Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ So In Love With Two ❯ Revelations ( Chapter 7 )

Disclaimer: Well, as you've probably guessed, I own nothing. No songs, no show, no nothing. And because I'm a pervert, there's a lemony thingy in this chapter.

Song Notes: Lalalala, blah blah blah, so this chapter was brought to you by London- by Third Eye Blind, Nobody Knows It But Me- by Tony Rich Project, Why Are We Still Friends- by 98 Degrees, Fuck It (I Don't Want You Back)- by Eamon, and Landslide- by Fleetwood Mac/ Dixie Chicks. Look up the lyrics. Especially to Why Are We Still Friends…


Chapter 7: Revelations

Joey got home from Seto's house in the early afternoon. Serenity was at Duke's house, and left a note that Tristan had called twice. Joey was in no hurry to call him back. Perhaps it was fate, or some kind of sign, but somehow Joey managed to leave his sweater at Seto's house. How had he let himself get into this position? Tristan was practically his boyfriend, and what was he doing with Seto? I'll take a nap first, then I'll call him.

~.~

Yugi was showering late Sunday afternoon. Yami and Grandpa were out running some errands. It was nice having a moment to himself, as much as he loved both of them he needed some alone time. And Yami had really worn him out the night before. Of course he'd take their work out routine over any conventional exercise regiment any day. Yugi smiled a little, got out, and half dried himself off. He put the towel around his waist and walked out into the hallway. He opened his door and got the surprise of the day. Yami was lying on his bed, reading a magazine, he looked up slightly, and smiled. Yugi jumped in complete shock and the towel dropped to the floor. The smile widened.

"What are you doing back?" Yugi asked, scrambling to pick up his covering. He closed the door and got no response. Yami put down the magazine and crossed the room slowly. Yugi tried to retie the towel, it fighting with him as Yami put his hands on his shoulders. The towel fell back to the floor. "Yami…"

That was the last thing Yugi managed to say before Yami attacked his mouth. Yami moved his kisses to his light's neck, communicating with him nonverbally. I'm back, Aibou. I missed you. Did you miss me? Yugi responded by moving his neck so that Yami would have better access to it. "I want you, Aibou", Yami murmured against Yugi, softly. Yugi closed his eyes, he was falling all over again…

They made it over to the bed, Yugi was still kissing him. Yugi laid back and watched captivated as Yami threw his own clothes on the ground. His Greek god pulled him up so that he could hold him as he continued his exploratory kisses. Yami was unrelenting as he covered inch after inch of Yugi's alabaster skin with his moisture. He switched their positions so that he was the one against the headboard, then Yami slid down so that he was laying flat on the bed.

He looked at Yugi lovingly, knowingly. Yugi crept onto his lover and leaned down to place kisses on his lips. Yami moaned softly, their erections meeting. He opened the drawer next to Yugi's bed and pulled out some lotion. Yugi took it and squeezed a fair amount onto his hands and began the work of lubricating Yami's manhood. Yami moaned louder as Yugi teased him, tugging tenderly. Not to be out maneuvered, Yami got to the task of lubing Yugi.

Once they were both done, Yugi impaled himself. Yami waited for Yugi to adjust, he nodded, and Yami began thrusting upward. Yugi moaned. The pace was slow, sensuous, esoteric… Yami secured Yugi's hips with one hand and matched their rhythm with the other, yanking at Yugi's penis with ardor. Yugi pressed down harder, Yami pushing back equally hard.

"Ummmm….Gods", Yugi whimpered, his voice barely audible. They continued unhurried, Yugi riding Yami like a carousel, up and down, leisurely, almost cautiously. The speed never increasing, until Yugi couldn't hold out any longer and came everywhere, the sticky substance hitting Yami's chest and chin. Yami followed a moment later, just as Yugi collapsed on top of him.

He rolled over and off. Yami smiled and half rolled back on top of the other. He looked into his eyes, nothing could have been more perfect. "Aibou, I think we might have to try that again, a little later", he whispered, nuzzling against him once again. Yugi giggled.

"Yami, that was just like a dream I had…" Yami nodded. "I'm curious now, about how many dreams about the two of us have you seen?" Yami smiled a little.

"The number's unimportant. But the one that was inspired by was one of my favorites. You have quite an active imagination, Little One." Yugi giggled again. "Aibou, are you sure this is okay with you, we're not moving too fast are we?"

"Of course not, Yami. Everything is wonderful, I don't see how things can get any better. This is shaping up to be a pretty good week."

Yami got up. "I have to do the rest of my homework. Can I do it in here, with you?" He was already cleaning himself up.

"Of course, Yami." Yugi got up and did the same. "Will you help me with my math homework?"

"If you need me, of course, Aibou. But I thought you were doing good in your math class, but if you want me to help I will. Let me get my books, and I'll return." Yugi narrowed his eyebrows. That was odd, Yami never says that when I ask him to help me.

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

Joey didn't know how exhausted he truly was until he woke up in the middle of the night. He set his alarm clock and went back to sleep, deciding he'd talk to Tristan in school. Of course when Joey got to school on Monday his nerve was gone. Joey was half way to his locker when he saw Seto. Joey checked his watch. Seto was early. Is he waiting for me? He'd have to face the music, after all he needed his math book. He did a quick look around the hallway. Tristan wasn't anywhere to be found. Seto gave him a look, Joey's breath caught in his throat.

A staring contest began. Joey tried to read what was on the CEO's mind. What was the look on his face? It made Joey uncomfortable, but he refused to look away, not wanting Seto to get the upper hand. Seto was the first to divert his attention, looking to a place over Joey's head. Then he turned around and walked off. It didn't take a rocket scientist to know who it was that Seto had made contact with. Joey turned slowly, the look Tristan gave him cold enough to cause him to shudder.

"I called you yesterday. A couple of times." Joey said nothing. "How was your weekend? Enjoy yourself?"

"What do you want me to say?" Joey asked softly, looking at his feet.

"Are you in love with him?" Tristan's eyes asked the same question.

Joey refused to look at him as he answered, "I don't know, Tris."

"Why are you so afraid to tell me the truth?"

"Because the truth is I don't know." He finally lifted his head.

"How sad."

"Why don't we stop pussy-footing around the issue, why don't you ask me what you really want to know?" Joey finally asked, angry.

"And what is it that I really want to know?"

"You think I've slept with Seto. You want validation. Right?" Tristan narrowed his eyes.

"No, I think it's clear by your actions yesterday that I already know the answer to that question, Joey. You going over there Saturday night speaks volumes."

"Whatever, Tris. I'm not going to have this discussion with you, since you already know everything. Perhaps though, you should think about why I was there Saturday night instead of with you." They exchanged a bitter look. "I have to go to class." Joey closed the locker.

"Just remember something, Joey. Sluts don't get a second chance." Tristan walked off. Joey's heart sank. He didn't bother to open his locker and retrieve his math book. He stood in the hall until the bell rang, then he headed into the bathroom, locked a stall, and vomited.

~.~

"Where's Joey?" Yugi asked, taking a bite of his sandwich. The lunch period had started ten minutes before but there was no sign of the blond.

"I don't know, I haven't seen him all day", Duke answered, taking a sip of soda.

"Maybe he's in the library with, Kaiba", Tristan answered, giving the green eyed game creator a bitter expression.

"What makes you say that?" Tea asked.

"Ask Ryou, he was there when he slept with the guy." Ryou's pale skin brightened in a blush, Bakura began laughing, the rest of the table exchanged looks and shifted uncomfortably in their seats.

"Tristan", Mai started, narrowing her eyes.

"So, Kaiba finally got some ass? About time. So he's with Joey, huh? What are you going to do about it, Tristan?" Bakura asked, laughing louder.

Yami took control of the situation. "We will not be discussing this here. Tristan I suggest you say nothing else before you say something you'll regret later. And Bakura, you will stop your instigating, or I'll put a stop to it for you."

Bakura gave Yami a scowl. "Hey, let Tristan say what he wants. Kaiba's not screwing your boyfriend, is he?"

"Stop it, Bakura", Ryou insisted.

"That's the problem with all of you, too afraid to speak the truth. Why are you all so quick to jump down my throat? The guy's boyfriend is doing the nasty with Seto Kaiba."

"Bakura, this will be the last time I say this to you. Leave it alone, or else", Yami warned.

"Or else what? What are you going to do, Pharaoh?" Bakura stood up.

"Stop it, stop it, stop it! Just stop it!" Ryou yelled. "Bakura, I…" Ryou stopped speaking, spotting Joey walking into the cafeteria. Eyes flew to Joey who reddened. Joey looked at his friends not sure what was going on, but knowing the situation could only end badly.

"Speak of the devil", Bakura started, with a snicker. Yami narrowed his eyes. "So Tristan tells us you and Kaiba fucked the other night." Tristan stood up, grabbed his book bag and left the room.

"That's it, Bakura", Yami yelled, pointing. Yugi looked at his darker half, knowing Yami was going to send the Tomb Robber to the Shadow Realm. Before Yami got the chance Bakura went back into the ring. Yami stood fuming, Ryou looked down at the table not sure what he was going to do about his spirit.

The damage was done however, Joey stood, looking at the others, tears already welling up in his eyes. He ran out of the cafeteria. Things couldn't get any worse. Yami took a deep breath. Mai stood up and ran after him.

"Yeah, that was entertaining", Duke thought, cynically. "So, let's see if I've got this right, Joey and Tristan are supposed to be starting over and Joey spends the night with Kaiba?"

"There's no proof Joey did anything with him. And even if he did, it's none of our business, Tristan should not have turned it into lunch table gossip", Tea remarked.

"His timing is perfect, look", Yugi said, pointing. In came Seto, none the wiser. He glanced at the table noticing Bakura, Mai, Tristan and his puppy were all missing. Seto tossed the idea of walking over there back in forth. "What happens if he comes over asking what's happened to Joey?"

"I don't know, Aibou." Seto gave them another look, easily seeing the uneasiness in their expressions. Curiosity got the better of him. He approached.

"This just keeps getting better", Duke mentioned.

"Who died?" Seto asked, his voice even, his demeanor not giving anything away.

"Something up, Kaiba?" Yugi asked, his eyebrows rising. Seto knew something was going on. Yugi was missing his characteristic ten-foot smile.

"Where's the rest of the group?" Seto asked, meaning of course what had they done to his puppy. He was already dreading the answer. His mind was working overtime. Ryou was fingering his ring, playing with it, chances were more than good that Bakura was inside. And both Tristan and Joey were gone. Which could certainly mean he had just got to the cafeteria a couple of minutes too late. Mai's absence was a piece of the puzzle that didn't quite fit; she had certainly been in their math class earlier in the day.

Mokuba had mentioned on more than one occasion that Mai was protective of the other blond, kind of like a brother. Still, what the Hell had happened. Was Bakura up to his old tricks? And worse he was Ryou's yami, who knew what Ryou had told the other albino looking teen. Could Ryou be trusted, what had he mentioned to them? Did they all know? Damn it. Where the Hell is the puppy?

Or maybe nothing's happened. Maybe Tristan and Joey are together. And wouldn't that be worse. What would Joey tell Tristan about Saturday night? Why did I say that stuff to him? Why did I tell him I loved him? He didn't even say it back. Why is he listening to his stupid ass friends, doesn't he realize Tristan's a mess? How in the world did I let myself get into this situation? How the Hell did I…

"Is there something you wanted, Kaiba?" Yami asked, giving Seto a decisive look. It was clear Yami was not going to give him any information.

"Just curious, I thought your little clique wasn't seen without each other. Looks like you have quite a few absences", Seto answered. What, do they see me as a home wreaker, is that it? Joey wanted it, didn't he? Damn it.

"I'm just curious as to why you stopped by?" Yami continued. Fuck you, Yami.

"Actually, I wanted to make sure you all received Mokuba's thank you cards in the mail. He took so damned long to send them out."

"Yeah, we got them", Tea answered, giving Seto a friendly look.

"Good. Well, I'll leave you to your devices." He stalked off, mulling over what to do. Where was Joey?

~.~

Mai was asking herself the same question, searching the school building. "I could just kill Tristan", she complained. About to give up, she walked into the library wondering if she could just ask Seto if he had seen Joey. Seto wasn't in his corner seat. Mai grumbled. Wonderful, now they're all missing.

Mai spun around and headed for the library door running into the CEO. He gave her a look. What is she doing in here?

"Have you seen Joey?" Mai asked. Damn it, something did happen. I'm going to kill Tristan if he's hurt him again.

"No. Isn't he at lunch?" Seto asked, not giving in to the temptation to demand answers.

"No, he's not."

"What about with Tristan, isn't he with him?" Seto continued, his guard still up.

"I don't know. Well, if you see him can you tell him I'm looking for him?" Mai asked, brushing past him.

"And what would this be in regards to?" Seto asked, trying to keep up the act as long as possible.

"Don't worry about it."

Mai was half way out the door when Seto swallowed his pride and asked, "Something happen just now?" Mai looked over her shoulder. "Should this be some kind of top priority of mine?"

"If you see him, tell him I'm worried about him." She left. Seto sighed.

~.~

Ryou left school at the end of the day and allowed Bakura to come back out. "So, what I miss while I was napping?" Bakura asked, a curious expression on his face. Ryou gave him a look, he was not amused.

"The only reason I wanted you to return was because I need you to go home and see if Tristan's there. He left school early and I know he's really upset. I'm going to his house, to see if he's gone home."

"Why do you care so much, Ryou? What about your own feelings?"

"He needs me right now. Now will you please go home and see if he's there and let me know?"

"Fine, Ryou. But if Malik comes by and he wants to fuck all bets are off", Bakura promised.

"Speaking of which, I don't appreciate your comment to Joey in lunch today. I expect an apology once this whole thing cools down."

"Hey, I was only doing it to protect Tristan. Everyone wanted to gang up on him, as if he's not the victim here. Joey's confusion is no excuse for the way things have gone down. He tells Joey he loves him and this is what he gets in return? It's cruel." Ryou looked at his darker half for a while.

"When did you start caring about feelings?" he finally asked, surprised, and strangely impressed.

"I don't care. I'm not sorry for what I said. Joey needs to be put in his place. Why does he get all the sympathy and Tristan and Kaiba become the bad guys?"

"Concerned about Kaiba too?"

"He's stringing them along. If Malik really did have something going with Yami and he was doing things with me at the same time he would have been in the Shadow Realm so quick…"

"You know, Bakura, underneath the whole façade, you're really not a bad guy. So, will you go see if Tristan's at the house for me?" Bakura nodded. "It's quite sweet of you to worry about Tristan. You're developing into a half way decent guy." Bakura rolled his eyes.

~.~

Mai hung up the phone and sighed. "Serenity and Duke checked the arcade, no signs of him there", she reported, slouching on the couch.

"Where is he?" Yugi wondered, giving Yami a look.

"Maybe he's with Tristan", Tea offered.

"That asshole. If I see him I'm going to ring his neck", Mai promised.

"Well, I mean, look at it from Tristan's point of view, it couldn't be easy for him. If Joey slept with…"

"Don't say it, Yami", Mai demanded. "Joey would never do that to him. Besides, the only way Tristan would have any reason to be upset with him is if Joey told him they'd be together or if he told him he loved him or if…"

"He did tell him he loved him", Yami interjected.

"How do you know, Yami?" Yugi asked.

"Come on, look at it logically. Tristan starts showing Joey affections, he tells him he wants to make things up to him. And then he tells him he loves him. And Joey tells him he loves him back. It's the only scenario that makes sense. Joey and Tristan need to talk, that's the only way this is going to get resolved. I know we all got roped into this, but we really need to let them figure this out themselves."

"Well, I'll let you know right now, the next time I see Tristan, there's going to be World War III", Mai marked, her eyes growing darker. "I'm going to see if he's at his house again, just call me if he surfaces?"

"Okay", Yugi promised. Tea and Mai left and Yugi and Yami looked at each other.

~.~

Ryou rang Tristan's door a good ten times. Tristan answered it, his eyes blood shot, the look on his face shattering Ryou's heart. Ryou said nothing as he stepped inside. Tristan grabbed him and held him, a fresh set of tears brimming in his eyes, falling softly. Ryou rubbed his back, pulling him closer. "I was waiting for you, Ryou. I was waiting for you to come and make it all better."

"I'm here now", Ryou assured him. Tristan pulled away.

"Come upstairs with me?" Tristan asked, sounding like a child. Ryou nodded. Tristan held his hand and led him to his bedroom. Once on the bed Tristan clutched him, Ryou forced to lean against the wall for support.

"Why would he betray me like this?" Tristan's eyes were pleading, begging Ryou to make the pain go away. He was sobbing again. "And what about the rest of my supposed friends?"

"They're very worried."

"Yeah, about that prick and his CEO. What the fuck, Joey hurts me, and I'm the one getting a Yami lecture. I don't regret anything I said. I wanted Bakura to say something to him. The two of you are the only ones that care."

"That just isn't true."

"Don't feed me that bullshit, Ryou. All of them know what kind of shady bastard Joey is, but the only one here is you. Joey's confused right? Is that how it happened, his clothes accidentally came off and then he tripped and landed on Kaiba's dick?"

"Oh, Tristan…"

"No. There's no doubt in my mind he was with him Saturday night. He won't even look me in the eye. Why would he sit there and tell me he loved me. Huh? Why? If I knew it was gonna hurt like this…"

"Tristan, please… listen to me…I'm not going to pretend I know what you're feeling right now, but until you talk to Joey you can't…"

"You know what it is, Ryou", Tristan began, "I want to hate Joey. I really want to hate him. But I can't. I can't because it's my own fault." Tristian began crying again.

~.~

It was nerve wracking, the puppy was gods knew where, doing gods knew what, and there was nothing Seto could do about it. And that wasn't going to fly, because Seto was always on top of things. Part of him wanted to go by Joey's house, but that was silly. Chances were more than good that he wasn't even home.

Seto sighed again and knocked on Mokuba's door. "Come in, Seto", Mokuba answered, stopping the music playing out of his computer's speakers. "I just called Yugi, they think Joey's probably heading for work."

"Work? He has work today?" Seto asked, alarmed.

"Um hum. No one knows exactly what Tristan and Joey said to each other this morning, but Joey was late to homeroom. As for later in the cafeteria, Tristan told everyone…well, maybe I shouldn't tell you this part."

"Shouldn't tell me what?" Seto asked, his eyes narrowing. Tristan was already going to pay for this; at this point it was just a question of how severely.

"Seto, I don't want you acting rash. I know you love Joey, but this is something he's gonna have to deal with alone."

"Spit it out, Mokuba. I'm not in the mood for lengthy dissertations."

"Tristan told everyone you guys slept together Saturday night. And of course Bakura was there, so when Joey got to lunch he embarrassed him and no one's seen him since." The look on Seto's face remained the same, however his blue eyes grew incredibly dark. "Look, Joey and Tristan are going to need to talk about this. I'm sure it's not going to do anybody any good by you interfering." Seto said nothing, his eyes were darkening further. Mokuba gulped. "Imagine you were Tristan, Joey and him are very close, and he's told him he's loved him, and I'm sure Joey's said it back, and there you go, Tristan's actions today make sense…"

"Are you trying to justify Tristan's behavior?"

"Seto, I understand you're protective of Joey, but ask yourself, how much of this is real concern and how much of it is jealousy."

"Jealousy? Don't insult me. Jealousy has nothing to do with this."

"They're just words, Seto. No matter what kind of exchange the two of them had…"

"No, Mokuba. I've put off dealing with Tristan long enough."

"And just what will that solve, Big Brother? Joey's upset, he's confused, and it won't fix things by you getting rid of the "bad guy". Tristan's not a bad guy."

"He's acting like one." Seto turned to leave the room.

"Please, Seto, I'm begging you, don't go see Tristan. Talk to Joey first. Let Joey resolve this himself, if he needs you he'll ask you. You'll only succeed in alienating him by confronting Tristan. Besides, no one besides Tristan and Joey know exactly what happened with them between Sunday afternoon and now. Just speak to Joey. Don't give him a reason to be hurt by you too."

"Fine. I'll go see him at the Noodle Shop. But I make no promises as they pertain to Tristan."

~.~

"This isn't your fault."

"It is Ryou." Tristan grabbed him. "Come on, two guys leave me in a matter of a month and a half? Ky mysteriously moves to London, with no explanation. Okay, yeah, fine. An isolated incident." He could barely get the words out, choking on his grief, the tears pooling out, his breath tattered, torn, broken. "Then with Joey, I sit there, pour my heart out to him, and he steps on it. Squishing all the blood out. But I've gotten it figured out. I'm just not lovable."

Ryou pulled Tristan away from his chest. "Don't ever say that."

"I'm not", Tristan cried, he was heaving. "It's painfully obvious."

"Of course you're loveable. How could anyone not fall in love with you? You're funny, and smart, and sweet. You walk into a room and command attention, you have that heart-stopping smile, those eyes that hide your passion. You, not loveable? Please, Tristan."

"No. No." Tristan was shaking his head, sobbing so hard he couldn't keep his breath. "I don't need to be lied to."

"I'm not lying to you", Ryou promised, desperate. "You have no idea how unbelievable you are."

"You're the one not believable. I know what you're trying to do. Stop it…"

"Tristan, listen to me…"

"No, enough!"

"Tristan you are loveable. I love you."

Tristan knew he was being harsh. He sighed, apologetically. "I love you too, Ryou", Tristan replied, not looking at him.

I'm going to regret doing this later. "Look at me, Tristan." Tristan met his eyes. "I love you." Tristan was still heaving from crying so hard, but his eyes opened wide. A last tear ran down his cheek. No turning back now…

"Ryou?" Tristan's voice was soft, his chest was still rising and falling hard.

"You're not the only one who contemplates love, who wonders why he's been blessed and cursed with falling for someone who's fallen for someone else. You stand there, wondering how you can watch them get hurt. You want to scream, stop them from making a mistake… but you can't. You can't figure out how something that can feel so amazing one minute can hurt so much the next. You're completely helpless, someone's touched your soul and they're none the wiser. I know how that feels, Tristan. It's a story I know well. It's the story of my life."

"You can't… not possible…"

"It is… I never had any intentions of ever saying anything to anyone, Tristan. I just, I met you and I fell, hard, but then you and Joey were so incredibly close, and then you and Joey were together, and then you were with Ky… and I, now… it's Joey again… and I don't know why I've said anything… I've only complicated everything further. I shouldn't have done this to you… I…" Ryou was now crying, his long white hair falling into his eyes. "I'm sorry, Tristan. I just… I only said it because I don't want you thinking there's something wrong with you… there's not…

"Ryou…"

"Ky didn't get it… and Joey… I want to hate him for hurting you…I just want you to be happy… and I wanted things to work out with Joey, I didn't think it'd come to this… I…"

"Ryou…" Tristan pushed the hair out of his eyes. "No apologizes. Don't ever apologize. Why… why didn't you tell me?"

"No…no, you have so much to worry about…"

"I can't believe how stupid I've been, how much of an idiot I've…"

"Um, um… you owe me nothing. I shouldn't have said anything." Ryou stood up, wiping at the few stubborn tears.

"No. Ryou." Tristan jumped in front of him. "No." Ryou was heaving, his eyes depressing, focusing on the brunet in front of him. "I'm unworthy. I don't deserve anything from you. I've been so horrible to you." Tristan ran his hand behind Ryou's ear, stroking the feathery soft mane.

"You haven't, Tristan."

"I have, I've been horrible. Ryou, I just, I don't even think there are words in the language to describe how I feel. But you know, somehow it fits. Ky goes to England, and you're from England. Joey and me grow apart, we get closer. You're so patient, so breathtaking. And you're here." Tristan was utterly overwhelmed, his other hand replicating his first, going behind Ryou's ear. "What have I done to earn this? Nothing. Absolutely nothing." Ryou's tears continued to fall, Tristan exploring the other's face, really looking at him for the first time. "Are you my angel, Ryou? Here to save me from myself?"

"I'd die a thousand times to be your angel, Tristan." Tristan could feel his heart besieged, encapsulated, suddenly everything in the world made perfect sense. He leaned in slowly, the kiss so caring, so loving it scared him. Ryou held his breath, falling again.

At first Ryou worried that Tristan could be pretending he was Joey, but when the kiss ended Ryou opened his eyes and Tristan's look told him he was mistaken. Ryou sniffled, more tears falling. "No tears. Please. Don't cry for me." Tristan wiped at the crystalline drops. "I'm so undeserving, Ryou", he whispered.

"Did my heart love till now?" Ryou asked. Tristan lifted his eyebrows. "Not my line, stole it from Shakespeare, we were talking about England and I… never mind." Tristan sneered.

"Just how remarkable are you?" he asked with a laugh. Ryou blushed, but smiled.

Ryou looked at him and teased, "And just wouldn't you love to find out?"

"I'd love to fall in love with you." Ryou blushed harder at Tristan's serious tone. Tristan leaned over brushing his lips against the other teen's before sweetening the kiss. Ryou opened his mouth, allowing Tristan to dominate him, devoting his tongue to him. Tristan's kiss turned more insistent, Tristan wrapping his hands in Ryou's long hair, pushing into him.

Ryou was taken aback, but did nothing, permitting Tristan to continue to step forward until Ryou's legs hit the bed. Tristan ended the kiss, Ryou's knees buckled and he landed on his butt. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to do that", Tristan started, seeing the perplexity in Ryou's eyes. "The last thing I need is to rush anything else. I'm just still in shock I guess…"

"It's okay, Tristan. Really." Ryou smiled at him. Tristan smiled back and sat on the bed next to the other boy, looking at him and then elsewhere. "Everything's all confused right now."

"I have all this emotional crap, you know?"

"I know."

"I'm afraid, I'm afraid I'm going to mess everything up. I have to admit, I'm still stunned, but I…I don't want to run away from this." Tristan turned to look at the other. "Just let me...let me figure some things out okay, I just…"

"It's okay. We'll figure it out one step at a time…"

~.~

"Mr. Kaiba, always a pleasure. Will you be eating alone this evening?"

"Yes. I'd like to sit in Joey Wheeler's section please." The maitre d' looked at his book.

"I'm afraid Joey's section is all full." Seto gave the man a look. "Of course I'm sure I can arrange something."

"I'm sure you can." Six minutes later Seto was sitting at a table. He could see Joey from where he was, but Joey didn't notice he was being watched. The maitre d' came over to Joey and whispered something, Joey looked over his shoulder and spotted Seto. The two locked eyes. Suddenly Joey knew everything was going to be okay. Joey handed a woman a soda and walked over.

"I know what you're going to say, you're going to say that I look tired", Joey began, giving the CEO a weary look.

"I was going to say you look like shit ran over you twice. Why did you come in?"

"I need the money, and I couldn't call out. They need me."

"Why can't Yugi cover for you?"

"And even if the manager did agree and Yugi covered, where exactly would I go?"

"I'd take you home and make everything okay."

"What happened to me dealing with Tristan alone?"

"I'm too involved now." Seto's eyes met his again, and Joey sighed softly. "I want to know what he did to my puppy."

"Your puppy?" Joey asked, giving him a look.

"That's what I said, is it not?"

"I already told you the situation I'm in. I already told you that things aren't as simple as me dropping Tristan and being with you."

"What's your point?"

"If you want to get involved with me that's something you're going to have to deal with. I'm not abandoning my best friend because you don't like him."

"Not like him? You really don't get it, do you?"

"Seto, it's not like he's always been like this. He's been my best friend for years, he's been there for me during so many rough spots. Yes, I know… he's made some mistakes…"

"This is not a game, Joey. This is life, and in life you pay for your mistakes. And these mistakes, as you call them, are intolerable. He's using you."

"He's hurting."

"Yeah, well I am too…it's not an excuse." Joey lifted his eyebrows.

"You're hurting too?"

"I'm hurting because you're hurting."

"Seto…." Joey looked away. "I thought you said you weren't into poetry and bullshit."

"And I'm not. That's not either, far as I can tell." Joey didn't make eye contact, and ran his fingers through his hair.

"I have to, I have to see if my other tables are okay…"

"Let me take you home."

"Seto…"

"Joey." Joey looked up at the sound of his name. "Go see if your other tables are okay, I'll call Yugi and get him to come in, and then I'll have a friendly chat with the manager. You're not staying here, looking miserable. You look like Hell…"

I look like I've lost my best friend.

~.~

Tristan and Ryou were listening to music and lying on the bed. "Ryou? You've been quiet for a while, something wrong?"

"Just contemplating. Love and hate are funny emotions. They're really each other in disguise sometimes. Ever think what your life would be like if you were somewhere else with different people. Like would you get your heart hurt by someone else? Or is it all fate, are you meant to meet someone and things are supposed to happen. How much is under our control? Really? Do you ever feel fated? Stigmatized?"

"Yes. I do."

"I think there's a moment, where you just want to start over again. Just start another life as someone else. But then I remember that you can't throw away everything good you've had in this life. Not that I mean for this to sound like a suicidal ranting, but I sometimes think about letting it all go, but then, I smile at all the good that's happened to me. And to people I know. It's not enough with starting over, you have to deal with your problems."

"Ryou, is this your way of telling me that I have to go talk to Joey?" Ryou sat up, his silky hair falling back around his shoulders.

"I'm just reflecting, that's all. If you'd like the actual truth, if my dreams came true you'd be with me and Joey would be with Kaiba. And if I had my way you'd look at me the way you used to look at Ky. But even if that happened that wouldn't be enough. Joey's a missing piece to your soul. You can't define yourself without him. So yes, I'd like you to talk to Joey. You can't heal emotionally if you don't speak with him."

"He's probably with Kaiba, who's telling him how much of a monster I am."

"Joey loves you, Tristan. He always has, and he always will. Tell him all the things you wanted to tell him a long time ago but was afraid to say. I know Joey will understand."

"How could he understand?"

"Because he's your best friend." Ryou swung his legs over the side of the bed. "I'm going to go, with everything that's already happened today I don't think I can deal with too much more." Tristan sat up and looked at Ryou sadly. "No worries about me, okay? I'm fine. I didn't tell you for my own piece of mind, I told you to comfort you. Tristan, you don't have to feel obligated or upset with yourself for hurting me."

"Ryou, you sound like you're trying to dump me, and we haven't even started dating yet."

"Tristan, I'm not living in a fantasy world here. Things don't fall into place because you want them to."

"I know that, Ryou. But I don't want to act like what happened earlier this afternoon never existed either." Ryou looked at him for a minute. Tristan leaned up and kissed him. "I know there's a lot going on right now, but I'd hope you won't cast your confession off as an act of kindness to an expressively unstable teenager clinging to your shirt in tears."

"You're not unstable, Tristan. You're in pain. We all hurt sometimes." Tristan stood up and gave Ryou another kiss.

"Thank you for being, amazing." Ryou smiled. "Can I call you later, if it's not too late?"

"Always."

~.~


Joey said nothing as Seto drove them to Joey's house. Yugi was more than willing to take over Joey's shift, so relived Kaiba was going to take him home. Yugi told him when he got to the Noodle Shop that Mai was worried sick over everything so Seto insisted Joey call Mai from the Jag.

"It's okay, Seto's bringing me home", Joey insisted, trying to get Mai to stop worrying. "I'll be fine. I just need to sleep, I'm tired, and I'm sick, but I'll be okay. Huh? Yeah, hold on…" Joey looked at Seto. "She wants to speak to you."

Seto took the cell phone from Joey's hands. "Hello? Um hum. Yes. I'm going to make him something to eat and get him to go to sleep. Of course you and everyone else can stop by if you really think that's best, but rest assured I have the situation well under control. Oh, Mokuba called did he? No, I haven't spoken to Tristan. No. No, I won't. I won't. I understand. I'm more than capable of dealing with this. Yes. Mai, he's going to be okay, I'll take care of him. Yes. Okay. Do you want to speak to him again? No, okay, yeah, okay… I will. Goodnight." Seto flipped the phone's lid down.

"What she say?" Joey asked, looking out the window.

"Same thing she said to you. And she wants you to call her if you need anything."

"Oh, okay." Seto swallowed.

"She says goodnight."

"Okay."

"Puppy?" Joey gave Seto a quick glance. "If you don't want me to stay and you just want me to drop you off I can. It's whatever you want."

"No, you can stay." Seto parked the car. Joey climbed out and walked to the door, Seto following. They walked into the kitchen. "Would you like something?"

"I'm fine. Here, sit down. Let me get you some water." Joey didn't argue and sat at the kitchen table.

"How was work today?"

"Worked from home."

"Oh."

"I hear you weren't in homeroom this morning? Something happen with Tristan and you after I headed for class?" Seto returned with the water and handed it to the blond.

"We yelled at each other, he wanted to know how I felt about you and when I told him I didn't know he only got angrier and said that sluts don't get a second chance. So he walked away and I felt incredibly nauseous and throw up during homeroom. I was trying to think about what to say to him, but then in lunch… well, you've probably already heard how that went. So I left early. Skipped the rest of the day."

"Everyone was looking for you, where did you go?"

"The pound."

"Miss home, Puppy?" Seto teased. Joey smiled a little.

"Don't start. Anyway, playing with all the puppies and kittens took my mind off things, I already had my work clothes on me so I walked to work."

"I see."

"Seto, I don't want to talk about Tristan. Okay. I just, I just have to figure this out by myself, but I appreciate the concern. I've shed enough tears today about that, so if you're planning on staying I just don't want to analyze it."

"As you wish, Puppy." Seto and him smiled at each other. "So, what now?"

"Well, I won't be fixing you a drink, but I am starved, so I guess we can make something for dinner."

"I'm capable of cooking dinner, Puppy", Seto announced, standing up, opening a couple of cabinets.

"I'd prefer not having milk and cereal, Seto." Seto gave Joey a displeased look.

"Keep it up, Puppy. You're gonna be eating your words instead of the delicious dinner I was about to prepare."

"I apologize." Joey got up and grabbed the taller teen around the waist. "And what delicious dinner will you be tantalizing my taste buds with?"

"Instant macaroni and cheese." Seto took out the box. Joey giggled. Seto spun around and kissed him sweetly.

"Yeah, instant macaroni and cheese, a meal I perfected at age 4."

"Do you always have to be a wise ass, Puppy?"

"I try to contain my wise ass comments to select company, namely you." Seto was leaning in, Joey was falling harder. Seto's hand on Joey's face, Joey's eyes closing. The kiss took a serious turn as Seto pressed Joey against the counter. Joey didn't mind, dinner wasn't the only thing he was hungry for. Seto parted his lips, Joey's breath a lusty pant… Seto kissed him hard, all that emotional baggage still sitting right at the surface. Why can't you just be mine, Joey?

Seto broke away and Joey was smiling quite smugly. "What happened to my mac and cheese, Seto?"

"All in good time, Puppy. All and good time."

"Okay." Joey sat back at the table and watched, intrigued. When it was ready Seto put it on plates, and brought over drinks. "Wow, such service, a guy could get used to this kind of treatment."

"Well, I should certainly hope so." Seto watched Joey take a bite. He made a face. "What's wrong?"

"Seto, perhaps you should stick to being the breadwinner and I'll be the housewife." Seto frowned and tasted some of the yellowed noodles. It tasted fine to him. He looked up, Joey was giggling. "Just joking, Seto."

"Puppy, you will suffer, I can promise you that." Joey stuck his tongue out. "You know, you can be as obnoxious as Mokuba if you wanted to be. As soon as I finish eating I will most certainly teach you some manners."

When they did finish eating Seto and Joey went into Joey's room. Joey was already feeling better, and found himself leading the kissing as the two teens sat on the bed. "Um… Puppy", Seto muttered, as Joey pulled away, "when's the last time someone told you how wonderful macaroni and cheese tastes on your lips."

"Not since you told me downstairs, Seto", Joey answered with another giggle. He yawned. "Wow, I'm definitely still tired."

"I know", Seto answered, giving Joey a little kiss.

"And it's definitely getting late."

"I know", Seto agreed, kissing Joey again.

"But I definitely don't want you to leave yet."

Seto leaned over and devoured Joey's mouth. Joey moaned, and pushed against the other boy as Seto pressed back hard. As the kiss ended, Joey's eyes, still closed, lips still slightly parted, Seto whispered, "I'm in love with you, Joey."

He opened his eyes, looked into those blue ocean orbs he could drown in, a smile forming on his lips. "How do you know that?"

"I know I'm in love with you because when you smile…I can't breathe." Seto leaned in and kissed Joey, leaving him completely astounded.

As the kiss broke Joey whispered, "you've been leaving me a little breathless too." Seto smiled, and kissed him again.

"You should go to sleep, it's been an exhausting day and we have school in the morning and I think you need all the education you can get." Joey pushed him, but laughed.

"I don't need an education, I'll just marry rich." Seto smirked. Joey yawned. "I think I'm going to lay here, on the bed, I apologize if I fall asleep."

~.~

Bakura arrived home and entered the kitchen, not noticing Ryou sitting at the table at first. "What are you doing here?" Bakura asked, opening refrigerator. He pulled out a jar of peanut butter and began eating it with a butter knife. It was his latest habit. Ever since Mai started letting the spirit eat her sandwiches at lunch Bakura had been suffering from a dependency for the nutty brown spread. Ryou walked into the kitchen and rolled his eyes, and sat on the counter. "Where's Tristan?"

"I sent him to Joey's house."

"You what? Why would you do that? Joey's the problem."

"Joey's not the problem, chalk it up to teen angst, or hormones, or love, but not Joey."

"You told him, didn't you, Ryou?" Ryou gave Bakura an angry look. "Why the Hell did you tell him?"

"He was very upset. And I appreciate you listening in through the link."

"I wasn't listening anywhere, it's written all over your face."

"It's done now. There's no unringing a bell."

"Ryou, I liked Tristan, I didn't want to have to send him to the Shadow Realm over this."

"I take full responsibility for my actions. That's what love is, Bakura. You have to let yourself get hurt a little. Joey and Tristan will most likely end up together, and even if they don't, I don't see Tristan and I having this world- wind romance. It was more important to make him feel better, he's so distraught right now."

"What the fuck, Ryou. You always do this to yourself. This is the same shit you did with Paul. You can't worry about everyone else's feelings all the time, what about you? Ryou, I'm not going to let you hurt yourself again so someone else feels good. It's not fair. If Tristan breaks your heart he will suffer."

"Bakura, stop it, the older brother protective thing isn't even cute when Yami and Yugi do it." Bakrua rolled his eyes. "It's out of my hands now. Whatever is meant to happen will happen. Besides, there's no way possible Tristan could ever hurt me the way Paul did. The things I went through with him… anyway, enough of that, that was a long time ago. Bakura, I appreciate you being concerned. I won't pretend I know what I'm doing, or that I'm not afraid of getting hurt in the end, but sometimes you just have to let it go… and wait and see."

~.~

Joey was still asleep when the doorbell rang. Seto got up to answer it, figuring it was probably one of Joey's friends. Seto was right. It was Tristan. The two brunets considered each other for a good minute, neither saying anything, both looking each other over. There was no one in between them this time, no one to stop their brawling. Tristan could already see himself winding up covered in the other one's blood. He spoke first, "I guess I should have figured you'd be here."

"I should have figured you'd come along. Looking for your slut?"

"What else did he tell you, Kaiba? Has he told you he loves you?"

"Oh, you mean like you tell him?"

"I love how you presume to know all about Joey and my relationship."

"Relationship, interesting choice of words, Tristan. So does that make Joey your boyfriend, or do you still refer to him as a fuck toy?"

"Let me ask you something. Why is it you've gotten yourself so wrapped up in this situation? Do you think in the end Joey will forget everything the two of us have had and go run off with you? I think you're scared. If you were truly confident you wouldn't be so confrontational."

"Don't change the subject."

"And what subject is that?"

"That you're a spineless coward who uses other people to fight your battles for you. Your little stunt at the lunch table being exhibit A."

"You told him you love him, didn't you? You told him and he didn't say it back." Seto's eyes narrowed. Tristan found the sore spot and decided to pick at it. "Even after all you've told him about me, after all the poison you've fed him, and he's not with you. You certainly haven't done a good job have you?"

"Well, I applaud, you've done a wonderful job screwing him up. And it only took a few well placed "I love you baby's".

"Joey…" Joey stood at the top of the steps, his eyes red.

"What are you doing here, Tris?" Joey asked, taking a shaky step towards the cinnamon-eyed teen.

"He was just leaving."

"Just give me a reason, Kaiba. Just give me a reason to take this outside with you."

"I'd enjoy watching you try…"

"Stop it", Joey complained, holding the banister for support once he reached the floor.

"He's just here to fuck you. He was feeling a little horny."

"Seto, stop it…"

"Say that again, you fucking prick… say something else to me…" Tristan approached the other teen.

"You don't want it, Tristan. Trust me… you'd be better to leave before you get yourself hurt."

"You're looking to get dropped. I have no reservations about finishing this right here."

"Stop it, please, stop it. No more…"

"If I have to sully my hands for you to get the message so be it. I'm surprised you even realized it was Joey. I wouldn't think you'd recognize him with his clothes on…"

"Seto!"

"I'm going to enjoy making your face unrecognizable..."

"Make another threat, and I'm going to hold you to that, Tristan…"

"Stop it!" Joey screamed at the top of his lungs. "I'm not impressed, alright? I'm not flattered!"

"I'd say that's your cue to leave, Tristan."

Tristan ignored him. "Joey, I'd like to speak with you."

"And by speak he means sleep."

"One more word you rich bastard…"

"No more, Seto…"

"Here, I'll make it easy for you." Seto pulled out his wallet. "How much do escorts run for these days? It's on me…" Tristan lunged at the taller teen but Joey anticipated his move and grabbed his shoulders.

"You fucking…"

"Tristan, stop. Stop!" Joey was trembling, he wasn't sure if he could hold Tristan back for long, Tristan was stronger than him. "I think you need to leave. Now."

"You heard him, Tristan. Don't let the door hit you."

"I was talking to you, Seto." Joey and Seto met eyes. Tristan stopped struggling in Joey's grasp.

"You must be kidding me", Seto began, his voice dark.

"I'd like you to go home."

"Oh, so Tristan and you can talk?"

"I don't appreciate the insinuation", Joey growled.

"I'm sorry, here, I'll be blunt then, so Tristan can fuck you again. That's all it takes right, a good screwing and you're right back ready to go…"

"I admit it, at first the jealousy thing was cute, but it's not attractive anymore, Seto."

"What's not attractive anymore is your dumb blond routine…"

"Say that again, Kaiba", Tristan warned.

"You're acting irrational, Seto. Go home and calm down. I'm not going to have a conversation with you when you're acting like this."

"What's it gonna take, Joey, do I have to call you a slut too? Do I have to sleep with you?"

"I'm not going to ask you to leave again. I'll call you later."

"Um, don't, I won't be available to pick up your calls. And don't leave a message, I don't want to have to take the time to delete them. Consider it done."

"Seto…" Seto gave him an expression that was frostier than his eyes were cold.

"You heard what I just said. It's done." Seto left. Joey buried his face in his hands. Tristan watched silently. Joey took in a deep breath, closed the door and turned to look at Tristan.

"What was it you want to speak with me about", Joey asked simply. Tristan nearly lost his nerve looking at the look on Joey's face.

"Can we go upstairs?" Tristan asked, looking away. Joey didn't answer but started up his stairs, Tristan following.

"What brings you by, Tris?" Joey asked, sitting on his bed. Tristan sat across from him, hugging a pillow.

"I wanted to tell you something. Something I should have told you months ago, but didn't have the chance. But first, I have to ask you, why did you ask him to leave and not me?"

"He was acting ridiculous, and I wanted to speak to you too, and despite everything, you're my best friend and…whatever, what was it you wanted to tell me, Tris?"

"I was looking at a picture on my dresser, of the two of us on your birthday. The one where I smashed cake into your nose. And I started remembering how much fun we all had during that weekend. And then I thought about something that happened the Monday after."

"What are you talking about, Tristan?" Joey asked, regarding him carefully. It was painfully clear that something was terribly wrong. Tristan didn't seem to notice that he was cradling the pillow and Joey had a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach. "Tris?"

"I went to Ky's apartment that Monday. I hadn't seen him all weekend, I think I might have spoke to him twice the whole time. At that point we were only dating for three and a half months but already things were getting pretty serious. So I go by his apartment and he was upset. The moment I got there he started griping about how I didn't love him. He started grumbling that I didn't want to see him because I was planning on dumping him and getting back with you. He was acting unreasonable, irrationally delusional. He accused me of sleeping with you over the weekend." Tristan took a deep breath before he continued.

"He said some crap about how you were a hot piece of ass and he'd do you. And that if I wanted to arrange a threesome he was for it, but he wasn't going to tolerate me fucking you behind his back. I looked at him like he had lost his mind, seriously lost it. He kept at it, insisting he wasn't going to let me hurt him like this again, that he didn't waste three months for nothing. He said some stuff about how I was the only thing in his life that was going right, the only thing that was good and if I left him for you he would hang himself." Tristan took another deep breath, he wasn't sure if he could exorcise his demons to Joey this way, but he had gone too far to turn back now.

"I tried to get him to calm down, he was angry, and crying and throwing things around. I was truly terrified he'd do something to himself, or to me. I somehow managed to calm him down. We went into his bedroom. He said he needed to hold me. So we sat on his bed and the second I did he pushed me onto his pillows and climbed on top of me…" Tristan's tears were back, he forced himself to continue.

"I asked him what he was doing, and he said he wanted to be with me, that he wanted to show me that you had nothing on him. I told him he was acting stupid, that I was in love with him. He kissed my neck, softly, and my mind started swimming. Then he started whispering in my ear, all this stuff about how you were no good for me and that he'd forgive me for sleeping with you as long as I promised never to do again. I explained again that we didn't do anything over the weekend, and he just kept kissing me and telling me it was okay, that he was going to make me feel so good, that we were going to be together forever."

Tristan was crying pretty hard, and Joey wasn't exactly sure he wanted him to continue. But he said nothing, and held his hand, squeezing it gently. I'm here, Tris. I'm right here.

"I…I….I let him continue kissing me, Gods, Joey, he was so gentle…" Tristan wasn't making eye contact, he just held Joey's hand and the pillow. "He….he um… he kept telling me that I had to let you go, that we were the most important thing in each other's lives. I got so confused, I didn't know what I was thinking anymore, all his little mind games were invading my mind. While he's saying this shit, and kissing me, he's unbuttoning my jeans."

"He's like, you're sexier in your school uniform, I love when you come by, wearing it over here. But it's okay, you're cute enough to take like this. So I lay very still, not sure I even want him anymore, at all. My unresponsiveness gets him upset. I guess he wants me to enjoy his emotional torture. He pulls my pants off, and my boxers and grabs me in his hands…" Tristan paused to get himself a little more under control, Joey said nothing, his best friend didn't look up at him.

"I…I felt him tugging on me… you know… and as he's pulling me he's saying how you're not really my friend… how you're trying to drive a wedge between him and I. Baby let him go. All you need is me. Blah blah blah. He keeps going until my mind starts wandering to the pleasure he's giving me, and I can feel myself needing to come. He says he's here for me, he'll always be here for me, he'll take all my pain away. All this crazy shit, and I tell him I'm going to come and he slows down the pace, he says he needs to hear me say it… say how much I love him. So I do…but that's not enough… he makes me tell him that I don't need you… that I don't care about you… that you're not good for me….lies, lies, lies. He let's me come as I tell him I'll never need you again."

"I lay there, stunned, crying, not knowing what the hell he's done to me. You have to remember, it's been three months of whispering in my ear, telling me how he'll pop open a vein if I ever leave him. Three months of this relationship with a bonafide lunatic, and I cracked… finally…and as I'm crying he's wiping away all the tears, kissing me tenderly… he never had to use force, he never had to scream, he was much too clever for that… he just had to make me his child… become my father… he whispered how he wanted to take me, would I let him, as if I had a choice at that point… I was so fragile by then I spread my legs for him…I kept telling him what he wanted to hear, that I didn't love you, that I loved him." Tristan looked up at that point, trembling, tears running down his face. Joey shivered.

"I told myself I was just making him happy, so it was okay to lie to him. But you know, if you say a lie long enough it becomes the truth… and what happened… how often did I see you after your birthday… how often did I remember to call you… you were no longer important to me… Joey….I…." Tristan lost the rest of his control, and started heaving. Joey grabbed him hard, rubbing his back, tears running down his own cheeks.

"He never raped me, he never hit me, he never did any of those things…he just made me think I didn't need you…"

"Oh Tris….Tris….it's okay, Tristan, it's okay…"

"I'm sorry, Joey. I…I don't…. want to turn into him…. I don't want to hurt you anymore….I never realized how fucked up he was until…."

"Tris, it's okay. I'm here. I'm here, okay?"

"Oh, Gods, Baby, oh Joey….what have I done to you?"

"Tristan, I'm sorry… I should have known he was like this…I should have been there, I shouldn't have gotten so angry that you would cancel plans and disappear. You should have told me, Tris, oh Tris…." Tristan sobbed into Joey's chest. Joey was sniffling, trying to get himself to stop crying.

"Joey, I love you…I'm sorry….please, don't…don't hate me…"

"Not possible. Okay, do you understand, that's not possible. You've been so wonderful to me…fuck all the rest okay…you've always been there, how many nights have I come over crying because of my dad or school or who knows what…"

Tristan pulled away. "I had no right to treat you like I have. I've been terrible for over nine months, Joey."

"No. You haven't. You've been hurting for nine months. And what have I done, I ignore the obvious signs that Ky was a controlling nutcase, I sleep with you even though you're vulnerable, and then just when you start getting confused by our sudden rediscovery of each other I start talking to Seto. I've been the bad friend. I should have known."

"No, I kept it from you. I didn't want you to know. I didn't even admit it to myself. He had me so needy, Joey. And I took advantage of your vulnerability. You liked Kaiba, and you were discouraged. Then I sleep with you, days after the break up, I tell you I love you, I start all this shit…the fault is mine…"

"Tristan, no. You're not the bad guy, okay? You're not the bad guy."

"You're not the bad guy either, Joey."

"Tristan, I love you. Everything else is… who cares. I love you, Tris." Tristan sobbed a little more, and held Joey again.

"Joey….I love you too…I'm sorry…" Joey kissed his hair.

"It's okay now."

"I do need you… I do love you… I'm sorry I've done this to you…"

"We can't sit here going over all the times something's been said or done. There's far too many good times, happy moments, and smiles to dwell on the negative. Let's just move on." Tristan rubbed the tears from his eyes.

"I told myself I wouldn't cry anymore over you today…." Tristan teased, a little smile on his lips.

"Do you enjoy being a jerk?" Joey asked, giving him a playful push. "I thought we were having a moment here." Tristan smirked.

Joey gave him a kiss, warm, loving. "Everything is fine now. Okay, it's all over. We'll be here for each other now. That's all that matters. I'm just sorry I wasn't here for you before."

"It's okay, Joey. I haven't been alone. Ryou's been taking care of me."

"Ryou?" Joey asked, giving Tristan a surprised look. "Really? That's wonderful, he's a really great guy. It's very easy to talk to him about everything."

"It is. He is a great guy. I wonder, Joey, how much about himself has he told you?"

"Not much, Yugi told me that before he left England and came here he broke up with some guy he'd been dating for 2 years. Yugi and I always assumed he'd wind up with Bakura or something, but it's clear now that Bakura's not interested. But as for Ryou, he never talks about himself. I wonder what's going through his head sometimes." Tristan nodded.

"Why are you interested in Ryou?" Joey asked, stretching.

"Curious really. He never speaks about himself."

"Don't take it personally, that's just the way he is. He's guarded. He doesn't do it to be rude he's just shy."

"I just… Joey, I have to tell you something."

"You can tell me anything, Tris. You know that."

"Ryou, he… we were talking, he came over today, after school. He told me…he told me he loves me, Joey."

Joey considered what Tristan said for a moment. "You probably misunderstood him."

"No, he was quite clear. He said a whole lot of stuff, he opened up." Joey didn't bother trying to hide the shock on his face.

"What did you say?" Joey asked, his voice unusually firm.

"I don't know, a lot of things. I was pretty taken aback, I told him how undeserving I was, how overwhelmed I was. At that point in the discussion I had decided that I wasn't loveable, and Ryou was trying to make me feel better and admitted his feelings. I asked him if he was my angel. I told him how beautiful he is, I told him how I'd love to fall in love with him. I… I don't know…"

Joey sat still, looking at Tristan, a look on his face that was concerning the other more and more. "We were just both so emotional, and I was telling him how nothing in my life was making sense and here he was, caring, loving me, despite all the drama. And I kissed him. It was like everything was so clear, here was Ryou, always there…"

"You kissed him?" Joey's question wasn't really a question. Tristan narrowed his eyes. "How did you kiss him?"

"What do you mean "how"? I kissed him, the way I'd kiss anyone else. Joey, what's wrong with you, I'd hardly think you'd be jealous of Ryou."

"Jealous? This isn't jealous, Tristan. What else did you and Ryou do? Did you sleep with him?" Tristan's eyes narrowed further.

"What the fuck are you talking about, Joey? What about Kaiba? At what point did you decide you wanted me?"

"Answer my question, did you sleep with him?"

"And what if I did. What are you gonna do? Go curse out Ryou or go sleep with Kaiba? We're not together, or haven't you noticed that?"

"This isn't about me. This is about you. How dare you do this. Why would you do this to him?"

"Him?"

"Him, Ryou. Why would you kiss him, why would you say those things to him? The minute he opens up to someone and you… I won't let you hurt him like you hurt…" Joey looked into hazel eyes. He didn't finish his sentence.

"Like I hurt you? Is that what the rest of that was? Like I hurt you?"

"Ryou's obviously confused."

"No, Ryou's not confused. He knew what he was doing by telling me he loved me. He didn't do it for him, he did it for me. The only one who's confused is you, you're the one running back in forth between to guys."

Joey's eyes widened. "So that's what this is really about, huh? Are you going to run and be with him, now? Are you going to use him to get over Ky?"

"I'm not proud about what happened between us, Joey. I'm not trying to seduce Ryou. I was so overwhelmed by his love for me that I kissed him. That doesn't mean I need to be with him, or anyone right now."

"Why are you telling me this, Tris? Huh, cause it reads like you're only saying this because you want this to be done between us."

"Done? Joey, you slept over Kaiba's house Saturday night. Do you hear yourself, you're acting crazy."

"What happened to us trying again?" Tristan met Joey's eyes.

"What are you saying, you're gonna get rid of Kaiba, and you're gonna be with me?"

"I'm wondering how you can pour these "feelings" out to me, and now suddenly the only thing that makes sense is Ryou. It's not jealously, it's not that I want to be with you instead of Seto, I'm just confused as to how you can switch gears like this."

"Ryou was there when I needed him. He knew what he wanted from the get go. There isn't another guy in the way. I'd say it's pretty selfish of you to demand answers from me when you don't know your damned self. I have no intentions of hurting Ryou, I have no intentions of fighting over you with Kaiba. I'm not doing this anymore, Joey."

"Do you have any idea what I'm going through right now?"

"Joey, all of this you're going through is something you have to deal with. What could either Kaiba or I possibly do at this point? Joey, I love you, that much I know. And I don't want to fight with you and lose you again, but honestly, I can't sit here waiting for you to break my heart. It's as simple as this Joey, I know you never meant to have feelings for the both of us, I know it's not your fault that things have gotten so confused, but you have to remember that every action you've taken since this all started effects more than just yourself."

"You're juggling with people's emotions here. I'm not claiming to be innocent of this either. I know that I've done a lot of terrible things and I'm sorry for them. But you need to take a long hard look in the mirror at some point. No one's an innocent victim, Joey." Joey looked at Tristan and looked away. "Look, today's been….it's too damned much, there's so much shit going on right now, and everyone's on edge…okay, look… we'll just…we'll talk tomorrow."

"Yeah, okay. That's fine."

"Joey, don't tell me we're on bad terms again."

"We're not, I'm just… with Ryou, and you, and Seto… I'm so….flabbergasted. But we'll talk tomorrow. I'm sorry I started acting like a weirdo. It's just a lot to sort out."

"I know, Joey." Tristan gave Joey a kiss on the cheek.

"I love you, Tris."

"I love you too, Babe. Goodnight."

~.~

A cup of green tea went untouched, a vigil to Seto Kaiba's fury. Mokuba offered it as a silent acknowledgement of Seto's grief but his older brother didn't touch it. There was something horribly frightening on the other side of Seto's eyes, and Mokuba knew he didn't want to find out what it is. He would get no answers until tomorrow, if he was lucky. Mokuba gave him his space, kissing him on the cheek, and whispering an "I love you, big brother" before going to bed. Jax decided to stay, and sat with him, sleeping on the CEO's chest. Seto had no intentions of letting another certain puppy unnerve him and took enough sleeping pills to knock him out for a good month. He'd deal with it in the morning, more than enough had happened for one day.



Author's Endnotes: My secret is out, I'm a Shakspeare nerd. I actually quote him in normal conversation. The rest is slience- last line Hamlet says before he dies, i snuck that in last chapter. And this chapter there's another line, as you know. But enough about that. I'm truly speechless. That's it. Speechless. So, let's see… Ryou tells Tristan he loves him, Tristan tells Joey just how fucked up Ky really was, Seto tells Joey's he's in love with him, Joey practically says it back…. What am I doing to these guys? I can't even decide who to worry about. The only people that haven't been emotionally tortured are Yugi and Yami, although things aren't all peaches and cream for them by next chapter, not to say there little issues will be have any comparison to the insurmountable debacle I've created here. Okay, so review, please don't hate me… everything will be okay….in the end… I'll try to update ASAP. And just because I love all of you so very much:


"I'm not in the mood for pleasantries, Tristan. Save it." He turned his back to him. "It would never have worked. We're complete opposites. What do we have in common? We share some mutual friends. That's about all."

"I'd like to know what else we had in common. I'd like to think we had each other in common."

"It's not going to work. I'm not angry at you, I'm more angry with myself for saying anything, adding more confusion to this love triangle."

"Won't you at least look at me while we're talking? If you're going to get rid of me I'd think you could at least look me in the eye." Ryou did, Tristan shuddered. "I love Joey, Ryou. I won't lie to you, I won't tell you it's not true. I love him. I probably always will."

"I know that. I've accepted that. That's the part you don't seem to get. I never expected this to work between us." Tristan gave him a sad look. "This isn't a fairy tale, I wasn't planning on living happily ever after with you. You should be with Joey."