he did, wouldn't he be nicer to him? Wouldn't he care whether or not Tristan and him were going to start dating again? He didn't. And looking at Joey, that idiot, that stupid puppy…really why in the world would he be interested in that? He wasn't even that cute. Well, not in any conventional sense.

He called me a pretty boy. Does that mean he thinks about my looks. Not that I care, of course. There's nothing wrong with being curious. Exactly, curiosity is normal. And moreover, there would be nothing wrong with thinking about the guy. Or analyzing the situation. He supposed that Joey wasn't horrible. One of those other weirdos could have a crush on him. Like Duke, or Bakura or something. And wouldn't that be worse than the puppy? Much worse.

And he wasn't that bad looking. If you liked that kind of thing. He didn't. But, yeah, if you did, Joey wasn't too bad. On some level he was even almost cute. He made cute expressions. And he had a nice smile, sort of. And given the choice between him and the rest of Mokuba's little group of friends, he'd rather have dealings with Joey. Yeah, maybe he was slightly attracted to him. You know, if he wanted to go slumming or something.

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…

Seto got out of bed, and headed to Mokuba's room. He had been acting childish. He needed to apologize to his brother. He only hoped he was still awake, he had practice in the morning. He knocked, a small voice invited him in. Seto walked in.

"What are you still doing awake, Mokuba?", Seto asked, sitting on the edge of his bed.

"I don't know…" Mokuba said, sleepily. "I thought you were angry with me."

"No, I'm not. That's why I'm here, actually. Listen, I overreacted. You don't like me being mean to your friend. I know it upsets you. I understand that. And I won't anymore. Unless of course he deserves it, in which case, all bets are off."

"Okay…that's good, Seto." He yawned and rolled back over. "I'm pretty sleepy, I'm going to go to sleep now."

"Um hum. Goodnight."

"Goodnight."


Author's Endnotes: This chapter's all done, and oh so long…Yeah, I know what you're thinking, Yami's killing it, what is he doing? Why is he torturing Yugi this way? And don't let me get started on Seto and his issues. Denial is not a river in Egypt, People. Anyway, please REVIEW… tell me something… you hate me…you love me… you're carrying my love child…. Something…. Anything… And for those who don't want to wait until the next installment:


"Well, I just wanted to know…I know your cold…and stern…but I mean, would you have room in your heart to let in a small….defenseless….adorable…um….what's the word I'm looking for here…um…you know…um…"

"Um….What?"

"Puppy." Puppy? What the hell is Joey talking about?

"Do I have room in my heart to let in a puppy?"

"Yeah, a cute, loving, loyal, puppy. And I know once you got to know him you'd fall in love. He's got the greatest personality. You just have to give him a chance. I mean, after all, what do you have to lose here?"

Seto smirked. He can't be serious. Is he talking about himself? "A puppy. You want me to fall in love with a puppy?"