Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ So In Love With Two ❯ Two Guys, A Dog, And A Noodle Shop ( Chapter 3 )

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… Once again, there's some lemony freshness in this chapter…..(what a pervert I'm becoming) I so don't own the songs I was rocking out to while writing this thing, or the lyrics, cause if I did, I really wouldn't be cashing these small paychecks.

Song Notes: The songs I was listening to have such simple melodies but complicated lyrics, if you really think about them. (Look them up if you don't believe me) Um… things are certainly going to get more complicated in this chapter. Speaking of complications, this chapter was written to Avril Lavigne's movie- trailer- ready song- Mobile (Everything's changing, when I turn around, all out of my control, I'm immobile), Musiq's hit- Halfcrazy, (My mind's gone half crazy, cause I can't leave you alone, and I wonder if it's worth me holding on), Lifehouse's prom song smash-Hanging by a Moment (I'm falling even more in love with you, letting go of all I've held on to, standing here until you make me move, hanging by a moment here with you) , Eagle Eye Cherry's-Falling in Love Again(I'm so tired, of falling in love, finding it easier to fall out), and lastly former New Kids on the Block singer, Jordan Knight's one hit-Give it to You (anyone can make you sweat, but I, can keep you wet). Lyrical genius.

Chapter 3: Two Guys, a Dog, and a Noodle Shop


"Did you have a good night at work, Yugi?" Grandpa asked, stretching.

"Yes, Grandpa", Yugi answered. This had been the second night in a row he had worked at the Noodle Shop. And the second night Yami had been noticeably absent, spending both Friday and Saturday nights with Malik.

Yugi yawned. His grandpa yawned next. "I guess my sleepiness is contagious", Yugi thought, yawning yet again.

"It is past your bedtime", Yami added, giving Yugi a teasing smile. Shut up, Yami.

"Well, boys, I'm going to bed, goodnight."

"Goodnight", Yugi and Yami chimed in unison. Yugi's grandfather headed to his bedroom.

"Are you turning in too, Aibou?", Yami asked. Yugi gave Yami a look and went into the living room to see what was on television. Yami followed. "Something wrong, Aibou?" He really just doesn't get it, does he? Why do I bother?

Yugi collapsed on the couch, remote control in hand. "Aibou? What's wrong, did something happen at work?", Yami asked mentally.

"You could say that", Yugi answered.

"You can tell me, Yugi. I'll make it alright again." Yugi groaned.

"I'm not a child, Yami. You don't have to treat me like one. I'm fine. Just because I'm not smiling doesn't mean something bad has happened to me. You don't have to be so protective." Yugi gave Yami an angry look, and switched on the TV.

"Do I baby you, is that it? I don't mean to. I just don't want anything to happen to you."

"What could possibly happen to me, Yami? I'm fine." Yugi turned back to watch an infomercial flickering on the screen.

"I am truly sorry, Aibou. I didn't mean to upset you so. Goodnight. Sweet dreams." Yugi sighed.

"Yami, wait, please. I didn't mean it. Not really. Sometimes it seems you forget that I'm not a child is all. I think you're going to cut up my vegetables for me and tie a bib around my neck. But you've always been there for me. And I appreciate it. Really. All the strength and courage I've ever learned I've gotten from you."

Yami smiled. "Can I watch television with you?" Yugi nodded. Yami sat next to him and put his feet up on the coffee table, like Yugi had done. Yugi flipped channels. There was nothing on. Of course it was after midnight.

"Sick and tired of being lonely? Looking for love? Companionship? Never have time to meet anyone new? We can help you meet swinging singles in your area. For a one time low rate. Call now…."

"Would you ever call one of those dating services, Yami?", Yugi asked, the number flashing on the screen.

"I don't think so. With my weird luck I've probably already met my soul mate at a grocery store or something and was too absorbed in something else to notice. What about you, Aibou?"

"I don't think meeting someone is the tricky part. It's knowing what to do after you've met them."

"Touché. It's not easy, because you never know what's going on in the other's head."

"Yeah." Yami and him shared a link and he still didn't know what was going on in his head. Well, he had his suspicions.

"It's funny."

"What, Yami?"

"Love. Meeting swinging singles in our area. I don't know. After you meet someone and you know that he loves you in return, what happens next. You move to fast and things get complicated, you go to slow and maybe you get bored."

"You sound jaded, Yami. Why, are you and someone stuck in that weird what-happens-now stage?"

"No…I haven't even gotten to the knowing-the-feeling's-returned stage."

"I don't think that stage really exists. I think deep down you know whether or not someone likes you, or loves you, as the case may be."

"Perhaps you're right again, Aibou. I suppose deep down I know how he feels, I suppose I just want to be sure. I want him to tell me out right. He's hard to read sometimes."

"So we are talking about a specific person then. This isn't an abstract conversation, is it?" Yugi shifted and looked at Yami, resolutely. "And I have a really good feeling I know who you're talking about."

"Do you, Aibou?", Yami asked, simply. A little smile on his face. "And who do you think it is?"

"Malik." Yugi looked at him again. He was beyond frustrated at this point, he needed to know once and for all.

"You think I have feelings for Malik?", Yami asked, the smile still on his face. "Interesting."

"Interesting? What do you mean, interesting? I know that's who you're talking about, Yami. You think I haven't noticed the way you've been around him?"

"Oh, I don't doubt you have noticed, Aibou. I'd hazard to guess you were even jealous." Yugi grew red, and looked back at the TV. "You don't have to worry, Malik would never take your place in my heart."

"So it is him?", Yugi asked again. He looked back at Yami.

"Does it matter that much to you? And if so, why?"

"You're avoiding my question."

"You're damn right I'm avoiding your question." Yami's tone darkened.

It caught Yugi off guard. He tried to recover, "Well answer it, Yami."

"You're angry with me. Also interesting." Yami smirked.

"I'm not in the mood for your imperious banter. Why can't you answer my question?"

"Because I don't think that will solve anything. This really isn't about my feelings towards Malik, is it? This is about your feelings towards me." Yugi's heart stopped. This was it, he was having a stroke. "Listen, Aibou, I know you're hurt when I spend time with other people, especially Malik. You're worried that if I started seeing someone I won't have any time for you. Like what occurred between Tristan and Joey. No matter what, Yugi, I can promise you that won't happen."

"You think I'm jealous? You think I'm troubled over that?" Yugi was growing hostile again. Was Yami really this oblivious or was he doing it on purpose? "I never realized how self-involved you were until right now."

"Well, Yugi, if that's not it, then I want you tell me what it is. Hypothetically, let's say Malik and I do have feelings for each other, how would that make you feel? Tell me, Aibou."

"I can't believe we're having this conversation, Yami."

"Being angry at me isn't going to fix the problem is it, Aibou?"

"The problem isn't me. The problem is you, Yami. You're the problem. If you just heard yourself just now. Oh my god, I can't do this anymore. I really don't know how much longer I can take this."

"Then do yourself the favor and tell me."

"Tell you what, Yami?"

"Tell me what the problem is. I know you want to. You've wanted to tell me for a long time, haven't you, Aibou. You'll feel better if I knew."

"That's the part you don't seem to get. You should know what the problem is."

"Well I don't. Explain it to me. Treat me like a two year old."

"No, Yami, that's your job." Yugi got up and stormed to his room. Yami sighed, and slouched back against the couch.

That certainly wasn't how I expected that to go, Yami thought silently. "Goodnight, Aibou." There wasn't an answer. Yami didn't anticipate one. He turned off the television and headed to bed.

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

Se to was kissing him. Joey loved this dream, Seto's hands working into the blond mop atop Joey's head, pulling him to deepen their lips embrace. As Joey opened his eyes his partner pulled away, only it was no longer Seto, but Tristan staring back at him. Tristan smiled, Joey melted. Tristan kissed him again and Joey moaned into Tristan's mouth.

"Umm, Tristan…. What are you doing? Tristan…"

It felt so good, so real. Almost too real. It is real. Joey opened his eyes and snapped his head back as the object of his fantasy traced one palm down his abdomen while the other skillfully fisted his stiffened shaft.

"Ahh, shit, Tris…" Tristan's lips commandeering his, gently compelling Joey's tongue to come out to play.

"Shhh, it's alright, Baby."

"I was just dreaming about this."

"I heard. You were moaning my name in your sleep, Joey."

"Sorry…" Joey's face flashed scarlet.

"It's okay. I thought I'd make your dream a reality." Tristan pulled at Joey's heated flesh harder, removing Joey's flannel boxers completely.

"Ummm, Gods…" Joey was going to burst.

"You like that, don't you?"

"Y-yes, Tris…" Joey's eyes locked with Tristan's, finding pure hunger reflecting back at him. He watched captivated, Tristan squirting lotion onto his fingers and rubbing his thumb, middle and index fingers together slowly. He smiled mischievously before he stabbed the two lubricated digits inside Joey's aperture, beginning a scissoring motion. "Damn, Tristan, were you planning on waking me up first?" Tristan was still jacking Joey off, the tension building agonizingly slow.

"If you don't want me to continue I can stop."

"I didn't say that…"

"Good." Tristan was removing his pajama pants. The sight of Tristan's penis smiling at Joey in the early Sunday morning light, sitting there hard as a metal pipe, was enough to make Joey almost cum prematurely. The brunet positioned himself between Joey's legs, placing warm, moist kisses on his abdominal muscles.

Joey's hips, rearing into Tristan, Tristan responding by breathing an "It's okay, Baby" on Joey's lower torso, the words vibrating on his sweat coated flesh. "It's okay. Don't look so scared. It's not like I want anything special from you."

The blond's voice let him down as he quivered, "What do you want from me then?"

Tristan lifted his head so that their eyes could meet. "I want to hear you moan like a bitch in heat, Joey." There was no further warning as Tristan slid inside and Joey experienced microcosmic sensations that shot through his entire body.

Joey's eyes flew open, partially from pain, partially from pleasure, mostly from shock. "Shit, it…"

"It won't in a minute, Baby", came the whispered response. Tristan repositioned himself, lifting Joey's leg up and over his shoulder. Joey moaned again. "Feels good right?"

"Damn, Tris…" Tristan was withdrawing, three firm thrusts, each one a direct hit to that pleasure spot next to Joey's tight tunnel and hot white spurts of rapture were shooting all over the two of them. Ecstasy clouding Joey's eyes. He was falling back to sleep, but his body was still rocking, the pleasure hadn't stopped. As the world came swimming back it suddenly registered that Tristan hadn't stopped yet, he was only beginning.

He was plundering the blond's narrow passage, when he noticed Joey was gaining some clarity he increased his speed, Joey's penis responding positively. Tristan grabbed Joey's erection and began milking it mercilessly.

"I can't take it, Tristan. I can't… shit."

"Preaching to the… choir…. Joey."

Tristan's pace was quickening. Joey could only hold onto Tristan's shoulders as Tristan drove in deeper. Then he left his penis completely inside, grinding against him in slow circles before returning to his original in-and-out motion. Joey began thrusting up to meet him, stroke for stroke.

"Ahhh, shit…"

"Come on, Joey. Moan like a naughty school girl for me…"

"Shit….ahhhhhhhhh", he complied involuntarily.

"Louder…" Tristan's demand sending Joey's head spinning.

Tristan's rhythm was frantic, his hips slamming hard against Joey's buttocks. He was fucking him like a madman. His insides seemed to shift around him. Tristan's breath was coming out in ragged gasps through his open mouth, sweat dripping down his face, his eyes drilling into Joey's.

"Tristan, shit, please, don't stop…" Tristan grabbed Joey's hips, lifting them off the bed.

"Scream, Joey…"

"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh…"

"I'm losing it…Gods, I love you, Joey…"

"I'm about to come, Tris…"

"Do it…come…I wanna see it…I wanna watch…"

A moment later Tristan got his wish. Joey's muscles tensed, his body bucking up, hips rolling back, Joey's cry deep, coming up from the pit of his stomach, his whole body shaking uncontrollably. Watching the white sizzling fireworks explode from his lover's penis, Tristan grabbed Joey's hips and drained himself inside. He collapsed on top, barely able to pull himself out before losing all ability to move.

"Tris… Tristan…"

"Shhh…later…"

"K…" The boys drifted back off to sleep.

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

Seto was already standing at his locker when Joey arrived Monday morning. Joey checked his watch, no, he had gotten there the same time he always did, Seto was early. Seto had been on his mind all weekend. They shared an almost moment in the Noodle Shop. Maybe he was being optimistic. But in any case, he couldn't worry about that now. He had to speak to Seto. No time like the present, he supposed. So he took a nervous breath and walked over to Seto, who seemed only slightly surprised.

"Something you wanted, Puppy?", Seto asked, evenly.

"Actually, there was…I uh, well I was thinking a lot over the weekend…"

"That's why it smelled like burning rubber in the hallway", Seto finished. Joey gave Seto a look, but kept his cool.

"Cute. Look, what I have to ask you, it's kind of hard to say. You'll probably say no on principle, but you shouldn't. You should really consider the question first."

"Well if you ever got around to asking it I'd have a chance to consider it."

Joey gulped. This was not going to be easy at all. He'd have to approach the matter delicately. He shifted his weight to his other foot, and nervously pushed his mop of blond messy hair back. "Well, you know, I noticed you're busy a lot. You're always typing away on your laptop. You have a lot of work that you have to do. And because of that, you don't really have any friends."

"I don't have time for friends."

"I know, I know. I mean, you're Seto Kaiba, you run a major corporation. That's completely understandable. But sometimes, because you're so far removed from everyone, you don't notice an issue, something that's um… in front of you…practically slapping you in the face."

"I'm going to assume for the sake of argument that you actually have a point to this longwinded dialogue, and seeing as the bell will be ringing in less than 2 minutes, I'd suggest you make it."

"Well, I just wanted to know…I know you're 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?"

"Yes. But not just any puppy. A puppy that's sweet, and caring, willing to do anything you ask of him."

"Oh, he'd do anything I ask?"

"Um hum. Of course he would. Anything."

"That loyal, huh?"

"Extremely loyal."

What about Tristan? No, I won't ask directly. He wants to play this little game. So we'll play. He's not good at Duel Monsters, what makes him think he'll be good at this?

"What about this puppy's other, um….owner?", Seto asked, narrowing his eyes.

"Well, actually, technically it doesn't really have one. I mean there's someone taking care of him for the time being, but I mean, that's not going to work out for too much longer. It's time this guy had a proper situation."

"Is that so?"

"Yes."

"And I'd be doing this, because?"

"To know him is to love him. I promise." Seto smiled a little. He had to give the guy credit. He had balls. Sleeping with Joey is going to be easier than I thought. "Could you imagine how thrilled Mokuba would be? That should be reason enough."

"I'm going to have to think about this you know", Seto said, matter of fact.

"That's all I ask. Is that you think about it. Just let the idea marinate a little. Just don't say anything to Mokuba. You know, I don't want to ruin the surprise."

"Of course not." Seto was still smirking.

"Good. I think if you agree he's going to be really thrilled."

"He probably will."

"Hey, look, the bell is going to ring. So I'm going to go. And I'll see you in history class. I really appreciate you considering it, Seto. I was so sure you'd dismiss the idea without thinking about it first. I know if you say yes you won't regret it."

"I haven't said yes yet, Puppy."

"I know. Okay, hey, I'll talk to you later. Bye." Joey smiled warmly and ran off to class. Seto watched Joey round the corridor and headed off to his own class.

~.~

"Hey, Yami, Yugi, Mai", Duke said, smiling at his friends in their art class. "You think Joey asked, Kaiba yet, about you know what?"

"He probably did it this morning", Mai answered, moving her things so that there was plenty of room for the black haired teen to put down his lump of clay. They were on their sculpture and pottery unit.

"He has guts, that's not an easy thing to ask", Yugi thought to himself. "I know I'd never ask someone that kind of question."

"See, that's the problem, Yugi, you have to be brave. The worst the person could say is no", Duke insisted.

"I don't know about that. In Joey's case, Kaiba and his rivalry would make even the simplest questions difficult to ask. But Joey's asking it is the mature thing to do. Certainly Kaiba would have to respect someone who came to him and had a man-to-man conversation. Being childish never resolves anything", Yami explicated.

"Well, I haven't heard any reports of brawls in the hallways this morning, I suppose that means things went off without a hitch. Even if Kaiba did say no, there didn't seem to be any bloodshed. Speaking of blood, where is Bakura?", Mai asked.

"That's the million dollar question", Duke decided. The four teens scanned the room, no sign of the spirit anywhere.

"He's been acting strange lately", Yugi announced.

"You mean, more so than usual?", Mai asked.

"Yeah, Ryou said that he wasn't home all weekend. He was at the Ishtars."

"What's so strange about that? He always spends the weekend in and out of the shadow realm with Marik", Duke insisted.

"No, Marik wasn't home", Yugi corrected.

"Then what was he doing over there?", Mai wondered.

"He was hanging out with Malik. Bakura said something about them studying for an exam." Yami, Mai, and Duke looked at Yugi and then at each other.

"I've never known Bakura to be the academic type", Mai thought to herself. "Hey, Yami, why are you making that face? Do you know why Malik and Bakura were together?"

"I can't say that I do", Yami answered, giving her a look and looking back at the table. Yugi sighed to himself. Great, now he's jealous! It just doesn't end, does it?

~.~

"So did you ask, Seto?", Tristan asked, taking out his trigonometry homework.

"Yeah, and I have to tell you, it went smoother than I thought it would. I guess the guy's not all bad. I think I can convince him to say yes. And if I do Mokuba's going to flip."

"He really is. What guy doesn't want a brand new puppy for his birthday?"

"I know." Volunteering occasionally at the animal shelter with Ryou had given Joey a wonderful idea for Mokuba's birthday gift. He wanted to get Mokuba a puppy. And he had found the perfect one too. He was a little scrappy looking, but if Seto agreed he'd clean him up and he'd be ready to be the perfect pet.

Mokuba had mentioned how he got lonely without Seto around, either at work or school, or gods knew. What a wonderful way to keep the kid occupied. And even better, it was a way for the little guy to learn some responsibility.

~.~

Seto entered the cafeteria curtly. "Doesn't he usually spend lunch in the library?", Yugi asked.

"Yeah, he does. He eats at work", Joey answered, knowingly. "You guys don't mind if I invite him to sit over here do you? I want to try to butter him up some more. I'm pretty close to getting him to say yes to the puppy idea." Ryou and Bakura were in the bathroom, having an argument about Bakura being missing for most of the morning. Now they had two empty chairs at their table.

"Hey, if it means that much to you, I guess we can stand to sit with the guy for one lunch period", Duke said, smiling at Joey. Joey smiled back.

"Hey, Seto… over here, come over here." Seto looked at Joey and the rest of the buffoon brigade. He sighed and walked over to them. "Hey, want to sit with us, we have two empty seats."

"I wasn't planning on staying, I was just here to get a muffin", Seto said, looking around the table.

"Well we wouldn't want to bother you then", Tristan declared. Seto narrowed his eyes.

"You can get a muffin and stay if you want", Tea explained. Thank you, Tea…Joey thought, giving her a look.

"Don't. Bakura and Ryou are sitting here", Tristan clarified. "No offense of course."

"None taken. I had no intentions of sitting here."

Joey gave Tristan a look. Tristan added, "Bakura's in one of his moods, do you really want another altercation, Joey?"

"Don't waste time debating over it, Puppy. Like I already said, I had no intentions of staying." Seto gave them all one last look before walking towards the lunch line.

"Well, that went splendidly. Thank you, Tristan. You know how Seto is, he'll say no now just because of this."

"Seto? When did you start calling him Seto? And moreover, when did he start calling you Puppy? I thought you guys were set on having a knock out fight on Friday night?"

"Huh?", Joey asked, not realizing he had slipped. He was doing that a lot lately. And Puppy that had been new too. What was going on? They were actually having civil discussions. Maybe it wasn't just Joey who had changed, maybe Seto had too. He'd have to ask Mokuba about that…

"Are you listening to me?", Tristan asked.

"Huh? Oh, sorry. I was um… never mind."

"Are you going to come over after practice today?"

"I really can't."

"Oh", Tristan said, a little hurt.

~.~

Ryou had just finished his homework when he received a call from Tristan of all people. Ryou was more than a little surprised. "What's up, Tristan? Something wrong?"

"Yeah, can I come over?"

"Of course."

"I'll see you in about fifteen minutes." Tristan arrived promptly, fifteen minutes later. Ryou opened the door and led him to his room.

"Bakura's out gallivanting across Domino City, so we have the place to ourselves. You sounded a little distressed over the phone, what's wrong?" Tristan gave him a look and sat on the bed, his back leaning against the wall.

"Yugi and Joey ask you for advice all the time, I thought I'd try it out."

"Well, I have to warn you, I charge by the hour", Ryou explained, smiling. He sat next to the chocolate haired teen and crossed his arms over his chest. "So, you wanna tell me what's got you so upset?"

"Joey and Ky."

"Are you wondering if your feelings for Ky are reinventing themselves with Joey?"

"Not to sound like Joey but, huh?"

"Well, do you honestly think you're over Ky? You were really in love with him for a while."

"I don't know. I just kind of severed my feelings for Ky, cause he moved on, and I felt like I should move on to."

"So you move on from Ky, and move back to Joey?"

"It's not like that. I've always liked Joey. Loved him, in varying degrees. I don't know, I just see someone getting hurt when this is all over. And what about Kaiba? What the fuck is that about? I'm starting to think he's attracted to Joey. Doesn't he realize Joey and I have a history together? And Joey's not making it any better. He's acting like he enjoys the attention. What was that in the cafeteria?" Ryou didn't answer, but the look on his face was all the answer Tristan needed. "He likes him doesn't he? Joey I mean. Gods, I'm his best friend, how did I not know that?"

"He's had a crush on him for a while."

Tristan sighed. "I'm the one that's going to get hurt, I can already see it."

"Joey's loved you since you first met. He loved you before he knew he was even gay. And what's not to love, you're pretty amazing, Tristan."

"Ryou, if you're gonna go sappy on me I don't want to hear it." Ryou shot him a look. He grabbed his hand in his.

"Not sappy, honest." Tristan smiled a little. "Tristan, are you positive that your sudden interest in Joey isn't a reflection of your unwillingness to be alone?"

"Who wants to be alone?" Ryou lifted an eyebrow. "Joey makes me happy."

"I know he does. Your eyes light up when he walks into the room. No matter what else is going on he manages to bring a smile to your face." Tristan considered what Ryou was saying. "Joey's special, he has a place in your heart that can never be replaced by someone else. The same can be said about Joey's feelings for you."

"Ky made me feel like, I don't know. Like he was the only thing in the world that mattered. Which is probably why I'm so jaded without him. I really don't want to be alone, Ryou."

"It's not easy being alone. But you can't let your lingering attachment to Ky cloud your judgment about Joey. He's always been there. And with the idea that Joey could have become interested in someone else looming over you, you've begun to appreciate how wonderful he was. You don't want to see him make mistakes. You don't want him to get hurt, chasing after something that may not be a good idea. And you don't want to lose the comfort you had with him." Tristan was nodding.

"Joey would never hurt you on purpose. And right now there's no reason to really worry about Seto Kaiba." Tristan shifted and looked Ryou in the eyes, understanding why both Yugi and Joey had made him their personal advisor long before.

"And what if he does hurt me?" Tristan asked. Ryou looked at him, answering with his eyes. I'll be here for you, Tristan. I promise.

~.~

Seto was sitting at his desk, typing away at his laptop. Mokuba was sitting on Seto's bed, doing his homework. "Hey, Seto, what's cosine of 27?", Mokuba asked, looking at Seto inquisitively.

"You should be able to figure it out."

"Just tell me."

"Look at the answer in the back of the book." Mokuba sighed and looked the answer up and then put the answer down. "Find it?"

"Yes, Seto." They exchanged looks and Seto went back to his work. "Oh, Seto, I forgot to tell you, Yugi called, he wanted to know if I wanted to come over his house tomorrow for dinner. His grandpa is making crab sushi, and he remembered it was my favorite. You can come too, of course."

"Invited too, am I?", Seto asked, not missing a beat as he continued his typing.

"Um hum. Actually, not that many people can come, everyone is busy tomorrow night."

"You don't say?", Seto asked, still not interested.

"Yeah. Tristan said he was going to stop by right after tennis practice. He's gonna shower at Yugi's place. Everyone loves Yugi's grandfather's crab sushi, it's fantastic. Come with me, Seto."

"Even if my calendar was free I don't see myself sitting at a table across from Yami and Joey."

"Oh, no, didn't I tell you, Joey can't come. He's working at the Noodle Shop tomorrow night. Dinner shift. It's just going to be Yami, Mai, Tea, Ryou, and Tristan."

"Joey's working tomorrow night?", Seto asked, looking up, trying not to look obvious.

"Um hum. He'll be at work. Probably bored out of his mind, and lonely, since all his friends will be living it up at Yugi's house. But that's how these things are." Mokuba closed his math book. "I'm going to go change into my PJs and get some milk and cookies. You want me to bring you some green tea?"

"Sure. Thank you."

"No problem, Seto." Mokuba slid off his older brother's bed and headed out of the room, closing the door behind himself.

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

"So I add the cloves last, right?", Serenity asked, jotting down notes for herself, early Tuesday morning. Joey nodded. They were walking down the hallway at school. Joey was dictating a recipe for his sister. "I just want to make sure things go smoothly. This is the first time I'll be cooking dinner for him", Serenity continued.

"You'll be fine. I don't think Duke is all that picky", Joey encouraged. "See you later.

"Bye Joey."

Serenity left and Joey opened his locker. Seto was standing at his, swapping books. Joey sighed. Was he still interested in Seto? He supposed so. But Tristan had been on his mind nonstop. Joey thought about their last weekend together. That had been pretty nice, but he knew he shouldn't be getting too serious with him, Tristan still refused to think about Ky. And it really hadn't been all that long since they had broken up.

Joey stopped thinking and turned to Seto quickly who gave him a look. Joey gave him a little smile, and Seto approached. Joey tucked some hair behind his ears, he was wondering what Seto had on his mind. Perhaps he had considered Joey's question from the day before…

"Morning, Puppy", Seto said, evenly. Joey's heart fluttered. He was so sexy, did he have any idea? He had too.

"Did you think about what I asked you yesterday? I mean, did you consider it?", Joey asked, closing his locker.

"I considered it."

"So, is it a yes? If it doesn't work out, I take full responsibility. I just hope Mokuba won't be too disappointed."

"You worry a lot about Mokuba don't you, Puppy?"

"Yeah. He's like my little brother too. I care about him. Speaking of which, are you guys going over to Yugi's tonight? Yugi's grandfather's crab sushi is world famous. He's won international contests and stuff. I wish I could be half the cook he is."

"You cook?"

"Yeah, sort of. That's why Yugi insisted I work at the Noodle Shop, he said it'd be good experience or something. I don't know. So, are you two going to be there tonight?"

"Mokuba will, once he gets his homework done."

"You're not going?", Joey asked, immediately wishing he didn't sound let down.

"I have homework", Seto lied.

"Oh. I thought I'd try to stop by there later. But I probably won't get off until late. Yugi and Yami promised they'd save me some sushi though. As long as Bakura doesn't show up there should be something left. And hey, at least I won't have to listen to Tea's endless friendship speeches. That alone is almost worth missing out on the sushi."

Seto gave him an unconcerned look. "I'm sorry, I didn't know I looked interested, Puppy."

Joey rolled his eyes. "You know, Seto, you don't have to try so hard to upset me. You've already gotten my nomination for the Domino City Jerk of the Year Award." Seto gave Joey the once over, his eyes narrowing. Damn, he looks so cute in that school uniform. I don't know how much longer I can keep playing this game with the puppy.

"Hey, Earth to Seto Kaiba." Seto looked at him, abandoning his thoughts. "I just made a quip, now it's your turn to insult me. Come on, you can do it."

"Cute", Seto commented, annoyance in his voice.

"Me or the statement?", Joey asked. My Gods, am I flirting with him now? Seto's expression remained impassive. Before either of them could say anything else Tristan arrived. I was waiting for him to show up, Seto thought bitterly.

"Am I interrupting something here, Joey?", Tristan said, his eyebrows knitting in confusion.

"Huh?", Joey asked, more than a little startled.

"You guys having a private conversation here?", Tristan continued, looking at the both of them.

"No, nothing like that. We were just insulting each other", Joey managed.

"I was leaving", Seto affirmed.

Joey watched Seto's retreat, captivated. Whatever chance he had had of getting over his crush with Seto was fading fast. Was this what Mokuba was talking about that night at the roller rink? This wasn't hate. Was this…. No way. There wasn't a chance in Hell Seto could actually…

"Did you hear anything I just said to you, Joey?", Tristan asked, impatient.

"No. I'm sorry. The bell's going to ring, I have to go to class. But I'll see you in trig, okay?" Joey picked up his book bag and walked off.

What the Hell is going on between them? Tristan wondered, angrily.

~.~

"Can you get the door, Aibou?", Yami asked, pouring the drinks.

"Yeah, sure", Yugi answered, more than a little confused. Everyone that had been invited was already at his house. Tristan was upstairs in the shower, Mokuba was helping Grandpa make a salad and had told them Seto had homework he needed to finish, Joey was at work, Duke and Serenity had their dinner date, and Mai, Tea and Ryou were anxiously waiting for dinner to be served.

So Yugi was more than a little disturbed when he opened the door and found Malik Ishtar standing on the other side. There was no question now. Yami and Malik were two steps from getting together. Yugi stood at the door, staring at Malik who smiled warmly at him. "Can I come in?", Malik asked finally, he waved his hands in front of Yugi's face.

"No." Yugi slammed the door and walked back into the kitchen.

"Who was that?", Ryou asked, sitting at the table.

"Absolutely no one", Yugi answered, sitting next to him. The doorbell rang again.

"Sounds like no one is at the door again", Mai noted. Yami turned to look at Yugi.

"Aibou, can you get that please?", Yami asked, filling his own glass with soda.

"No." Yami gave Yugi a look. "You go get it."

"Something wrong, Aibou?", Yami asked, his crimson eyes searching Yugi's face for the answer.

"Everyone who's been invited over is here. I'm not answering the door, Yami."

"I'll get it then", Tea said, getting up from the table as the bell rang again. Yugi rolled his eyes, and drummed his fingers angrily as he heard part of the exchange at the door. Before long Tea reappeared with Malik.

Ryou and Mai exchanged knowing looks. Tea sat back on her seat, not noticing what was about to happen. "Malik, hey, Yugi told us you were busy tonight", Grandpa mentioned, smiling at the platinum haired teen.

"He did?", Malik asked, glancing at Yugi who only stared evilly back.

"Aibou, can I see you upstairs for a moment?", Yami asked, his crimson eyes growing darker.

"No, you cannot." Ryou shifted uncomfortably.

"Aibou…" Yugi shot him a stony gaze.

"Do not,Aibou, me, Yami", Yugi interjected frostily. Mai wondered if her knife would be sharp enough to cut the tension in the room.

"Something wrong, Yugi", Tea asked, innocently. Ryou swallowed. Not now, Tea. Gods, not now.

"Yes, there is something wrong, Tea. We only have seven place settings…"

"I can sit here", Malik began.

"Tristan is sitting there. I calculated everything for seven people. Tell you what, I'm sure Yami can stop by your place later with a doggy bag."

"Yugi?", his grandfather started, unclear as to just what was going on.

"Aibou, I want to speak to you upstairs, alone. Now", Yami reproached.

"You're not my father, Yami. I don't have to listen to you."

"Yugi…" Mai started in. Yugi gave her a look. Mai said nothing else.

"I won't ask you again, Aibou." Yugi stood up, his normally gentle violet eyes shooting out at his spirit like daggers.

"I have nothing to say to you, Yami. You're not going to treat me like a child to impress your boyfriend." Mokuba dropped the salad tongs onto the floor and Mai's hands went into a prayer position, cupped over her face. Ryou bit his lip, Tea and Grandpa looked on, more confused than ever.

Tristan bounded down the stairs and into the kitchen. "Hey, dinner ready?"

~.~

Mokuba had only been gone for half an hour, Seto not sure what he was going to eat for dinner himself. He was ahead in all his work, there was really nothing he had to do, perhaps he could go take a drive and clear his head, or maybe stop at a fast food place and grab a bite to eat. After all, it was silly to have the cook whip up a meal for only one person. It made far more sense for Seto to go to a pizza store or something.

He opened his bottom desk drawer and ruffled through the menus he kept there. What was he in the mood for, he didn't even know. Soon enough, his hands wandered to the menu for the Noodle Shop. No, I'm not going there. Forget it. Out of the question. I refuse to run into the mutt. I couldn't even pretend it was accidental, everyone's told me that he's working tonight.

Seto closed the drawer and sighed. Do you want to sleep with him or not, Seto? No, no, no. This was nuts. For one, there was Tristan. Secondly, Joey had just asked him yesterday if he could…. What the Hell! What am I doing?

Seto slammed his hand on his desk, in a vain effort to clear his head. He had to be reasonable; this denial thing wasn't working anymore. I need to eat anyway. I'm attracted to Joey. I want him in my bed. Everyone is at Yugi's house tonight. Even Mokuba. He couldn't believe it.

One minute he was arguing with himself, the next Bernard was driving the limo and dropping him off at the Noodle Shop. He didn't want to take his own car, he didn't want Mokuba to check the mileage or something. I'm losing it. I am seriously losing it. It's not too late to get out of here…

"Mr. Kaiba, what a pleasant surprise, I didn't realize you had a reservation with us this evening."

Seto looked up at the maitre d'. "I don't actually. To be frank I wasn't planning on staying so don't worry about…"

"Oh, no, Mr. Kaiba, your favorite table is available. We insist." Favorite table? I've only eaten here once before. Before Seto really knew what he was doing he was ushered to the same table he had sat at only Friday. This wasn't going to work. He needed to leave, now…

"Seto?", Joey asked, eyes widening. Shit.

"Oh, hello", Seto started, sitting up in his chair, trying to regain some composure.

"What are you doing here?", Joey beamed, his smile as bright as his eyes.

"I came to check on my investment."

"Oh, yeah, right. I get it. Smart. Surprised you're here though, I mean, seeing how everyone else is at Yugi's. You don't mind eating alone?"

"I'm not going to stay, I only came to get a drink, maybe speak with the owner."

"Oh", Joey sighed.

"Oh what?", Seto asked.

"Huh?" Seto shook his head. If he had a quarter for every time Joey said "huh"…

"Never mind, Puppy."

"So, would you like a White Russian?" This was a big mistake, Seto wanted to leave.

"That's fine."

"Sure I can't interest you in something to nibble on?" Seto gave him a look.

"I didn't have much chance to look at the menu."

"I can bring you an appetizer."

"I wouldn't finish it."

"I could help you."

"Eating scraps off my plate? I think you're taking this puppy thing a little too seriously."

"Well, I mean, actually my shift is over… I could help you eat an appetizer or…" Joey stopped speaking, his face growing hot. Seto and him made eye contact, it became a battle, neither looking away first, perhaps afraid of what the other would draw from it. Joey blinked finally, and looked away in the same heartbeat. Why in the world was he being so forward? He was standing in front of Seto Kaiba. "Forget what I just said. I'm sorry, I don't know why I was being so um…"

"Presumptuous?"

"Mr. Kaiba, such an honor, Sir. Can I offer you something to start off with?" Both Joey and Seto turned to look at the waiter.

"White Russian on the rocks please." Seto turned to look at the blond. "Joey?"

"I uh, same. Thanks."

"Sure, I'll be right back with those", the waiter continued, eyeing Joey over suspiciously. Joey swallowed and sat down in the seat Mokuba had sat in on Friday night. Seto met his eyes. Joey's face turning 13 shades of pink in response. He wasn't even sure if it was still red, he figured he was probably now lavender.

"So is Tristan supposed to come pick you up to go over to Yugi's place?"

"I guess, I don't know, I didn't really think that far ahead. Did you take the Jag here or the limo?"

"The limo."

"Oh." Joey swallowed again. Seto held down a smile, Joey looking adorable all nervous in front of him. Why was I so concerned about Tristan? It's clear the puppy wants me.

"Have you picked up Mokuba's birthday gift? The party's this weekend."

"I was going to go on Friday night. So I guess this means you're okay with this. It's a go then?"

"What's a go, Puppy?"

"Two White Russians. Can I interest you in an appetizer?" Damn it, why the Hell is he back now? Doesn't he see I'm trying to speak to the puppy here?

"We're fine, thank you", Seto answered. The waiter smiled, left the drinks, and went over to his other table. "You didn't want anything, did you? I just assumed you would want to save room for when I took you over to Yugi's house."

"Are you going to come inside too?"

"No, I'll just be picking up, Mokuba. I think he assumes because all of his close friends are older than him he can be out as late as them."

"He's very mature for his age. You should be thankful, Seto."

"I am." Seto took a sip of the beverage.

"You really should come in, make a small appearance. You may not like my friends and me very much but the feeling isn't completely mutual. Usually."

"I'll keep that in mind." Blue met honey. Joey was melting.

~.~

Yugi stormed towards his room. Yami fast approaching. Yugi tried slamming the door in Yami's face, but he caught the door one-handed. "Get out, Yami…"

"No." Yami closed the door. Yugi stood infuriated, hands over his chest. He was going to start to cry, any moment now, but for the time being he tried to act as tough as possible. He didn't want Yami to see him weak. He never wanted Yami to see him weak again.

"This is my room, you have no right to be in here", Yugi asserted.

"How long is this going to continue, Yugi? Is it really worth all this childishness?"

"Get out of my room!"

"Not until you calm down and act your age, Aibou."

"Do not call me that. I don't want to hear that word coming from your lips ever again." Yami lowered his head, his heart shattering. "I want you to leave. Go back downstairs and entertain your guest. You didn't take the trouble of inviting him here for nothing."

"He's not my boyfriend". His voice was low; Yami did not look up.

"Sure fooled me. Now get out." Yami swallowed hard. Where had Yugi learned to be so mean?

"Please…"

"No."

"I care about you. Why won't you believe that? Do you think I meant to hurt you?" Yami's eyes were soft, affectionate.

"You might not have meant it, but you did", Yugi admitted, the tears not waiting a second longer as they began to fall.

"I don't love him, Yugi." Yugi shuttered. "He is a close friend, that is all."

"What about me?"

"You're my everything, Aibou."

"So you say." Yami approached him, cautiously, not knowing if Yugi would step back. Yugi stood very still, not sure what to think. Yami embraced him, gently, taking Yugi a little off guard, but in an instant he was hugging him back.

"In time you will understand, Yugi. I made a promise to Malik. A promise I cannot break. He needs me now. But I will always be here for you."

"Don't you like, Malik? Don't you think he's cute?"

"He's not my type." He gave Yugi a little squeeze. Yugi giggled and pulled him closer.

"What about the other night, when we were watching TV? Weren't you talking about liking someone?"

"Yes. I was." Yami kissed Yugi's forehead, tenderly. "I just wasn't talking about Malik." Yugi pulled away, studied Yami's face. Yami smiled a little and continued, "Will you come downstairs please, I'm sure everyone is worried about you. Malik is convinced you hate him."

"I don't hate him. Not really. I guess, I guess I was a little jealous." Yami released him and walked towards the door. "Yami, I..I didn't really mean what I said about you calling me Aibou. I was angry… I wanted to upset you. I'm sorry." He wiped his face on a sleeve.

"It's okay, I upset you. I'll try not to let it happen again. Come, Little One."

Yugi followed his spirit down the steps. The doorbell rang. "I'll get it", Yugi announced. After all it wasn't like anyone else he didn't want to see could possibly be at the door.

"Joey! You're here. This is great." Yugi was hugging him before Joey had a chance to get a word in. "Wait, how'd you get here? Don't tell me you walked."

"No, I got a ride", Joey answered, signaling over his shoulder. Seto Kaiba stood uncomfortably outside staring at the back of Joey's head.

"Kaiba! Oh wow, now everyone's here. Come in. There's plenty left."

"I won't be staying, I just stopped by to pick up Mokuba."

"You're here, you mine as well have some of Grandpa's sushi." Joey and Seto followed Yugi into the kitchen. "Look, Joey and Kaiba are here", Yugi broadcast, as he crossed the kitchen's threshold.

"Seto, you came after all!" Mokuba began, smiling.

"Hi, guys, we saved you some", Tea continued.

"Glad you could make it, boys", Yugi's grandfather added.

"Joey, how'd you get here?", Tristan asked, his hair still damp from the shower. Joey looked over at Seto who shifted slightly. "You guys came together?", Tristan questioned.

"Seto, er... um... Kaiba came into the Noodle Shop to check on his investment. We ran into each other."

"Check on his investment, is that so". Tristan narrowed his eyes.

"I won't be staying", Seto retorted, giving Tristan his trademark glare.

"Oh course you are. If you weren't you wouldn't have taken off your shoes", Tristan remarked, coldly.

"Force of habit."

"I suppose you're also making it a habit of giving Joey rides too?"

"Listen Taylor…"

"Tristan, that's enough. Kaiba has put a lot of money into the Noodle Shop, of course he'd want to make sure things are on the up and up", Joey interjected. "I'm too hungry to argue right now." Tristan shot Joey a look. Since when does Joey take Kaiba's side? Does he want him?




Author's Endnotes: Another chapter all done. REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW. Um hum, yeah someone needs to grab Yugi and Yami and shake the crap out of them. What are they doing? And as for poor Tristan, Joey is getting himself into a situation real quick. I think Mokuba is partially to blame, instigating at all the right moments and causing more harm than good. What happens when Seto realizes that this "puppy" they've been talking about is actually a puppy? I guess we'll have to wait to find out, but until then you can think about this:


Yami stood up. "Goodnight guys", he said, smiling at Ryou and Joey.

"Night", they returned at the same time.

Yami leaned over, an attention-grabbing expression on his face. "Sweet dreams, Aibou." He smiled before he placed a kiss on Yugi's cheek. He didn't pull away immediately, letting his lips linger a little on the soft flesh. It ended, leaving Yugi reeling. Yami left the room, closing the door behind him. The three teens stayed motionless until they heard the door close on the other side of the hallway.

"Jesus H. Christ, Yug! What was that all about!" Joey started, flopping on the bed.

"Gods, Yugi, could Yami be anymore obvious? Imagine what he would have done if me and Joey weren't here!" Ryou added.

"You guys are just overreacting…"

"Overreacting! Yugi, the guy was like two seconds away from eating your face off…"