Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ So In Love With Two ❯ Fortune Cookie Philiosphy ( Chapter 4 )

Disclaimer: Still no ownership of anything. No Songs, No YGO. No profits… And because the pervert in me couldn't resist, there's another lemon here. Somebody stop me…

Song Notes: So I was listening to A Thousand Miles-by Vanessa Carlton, (Tristan's theme song in this chapter), Here With Me- by Plumb (Great song that applies to Yami),Killing Me Softly- by the Fugees, (Yeah, what Yami's doing to Yugi) Someday- by Nickelback, (Seto needs to get it in gear) and finallyThe Game of Love- a contribution from Santana and Michelle Branch. (Well, that could really apply to anyone)


Chapter 4: Fortune Cookie Philosophy


Tristan received no more answers to the puzzle. The rest of the week Joey and Tristan saw very little of each other, Joey only coming to one of his tennis practices. On Thursday night Tristan invited Ryou over for dinner, wanting to consult him about what to do. After dinner Tristan and Ryou retreated to Tristan's room so they could talk privately.

"What's on your mind", Ryou asked, making himself comfortable on the other's bed. Tristan gave him a look and sat in the chair at his desk. "Joey problems?"

"Always." Ryou gave him a saddened look. "What the fuck. I can't believe that rich bastard had the audacity to show up at the Noodle Shop Tuesday night. Who is he trying to fool? It's obvious he ran into Joey on purpose. And Joey makes me even angrier! Why would he do this to me?"

"There are a lot of emotions flying around right now, Tristan. He's just as confused as you are."

"I'm not confused, I'm not the one flirting with someone else. Damn it."

"Have you told Joey how you feel about him? Are you sure he knows?"

"He should, I've been pretty obvious about it. He can't tell me he doesn't realize what's going on."

"Maybe he doesn't. Here's the object of his crush finally showing him some attention. And you're supposed to be getting over Ky. So maybe you should tell him exactly what you're feeling." Tristan gave Ryou a look. "But before you do that, are you completely sure you want Joey. I thought we already discussed the fact that your feelings for Ky are getting mixed up with your feelings for Joey. And you already admitted to me you didn't want to be alone."

"I love him. At least I think I do. I want to be with him. I don't want to see him with Kaiba", Tristan protested, getting angry. "You think I should say something to him, though? Tell him flat out?"

"At least then Joey can sort out his feelings."

Tristan nodded. "Yeah, I don't know what I'm doing. And that other asshole called me tonight. Right before you came over. Which just makes this week even better. I don't want to go to Mokuba's birthday party, I see myself starting some drama."

"Wait, hold on a second. What asshole? Ky? He called you from London?" Tristan nodded. "I'm sorry, Tristan."

"No, don't start that, okay. Hey, no one said break ups were supposed to be easy. I just couldn't believe the audacity of that idiot. Calling me, just when I was getting on with everything. I…damn it! I hate feeling like this, completely helpless. He makes me so mad. I wish I never knew him. Sometimes I think he's the worst thing that ever happened to me. Maybe if I didn't spend eight months of my existence attached to that over-sexed college idiot I wouldn't be having problems with Joey now. I fell for his charm, you know, I fell for all those cheap lines, and all his bullshit. He went to Tokyo U, I should have known he was no good. Stupid, smart, rich bastard. All that love and affection and what have I got to show for it? A broken heart, a best friend/ boyfriend that has feelings for some other asshole…" Tristan was so angry he didn't even notice that he was crying.

"Oh, Tristan, it's okay." Ryou was by his side, grabbing him from around the back. "Come, sit on the bed. It's going to be alright."

"What the Hell is wrong with me? Why did I get so involved with that fool? There's a difference between holding a hand and touching a soul, Ryou. Kisses aren't promises, company doesn't mean security. I need to act like a man, not a grieving child. I need to…"

"Stop it, Tristan, beating yourself up over this isn't going to do anything is it?" Ryou had managed to lead Tristan back to his bed, and was letting Tristan lean on him, tears dampening the white-haired teen's shirt. "You can't live in regrets. You can let the break up continue to hurt you or you can learn from it, use it to appreciate everything else you have."

Tristan jerked away. "Like what? Like Joey? He makes me want to scream sometimes. Did you seem him on Tuesday with him?" He rubbed tears away.

"I didn't just mean Joey, Tristan", Ryou mentioned, stroking the side of his face, tenderly. "Most people would kill to have the number of true, close friends you have. You have wonderful parents, you can't want for much. I'd say all and all you're pretty lucky." Tristan gave him a look.

"I'm acting like such a, I don't even know. You all put up with my bullshit with Ky, even though I disappeared from sight for a solid six months. And you're too good to me, Ryou, listening to my ranting. We've never been close, I know I've never really tried to be close to you. It was nothing against you, Joey and I were always bosom buddies, I shouldn't have alienated my friendship."

"No regrets, huh? I didn't reach out to you either. Besides, there's here and now. We can be better friends presently. Okay?" Tristan smiled warmly. He wiped the last of his tears off onto his sleeve. "Are you going to be alright?"

"Yes, I just…I have so many emotions going on in my head right now. But I'll take your advice; I'll talk to Joey. It's not fair to assume he knows what I'm thinking. And it's my fault we grew apart. I want to fix things between us. That's the right thing to do, right?" Ryou smiled sweetly. "I think I'm going to have steal you from Joey and Yugi permanently." Ryou smirked.

"Yeah, that's fine with me, but just let me at least get Yugi to admit his feelings for Yami first." Tristan laughed.

"Please do. Yugi's pouting is depressing."

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

Joey, Tristan, and Serenity went to the animal shelter on Friday night like planned even though Tristan and Joey hadn't spoken much during the week. Tristan seemed angry. Joey couldn't figure out if it was because Seto had shown up and stayed for the tail end of sushi night at Yugi's house or if there was something else bothering him.

"Don't forget your swimming suits for tomorrow, Kaiba has an indoor pool", Tristan continued, making a U-turn.

"Um hum", Joey responded, looking at Tristan. "Are you planning on swimming?"

"I don't know. I get uncomfortable in swimming pools", he answered looking at the blond.

"How come, Tristan?", Serenity asked, casually.

"Because of an incident that happened in my swimming pool two summers ago. Seems like a million miles from here now, though. I haven't thought about it in a while, until just recently." He looked at Joey at that moment. "Do you ever think about that day, Joey?"

"Only all the time, Tristan." Tristan regarded him for an instant. They were back at the Wheeler's house. Serenity climbed out of the car.

"I'll be in the house", she began, grabbing the carrier out of the car and taking the little puppy with her. Joey turned to look at the brunet, knowing he had to say something to him.

"Look, Tristan, I know you're angry with me…"

"I'm not angry with you, Joey."

"Then why are you upset, Tris?"

"Ky."

"Ky?"

"He called, last night, right after I got home from tennis. I guess it brought back a lot of feelings I tried to bury weeks ago."

"Well, Tristan it's only been a couple of weeks, I mean, you can't expect to be completely over him yet. It takes a while to get over someone."

"I know. But that's not the problem. The feelings that Ky brought up weren't about him. They were about you, Joey." Joey gave the taller teen a look.

"Huh?"

Tristan sighed. What is with Joey's insistence on using the word "huh"? "I should have told you before, Joey. All those old feelings we had for each other… I guess I got them back…"

"Are you serious, Tristan?"

"Haven't I been obvious about it?"

"Yeah, well. You're on the rebound. Yugi and Yami would kill me if…"

"Don't worry about anyone else but us, Joey."

"What about Ky?"

"I'm done with Ky. I've been done with Ky the minute he told me he was done with me. Who cares what he's doing in London. I have you here with me. It's me and you, Babe."

"Me and you? Meaning what?"

"I think we should try again." He smiled. "You know, start dating… That is, if you want to… if you're not interested that's fine." He looked down.

"You just caught me off guard. Tristan, you know I've loved you since the beginning of time." Tristan smiled at Joey, and brushed some blond strands out of Joey's face. Then he planted the warmest kiss Joey had had in Gods knew how long on his lips. Joey could feel bubbles rising in his stomach.

Gods, I love Tristan. I really do. I'm like head over heels for the guy. I've always been… And we're going to try again…

"Come home with me", Tristan whispered, throwing Joey for another loop. Joey managed a little nod and Tristan took off down the street. This felt so….so right. When they got back to the Taylor's house Tristan barely managed a hello to his parents.

"Will Joey be spending the night?" Mrs. Taylor asked, calling after the boys as they ran up the stairs.

"Yeah, Mom."

"There's some extra linen in the closet then."

"Okay, Mom." Tristan ushered Joey into his room, closing and locking the door as soon as the other teen was out of the way. "She's talking about blankets when the last thing we need are any more hang-ups." Tristan said nothing else as he moved in for the kill, devouring Joey's mouth fiercely.

Joey's back slammed against a wall, the shorter of the two could feel Tristan's growing arousal through the denim of their jeans. Joey moaned biting his lip to stop himself from making too much noise. Tristan was going for his favorite spot on Joey's neck, and Joey's body was responding accordingly. "Shit, Tris. Calm down, your parents are right downstairs." Tristan released his willing prisoner and turned on his CD player.

"Is that Eminem?" Joey asked, the bass throbbing in his ears. Of course at that point that wasn't his only body part throbbing.

"Does it matter?" Joey looked up innocently. "Get on the bed." Tristan's voice was deepened with desire. Joey slipped onto the bed, his legs swaying over the side. Tristan gave Joey a look, wondering if Joey was nervous or something. He leaned down, tossing blond hair. "You act like you don't want to be my little slut tonight, Joey."

"Huh?" Tristan pushed Joey down, jumping on top of him. Joey gasped, Tristan's mouth roaming to his neck again. Tristan made up for lost time, giving Joey a collar of hickey's as Joey cried out, hoping that the music was loud enough to cover his pleasure.

"We're going to need to get these clothes off of you", Tristan continued, allowing Joey to squirm a little bit. Tristan pulled the shirt over Joey's head. "Pants too. You should know the rules by now, no clothes in the bed." Tristan rolled off. Joey unbuttoned his jeans. "Too slow, Babe." Tristian slid off the bed, and with a yank Joey was naked and panting.

"Damn, Tristan…."

"Do you have any idea how you look, laying on my bed like this, waiting for me to claim you as mine once again?"

"Huh?" Joey whimpered, Tristan moving in to begin his handy work.

"You are one hot fuck, Joey." Joey blushed. Gods, I love when he talks to me like this. Half the time I wonder if I could come just listening to him… "Am I moving to fast, Baby?"

Joey smiled, not realizing how truly seductive he looked, sprawled out on the bed. "Talk is cheap, and I'm already waiting for round two." He shifted his body so that his head was on the pillow. Tristan smirked, and leaned in, grabbing a nipple with his teeth and torturing it. Joey moaned, Tristan looked up, Joey pinned by the brunet's cinnamon eyes.

Tristan bit down harder on the defenseless nub, Joey arching his back. He began licking around the area he wounded, the heated tongue sending signals down to Joey's groin. The blond tangled his hands in dark brown hair and smiled. "You just don't get how gorgeous you are, my little blond boy toy", Tristan teased, biting the twin nipple.

"I wonder if you say that to all the other boys you've successfully seduced." Tristan didn't answer verbally, growling possessively instead. Joey's words were lost in his throat as Tristan's treatment got another moan in response. Tristan was getting restless, he wanted more, and quickly, so instead of applying his usual teasing to the blond's body he moved down to the only part of Joey that hadn't gone limp in his skilled hands.

Joey wasn't expecting his erection to be engulfed, but as Tristan's hot oral cavity enclosed around him the shock sent a scream ripping from his lips. Tristan released Joey's member, a satisfied look on his face. "Someone wants his penis in my mouth."

"Oh Gods yes." That was all the assurance Tristan needed, as he went in for the kill, his tongue running down the underside of Joey's member as he expanded his jaw to take Joey in completely. Thus began the rhythmic cycle of swallowing and sucking, accompanied by the occasional mind blowing nip and kiss that had Joey crying out louder than the music blaring from the speakers. Joey's moans and grunts were sending chills up Tristan's spine.

"Tristan, please, gods, I love you… Please…" Tristan slid his mouth back up, smiling at Joey's whimper of protest when he took Joey from his mouth. "Why'd you stop?"

"Just love watching you complain, Baby." Joey smacked him on the head.

"Jerk."

"Admit it, you can't get enough."

"Never, Tris. Never." Tristan smiled, leaning back down. Joey didn't have to wonder what his lover had planned next for long, that fantastic muscle was spinning around the head of Joey's cock with ferocity leaving incredibly warm saliva trails to be licked up, only for Tristan to redeposit elsewhere. Joey huffed violently, a show of his approval of Tristan's latest tongue trick. The feeling of climax was casting a hazy fog as Joey's breathing turned heavier, his eyes half closed, his moans rising and falling in time with his chest.

"Gonna come, Tris. Don't stop. Please." Tristan received another strangled scream from Joey's lips as he gorged himself again, Joey's control vanished, hot, white cum hitting Tristan's tonsils. Tristan pulled up, letting the last of Joey's seed hit his lips. Joey opened his eyes, slowly, trying to clear his head.

Watching Tristan lick his white-stained lips with a full of himself look on his face was enough for Joey's manhood to give another salute. "Have you always been so sexy, Tris?" Joey retorted, smiling.

"Have you always tasted so damn good, Babe?" Joey blushed again. "Enough idle chit-chat. I'm hard as hell, or haven't you noticed?"

"What do you want me to do about it?" Joey asked, mockingly. "You say that as if it's my doing."

"Yeah, okay. You little tease. I'm going to have you screaming." Joey laughed, Tristan reached across him, turning the music up louder. "Can't have my parents thinking I'm murdering you up here."

"You'll never get away with it", Joey promised, watching Tristan grab a bottle of baby lotion from his nightstand.

"Already have, you sandy haired tramp." Joey giggled, Tristan squeezed a squirt of the lubricating substance onto his fingertips. "I should make you lube up yourself. You always make me do all the work." He didn't give the sandy haired tramp a chance to respond, as he poked the puckered entrance. "No more foreplay for Joey. Tristan's too horny for anymore games", Tristan explained, accentuating his words with his fingers.

"No arguments here", Joey whimpered, willing himself to relax. "You keep talking, I'm waiting for the fucking to commence."

"Keep it up, in a second your going to need a wheelchair for Mokuba's birthday party tomorrow." Tristan tossed the bottle to an unknown location on his floor, suspending himself over the blond. Joey leaned up and kissed him first, getting a temporary advantage. Tristan allowed Joey to lead the kiss, opening his mouth at Joey's urgency.

Keep him busy, Tristan thought evilly. Before the air completely left the boy's lungs Tristan thrust forward, burying himself in the familiar warmth of his lover. Joey moaned at the sensation, his erection gliding across the other's stomach, a silent reminder of the desperation burning in his own loins. Tristan only allowed the minimum amount of air required so Joey wouldn't turn blue before he joined their mouths for a heated kiss.

It was just the distraction Tristan needed as he began pumping in and out of the other's body. Joey whimpered at the sensation, the kiss ending as he screamed Tristan's name when that pleasure spot inside of him was hit. Joey wrapped his legs around Tristan's waist, allowing the ever-thrusting appendage deeper inside him. Joey could feel the friction tearing at him. It was burning him, and he never wanted the burning sensation to stop. "Gods, Tris…were you always hung like a horse. It's so big…"

"All the better to fuck you with." Joey moaned in appreciation as Tristan adjusted his angle and the discomfort was masked by pleasure. The blond groaned as Tristan grabbed his hard-on and began timing his thrusts to his steady stroking. "Um, Baby, this feels so good."

"Harder. Please…" Joey grabbed his own shaft, allowing Tristan to return the hand to the side of Joey's head. Tristan didn't increase his speed, but began slamming into Joey vigorously. "Um…gods… it's good, Tris….so good."

"If it's… good….then come, Baby. Let me see you explode all over the place."

"Ah, shit… I'm going to… Tris… I'm going to…" Tristan pulled almost all the way out, leaving just the head in before he crashed back in, hitting his target. Joey screamed, the music barely covering the cry, his essence splashing against his chest, two drops hitting his chin. Tristan couldn't hold out, looking at Joey sweating, panting, still moaning underneath him did him in. Tristan came hard, gripping the pillow until his knuckles turned as white as the fluid dripping off the blond's chin.

"I love you, Baby", Tristan promised, collapsing on top of Joey, his arms no longer strong enough to support his weight.

"Um… me too…Tris…so sleepy. Round two, later…nap first…" Joey fell asleep with Tristan as his blanket.

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

"Yugi!"

"Mokuba!" The two ran towards each other and held each other tightly.

"I think I'm going to be sick", Seto commented, rolling his eyes at the embrace.

"Hey, you promised, no cynicism today", Mokuba grumbled, releasing Yugi and giving his older brother a stern look.

"I'm sorry. I'll try to not let it happen again", Seto assured him. Seto shifted his attentions to Yami who held two medium sized packages in his hands. "I'll show you where you can place the gifts", he added. Yami gave him a look and followed him into the house.

"I apologize for getting here so early. Yugi insisted."

"No, it's fine. He makes Mokuba happy. That's all that matters." Yami dropped the gifts in an already large pile.

"Is Joey here yet?", Yami asked, lifting an eyebrow.

"You ask me that as if I would know."

"Indeed." The brunet narrowed his eyes. Yami was already at it. It seemed he would have to break his promise to Mokuba already.

"Listen,Pharaoh, I'm not the dog's keeper. If you'd like to know the whereabouts of said puppy I suggest you try Tristan. They're inseparable, or haven't you noticed?"

"Oh, I've noticed, and it appears, so have you."

"Just what is that supposed to mean?"

"It's not supposed to mean anything more than what I said, that you've also taken notice of Tristan and Joey's rekindled friendship. It's sweet, just a shame it took an end of a relationship for Tristan to remember that Joey still existed." Yami narrowed his eyes. "Why are you making that face?"

"I'm just trying to recall whether or not I asked you to tell me this information."

"Hum." Yami smirked. "No, I suppose I just offered the information for my own purposes."

"Which would be?"

"Nothing you should worry yourself with. Anyway, I just wanted to tell you that it was nice of you to come to Yugi's house on Tuesday, we were all happy to see you."

"I especially liked Tristan's reaction."

"Tristan's not very good at hiding his jealousy. You must know he perceives you as a threat. It hasn't gone unnoticed that the nature of Joey and your relationship has changed. Well, enough of that. I'm going back outside to wish Mokuba a happy birthday. I'll see you later." Yami didn't wait for a response and walked back out the way the CEO and him had come in. Seto narrowed his eyes.

~.~

Yugi and Ryou got onto the Ferris wheel. "Yugi, I don't think Malik's here yet. You have nothing to worry about", Ryou insisted.

Yugi looked out at Mokuba's backyard and focused his attention on the yellow and white striped circus tent. That was the last place he had seen Yami before he went to mingle with some popular kids. "Look, I know Yami said he doesn't love Malik, but that still doesn't explain why he's spending so much time with him. Why won't he tell me what's really going on?"

"Well, maybe it has something to do with Bakura. Malik, Marik, Bakura and I all went to the movies last night, and Malik and Bakura were acting strangely."

"Strangely?"

"Yeah. Bakura even let Bakura wear his jacket. It was bizarre."

"Sounds bizarre. I just wish Yami wouldn't keep it from me. I don't keep things from him. Well, unless you count my feelings for him."

"After that scene Tuesday night I doubt he's still oblivious. He knows, Yugi. He knows exactly how you feel."

"Then why doesn't he say anything to me? Why does he keep driving me insane?"

"I think it's his way of dealing with the situation. He's very guarded. I don't think he's one for expressing his own feelings."

"He's like the bluntest person I know. Except when it comes to matters of his heart. He won't say anything to me. I need to figure out what's going on between him and Malik. Even if Yami is telling the truth and doesn't care about him like that, we can't rule out Malik's feelings. Maybe I should speak with him."

"If you think it will help, Yugi. But honestly, I think the only person you need to speak with is Yami. This whole thing has taken on a life of it's own."

~.~

"Where's your brother?", Seto asked, informally approaching Serenity near the picnic tables.

"Not sure, he wanted to speak to Tristan privately. Why do you ask?"

"Mokuba."

"Oh, yeah, Mokuba." Serenity nodded. "Anyway, I think they're around the other side of the house. Oh, wait, here they come." Seto turned to watch Joey and Tristan walking towards everyone. "I think Joey's going to need to see you in the house."

"For what?"

"To talk about the puppy thing."

"He's told you?" Seto narrowed his eyes, how many people knew… was that what Yami was implying in the house?

"Joey tells me everything. He's my brother." Seto gave Serenity a look. She smiled again. Seto broke eye contact and looked back over at Tristan who was talking to Mai. Joey stood nervously by the back door, signaling Seto over.

"Excuse me." Serenity nodded. Tristan glanced at Seto and then continued his conversation. Joey gave Seto a smile.

"Can we go inside? I don't want Mokuba to see me yet."

"Yeah, sure." Seto led the way, thoughts flooding his mind, the carrier in Joey's hand went unnoticed. "Serenity said you wanted to talk to me about the puppy thing?"

"Uh, huh. Can we go somewhere quiet, or is everywhere chaotic?"

"No, we'll go into my room." Seto walked to the back staircase, taking the steps two at the time, Joey walked slower, not wanting to upset the sleeping dog. Seto unlocked his bedroom door and let Joey inside. He closed the door behind them.

It wasn't as big as he thought it would be. Seto seemed like such a big egotist that Joey always assumed his room took up half the mansion. "I figured your room was blue", Joey commented, his eyes wandering around the room

"You've spent time thinking about the décor in my room, Puppy?"

"Not an abundant amount of time." Seto gave him a look, and focused on Joey's expression. Is he flirting with me again? Did they really have to go back outside to the party? Would they be missed in all the confusion? What was going to stop him from taking Joey now?

"Anyway, I brought some dog food, and some treats, he really likes the one's shaped like bones, they taste pretty good… so I've heard."

"Huh?", Seto asked, looking at Joey suddenly.

"Hey, that's my line."

"What are you talking about?", Seto asked again, narrowing his eyes.

"The puppy", Joey answered, pointing towards his feet. Seto glanced at the carrier and frowned.

"What the Hell is that?"

"The puppy."

"What puppy?"

"The puppy I got from the animal shelter for Mokuba's birthday."

"You got Mokuba a puppy for his birthday?", Seto asked, giving Joey a confused look.

"Gods, Seto, are you feeling okay? You said you'd consider it, and as far as I could tell that was the closest I was going to get to a yes."

"Wait a minute, are you telling me this whole thing about a puppy was actually about a puppy?"

"Yes, what else would I be talking about, Seto?" Seto looked back down at the carrying case.

"What else indeed, it's fitting really, you buying Mokuba a member of your own species." Seto's tone was dark and angry.

"What's wrong? Why are you suddenly so upset?" Seto looked back at Joey, his eyes already iced over. Joey winced. "Seto, what's wrong?"

"Why are you calling me that?"

"It's your name."

"I only let people I care about call me that." Joey's heart skipped.

"Wow, just when I was getting used to the new and improved Seto you revert back to your asshole self."

"What are you talking about?"

"You being so nice to me, I thought maybe we were making progress." Seto didn't answer. "I was enjoying getting to know you. I thought maybe you came into the Noodle Shop the other night to say hi to me or something. I guess I've been reading too far into it. Silly me." Seto turned his attentions back to the puppy curled up in the carrier. "What I don't get is what in the world we were just arguing about", Joey continued, Seto still not looking at him. "If you didn't think I was talking about a puppy what did you think I was talking about?"

"Mokuba is going to wonder where you are, let's go, Pup…." Shit… Joey froze, his face reddening.

"Puppy? Where you going to say puppy?"

"Let's go…" Seto opened his room door.

"Answer me, Seto! Were you going to call me, Puppy? Mokuba can't be right about you, there's no way…" It's anything but hate, he said. Anything but hate… and the puppy and Seto calling me Puppy and oh Gods… but he can't like me back… but he… oh Gods, oh Gods, oh Gods…

Joey's honey eyes looked into pools of blue. It was Seto's turn to turn red. "Seto, I just… I never thought you could ever… I mean…I thought it was always just a silly fantasy of mine…"

"Mokuba is waiting for us, let's go". Seto left the room.

~.~

It was quite easy for Seto and Joey to avoid each other the rest of the day. Seto busied himself with Mokuba, playing games, riding the rides, watching the magician. Tristan and Joey were pretty involved with each other, it didn't even seem as if he noticed the CEO at all. Seto was able to keep whatever it was that had happened in his bedroom out of his mind, amusing himself with the hypnotist and the clowns.

Eventually though the party was winding to a close, Mokuba had hundreds of presents to open, but after everyone else left he announced that he was going to open all the presents Yugi and the gang had given him. Mokuba cooed at all the lovely gifts and just as Mokuba was getting to the last two Seto stood up and signaled Joey to come with him. Mokuba gave his older brother a look but continued to open his gifts.

Joey followed Seto casually, wondering if Seto would say anything about what had transpired between them only hours earlier. "I think we should put the puppy in Mokuba's room", Seto decided, opening the cage, the dog started yapping. Seto picked it up.

"Yeah, good idea." Joey stroked the dog behind the ears. He nuzzled Joey's hand. "He really likes you, Seto", Joey added quietly, heading towards Mokuba's room, carrier in hand. He had been in the younger boy's room many times, and opened the door with no hesitation.

"How can you tell", Seto asked, stroking the dog softly.

"The way he looks at you. The way he responds to you. He can tell what kind of person you are. He sees through that cold act. He knows there's something warm on the other side."

"Does he?"

"Yes. He can pick up on the little things."

Seto lifted his eyebrow, handing the puppy back to Joey. "How remarkable, especially since this is the first time I've had any interaction with him."

"I think we're talking about two different puppies, Seto", Joey answered, then walked out of the room. What! What the fuck! I don't believe he just said that…. Why is he leaving the room! Damn it! Seto walked back down the main staircase and rejoined the others in the living room. Joey didn't say anything else to Seto the rest of the evening.

~.~

Mokuba and Jax, the puppy, found themselves in Seto's bed later that night, snuggled up in the covers fighting sleep. Mokuba had brought Seto green tea, as if that would divert his older brother's attention. Seto said nothing, also lying on the bed, checking his email on his laptop, sipping the green tea while his brother watched television. An hour later Seto was still checking his email and Mokuba was half asleep.

"Seto, are you almost done?"

"Yes."

"You said that a long time ago."

"Well, I'm not lying this time." Mokuba gave him a look and snuggled up to Jax.

"Thank you, Seto. This day was perfect. You're wonderful, and I love you." Seto gave Mokuba a smile.

"And I love you." He tousled the raven locks atop his younger brother's head.

"Yugi wants to go out to dinner sometime this weekend, can I go?"

"As long as your homework is done."

"You were very nice to Joey today. He really appreciated it. He even said so." Mokuba rolled over and yawned again.

"What do you mean?" Seto shut his laptop.

"He said, Seto's been really nice lately, maybe you're right about him not hating me. I know he said he didn't but today I really believed it."

"No lie?", Seto asked, placing the laptop down and turning out the light.

"No lie. I think he's starting to think you like him back. Goodnight, Big brother."

"What?"

"He thinks you like him back, Seto."

"I never said anything about liking him back. I don't like him back."

"If you say so. I'm really tired, we'll finish this discussion tomorrow." Mokuba did one final stretch, rubbed Jax's head and closed his eyes. Seto sighed.

~.~

Joey was exhausted when they got to Yugi's house. He was trying to listen to what Yugi was talking about but found himself tuning in and out. "I think Mokuba really liked the puppy, Joey. And what a cute name too, Jax. I had so much fun, and Yami and me rode the Ferris wheel like ten times. Hey, Joey, what's wrong?" Joey looked at Yugi and sighed heavily.

"Things are getting really confusing, Yug. Tristan told me he wants us to try again. Last night with him was wonderful. But now with Seto… I'm like almost 100 percent sure he likes me too."

"Jeez, Joey, I wish I knew what to tell you. I mean, what you're saying is craziness. Are you sure Seto likes you?"

"Yeah, I'd bet my Red Eyes on it."

"Wow, Joey. So what about Tristan, I mean, what did you tell him, about you trying again?"

"I didn't say yes, but I didn't say no either. Why do I have to love them both? You're lucky, Yug, at least you only have Yami to worry about."

"I rather be in your shoes, at least you know how they feel. I've been trying to figure out what Yami wants for ages, why do I even bother?" Yugi sighed and turned to look at Joey. They were lying on the floor of Yugi's room gazing up at the plastic stars.

"Back…did you guys miss me?", Ryou asked, entering the room and closing the door.

"We were wondering what happened to you. I thought you fell into the toilet", Joey answered.

"We were two minutes from sending out a search party", Yugi added.

"Still jaded about love, huh?", Ryou asked, lying back in his spot.

"Always", Yugi answered.

"Yugi, I don't want to hear it, you know the answer to your problem. All you have to do is tell Yami what he already knows. I need to figure out what I want. I love Tristan, but I can't get Seto out of my head. When he came into the Noodle Shop that night, I thought I was going to collapse right there. He's so hot."

"Kaiba is pretty hot", Ryou agreed. "What do you think, Yugi?"

"I always thought Tristan was hot. But Kaiba has definite possibilities."

"Tristan's hot too. I like Tristan though, he's safe. And he takes care of you, if you went out with Seto would you guys be fighting every three minutes?", Ryou asked.

"He's different when we're alone." Yugi and Ryou turned to look at Joey. "I mean… um…"

There was a knock on the door. "Come in", the three teens called out in unison. Yami entered the room. Yugi sat up.

"I'm not bothering you guys am I?", Yami asked, smiling at his light. Yugi shook his head no.

Ryou and Joey exchanged looks. "I'm going to go get some ice cream", Ryou announced, standing up.

"Yeah, me to", Joey added. The two boys left the room. Yami sat on Yugi's bed and smiled again.

"It's been a long day, aren't you guys tired, Aibou?"

"Yeah. And we have to go to the laundry mat with Joey tomorrow so he can wash his clothes, plus they got in a new game at the arcade."

"I see." Another little grin lined his lips. "I promised Malik I'd help him with something. Afterwards, I would love to tag along, that is if you don't mind."

"No, of course not, Yami. Why would I mind?"

"I don't know. After that conversation we had I figured you were sick of me. I've been treating you like an infant."

"I know you don't mean it, Yami."

"It must be annoying having an older brother type hanging around all the time."

"No, it's okay. I like you hanging around. It's not like you're really my older brother anyway."

"I suppose not. Anyway, I should leave. I'm sure Joey and Ryou don't want to stand out in the hall all night." Yami turned towards the door, Joey and Ryou exchanged looks. Of course they weren't headed to get ice cream. The jig was up. They reentered the room.

"You can stay, Yami", Yugi added, hope in his voice.

"No, I have to call Malik to finalize our plans for tomorrow."

"Oh."

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. He's trying to tell you something. Just talk to him, please. I'm tired of watching this love fest while I go without", Joey complained.

"Joey, you have two men to choose from. And with all the extracurricular activities you and Tristan have been participating in together I'd hardly consider that going without." Ryou started laughing.

"Yugi, you're having sex dreams about the guy like every night. There isn't a moment during the day you're not thinking about him. Do you honestly think he has no idea? He'd have to be the biggest idiot I've ever known. He loves you, he wants you."

"Joey!" Yugi complained, playfully.

"Did you see that look in his eyes, that was lust. He's wishing Ryou and I weren't here right now."

"Oh really?", Yugi asked, smiling with an eye roll.

"Of course. He wants to show you his millennium rod." Ryou laughed harder, Yugi threw a pillow at the blond.

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

Yami offered to drive Tristan, Ryou, Yugi, and Joey to the arcade after they went to the laundry mat Saturday afternoon. "I hate when it rains, you can never see anything out of the windows", Yami grumbled, wiping the windshield with his sleeve.

"It's fun, Yami, you can write messages in the fog, see", Yugi decided, writing Hi Yami with an extended finger. Yugi was sitting in the passenger seat, he had called shotgun, not that anyone would have sat in the front seat anyway. Yami smiled at Yugi and turned the defogger on full blast. "It's going to be a great afternoon."

"I'm just glad that Nazi of a history teacher didn't give us anymore homework this weekend", Joey agreed, watching Tristan doodle hearts on his window. He blushed a little when Tristan smiled at him.

Yami pulled the car over to the side of the road. "Alright guys, we're here."

"You're not going to stay, Yami?", Joey asked.

"No, I already had plans with Malik. But I'll be back later."

"Oh", Joey thought, opening the door. He glanced at Yugi who was already climbing out of the car with a sigh. The four entered the arcade in a rush, trying to avoid the downpour.

"Hey look guys, it's Mokuba", Ryou called, causing Joey to abandon his thoughts. The three smiled at the youngest Kaiba brother who ran up to Yugi to give the small teen a huge bear hug.

"What are you doing here, Mokuba?", Yugi continued, releasing the raven-haired boy.

"Seto brought me here. He finished with his work early today."

"Seto's here?", Joey asked, his eyebrows rising. Tristan narrowed his eyes at the expression on Joey's face. "Where is he?"

"Behind you." Joey spun around at the sound of the CEO's voice. Blue met honey. Joey swooned.

"Hey, Kaiba!" Yugi exclaimed, running over to the taller teen. "Wow, everyone's here today, huh?"

"So it would appear", Seto answered, giving Tristan the once over. What the Hell is he doing here? Mokuba said nothing about Tristan coming to the arcade today…

"Hey, Yugi, let's go play that new game they have", Mokuba beamed.

"Sure, Mokuba." Mokuba and Yugi took off without any further ado. Ryou looked from Tristan to Seto and back again. This wasn't going to be pretty.

"Don't you usually have the limo drop Mokuba off?", Tristan started, his voice nearly menacing.

"Even CEOs need a day off. Besides, Mokuba insisted I come. He said you guys would be here, and I should say hello." Seto gave Joey a look that had his head spinning.

"You mean Mokuba told you Joey would be here", Tristan added, his tone even more hostile.

"Don't tell me your threatened by me, Tristan", Seto responded, the Kaiba glare in full effect. "I'm curious, at what point in the past few weeks did you get off the rebound?"

Tristan narrowed the gap between them. "You don't give me enough credit, Kaiba…"

Ryou jumped in front of the two. "Hey, Tristan, why don't we play that game we tried last weekend", Ryou started, grabbing the brunet and dragging him off.

Joey stood half stunned, Seto taking two steps towards him. He attempted to swallow the lump in his throat. Did Seto actually like him or was this just about beating Tristan at something? Why is he looking at me like that? "I should go see what happened to Tristan, Seto."

"You tell me as if I care."

"I just thought… never mind. I'll see you later." Joey took off. Seto mentally kicked himself. That was not how that was supposed to go. I need to get rid of Tristan once and for all.

~.~

When Yami finally got to the arcade he had Malik with him. Mokuba and Ryou were able to distract Yami while Yugi cornered Malik in the bathroom. It was a pretty silly plan, but Yugi was pouting overtime and Ryou had finally agreed that he would keep Yami occupied while Yugi confronted the platinum-haired teen.

"Yugi, I think I know what this is about", Malik decided, sitting on a sink.

"You do?", Yugi asked, his violet eyes looking at Malik's and then at the floor.

"Yes, you're wondering about what's going on with Yami and me." Yugi could feel the temperature of his face quickly rising. "I guess if I was in your shoes I'd worry too."

"I'm not worried, Yami told me he's helping you with something. And that you guys are just close friends."

"And that he doesn't love me", Malik continued. Yugi looked at Malik abruptly. "He told me about your conversation that night your grandfather made the crab sushi and you forgot to invite me over."

"He told you what I said to him?", Yugi asked, the red blush on his face growing darker with anger.

"I was upset, Yugi. He only told me what was going on so I wouldn't think you hated me."

"That's the funny part, Malik. Because I do hate you." Malik's heart jumped. "I find it strange that Yami feels he can tell you about private discussions I have with him but can't tell me what's going on between the two of you. Which only makes me believe that you guys are keeping it from me because you think I can't handle the truth."

"Yugi…" Malik was at a loss of words. Why didn't he just tell him what was going on? But he couldn't. "Yami cares about you so much, Yugi, he doesn't want to hurt you. I wish I could tell you what was going on with me, but…. Just know that Yami is only being a good friend to me. That is all."

"I've heard that story before." Yugi crossed his arms over his chest. He didn't care what he said to Malik at this point. He wanted to hurt him, make him feel the way he felt. Malik sighed again, getting frustrated.

"Why don't you tell Yami how you feel, Yugi? What are you afraid of? He doesn't love me." Yugi trembled.

"Do you want him to love you? Do you want him?", Yugi managed.

"Who isn't attracted to the pharaoh?" Yugi looked away. "I don't want you to hate me, Yugi. I can't tell you what's going on, all I can tell you is that you have my word nothing but a friendship is going on between us. I don't love him, Yugi. I promise." Yugi gave Malik a look.

"I'm acting like an asshole, I'm sorry, Malik. I don't really hate you, I just… I guess jealousy was getting the best of me. I don't know what's wrong with me."

"It's okay, Yugi, love makes you do some crazy things, like act a little out of character." Yugi smiled.

"So does this mean you won't mention this conversation to Yami then?"

"I have no attentions of mentioning anything to anyone."

~.~

"Seto, Seto…" Mokuba was running into his bedroom, at full speed.

"How many times do I have to tell you not to run around here, if you break your neck what am I going to do?"

"Seto!" Mokuba jumped into the room, trying to catch his breath.

"We'll watch the movie now, but you have to calm down."

"No…" Mokuba was shaking his head, still trying to lower his heart rate. "Yugi just called to go out to dinner."

"So now you don't want to watch the movie?" Mokuba shook his head. Seto sighed. He'd never admit this to anyone of course, but he secretly loved watching movies with his younger brother, Mokuba would snuggle up to him on the couch, and he could never resist the urge to let the little guy fall asleep on him.

Seto was more than a little envious, after all Mokuba had spent the afternoon with Yugi and his group of nitwits at the arcade, and now he wanted to go out with them again. It didn't matter, he really had work to do, going to the arcade hadn't gotten him any closer to Joey, if anything, Joey was feeling sorry for Tristan because he had brought up Ky.

"So Yugi and you are going to dinner now? Where?", Seto finally asked, dropping his thoughts.

"That new place that opened up last week by the bank. Everyone's gonna be there."

"Take the limo, but be home by midnight."

"What about you, Seto?"

"I have work I have to get done."

"It's Saturday night, Seto." Mokuba closed Seto's portfolio.

"These have to be finished by Monday." Seto reopened it.

"Then you have all day tomorrow." Mokuba closed it again, snatching it off his desk. "Come with me, Big Brother. Yugi invited you too."

"You're only saying that."

"I am not. Come on, everyone's going to come. Ryou, Yami, Tristan, Bakura, Serenity, Duke, Malik, Tea, Mai, Yugi….Joey."

"That's nice, give me back my work please." Seto reached for it. Mokuba stepped out of the way just in time.

"Come on, Seto. Don't you wanna see Joey?"

"I'm not going to ask you again, Mokuba. I am being serious with you." Mokuba just took another step back.

"Seto, it's going to be really fun. Besides, Yugi invited you especially."

"Tell him I'm flattered, now give me back my work." Seto stood up.

"Yugi said, Mokuba, be sure Seto comes, we're going to have a lot of fun. Joey's looking forward to seeing him."

"You're making that up. You're not a very good liar, Little Brother." Seto advanced on him. Mokuba shifted again, taking careful steps backwards.

"Yugi really did invite you special, Seto. Okay, so the Joey part I added in. But Yugi told me yesterday that Joey was wondering if they were going to be seeing more of you."

"I'm tired of having this discussion with you. I'm asking you politely. Give me my work back."

"Joey asked me about you earlier too, he was asking why you didn't stay at the arcade."

"I'm giving you to the count of five, Mokuba. One…"

"Joey really wants to see you, Seto."

"Two…"

"He's asked Malik about you, and Mai. Everyone."

"Three…"

"If you don't go he'll ask me why you didn't come."

"Four…"

"He really likes you, Seto." Seto gave him a look. Mokuba handed Seto's work back. Seto broke eye contact and walked back to his chair. He opened the folder back up, but just as suddenly turned to look at Mokuba still standing where he left him. "You're all he ever talks about. Where's your brother? How's he doing? When is he going to stop by the Noodle Shop again…"

Seto just watched, trying to hide the fact that his heart was pounding in his ears. Mokuba walked over to him cautiously, knowing at any moment Seto could order the boy out of his room and would lock the door for the rest of the night. Seto was a stubborn one, all right.

"Listen, Seto, I wouldn't normally say anything, but I think it's safe to assume you like Joey too." Mokuba got a chill as Seto's sharp blue eyes narrowed. "I know for a fact he likes you, Seto. He likes you so much. It's so obvious. He's just as obvious about his feelings as you are." His eyes narrowed further. Mokuba knew he was pushing it now. He swallowed hard.

"Yugi told me Joey used to get so flustered around you he didn't know which way was up. You don't have to believe me, Seto. If you come you'd see it for yourself." Seto didn't respond.

Mokuba gave up arguing and took the limo over to the restaurant. "Look, Mokuba's here", Yugi said, waving at the younger teen to come join them. Mokuba was greeted by Yugi's ten- foot smile as he walked over to the table.

"Hey guys." He sat down between Yugi and another empty seat. "You could have ordered without me."

"It's okay, we were having trouble deciding on getting a meal, or doing the buffet, everything looks so darn good", Duke explained.

"Seto… he didn't come?", Joey asked, looking at him, and trying not to sound incredibly disappointed.

"He really wanted to come, Joey. He even said he wanted to see you…all of you, but he had an issue with work. A semi-emergency."

"I trust everything is okay", Tea hoped.

"I'm sure, Kaiba can handle it", Yami answered, uninterested. "Aibou, ask the waiter behind us for another menu."

"Better make it two", Mai said. "Look who just walked in." Joey looked up from his menu, his eyes immediately catching Seto's. The blond nearly died. Did Seto have any idea how hot he looked, walking in with his long white coat, his hair hanging in his heart- stopping eyes?

"Kaiba, you came! Great! Now everyone's here", Yugi announced, half ready to give Mokuba's older brother a hug.

"Mokuba told us you had an emergency at work", Malik said, watching Seto remove his jacket and sit down next to the younger Kaiba and across from Joey.

"Yes, well, it's taken care of now. I'll assume you've all ordered."

"Not yet", Serenity said, smiling. "I really like your sweater. It brings out your eyes."

"Thank you." He straightened in his seat a little. Tristan gave Seto an odd look, so odd, in fact that it began creeping the oldest Kaiba out and he had to look away. Yugi waved down the waiter who provided the Kaiba brothers menus. Seto opened his, trying to keep his eyes focused on the menu, but having the uneasy feeling of brown puppy eyes watching his every movement…

"I think we should just try the buffet. It's supposed to be the biggest buffet on this side of the country", Duke decided.

"That stuff does smell really good", Yugi agreed.

"Okay, buffet it is then. There, that was simple enough", Tristan announced. The waiter returned, took drink orders and they were off to get on the buffet lines.

Yugi, Bakura, Malik, and Mokuba dashed off, as if they had never seen food before. Tristan announced he was going to the bathroom and Ryou and Duke followed him. Yami was making a cell phone call, and stood up to go find somewhere in the restaurant that had decent reception. The three females of the group headed for the girls bathroom to freshen up. Leaving, of course, Joey and Seto alone at the table. Seto stood up first, Joey practically falling all over himself as he stood.

"So everything okay with work now?", Joey asked, tucking some stubborn strands of wheat colored hair behind his earlobes.

"I got it all taken care of."

"Oh, good. I'd hate to think you'd get called away during dinner or something." Joey was running his fingers through his mane habitually, only making himself more uneasy. He was supposed to be giving it another go with Tristan. But now Seto was standing so close to him. They hadn't had any real interaction since Mokuba's birthday, and Joey was full of questions. He had let himself believe that maybe, if only for a fledgling moment, his feelings weren't as unrequited as he had originally believed.

Seto couldn't stand Joey's eyes on him any longer. He made his way towards the buffet and could hear the puppy following close behind him. He had to know. Once and for all. Joey didn't like him, he was sure of it. Mokuba was crazy. Of course he was, still, he had to be certain. So he had come, he needed to know. Not that he cared of course. It was the principle.

Joey watched, completely captivated as Seto picked up a plate. He could make the simplest movements look so damn sexy. "After you, Puppy", Seto suggested, moving aside so that Joey could get in front of him in the line.

"No, it's okay, you're first."

"I insist."

He reluctantly cut Seto in line. Joey tried to be as inconspicuous as possible, glancing at the object of his affection sheepishly through the corner of his eye as he began picking out what things he wanted to eat. And Seto, what in Gods name was he doing? He was brushing up against him, he kept doing it, was it intentional?

They rounded the food display, Seto on his heels. They were at the salad bar. Joey reached for a bowl; Seto mimicked his movements, stroking Joey's hand with his. A thousand sensations coursed through the shorter teen's body. Joey could feel his heart jump. He had to calm down; he was acting like a child.

Joey began picking out vegetables, Seto followed suit, leaning into him. Was he, he was, he was pressing himself flush with Joey's body. Joey was practically swooning. This was no accident. This was a deliberate act.

"Puppy, can you pass me the French dressing", Seto breathed, his voice low, sensual, the words tickling Joey's neck.

"Huh?"

"I didn't stutter, Puppy."

"I know…I, uh…" Seto was pressing into him harder, if that was at all possible.

"Well…"

"Huh?", Joey's heart was failing; he was going into shock.

"You're holding up the line, Puppy…." Seto continued, seductively. Joey half turned around, seeing those big blue eyes, Joey's breath coming out in tiny, desperate gasps. Seto shifted so that he was on the other side of Joey and casually poured the orange colored vinaigrette onto his salad as if he made guys asphyxiate on a regular basis.

"Joey, look they have cherry tomatoes", Tristan announced, popping up out of nowhere. He picked one up and finger fed it to the blond. "Your favorite."

"Oh, you're back from the bathroom, Tris?", Joey asked, nearly gagging on the circular fruit.

"Um hum. Miss me, Babe?", he answered, feeding Joey another one. Joey smiled sheepishly. "I think you did", Tristan decided, giving Joey a kiss on his neck, in the exact spot that was always guaranteed to have Joey's blood rushing to the area between his legs. He gave Seto an evil grin. "I have to get in line, meet you back at the table, okay?"

"Um hum, yeah", Joey answered, feeling incredibly hot. I hate when he does that…who am I kidding… I love when he does that. Then Joey remembered Seto, but Seto was already gone. Oops.

Back at the table the others couldn't help but notice how lovey-dovey Tristan was acting. It was beginning to get annoying. After the fourth time Tristan gave the blond a little kiss on the cheek Mai had it and asked, "Why don't the two of you get a room."

"I plan on it", Tristan answered, letting his hazel eyes wander over to a pair of dark blue orbs across from him. Seto's glare was lethal. Ryou and Yugi exchanged a look. Yami's expression grew angry; he looked Tristan's way. Just what was Tristan trying to start?

"Tristan, I don't think there's any need for a discussion of your after dinner plans", Tea decided, diplomatically.

"I agree with Tea", Serenity piped in, hoping she could divert a scene.

"Let the guy talk about what he wants, we're all adults here. It's not as if we didn't already know he's boning Joey again", Bakura announced obnoxiously.

"When we want your opinion, Bakura, we'll give it to you", Yami remarked before Ryou had a chance to scold his yami.

"I have to concur with Bakura on this one", Seto said, a smug look on his face. They all looked at him, more than a little shocked. "It's been my experience that people who talk about sex a lot usually don't have that much of it."

"Why don't we change the subject now", Ryou commented.

"I like the subject. Why not talk about Joey's sexual exploits? Hey, if Tristan weren't in the picture again I'd do him. How about you, Kaiba?" Joey swallowed, wishing he could die.

"You're not funny, Bakura", Tristan bellowed.

"There won't be another warning, Bakura, you're just going to find yourself permanently trapped in the Shadow Realm", Yami cautioned. Bakura smirked, intent on causing more embarrassment by instigating some more but Ryou flashed the ring at him and he decided against it.

Seto wasn't satisfied by Yami's threat and added, "This simply proves my point. Bakura's insistence on talking about sex is simply a reflection of him secretly asking himself where's mine." Duke chocked on his food. Tea and Mai gave each other a look.

"Speaking of which, Kaiba…" Bakura started, looking in Joey's direction.

"Bakura, we've heard more than enough from you for one evening. Why don't you try being a better friend and keeping your negativity to yourself", Tea interrupted. Joey had to give Tea credit, as annoying as the girl usually was she did have her moments.

"It's growing late. Mokuba let's go." Seto stood, ignoring Bakura's comment.

"Okay, Seto", Mokuba said, not sure if he wanted to find out what would happen if they stayed any longer. They said their goodbyes to the others.

"Thanks for coming", Yugi said, giving Seto a smile. Seto nodded. He gave Joey a glance, Tristan was whispering in his ear.

"Goodnight, Joey", Mokuba said, still worried about what would happen.

"Night, Mokuba. Say hi to Jax for me", Joey said. He turned to look at his older brother. "Night, Seto."

"Puppy", Seto said indifferently, not looking at Tristan. The Kaiba brothers left, Seto leaving more than enough money on the table. Mokuba climbed in Seto's Navigator and they sped off.

"You okay, Seto?", Mokuba asked, giving his brother a concerned expression.

"What angers me is that the Puppy acts as if that entire scene wasn't that idiot's fault. Tristan is a bastard. And after Bakura acts characteristically repugnant towards Joey the only response Tristan has is you're not funny? What the Hell is Joey doing with a guy that would embarrass him in front of everyone to make me upset? If not for Yami and me who knows what else that asshole Bakura would have said to the Puppy. If Tristan thinks this is over he's got another thing coming. He's going to regret his little display tonight."

"Seto?" He had never seen this side of his brother before. It's not just a crush anymore. He's in love with Joey…

~.~

Seto and Mokuba weren't the only one's having a conversation about the night's events on the way home. Yami, Mai, Malik, and Yugi were in the car discussing the same thing. "That didn't go well at all", Yugi thought, looking out the window at the rain. It had rained all day, and it didn't seem like it would ever stop. "I wouldn't be surprised if Kaiba never comes out with us again", he added.

"Don't be so sure, Aibou. Didn't you guys notice what he was doing?", Yami asked, turning the defogger on. The car was already steaming up. "In Kaiba's own way he was trying to protect Joey's honor."

"You think?", Mai asked, having her doubts.

"Absolutely. When you told Tristan and Joey to get a room and Tristan said he was planning on it Kaiba wasn't angry for himself. He was angry because Tristan was upsetting Joey." Yugi lifted an eyebrow. "You want further proof? After I threatened to send Bakura to the Shadow Realm Kaiba made sure to make another snide comment, taking the table's attention off of Joey and placing it on himself. He had to know by insulting Bakura he would get a nasty comment in return. I have no doubts he would have engaged in an argument with him if not for Tea interrupting whatever it was Bakura planned on saying."

"Interesting theory, Yami", Malik thought. "I take it you think Kaiba likes Joey?"

"Of course he does. And I think he's finally admitting it to himself now."

"What about Tristan?", Yugi asked, rubbing some of the fog off his window.

"Tristan has no business trying to be with Joey again, he needs to get over Ky first", Mai answered.

"I agree with Mai", Malik added. "Ra damn, your defogger hates you, Yami." He began rubbing the fog off his window.

"Yeah, I think it does. We might have to roll down the windows", Yami agreed, sadly.

"No way, I'm not ruining my hair. In case you haven't noticed, it's pouring outside", Mai protested. "Hey, who's the artist?" She pointed to the hearts on her window that were reappearing in the vapor.

"Tristan was drawing them this afternoon when Yami was dropping us off at the arcade. Look, here's where I wrote Hi Yami." Yugi pointed to his masterpiece.

"Maybe we should roll down the windows", Malik insisted, his hand already on the handle.

"I'm sure if Yami couldn't see he'd tell us", Yugi said, seeing the look on Mai's face out the corner of his eye. "Hey, there's another message here." Yugi leaned against the dashboard trying to figure out what it said. It was right near the defogger, so it hadn't gotten a chance to completely appear.

"I'm rolling my window down", Malik announced, doing just that.

"Figure out what it says, Yugi?", Mai asked, mildly interested.

"Malik + Yami…." Yugi turned to look at Yami and then over his seat to look at Malik. His world came crumbling down. Intense sadness turned to anger, and anger gave way to rage. Suddenly the only thing on Yugi's mind was grabbing Malik and throwing him out of the moving vehicle. His violet eyes turned dark, Malik flinched. Yugi started low, his voice unusually strong, determined. "You blond headed bitch…"

"Yugi, listen… it's not what it looks like…."

"Not what it looks like! It looks like there's a Malik plus Yami on Yami's windshield! Why didn't you guys tell me? Was it really worth letting me find out this way? Everything you said to me was a lie."

"It's not a lie, Yugi, I swear."

"Aibou, stop it!" Yami insisted, grabbing Yugi to sit back down.

"Don't touch me!" Yugi jerked away. Thunder crashed in the distance.

"Yugi, calm down, please, at least give Yami and Malik a chance to explain themselves." Watching Yugi was breaking Mai's heart.

"Why? I think this says a mouthful. All this time I wanted to believe I was wrong about you guys. Why wouldn't you tell me the truth? How long were you going to keep it a secret? I would have gotten over it if you had been honest. Why!"

"Just listen to me, for two seconds, Yugi. There's a reasonable explanation…" Malik insisted.

"Was it even raining when you guys were together today? Or is this from fog you guys created yourself while fucking in the back seat?"

"Yugi, please!" Malik begged, grabbing Yugi's wrists.

"Stop the car! Stop the car right now, Yami. Now!" Yami pulled over to the side of the road. Yugi unlocked his door and got out not even bothering to close the door behind himself.

"Aibou!" Yami screamed, putting the car in park.

"Yugi", Malik called, opening his door.

"I'll go, I think you've both done more than enough", Mai said, jumping out of the door, not noticing that her hair was going to be a wreak by the time this was all over.

"That's it, Yami. No more, I'm telling Yugi the truth. I can't stand to see him like this." Malik got out of the car and chased after Mai and Yugi. Yami turned the car off and joined the chase. He's never going to forgive me… I've lost him forever….

Yugi couldn't see two feet in front of him, bad enough it was pouring, but the tears in his eyes weren't making it any easier on him. It was no surprise when he tripped over a part of the sidewalk that jotted out. Mai ran over to him and grabbed him.

"Oh, Yugi…" She looked into pained violet eyes.

"I hate them, Mai. I do." He was sobbing hard, his words barely making it out of his mouth. Mai held him and rubbed his back, sitting on the sidewalk. "Why did they have to lie to me?" Yugi cried harder, soon enough he was hiccupping.

"Is he okay?" Malik asked, concern written all over his face.

"No, he's not", Mai answered looking at the two other teens.

"We owe you an explanation. One you're not going to understand. But it's the truth. That's all we have to offer", Yami began. Yugi clung onto Mai fiercely, not wanting to hear the truth. He knew once Yami admitted his interlude with Malik that he would never be his.

"Just be aware that whatever truth you have to offer is going to have another pair of ears listening to it. I don't know whether or not you want to speak to Yugi privately, but I have no intentions of leaving him right now", Mai explained, hugging Yugi harder.

"It doesn't matter anymore. This whole thing was the stupidest idea I've ever had. It should all come out." Malik sat on the sidewalk and sighed. "I've been hanging around Yami to make Bakura jealous", Malik stated finally. "I've been in love with him for so long I don't remember who I was before I met him. No one knows, not even Marik."

"You're not serious", Mai asked, completely confused, anger invading her voice.

"Yami convinced me to tell Bakura the truth about liking him. And Bakura told me he wasn't interested. Yami tried making me feel better by explaining that Bakura's the kind of guy who doesn't want something he already knows he can have. So I thought if Bakura assumed Yami and me had something going he'd get interested. And then the other night we went to the movies and he let me wear his jacket when I got cold. He kept asking about what I saw in Yami and all kinds of stuff."

"So let me guess, Bakura knew everyone was going to the arcade today because Ryou told him, and Bakura wanted to know what you and Yami were up to?" Mai continued.

"Yes. He insisted he tag along. So to get him angry I wrote in the fog. Needless to say, that didn't go over to well. Bakura, got out of the car and stormed off. He was furious and yelled at Yami, saying things I wouldn't repeat to a drunken sailor."

"And you didn't tell Yugi because you wanted to be convincing? You weren't afraid Yugi would tell people, you just knew that if he knew what was really going on Bakura would pick up on it being a scam." Malik nodded. "And even Marik doesn't know?"

"Even if he did, he wouldn't care. We don't have the caring, affectionate relationship Yugi and Yami have. Yugi doesn't realize how lucky he is to have the pharaoh as his yami. Yami didn't want to go along with it at first, but when he saw how depressed I was by Bakura's rejection he insisted that he would help me. The last thing I wanted was to cause a riff between them. I have no idea what was going through my head when I came up with this stupid plan. What I did is inexcusable."

"People do some pretty out of character things when they're in love, Malik", Yugi responded, pulling away from Mai a little. Yami's soft, loving crimson eyes beamed back.

"There are no words, Aibou… no words to describe how truly sorry I am. You have every right to hate me. If you never speak to me again it wouldn't be enough…" Yugi looked at Yami. The rain didn't hide the tears in his eyes. "I don't want to lose you, Little One. You have no idea how much you mean to me. I messed everything up. I'm so, so sorry. I should have told you, Aibou." Yugi stood up and pulled him into a hug.

"Oh, Aibou… you're my entire world…" He kissed Yugi's head. "I promise I won't keep anything from you ever again." Yami placed delicate little kisses in Yugi's soaked hair, holding him, rocking him. "Please forgive me. I couldn't continue if you hated me."

"I could never hate you, Yami", Yugi promised, tugging on him. Yami continued the butterfly kisses, squeezing him hard.

"So, sorry, Aibou. Really. Let me make it up to you. Let me be there for you like I should have been before."

Yugi only sniffled in response. "Aibou… you're going to catch cold. Let me get you home, my little one. I'll make you soup and tuck you into bed." Yami picked up Yugi and carried him back towards the car. Mai and Malik glanced at each other. Both teens had the same look on their face, the exchange had melted both of their hearts.

"I only have one more question, Malik", Mai mentioned as the two began walking back to the car.

"Yeah?"

"You and Yami are close, obviously. Why doesn't Yami tell Yugi he loves him?" Malik gave Mai another look.

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you", he answered.

"Try me."

"He's terrified of admitting his feelings."

"You're right, I don't believe you."



Author's Endnotes: And the plot thickens. (da da dum) Anyways, reviews are once again appreciated. Yami wasn't so bad in this chapter was he? I know that fog on the windshield thing worried you, worried me to, and I wrote the story. A similar thing that happened to friend of mine with her ex-boyfriend inspired me. Needless to say there wasn't a reasonable explanation on his part for his name plus Lindsey appearing in the vapor. As for the fic, Yami's still driving Yugi insane. Me too, if you want the absolute truth. Why the Hell didn't he tell him he loved him then? And what about Seto and Joey? Was that an admission of attraction? And if it is what will Joey tell Tristan? And what about, Tristan? What will happen to that poor boy if Joey succeeds in breaking his fragile heart? Things reach a breaking point for Joey when he gets involved in a kitchen situation and a sudsy mess in the local laundry mat. And as for you Yugi/Yami fans out there things get very interesting next chapter….well, I won't spoil the surprise. (hehehehe) But here's a little chapter preview:

"You could be helping me, Tristan."

"Your right, I could be." He was such a jerk. Joey rolled his eyes and continued with what he was doing, Tristan making no move to help in anyway. He did, however, watch Joey quizzically. What was great about Joey was that he just didn't realize how cute he was even while doing the most ordinary tasks. He imagined Joey naked, as he began taking the clothes out of the machine. Tristan smiled in spite of himself, and missed the detergent ball, it spilling its contents all over the floor.

"Damn it, now there's soap all over the place. Stop jacking off, Tristan."

"Don't give me any ideas, Joey."

Joey, who had Tristan's clothes in his hands was struggling to get them out of the dryer. "Are you going to help me empty this load or what?"

"Only if you help me empty mine". Joey spun around… Tristan was standing there, his budding erection in plain view… The clothes tumbled to the floor.