Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ So Sick of Love Songs ❯ One-Shot

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

This Valentine�s Day finds Katsuya Jounouchi alone for the first time since he started dating Seto Kaiba, but it�s a self-inflicted pain that keeps him from his true love�s side on the most romantic day of the year.

Anime/Manga: Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Hentai / Romance / Angst | Type: Songfic | Uploaded On: 03.10.2006 | Updated On: 03.10.2006 | Pages: 21 | Words: 25.9K | Visits: 1.1K | Status: Completed

Disclaimer: All Yu-Gi-Oh! characters and references belong to their respective owners. The songs, listed below, belong to their respective performers and the companies that recorded them and were used in this story with the best of intentions. Story elements © Hideki LaShae. No money was gained in the writing of this story.

So Sick of Love Songs

Hideki LaShae

Katsuya Jounouchi, Jou to his friends, grabs the stereo remote control as he falls onto the couch in a lying down position. He hits the power on to turn the radio to his favorite station.

<< Here I go again, I promised myself I wouldn't think of you today… >>

Jou bites his lip as he clicks the button to change to the next station. “I'm not thinking of Seto! I'm not, I'm not, I'm not!”

<< And between now and then, until I see you again, I'll be loving you… Love, Me… >>

“I am not thinking of Seto. I don't want to think about Seto! I left him for a reason!” exclaims Jou, “Not like he'd even understand the reason!” He pushes the button to change channels again.

<< He's a cold-hearted snake… >>

“Damn! You got that right, Paula!” exclaims Jou, “Seto Kaiba is one cold-hearted snake! Fucking bastard!” He hits the button again.

<< It's the hardest thing I'll ever have to do, to look you in the eye and tell you I don't love you… >>

Ring, ring… Ring, ring…

“Sorry, dudes, I'm not talking to anyone today!” exclaims Jou leaning back further into the cushions.

Ring, ring… Ring, ring…

(Gotta change ma answering machine)
(Now that I'm alone)
(Cause right now it says that we)
(Can't come to the phone)

Click. << Hey, there. This is a machine. You have reached the home of Jou, >> comes Jou's voice over the answering machine.

Jou turns his head to look at the answering machine as he waits for the second voice to come over it.

<> comes Seto's distinct tone.

<< You know that's not the point! Now just read the card, Seto! You're ruining my message! >> comes Jou's quiet whimper.

<< Fine, but only for you. I'll read the stupid card. If Jou isn't here, he's probably at my place, so you can call him there. If you don't know my number, you're not worth his time and he doesn't need to talk to you, >> comes Seto's voice again.

<< Seto! You're not supposed to say that! Leave a message after the beep! I'll get back to you as soon as I can. If this is Shizuka calling, I love you, sis! If you're Yugi, I'll see you at the game shop when I get off work! >>

<< If you're not with me that is. >> Beep.

Jou closes his eyes to prevent the tears that well in his eyes from falling.

<< It's the hardest thing I'll ever have to do, to turn around and walk away pretending I don't love you… >>

<< Jou… come home, >> comes Seto's voice as it's recorded onto the answering machine, << It's Valentine's Day, and I miss you. We can work through this if only you'll come back home. >>

“I am home, bastard!” exclaims Jou clicking the button on the remote to change radio stations again, “I live here! It was only more convenient for you to have me spend all my time there! That doesn't mean it was my home!”

<>

“Bastard Kaiba!” Jou clicks the button again.

<< How many lovers would stay? Just to put up with this shit day after day! >>

(And I know it makes no sense)

FLASHBACK

“Kneel before your master, mutt…”

“I'm not a mutt, Kaiba!”

“Then why do you come here on your knees begging me for a bone?”

“Fuck you!”

“That's exactly what I had in mind, mutt!”

“Get the hell away from me, moneybags! I ain't that easy!”

“What the hell is your problem? I know for a fact that fighting with me turns you on! You're already hard and just waiting to be fucked senseless! So why do you keep pushing me away whenever I try to get more intimate with you?”

“So what if I do get turned on by fighting with you? I'm not just going to fuck you because you want me to! I won't obey your every command like some wanton dog!”

END FLASHBACK

Jou shakes his head to clear it of the familiar memory and his hand pushes the button again.

<< People think I'm hopeless, but to you I'm worthless… >>

“I still remember the first time you ever called me a worthless dog,” says Jou, “I almost didn't forgive you for that. It's one thing to call me a dog, but I'll never allow you to call me worthless. But I guess it doesn't matter now, since we're no longer together. Was I really worthless to you? Why did you spend so much time on me then? Why did you keep trying to get closer to me? Why didn't you shove me away?”

<< You love the way I look at you while taking pleasure in the awful things you put me through. You take away if I give in. My life, my pride is broken. You like to think you're never wrong… >>

“Wow… if that doesn't spell Kaiba with a capital K!” exclaims Jou clicking the button a few times for good measures, “He did take pleasure in making me feel like shit. And then I would just look at him with pain filled eyes and a spark of hope that maybe one day he might like me the way I like him. And he always has to be right about everything. It's infuriating!”

<< And for a moment the whole world revolved around one boy and one girl. >>

“And for a moment the whole world revolved around the two of us,” says Jou with a sigh.

FLASHBACK

The scent of roses fills Jou's nostrils. “Nice flowers. Who are they for?”

“Would you believe me if I told you?” asks Seto brandishing the dozen multi-colored roses in his hands.

“Probably not, but I'd like you to tell me anyway,” says Jou, “Is there some rich girlfriend I should know about?”

“You know that I don't have a girlfriend, Jou. And you know very well that these flowers are for you,” says Seto, “Now would you like them in a vase or should I pluck the petals for your bed?”

Jou blushes but he still smiles. “Ha, ha. A vase would be great!”

(Cuz you walked out the door.)

“I think I saw one in the kitchen,” says Seto heading into Jou's kitchen with the roses in hand.

“Hey! When were you ever in my kitchen?” exclaims Jou chasing after Seto.

Seto blushes slightly. “You do remember me bringing you soup a month ago when you were stuck in bed with the flu, don't you?”

“Well, yeah. You took very good care of me,” says Jou smiling.

“I came in here to make the soup for you. I didn't want to bring the soup from home since it might get cold,” says Seto, “I also did the dishes and a bit of cleaning while I was in here.” He passes the roses to Jou while he opens a cabinet looking for the vase. He pulls down the simple glass vase and takes it to the sink to fill with water. “I had noticed this vase while I was working.”

“You cleaned?” asks Jou, “You? Seto Kaiba? Cleaned?”

“Well…” Seto blushes a bright red. He sets the filled vase on the counter beside the sink and he takes the flowers from Jou, opening the wrapping and placing the ends of the long stems into the water in the now filled sink.

Jou steps up right behind Seto and watches the brunet clip the roses and place them into the vase. “You're good at that.”

“I want them to last a long time for you,” says Seto meaningfully, “You're well worth it.”

Jou grabs Seto's arm and spins him around. He tiptoes up to kiss the taller boy's lips. “Thank you!”

END FLASHBACK

“Come to think of it, I wonder if he has OCD? He's definitely obsessive,” says Jou nibbling on his lower lip in contemplation, “And he was compulsively cleaning my place. Yep, that sounds like Obsessive Compulsive Disorder to me!”

<< They're saying, “Mamma never loved her much” and, “Daddy never keeps in touch. That's why she shies away from human affection.” >>

Jou's eyes widen. “Oh, Seto…”

FLASHBACK

Jou slumps his shoulders and sighs. “I just wish you'd open up to me, Kaiba.”

Seto remains silent and just looks at the defeated back of his boyfriend.

“If we're even going to have a chance at making this relationship work,” says Jou turning to face Seto and lock eyes with him, “Then you're going to have to trust me sometimes.”

“I haven't trusted anyone other than Mokuba for a long time,” says Seto, “I'm not sure if it's that easy.”

“It may not be, but I'd appreciate the attempt.”

Seto sits down and turns his gaze from Jou's face. “You know, Mokuba never knew our mother.”

Jou smiles as he kneels on the floor in front of Seto and rests his head against the brunet's knee. He closes his eyes and relaxes. “Why not?”

“She died giving birth to him,” says Seto.

“I'm sorry…”

“Don't be. She knew the risks. She knew having Mokuba would kill her, but it was her love for our father that made her want to do everything she could to keep my little brother. The doctors thought that Mokuba would have problems as well, that he would be still born or have serious medical problems. It was so long ago that I don't remember what was wrong with my mother, but we were all thankful that Mokuba turned out to be just fine,” says Seto, “I appreciate her sacrifice. I don't know what I would do today without Mokuba.”

“What was she like?” whispers Jou.

(But it's the only way I hear your voice)
(Anymore…)

“She was… amazing,” says Seto, “She could peel an apple in one long spiral. And she had such perfect hair. It was long and black like Mokuba's, but no matter what kind of day she had or how she had fixed it, it was always smooth and sleek and perfectly in place. But what I remember most is her scent. There was a different scent for every day of the week. On Monday, she smelled of lavender soap and Chanel no. 5. Tuesday it was rose soap and matching essential oil. On Wednesday, she smelled of peppermint hand lotion and a department store knock-off perfume. She didn't want to waste her best perfume on everyday use.”

Jou dares a glance up to see Seto in rapture with his eyes closed.

“On Thursday, she smelled of milk and honey. She used to bake cookies on Thursdays so she always smelled so delicious,” says Seto, “Friday was a delicate scent of forget-me-nots. Saturday, she was back to the lavender soap with a floral perfume so she smelled like a bouquet of flowers. On Sunday, she smelled of roast beef and freshly baked bread.”

“What about your father?” asks Jou.

“He always smelled of aftershave,” says Seto.

Jou chuckles.

“He died when Mokuba was still fairly young. There was a car accident,” says Seto moving his hand to caress Jou's hair like he was petting a puppy.

“That's when you went to the orphanage, huh?”

“Yes, and then you know what happened.”

“Yeah, shit-faced ugly bastard!”

“That's the most accurate thing I've ever heard him called!” exclaims Seto smiling.

END FLASHBACK

Jou pushes the button to change the channels again. His eyes well with tears as he hears the soulful voice of Aaron Neville singing, << But don't forget who's taking you home, and in whose arms you're gonna be. So darlin' save the last dance for me… >>

With another click of the button, the radio changes stations. The song playing forces Jou's mind back in time to a special moment they shared together… the night they danced together for the very first time.

FLASHBACK

The gentle music fills the air as Seto makes his way towards Jou.

Jou smiles at Seto. “Hey, Seto. Are you enjoying the party?”

“It's nice,” says Seto, “Your friends seem to be really enjoying it. Are you?”

“Yeah.” Jou looks out to the dance floor where his friends are dancing together.

“Would you dance with me?” Seto blushes.

Jou nods his head and moves onto the dance floor with Seto. He wraps his arms around Seto's neck and rests his head on the slightly taller boy's shoulder.

Seto winds his arms around Jou's back and holds him tightly as the singer on the stage starts in with the words to accompany the music.

“Are you ready maybe? Are you willing to run? Are you ready to let yourself drown? Are you holding your breath? Are you ready or not?” sings the woman on the small stage with the band.

“You look stunning tonight, Jou,” whispers Seto.

“You look stunning every night.”

“Are you ready maybe? Do you long to confess? Do you feel that you're already known? Are you sure of yourself? Would you lie if you're not?” sings the woman, “You tire me out. Don't wanna let that happen. A secret screamed so loud. Why did you let that happen?”

Jou tilts his head up to look into Seto's eyes. He smiles and closes his eyes.

“So put your arms around me. You let me believe that you are someone else. Cause only time can take you. So let me believe that I am someone else,” sings the woman.

Seto captures Jou's lips in a kiss as they move slowly around the floor together.

“Maybe, are you ready to break? Do you think that I push you too far? Would you open yourself? Are you reckless or not?” sings the woman, “You tire me out. Don't wanna let that happen. A secret screamed so loud. Why did you let that happen?”

Jou smiles as he pulls out of the kiss. He opens his eyes to stare into Seto's blue eyes. “I love it when you hold me like this.”

“Remind me never to let you go then,” says Seto smiling back at Jou.

END FLASHBACK

<< So put your arms around me. You let me believe that you are someone else. Cause only time can take you. So let me believe that I am somewhere else. Let me believe that I am somewhere else, >> sings the woman on the radio.

A tear slips from Jou's eyes as he clicks the button on the remote again.

<>

(It's ridiculous.)

“Yeah… that's right. I won't miss Seto's arms, and I will be all right,” says Jou wrapping his arms around himself trying hard not to miss Seto's arms. “He didn't need me anyway. I was just a convenience to him. He never loved me… I just loved him… very, very much…”

Ring, ring… Ring, ring…

“I thought I said I wasn't fucking talking to anyone today!” exclaims Jou standing up abruptly and throwing the remote onto the couch cushions. He starts to make his way into the kitchen.

Ring, ring… Ring, ring… Click. << Hey, there. This is a machine. You have reached the home of Jou, >> comes Jou's voice over the answering machine. Seto's voices comes over with, <>

Jou opens the fridge and searches through it for the bottle of vodka he normally stores in the door.

<< You know that's not the point! Now just read the card, Seto! You're ruining my message! >> comes Jou's quiet whimper.

Not seeing the vodka, Jou settles for pulling out an entire six-pack of sodas. If he can't get plastered at least he can get stoned on caffeine.

Jou doesn't bother with grabbing anything to eat even though his stomach growls hungrily. He steps back into the living room and sets the six-pack on the coffee table.

<< If you're not with me that is. >> Beep.

Jou cocks his head to listen to the machine.

<< Jou… it's Anzu, >> comes the female voice of one of his oldest friends as the answering machine records her message, << I'm just calling to wish you a Happy Valentine's Day! I'm sure you're out with Kaiba having a wonderful evening, but you know I don't like calling him unless it's important and this message just isn't 9-1-1 material! Give me a call tomorrow or something, and we'll get together to plan out gifts for White Day. I'm thinking Seto would just love to have you dipped in dark chocolate for White Day! >>

“Fuck that! Dammit! I knew I should have sent a group email telling everybody I dumped that bastard!” exclaims Jou falling onto the couch again and grabbing a soda up. He opens the can and quickly drinks half of it. “But then again, how many of them would believe that I dumped the guy because I wouldn't have sex with him? That just sounds so stupid!”

<< He's born to love, but we will teach him how to hate, and true love it is a rock… >>

(It's been months for some reason I just)
(Can't get over us)

Jou frantically grabs the remote to the stereo and he clicks the button again. “Bastard Kaiba! Why the fuck couldn't he just love me?”

<< I never had a dream come true till the day that I found you. Even though I pretend that I've moved on, you'll always be my baby. I never found the words to say, you're the one I think about each day, and I know no matter where life takes me to a part of me will always be with you. >>

(And I'm stronger than this)

Jou wipes his eyes to remove the tears from them before they have a chance to fall. “Why does he always make me so weak?”

A new song starts to play on the radio and Jou looks at it with teary eyes.

<< When I was fourteen I was fallin' fast for a blue-eyed girl in my homeroom class. >>

“It was actually a blue-eyed boy in my homeroom class,” says Jou with a tiny smile.

<< Tryin' to find the courage to ask her out was like tryin' to get oil from a waterspout. >>

“I'd say it was a great deal harder than that! Like trying to stay alive in the center of the sun!” exclaims Jou.

<< What she would've said, I can't say. I never did ask then she moved away. I learned something from my blue-eyed girl: sink or swim, you gotta give it a whirl… >>

“I never did ask him…” Jou shakes his head and clicks the button on the remote. “He wouldn't have possibly loved me! It wouldn't have helped to ask him if he did!”

<< Lonely, I'm Mr. Lonely, I have nobody for my own. >>

(Enough is enough.)

Jou hits the power button on the radio, but it only changes stations again. He looks at the remote and shakes it a few times to see if anything inside is rattling. When he doesn't hear anything, he pushes the power button again only to change radio stations.

<< Love has got me down. A tear just hit the ground. >>

Jou just sits there for a minute crying before he downs the rest of his soda and hits the button to change the station a few more times. He opens another soda and pours it down his throat.

<< Love and other moments are just chemical reactions in your brain… >>

FLASHBACK

“Guess who?” whispers Jou into Seto's ear as he covers his boyfriend's eyes with his hands.

“Stop this foolishness, Jou,” says Seto, “I have work to do.”

“But you promised you'd take off early and take me to the amusement park!” whines Jou.

“I know, and I'm sorry, but I have to finish reviewing this contract,” says Seto with a sigh.

“Fine. I'll be in the kitchen pigging out on ice cream… if you want to find me that is,” says Jou sulking away to the kitchen and pulling out a package of cheap ice cream. He smiles at the fact that Seto knows him well enough to get the type of ice cream that he likes, even though Seto himself only eats the most expensive brand on the market, a brand so rich any flavor makes Jou sick just by looking at it. He sits down with his ice cream container and a spoon and slowly opens the cardboard packaging. He's barely eaten a spoonful before warm hands cover his eyes.

“Guess who?” comes the whisper into his ear.

“Hey, Mokuba…”

“Wrong guess.”

“Yugi, what are you doing in Seto's house without ringing the doorbell first? You know how much he hates that!” exclaims Jou.

“Wrong guess.”

“Fuck it, Mai! I told you we couldn't sleep with each other here! We have to do it at your apartment!”

“What?” exclaims Seto spinning Jou's chair around and staring at the mischievous eyes.

“Oh, Seto! It's you!” exclaims Jou smiling, “Just kidding about Yugi coming into your house without ringing the doorbell. He's always so traditional about calling ahead and ringing when he gets here!”

“What about Mai? Are you sleeping with her?” asks Seto.

“What do you think?”

“I don't think you have the time to be messing around with her when you spend all day working, and all evening with me,” says Seto, “Tell me that Mai thing was a joke.”

“It was a joke. You know I'm still a virgin,” says Jou.

“Not for my lack of trying to remedy that,” says Seto leaning down to kiss Jou.

Jou moans into the kiss, but he pulls away too soon. “I'm sorry, Seto. I'm not ready yet.”

“I know, and I understand,” says Seto.

“That's one of the things I love about you, Seto,” says Jou snuggling into the blue-eyed boy.

(No more walking `round with ma head down.)

“Love?” asks Seto swallowing hard.

“Yeah. Love,” says Jou, “Don't you believe in love, Seto?”

“Love is just a chemical reaction…”

“Yeah. Figured you'd say as much,” says Jou, “But I guess it really doesn't matter all that much. I believe in love enough for the both of us, and I do. I love you, Seto.”

Seto pulls Jou into a warm embrace and passionate kiss. “I care for you as well.”

END FLASHBACK

“Care for you? Care for you? Is that as good as I fucking deserve? I deserve to be loved gods-dammit! I deserve to be loved!” Jou buries his face into a throw pillow and lets his tears stain the soft floral fabric. His mind blocks all sound except for the wails and sobs emitted from his own throat. He cries until his eyes are red and puffy, then he sits up slowly and wipes them dry with the bottom of his t-shirt.

(I'm so over being blue)
(Crying over you)

“I love you, Seto. I miss you…”

<< But part of you will never ever go away. Your heart will stay. >>

Jou grabs the remote and presses the channel button again to change the stations. << I… >> Press button. << Love… >> Press button. << You… >> Again. << Baby… >> Button. << I… >> Again. << Need… >> Again. << You… >> Change channels yet again. << So… >>

“What the hell is this? Valentine's Day?” screams Jou at the top of his lungs. He calms down after a moment. “Oh, wait. It is. That's why all the stations are playing love songs! Fuck! There's got to be one that's not playing mushy stuff!”

Jou hits the button a few more times to change the channels.

<>

“Fucking hell!”

(And I'm so sick of love songs)
(So tired of tears)

Jou presses the button again and gets up from the couch to head into the kitchen again. He once again ignores his hunger for food and starts digging in the cabinets for anything stronger than soda. “A good bottle of whiskey would do me a world of good right now!”

After finding nothing stronger than a mostly eaten box of bourbon cherry cordials left over from Christmas, Jou meanders back into the living room, trying to suck the bourbon from the treat without having to eat the cherry and the chocolate. He finally starts to chew it up as he sits down and opens another soda to drink.

<< Baby ain't it somethin' how we lasted this long. You and me provin' everyone wrong. Don't think we'll ever get our differences patched. Don't really matter cause we're perfectly matched. >>

“Yeah, Paula. I thought so too. Seto and I were opposites sometimes, but there were so many times when we were perfect for each other. We didn't always get along, but when we fought, we always had the best make-out sessions. Our differences helped us so many times… like when his car broke down in my neighborhood before our date.”

FLASHBACK

Seto pulls up in front of Jou's more or less in tact home. He climbs out after turning the engine off.

Jou runs out of his house and straight into Seto's arms. He smiles and gives his boyfriend a quick kiss on the lips. “Can we go now?”

“Enthusiastic?”

Jou nods.

“Let's go,” says Seto turning around with Jou in his arms and guiding his blond boyfriend towards his vehicle. He helps Jou into the passenger seat before moving around to the driver's seat and climbing in. He tries to start the engine and curses when it doesn't start.

“Why isn't the car running?” asks Jou slowly.

“Fuck!” Seto slams his fist into the steering wheel. “I don't know. It was in the shop for a tune-up just this morning.”

“Well… pop the hood and let me take a look. I know a little bit about auto mechanics,” says Jou.

“Okay,” says Seto pulling the handle to pop the hood.

Jou climbs from the vehicle quickly and lifts the hood. After a few moments he calls, “Try it now!”

Seto turns the key and the engine roars to life. He watches as Jou closes the hood and climbs back into the car. “What did you do?”

“Some mechanics you just don't trust. They wanted you to have problems so you'd have to call them to fix it again and pay them big bucks!” exclaims Jou, “But you're as good as new now! Can we go?”

“I think we can,” says Seto throwing the car into gear and driving off. “By the way, thanks for your help with the car.”

“No problem, Seto,” says Jou scooting a little closer to him.

END FLASHBACK

(So done with wishing)
(You were still here)

“Seto. I miss you.”

<< A crowded room. Friends with tired eyes. I'm hiding from you and your soul of ice. My god I thought you were someone to rely on. Me? I guess I was a shoulder to cry on. A face on a lover with a fire in his heart. A man under cover but you tore me apart. >>

Jou wipes the tears from his eyes and gets up for a quick run to the bathroom. He comes out minutes later to hear, << Oh, Joey, if you're hurtin', so am I. >>

“I am hurting. I hurt because love is a two way street, and Seto doesn't drive! I'm so cold without him here to hold me, but if he doesn't love me, I can't be with him anymore.” Jou hits the button to change channels on the radio.

<< And I see you in a different light, your hair falling down with love in your eyes. In my mind, you're a beautiful sight. I see you in a different light, just the way I saw you last night… >>

FLASHBACK

Jou opens his eyes to see Seto leaning over him in the bed they shared that night. He smiles at the mussed up hair and sleep-filled blue eyes. “Beautiful…”

“Yes, you are,” whispers Seto moving to kiss Jou.

“I mean you,” mumbles Jou before his lips are sealed with the kiss.

“I know what you meant,” whispers Seto after pulling out of their kiss, “But you are much more beautiful than I!”

Jou blushes at the compliment. He runs his hand through the messy russet locks and watches the way the sunlight shifting in through the window curtains highlights his boyfriend. “How many people have seen you like this?”

“None that matter to me other than you,” says Seto.

“Did you love any of them?” asks Jou.

“I don't love.”

“I know, but I can always hope that one day you might love me,” says Jou, “I'd like to see love shining in your eyes just once before I die.”

“You are not dying on me!” exclaims Seto grabbing Jou and kissing him passionately.

“Not today. Not for a long time,” says Jou.

END FLASHBACK

Jou sighs. “How many people have actually had sex with him? How many people has his body loved even if his heart hasn't loved them in return? Why couldn't I have been the one person his heart chose to love?”

(Said I'm so sick of love songs)

<< You were my first love, you were my true love from the first kisses to the very last rose from the bottom of my broken heart… >>

“Our first kiss… my first kiss ever…”

FLASHBACK

Jou walks down the path, not even paying attention to where he's going. He runs into a warm body and knocks them both to the ground. “Dammit! Sorry! Are you okay?”

“Get the fuck off me, mutt!”

“Fuck, Kaiba! What the hell are you doing knocking me down?” shouts Jou pushing himself off the brunet and standing up.

“Knocking you down? You're the one who knocked me down, mongrel!” exclaims Seto getting up and dusting his clothing off, “But I suppose I can't expect a weak little dog like you to actually see where you're going. Blindness must run in the family.”

“Fuck off, you bastard!” screams Jou swinging his fist at Seto.

Seto dodges the swing and sends his own fist into Jou's gut.

Jou gasps and mimics the attack, sending his own fist into Seto's stomach.

Seto retaliates with a well-placed fist to Jou's jaw.

Fists, elbows, and kicks fly for several long tense moments before Jou purposely kicks Seto's feet out from under him.

Seto falls into Jou in an attempt to force the blond to fall with him.

Both boys fall to the ground in a heap of tangled limbs.

“Mutt!”

“Bastard!”

Seto and Jou lie tangled together breathing heavily until Jou shifts uncomfortably and rubs his erection against Seto's thigh.

“Mutt, do you have a pencil in your pocket?” asks Seto blushing a very light pink.

Jou's eyes widen, and his face turns red. “No.”

“So you're happy to see me,” says Seto looking into Jou's brown eyes.

“Hell no!” exclaims Jou trying to roll off Seto, but Seto grabs him by the shoulder with one hand and the waist with the other and pulls him back into their previous position.

“I never told you to move,” whispers Seto before locking his lips with Jou's.

Jou tenses as he stares into the blue eyes up close and personal, but his body relaxes when Seto moves his hand from the shoulder up to the side of the blond's face. His eyes slide closed, and he starts to kiss back and opens his mouth willingly for the tongue that begs entrance.

Seto moves his tongue around within Jou's mouth as he presses his body tighter against the other boy's, letting his own erection be felt.

Jou pants as they pull away from the kiss. He blushes even more as he opens his eyes to see Seto still staring at him. “Did you close your eyes at all?”

“No,” whispers Seto. He rubs his erection against Jou's.

“Kaiba, do you have a pencil in your pocket?”

“No… I'm happy to see you,” whispers Seto, “Fighting with you has always been enjoyable for me. I think I like this too though.” He kisses Jou again; once again keeping his eyes open so he can watch Jou as they kiss.

(So sad and slow)

Jou closes his eyes on instinct and rolls them over to press Seto's shoulders into the ground as he tries to take over control of their kiss. He moans as Seto relinquishes control for a moment before rolling them both over again and taking back command of their passionate kiss.

Seto spreads his body out completely over Jou's when he stops their kiss for a moment to breathe deeply.

Jou gazes up at Seto with half-lidded eyes. “What are we doing?”

“Making out,” whispers Seto kissing one of Jou's eyelids.

“Why?” whispers Jou, “I know it feels good, but why?”

“Because we want to?” replies Seto raising an eyebrow.

“Yeah, great reason.” Jou smiles.

“Should I kiss you again?”

“Fuck yeah!”

Seto seals their lips together again and forces his tongue into Jou's mouth.

Jou pulls away from the kiss breathless and starts kissing Seto's face and neck as the brunet above him starts to grind their lower bodies together in a sensual manner.

Seto barely hears the whispered word “Harder” come from Jou's throat as the blond kisses his neck over his pulse point. He forces his hips harder against the other's as he grinds their sexually frustrated bodies as one.

Jou jerks his hips up as he releases in his pants. He gazes at Seto lustfully.

Seto's body shudders as it follows the other's lead.

“I'm gay,” whispers Jou.

“I know that now,” whispers Seto in return, “So am I.”

“I know that now.”

Seto places a chaste kiss on Jou's lips. “Should I pick you up tomorrow night at eight?”

Jou blushes. “For a date?”

“For a new start.” Seto's lips turn up in a slight smile. “And, yes, a date.”

“Could you make it seven-thirty?”

“Done!” Seto rolls off Jou and gets up. He holds out his hand in offering to Jou.

Jou sits up before taking the hand to help himself up. He smiles. His cheeks redden as he says, “See you tomorrow.”

END FLASHBACK

(So why can't I turn off the radio?)

Jou hits the power button on the remote and the channel changes again.

<< Bobby Womack's on the radio saying to me, “If you think you're lonely now…” >>

“Our first kiss was the fourteenth. Our first date on the fifteenth of July,” mumbles Jou, “I guess we won't be celebrating that anniversary. Have we actually been together over a year without having sex? How could he stand to be around me that long? How could I let it go on for that long without forcing him to tell me he loves me so that we could just fuck like a normal couple?”

(Gotta fix that calendar I had)
(That's marked July 15th)
(Cause since there's no more you)
(There's no more anniversary)

“I needed Seto to tell me he loved me before I would be able to give myself to him. I've always believed you should love the person you bed with,” says Jou with a sigh, “Our first year anniversary was so great. Everybody was there at our celebratory party. Professor Hawkins and Grandpa Motou were talking up a storm about old times and Egypt, and other similar things. Isis Ishtar and her fiancé, Shadi, joined them to talk about archaeology. Pegasus Crawford and his lackey, Croquet, crashed the party, but they didn't cause any trouble. They just drank all the wine and left. Mai Kujaku and Ryuji Otogi were stuck in a corner making out the entire night. That was the night Mokuba and Shizuka shared their first kiss and started going out. It was their unofficial first date. So we would have shared an anniversary this year if I were still with Seto. Seto and I were tolerable hosts, I guess. We met with everybody and gossiped a little, but we spent our share of time under a kissing fern too. And of course I couldn't help but spend a great deal of the night walking around with a plate from the buffet and munching as we talked to our friends. I remember seeing Bandit Keith and Ghost there for a few minutes, but I think security took care of them. Hanasaki and Insector Haga were getting rather friendly. I saw them eating and talking together, and they shared a kiss, but it was pretty innocent by the looks of it. Of course Malik Ishtar and Ryou Bakura were anything but innocent. About midnight, they took their affections to the buffet table and were having sex on top of it. Most everyone ran home about then. I think Anzu left with Ryouta Kajiki. I wonder if they were going home to have sex, but then again, I don't want to know about Anzu's sex life! Yugi proposed to Rebecca Hawkins during the festivities, so we turned it into an engagement party too once she said yes. Honda and Miho left the party early, probably wanting to get their real date underway since the party was too dull and boring for them, or at least that's why Honda told me they left when he called the next day. Espa, Rishid, and Dinosaur got into quite the Duel Monsters confrontation over the punch bowl too. I wonder if that red ever came out of Espa's hair.”

(I'm so fed up with my thoughts of you)
(And your memories)

<< Honey, listen to me. Your love is all I need. You should know that I don't need nothin' that money can buy… >>

Ring, ring… Ring, ring…

Jou downs the last of his soda cans in rapid succession.

Ring, ring… Ring, ring…

“What the fuck is up with everyone calling?” Jou stuffs one of the chocolate cherries into his mouth and chews it up quickly wishing it had more bourbon and less of everything else.

Click. << Hey, there. This is a machine. You have reached the home of Jou. I don't see why I have to help you with this recording, Jou. You spend all your time at my place, not the other way around. You know that's not the point! Now just read the card, Seto! You're ruining my message! Fine, but only for you. I'll read the stupid card. If Jou isn't here, he's probably at my place, so you can call him there. If you don't know my number, you're not worth his time and he doesn't need to talk to you. Seto! You're not supposed to say that! Leave a message after the beep! I'll get back to you as soon as I can. If this is Shizuka calling, I love you, sis! If you're Yugi, I'll see you at the game shop when I get off work! If you're not with me that is. >> Beep.

<< Jou. It's Yugi. I got a visit from Kaiba a few minutes ago. I thought I should call you. We had a nice long conversation about you, >> comes Yugi's sweet voice through the answering machine, << I'm surprised that you didn't tell me. Why did you two break up? I thought you had a lasting relationship! You seemed so much in love and so perfect for each other…>> Yugi sighs. << I know that you like your privacy, but everyone thought you two were sleeping together. Kaiba said you'd never had sex, that you had always denied him. That doesn't sound like you, but I guess I've never been in that type of relationship with you to tell. If you're there please pick up. I don't want to tell you everything over the answering machine! … Well, I guess you're not home. So let's see… Kaiba came over and asked me for my help. He said you two had a fight and that you broke up with him. He wanted my advice on what was wrong and how he could apologize to you. So he explained your relationship and how you've never had sex. I told him about how you always talked about saving yourself for true love. I think he left sad. I think he believed you didn't love him. >>

“Make a long story short!”

<>

“Bye, Yugi!” exclaims Jou, “See you tomorrow.”

<< Baby don't you know that I love you, and I'd never put nobody above you. He could promise the moon and the stars above. Even if he promised me the world, just remember I'm forever your girl… >>

Jou's shoulders slump. “Why would Seto come here for me? He didn't love me. Yes, I loved him, and I'll probably die still loving him, but… Love takes two.”

(And now every song reminds me)
(Of what used to be)

<< Here we go. We're at the beginning. We haven't fucked yet, but my head's spinning. Why can't I breathe whenever I think about you… >>

“I didn't want sex between us to be just fucking. I wanted it to be making love. But he never said he loved me, so we never had sex… I sorta wish that I would have let him, just once, so I'd know how it felt to be loved by him… but it wouldn't have been love.” Jou heads into the bathroom and slams the door behind him. He relieves himself in the toilet while his mind replays some of his exploratory excursions in the bathroom with Seto. He washes his hand and sticks his head in the sink to let the cold water wash over it and clear away his thoughts of his love. He grabs a towel to dry his hair as he walks back into the living room. He flops down on his back on the sofa as he ruffles his hair with the towel.

<< Have you finally found the one you've given your heart to only to find that one won't give their heart to you? >>

“I have, Brandy. And it hurts,” whispers Jou as he digs the remote out from beneath his back where it ended up when he fell on the couch.

(That's the reason)
(I'm so sick of love songs)

Jou presses the power button and groans as the channel changes again.

<>

“That's right! I don't need Seto!”

<>

“Exactly! I need more that that! I deserve more than that!”

<>

Tears fill Jou's eyes again.

<< Forget our memories. >>

Jou closes his eyes and lets the tears fall down his cheeks. “I can't just forget the best time of my life.”

<< Forget our possibilities. >>

“I wanted to marry him…”

(So tired of tears)

“He's not worth crying over!” cries Jou as more tears roll from his eyes. He wipes his tears away and pushes the change channel button several more times.

<>

“I wish I could win his love, even if I had to lose a thousand times for just one victory.” Jou sighs. “Damn you, Seto Kaiba! Damn you to all the hells!”

A light tapping on the door distracts Jou from any more cursing that he might place upon Seto. He gets up from the couch and wipes his eyes as he moves to the door, already knowing who stands on the other side. He unlocks the door and lets it swing open. He smiles weakly. “Hi, Ms. Stone.”

“Jou? Are you crying?” asks the brown haired twenty-one year old woman standing in the hall with a towel-covered plate in her hands.

“Yeah… I broke up with Seto,” whispers Jou.

“Why? I thought you loved him!” Silver-gray eyes look at Jou with concern.

“I do, Ms. Stone! He doesn't love me!”

Ms. Stone uncovers the plate in her hands. “Here. Eat a cookie. It will make you feel better.”

Jou sniffles as he takes a cookie and starts to eat it. He gains strength from the sweet confection and the chocolate actually does make his heart swell with happiness for a moment.

“Would you like to talk about it?” asks Ms. Stone.

“No… Besides, I'm sure you have plans with your boyfriend that you got to make it to,” says Jou.

“Yes, about that. I got into a bit of a mess in the kitchen and I made too much sweets for Valentine's Day, and since I know how much you love food, I was hoping you could take care of the rest of it for me?” Ms. Stone flashes Jou a pleading smile.

“Won't your boyfriend mind you giving me cookies?”

“Oh, no. He knows I love you more than him anyway!”

Jou lets a small smile grace his lips when he sees the older woman wink at him. “I'll take them. Tell Mr. McCoy that he'd better treat you right or I'll kick his ass!”

“Oh, he does, but I'll tell him anyway,” says Ms. Stone before giving Jou a quick kiss to his cheek and the now recovered up plate, “If you think it will help, eat it all tonight. I could make you more later.”

“Thank you,” says Jou before watching Ms. Stone turn away and head into her apartment down the hall. He reenters his apartment and closes the door, locking it firmly behind him. He starts to eat a fudge bar as he remembers moving from his father's old house into this comfortable apartment building with thanks from Seto for finding it. He places the plate on the coffee table and dies down on the couch again. He sighs and closes his eyes.

<< Love everything about the way you're loving me. The way you lay your head upon my shoulder when you sleep, and I love to kiss you in the rain. I love everything you do, oh I do… >>

FLASHBACK

Seto slips into the bed beside Jou and quickly kisses the blond's lips. “Would you like to have a little fun tonight?”

“I love you, Seto,” whispers Jou. Inside he wishes for the words to be repeated back at him.

“Good,” whispers Seto slipping a hand down to the waist of Jou's boxers.

“I'm just not ready.”

Both Seto and Jou release a sigh of frustration and disappointment.

Seto kisses Jou's lips again. “Go to sleep then. Pleasant dreams.”

“Same to you,” says Jou as they cuddle together.

Seto rests his head upon Jou's shoulder, listening to the heartbeat, and he closes his eyes to fall asleep.

Jou strokes Seto's hair for a moment before closing his own eyes and going to sleep.

END FLASHBACK

(So done with wishing)
(You were still here)

Jou finds the remote again and suddenly remembers the `search for station' button, which will only keep the radio on a station for a few short moments. He grins wickedly as he pushes the button.

<< There's no comfort in the truth. Pain is all you'll find… >>

“It's amazing how well these old guys know their shit,” mumbles Jou, “Only pain comes from knowing that Seto doesn't love me. Or could it be possible that I don't know that he loves me?” He sighs. “No, if he loved me at all, he would have told me.”

<< Stay the night. I'd like to spend it with you. Stay the night. Why don't we call it a day? >>

“Since we started dating I spent half my nights with Seto, but we never had sex. And he never pushed me. I was the one who pushed him away.”

<< Show me the meaning of being lonely. So many words for the broken heart. It's hard to see in a crimson love. >>

“I hate this feeling of loneliness. I should have just accepted what I had and settled for it! Seto… I miss you.”

<< One of us is lonely. One of us is only waiting for a call. Sorry for herself, feeling stupid feeling small, wishing she had never left at all. >>

Ring, ring… Ring, ring…

“Fuck!” exclaims Jou jumping, “Damn phone scared me half to death. Was that song an omen? Is that Seto? I'm still not answering it!”

Ring, ring… Ring, ring…

Click. << Hey, there. This is a machine. You have reached the home of Jou, >> comes Jou's voice over the answering machine.

<> comes Seto's distinct tone.

<< You know that's not the point! Now just read the card, Seto! You're ruining my message! Fine, but only for you. I'll read the stupid card. If Jou isn't here, he's probably at my place, so you can call him there. If you don't know my number, you're not worth his time and he doesn't need to talk to you. Seto! You're not supposed to say that! Leave a message after the beep! I'll get back to you as soon as I can. If this is Shizuka calling, I love you, sis! If you're Yugi, I'll see you at the game shop when I get off work! If you're not with me that is. >> Beep.

<< Hey, big brother… it's Shizuka, >> comes the female voice of his little sister, << I'm getting ready for my date with Mokuba, but I just wanted to call to wish you a Happy Valentine's Day! I wasn't sure if you and Seto would be at your place or his tonight. I thought you might like a little bit of privacy at your apartment. I have your present with me, and since you're not there, I guess I'll be giving it to you when I'm over at Seto's place. So I guess me leaving a message on this machine is kinda pointless, but you'll have a nice message from me when you finally do come home, so you'll know I was thinking of you! Have a good holiday, and try not to scream too loud when you give it to Seto! >>

“I should have answered that one. Maybe sometime I'll get caller I.D. Yeah. That would be a great idea, and I could use that to screen my phone calls!” exclaims Jou grinning slightly at the thought, “But why should I pay for something I'm never around to use?”

<< For once in your life, be a man. Just tell me the words, cause I know that you can. Don't leave me with scars that no one can heal. For once in your life, be a man… >>

“That's right. I'm no longer with Seto, so I'll be home more. Maybe I should get caller I.D. then.”

(Said I'm so sick of love songs)
(So sad and slow)

Jou grabs the box of bourbon chocolates and starts to eat them, one by one in rapid succession.

<>

Jou sighs but continues to gorge himself on the fine chocolate. “If there's one thing I hate in life, it's when art reflects reality.”

<>

“Or is it when reality reflects art? Whatever, better make it two things I hate!”

<< And baby there's a name for what you put me through. It isn't love, it's robbery. >>

“Hell, yeah! You go, boys!”

<< I'm sleeping with the ghost of you and me. >>

“Sleep sounds good about now. A good long sleep so I wake up dead…”

<< Lay a whisper on my pillow, leave the winter on the ground. I wake up lonely, there's air of silence in the bedroom and all around. >>

Jou throws his empty box of chocolates across the room. “I guess I'll be waking up lonely for a while now. I should probably find some rebound skank… just to warm the bed at night and hold me. But there will be no sex involved. If I didn't give it to Seto when I loved him, I sure as heck ain't giving it to someone else when I don't.”

<< Touch me now, I close my eyes and dream away. It must have been love but it's over now. It must have been good but I lost it somehow. >>

Jou buries his face in the pillow and curls up in a ball on the couch. He sobs uncontrollably. “I miss him. I really, really miss him.”

<< You can call me when you want me, if you need a friend you got me. I'll be your everything, fulfill your every dream… >>

Ring, ring… Ring, ring…

“Go away!”

Ring, ring… Ring, ring…

<< Jou, I miss you, >> comes Seto's voice, << I'm getting lonely without you around. Please, come home! I miss you so much I even went to Yugi for help. You know how much I hate to admit any problems to him, even if I am starting to allow him more into our joint life. He asked me all sorts of questions about what went wrong in our relationship. He didn't even know that we had a big fight and you left. So I told him, everything. I told him about our sex life! Doesn't that tell you how much I care for you… that I would talk to my rival about our sex life? >>

“Yeah, I suppose it does say something, but not what I need to hear. I need to hear the three words of commitment. I need to hear `I love you' come from your lips, Seto,” says Jou sitting up straight.

<< Jou… Yugi asked me when was the last time I told you that I love you. He thought that I might not have said it enough, >> says Seto through the answering machine.

“You mean at all!”

<< That's ridiculous! You know my feelings for you. It's Valentine's Day, Jou. Come back home. >>

“No. I'm not going back to you!” exclaims Jou, “You don't deserve my love!”

(So why can't I turn off the radio?)

<< She's just tired of being Cinderella. She can't live that way no more. Needs a little affection, a little understanding. Better be careful cause the next time she comes through my door, she won't be Cinderella no more. A teardrop trembles on her face where that smile always was… >>

“I can't live this way anymore, being treated as second-rate, like a lost puppy, like an unloved lover…”

<< Why is it that when I just want to tell someone I really love how much I love him, I start crying? >>

(Oh, leave me alone)
(Leave me alone. Stupid love song)

<< If there's a prize for rotten judgment, I guess I've already won that. No man is worth the aggravation. That's ancient history, been there done that… >>

“Bastard. If only I wasn't gay, I wouldn't have ever been attracted to him, and I never would have gone through all this heartache!” exclaims Jou, “I curse the day I found I was gay! I curse the day Seto first kissed me! And most importantly, I curse the day I fell in love with him!”

<< I don't want to run away but I can't take it, I don't understand. If I'm not made for you then why does my heart tell me that I am? Is there any way that I can stay in your arms? If I don't need you then why am I crying on my bed? If I don't need you then why does your name resound in my head? If you're not for me then why does this distance maim my life? If you're not for me then why do I dream of you as my wife? >>

(Hey, don't make me think about her smile)
(Or having my first child)

FLASHBACK

“I'm telling you, Yug'! This is it for me! This is true love.”

Yugi simply smiles. “Feels good, doesn't it?”

“Yeah! It feels great! I'd like to spend the rest of my life with him. I'm thinking of asking him to marry me!”

“Really?” Yugi's eyes widen. “Do you have a ring?”

“Not yet. I'm working on weaseling the financing out of Mokuba's pocket! He's Seto Kaiba, you know, and people will expect him to have an extravagant ring for his wedding/engagement thing. Mokuba and I went shopping for rings, and we're seriously thinking about this platinum ring with three diamonds,” says Jou, “I have a bunch of money saved up from my paper route, but it's not enough. I'm trying to convince Mokuba to lend me the money. He's still thinking about it. I think he's trying to find out from Seto if he wants to marry me.”

“Don't you think he does?”

“Well… I think so…”

“But?”

“He might want custom rings.”

Yugi laughs.

END FLASHBACK

“Well, I guess I don't need to worry about the cost of the ring anymore!”

<>

“Yeah. I've been doing nothing else since I broke up with him…” Jou gets up from the couch and walks over to the window. He gazes out at the tallest building in sight, the Kaiba Corp building.

<< Waiting for your change of heart… >>

For a moment, as Jou watches the lights of the Kaiba Corp, his eyes catch a glimpse of a light go off where he knows Seto's office to be, but once he blinks again, he realizes that it wasn't just Seto's office plunged in darkness, it was half the building as the other half sent out a Valentine's message to Domino in the form of red-light windows shaping a heart. “Seto? What a wonderful gesture for the people. Couldn't do that for me though!”

<< When you walk away you don't hear me say, `Please, oh baby, don't go'… >>

Jou turns away from the lights of the Kaiba Corp building, and he leans against the window. “He didn't even ask me not to go…”

(Then lettin' go)
(Turning off the radio)

Jou moves over to the stereo and pushes a random button.

<< I don't wanna live without your love. I don't wanna face the night alone. I could never make it through my life if I had to make it on my own. I don't wanna love nobody else. I don't wanna find somebody new. I don't wanna live without your love. I just wanna live my life with you… >>

Jou's stomach growls loudly and he moves back over to the couch to grab a cookie. He takes a small bite. “If Ms. Stone wasn't so much older than me, and already taken, and a girl, I would so be asking her to marry me!”

<< Yes, there was a time I thought she had it all. She meant the world to me, back when the world was small. That was a river; this is the ocean. That never carried this much emotion. Nothing compares to this deep devotion. That was a river; this is the ocean. >>

“Damn! That girl can cook!” exclaims Jou, “But I only like her. It was never, and probably could never be, love. Not like what I feel for Seto!” He sighs.

<< And I can't fight this feeling anymore. I've forgotten what I started fighting for. >>

Jou moves over to his phone and lifts the handset. He presses the speed dial combination that will send his call to the Kaiba Mansion. He presses the handset to his ear. Ring, ring…

“What the hell am I doing?” Jou ends the call and sets the receiver down, “He's the one who should be calling me. But he has. I just haven't answered.”

<< We've both traveled down that road, where, in the name of love, anything goes. So don't say that word, not the one, we both heard it too much. You may think you do, but you don't. It's just the fear of being alone… >>

“Seto…”

<< Somewhere out there is somebody… >>

Ring, ring…

Jou jumps and hits the talk button on his phone before lifting it to his ear. “Hey.”

<< Is Kira there? >> A young girl giggles.

“Sorry. Wrong number,” says Jou before hanging up. He drops the phone back into its charger and moves to the chair closest to the television, where he sits down with a sigh. “There's no Kira here. There's no Seto here either. And to tell you all the truth, people who call me here, I don't think there's a Katsuya Jounouchi here either. I don't know where he would be if not here, but I don't think he's here.”

<>

(Cause I'm so sick of love songs)
(So tired of tears)
(So done with wishing)
(You were still here)

“There always was something there.”

FLASHBACK

Jou takes one look of the tall boy in front of the school, and his heart skips a beat. He smiles as he heads towards him with the intent of saying hello. Then all of a sudden, he stares into deep blue eyes, and his mouth refuses to make a sound.

For a moment, both Jou and Seto stare at each other before Seto turns around and heads into the school without a word.

END FLASHBACK

<< Last night I had a dream about you… >>

“Yeah. I'd say I had a dream last night. A weird dream, but a sexy dream too!” Jou closes his eyes as he remembers his dream. “Shizuka was here. She was reading a manga, and she let me see it. I had to take it from her then. She shouldn't be reading things like that! It was starring two boys that look like me and Seto. The blond guy was dressed in a red hooded thing like a shawl that was over a white dress and jeans. There was someone who looked like Honda there and he was making fun on the blond guy… I think I'll call him Manga-Jou. So Manga-Jou punched Manga-Honda and ran away, right to Manga-Seto. Manga-Seto was wearing a trench coat and necktie, and that was it. That's why I had to take the manga from Shizuka. She's too young to be seeing even animated penises! But boy was Manga-Seto packing!”

Jou stands up and starts pacing. He sighs. “Manga-Seto and Manga-Jou had a brief spat of words of which the only really important ones were when Manga-Seto said he wanted Manga-Jou to suck him off. Needless to say, Manga-Jou ran away and found Manga-Yugi, only Manga-Yugi was wearing a woman's see-through nightgown with a thong! Manga-Seto came up behind Manga-Jou and pushed him out of the way so he could face off against Manga-Yugi. Then Shizuka stole the manga back from me and ran off so I couldn't take it back. I went to school and met up with Anzu, and she had a manga too, but a different one than Shizuka. Hers wasn't nearly as well drawn, but it would seem to be starring the same two people. Manga-Jou was naked on a bed. Naked and either bleeding out his ass or that mess on the sheets was from his release. I couldn't tell. This manga was in black and white. Anzu told me that the manga I was looking through wasn't even the only `Seto Kaiba fucks dog Katsuya Jounouchi' manga she's seen, and she had more with her. The manga was actually a tabloid's exploitation of my relationship with Seto!”

Ring, ring…

Jou listens for a moment when the phone stops ringing. He shrugs his shoulders and continues pacing. “That explains the one Shizuka had too, I guess. I was totally shocked to hear that, but then Anzu gave me another she had with her, and I got an even bigger shock. Right off the bat, it shows pictures of Manga-Jou and Manga-Seto all sweaty and naked on the ground, not a bed, they were outside beneath a cherry blossom tree! Manga-Seto was holding Manga-Jou down by force and he was touching Manga-Jou's penis. Not to mention kissing Manga-Jou's neck, but then he switched to Manga-Jou's lips. Then he lifted Manga-Jou's knees up to his chest and forced his cock into Manga-Jou's ass. My pants were feeling a bit tight by the images even though they weren't super graphic. Then the next thing I knew, I was no longer looking at the manga and I was laying my head down on my college entrance exams that I was taking after school in an empty classroom. An image flashed through my mind of me naked on a bed in tortuous ecstasy as Seto sucked me off. So of course Seto chose that moment to come into the classroom with his briefcase. And he insulted me! I got up and was going to kick his ass, but he grabbed my hand and put his other hand over my mouth.”

Jou places his hand over his mouth the same way Seto did in his dream. “I was pissed until he spun me around and stuck a finger in my mouth. He started kissing the back of my neck, and I started sucking on the finger. I didn't even notice him unbutton my pants or help my right leg out of them,” he says as he slowly unbuttons his pants, lowers the zipper, and pushes them down his legs, “but they stayed mostly on my left leg. I guess it is a good thing I went to school commando that day. I don't think he'd like having to deal with my boxers. He lifted my shirt to play with a nipple, and his other hand wrapped around my already hard cock.” He lifts his shirt to mimic the actions done to his nipple as his hand wraps around his erection and starts to stroke at a feverishly fast pace. “Then he released me for just a second, so I guess he must have been unzipping his pants to pull himself out, cause a moment later he was slamming an already lubed up cock into my tight, unprepared asshole, and all I did was moan in pleasure.”

Jou moves his hand from his chest and lowers his hand across his body to stick one experienced finger up his ass, seeking out the spot he knows all too well from his solo sexual encounters. He applies the pressure he desires to his prostate gland as his hand works him closer to release. He falls to his knees as a wave of pleasure encompasses him and he releases into the air. He removes his finger from his ass. “Then I released all over my chest, and Seto released inside me and pulled out. I slumped down to the floor. Then suddenly I was back with Shizuka looking at a picture of Manga-Seto cuddling up to a sex-exhausted Manga-Jou, and of course, post-sex, they were both naked in bed. I told Shizuka she was grounded, then I woke up.”

(Said I'm so sick of love songs)

<>

Jou takes a deep breath to calm himself and he gets up, straightening his clothes before going to his kitchen to get the cleaning supplies and clean his release from the carpet.

(So sad and slow)

<< Now here's a clue: her favorite color's blue. That's how she'll feel if she can't be with you cause you're the one who takes her breath away when you look that way. >>

“Blue always has been my favorite color,” says Jou finishing his clean up and putting his cleaning supplies away.

<< She looked at my palm and she made a magic sign. She said `What you need is Love Potion Number Nine'… >>

“I think I need a shower now, a nice cold one,” says Jou. He walks over to the remote and hits the power button on the stereo.

The stereo changes channels.

(So why can't I turn off the radio?)

<< Know all about, yeah `bout your reputation and now it's bound to be a heartbreak situation, but I can't help it if I'm helpless every time that I'm where you are… >>

Jou walks over to the stereo with a sigh after dropping the remote on the coffee table. He looks it over for a moment before pushing the button he thinks looks like a power button.

The stereo changes channels again.

(Why can't I turn off the radio?)

Jou sighs again and walks into the bathroom, leaving the stereo to fend for itself. He sheds his clothes and drops them into the hamper before climbing into the shower stall and turning the water on. He shivers as the water hits his skin, but he soon relaxes into the cool water. He waits a few minutes before adding hot water and grabbing the soap to scrub his skin. He climbs from the shower after rinsing off and grabs a towel to wrap around his waist. He walks into the living room in time to hear, << Your arms are my castle. Your heart is my sky. They wipe away tears that I cry… >>

“Yeah. They used to,” says Jou heading into his bedroom and grabbing some random clothes from the closet. He dries off before even really looking at the clothes. He gasps when he sees the outfit he picked out was one he borrowed from Seto. He inhales the faint scent of Seto's cologne before he pulls on the button-down shirt and does up the bottom three buttons. He pulls on the pants and luxuriates in the feel of them against his bare skin. He walks back out into the living room.

<>

Jou heads into the kitchen to grab more sodas, and he returns to the living room. He sets the sodas on the coffee table and collapses on the couch with a chocolate chip cookie.

(Cause I'm so sick of love songs)
(So tired of tears)

<< If I was invisible, I'd make you mine tonight. If hearts were unbreakable, then I can just tell you where I stand… >>

“Been there, done that… broke down…”

<< If you need to fall apart, I can mend a broken heart… >>

“All it takes to mend it… three simple words…”

<< You can run, you can hide, but you can't escape my love… >>

(So done with wishing)
(You were still here)

The apartment door opens soundlessly, and Seto steps inside carrying a handful of bags and a large bouquet of roses. He closes the door behind him and slides the lock. He sets the bags down and holds the roses delicately as he turns to look at the back of Jou's head.

Jou wipes the tears from his eyes. “I miss you, Seto! I miss you so much!”

<>

“I miss you too,” says Seto quietly.

Jou jumps up from the couch and spins around to stare at Seto.

“I brought your Valentine's presents with me,” says Seto holding out the roses in offering.

“I can't accept. We broke up, remember?” says Jou, “How did you get in here? I know I locked the door.”

“You gave me a key,” says Seto pocketing the small silver-colored piece of metal, “And you can still accept my gift. You're still my closest friend, and I never wanted to break up with you in the first place. I… brought dinner as well. Can we at least sit down, eat a bit, and discuss this?”

Jou sighs, but his stomach answers for him by growling loudly.

“Please tell me that means you'll eat with me and we can talk.”

“I'll go get us some plates…”

“No… allow me,” says Seto heading into the kitchen.

Jou follows Seto and watches him fill the vase with water for the two-dozen red and pink roses setting on the counter. “Hey, Seto, have you even figured out why I broke up with you?”

“Yes, and believe me, I'm working on remedying the problem,” says Seto as he quickly but efficiently prepares the roses and places them into the vase. Then he sets the vase on the center of the table. He moves to the cabinets quickly and pulls down two plates with an ornate ivy pattern and matching wine glasses. “Take a seat, Jou, and just let me take care of you.”

Jou sighs, but he does as asked and sits down in front of his place setting, but only after getting utensils from the drawer, both a standard British set of fork, knife, spoon and a Japanese set of mixed-matched onyx and white jade inlaid chopsticks.

Seto smiles at Jou's behavior as he steps out of the kitchen and gathers up several, but not all, of the bags he brought in. He returns to the kitchen and starts to unload plastic containers. “I wasn't sure what you would be in the mood for so I brought Italian and Chinese.”

“Right now, I think I'd eat anything. I'm starving! Let's eat!” exclaims Jou. His eyes widen at the sight of all the food, and his stomach growls again. He smiles at Seto before remembering that he's supposed to be mad at the brunet and wiping the smile from his face.

“Where would you like to start? China or Italy?” asks Seto.

“China. It's closer,” says Jou.

“I would have brought wine, but I didn't want you to think I was trying to get you drunk. I brought sparkling grape juice instead. I know you like it,” says Seto as he pulls out a bottle that looks like it should contain wine and pours some of the pleasant reddish-purple liquid into the wine glasses. He places small servings of each of the items on his own plate while at the same time piling on large portions of fried rice, lo mein noodles, teriyaki pork, curry beef, dumplings, and chicken with mushrooms onto Jou's plate. Then he places a fortune cookie on the edge of each plate. He sits down across from Jou and smiles. “Enjoy!”

(Said I'm so sick of love songs)

Jou lifts his chopsticks and starts in on the beef with a content little moan. “Okay, so talk… why am I so pissed at you?”

“You're upset because you think I don't care for you,” says Seto lifting his own chopsticks, “I thought you understood, Jou. I care for you much more than you know.”

“I know you care for me, and I know that you don't believe in love,” says Jou in between bites, “but it's not good enough for you to just care for me anymore. I need more.”

“I see that now. If I had known it earlier, you would have received more,” says Seto before finishing off the last bite of his meager Chinese dinner.

Jou quickly finishes eating his food in silence.

“I didn't realize that you were so emotionally needy,” says Seto.

“Yeah? And when we started dating, I didn't realize you were emotionally incompetent!” exclaims Jou.

“I wasn't trying to insult you,” says Seto, “I was merely stating a fact.”

“So was I!” snaps Jou.

“I didn't come here to argue with you, Jou,” says Seto. He opens his fortune cookie and pulls the paper from it, but he doesn't bother reading it as he moves to eat the cookie first.

“Maybe you should have. At least things would have been normal around us then!” Jou cracks open his fortune cookie and pulls out the little piece of paper. He clears his throat and reads aloud, “Someone loves you more than you love him.”

Seto smiles.

“Fortune cookies are never right anyway!” Jou looks at Seto's piece of paper as he sticks half his cookie in his mouth. “What's yours say?”

“It says Jou, I love you,” says Seto after lifting the paper and looking at it.

“Yeah… like I said, stupid fortune cookies are never right!”

“They are sometimes,” says Seto.

“I'm still hungry,” says Jou, “You said you brought Italian too?”

“Of course.” Seto once again dishes himself small portions while giving Jou much larger servings of the chicken Parmesan, fettuccine al fredo, lasagna, breadsticks, pizza, and cheesy breadsticks.

“All my favorite foods!” Jou smiles at Seto. “You did always know how to treat me right!”

“I'm glad you approve,” says Seto draining his glass of juice and noticing Jou's empty one as well. He refills both glasses.

“I do!”

“I've really missed you,” says Seto.

“I've missed you too,” says Jou.

“Do you still love me?”

“Of course I still love you.”

Seto and Jou finish eating in silence and drain the last of their juice before they head into the living room.

“And now?” asks Jou.

“Sit down. I have more presents for you,” says Seto.

Jou sits down on the couch and watches Seto grab another bag and move to sit upon the couch himself. “These better be some presents if you think they're going to win me back!”

“First, I would like to give you these,” says Seto pulling a set of keys from the bag.

“Keys?”

“The front door, the back door, the Porsche…”

“You didn't trust me to drive that!”

“Jou, I want us to give this relationship another chance, and I want that chance to last us for the rest of our lives, and so as a first step to that, I need to trust you. I'm still worried that you might crash the Porsche, but it has every safety feature money can buy so I know if you do that you'll come out alive. So I'm willing to trust you with it,” says Seto, “This is a big step for me… giving you the keys to my most prized car.”

Jou takes a deep breath and exhales slowly. “Not good enough!”

Seto sets the keys on the coffee table and pulls out a box of chocolates. He sets them down and quickly pulls out two nine-inch stuffed animals, one that is a Red-Eyes Black Dragon and the other that is a Blue-Eyes White Dragon.

“Nice. Trying to bribe me with the oldest gifts in the book!” exclaims Jou standing up. “Excuse me! I have to go to the bathroom!”

Seto leans back and sighs as Jou enters the bathroom. He looks over at the answering machine and sees it flashing. He stands up and walks over to it. “Six?”

Jou comes back out of the bathroom with water still dripping down his face.

“Don't you check your messages when you get home?” asks Seto.

“I…”

Seto pushes the play button.

<< You have… six… new messages. >>

Beep.

<< Jou… come home, >> comes Seto's voice as it's recorded onto the answering machine, << It's Valentine's Day, and I miss you. We can work through this if only you'll come back home. >>

<< Nine fifty-five a.m. >>

Beep.

<< Eleven fifteen a.m. >>

Beep.

<< Jou. It's Yugi. I got a visit from Kaiba a few minutes ago. I thought I should call you. We had a nice long conversation about you, >> comes Yugi's sweet voice through the answering machine, << I'm surprised that you didn't tell me. Why did you two break up? I thought you had a lasting relationship! You seemed so much in love and so perfect for each other…>> Yugi sighs. << I know that you like your privacy, but everyone thought you two were sleeping together. Kaiba said you'd never had sex... that you had always denied him. That doesn't sound like you, but I guess I've never been in that type of relationship with you to tell. If you're there please pick up. I don't want to tell you everything over the answering machine! … Well, I guess you're not home. So let's see… Kaiba came over and asked me for my help. He said you two had a fight and that you broke up with him. He wanted my advice on what was wrong and how he could apologize to you. So he explained your relationship and how you've never had sex. I told him about how you always talked about saving yourself for true love. I think he left sad. I think he believed you didn't love him. I think he may be coming towards you to apologize. So, heads up if you're home! See you tomorrow. >>

<< One thirty-one p.m. >>

Beep.

<< Two fourteen p.m. >>

Beep.

<< Jou, I miss you, >> comes Seto's voice through the machine, << I'm getting lonely without you around. Please, come home! I miss you so much I even went to Yugi for help. You know how much I hate to admit any problems to him, even if I am starting to allow him more into our joint life. He asked me all sorts of questions about what went wrong in our relationship. He didn't even know that we had a big fight and you left. So I told him, everything. I told him about our sex life! Doesn't that tell you how much I care for you… that I would talk to my rival about our sex life? Jou… Yugi asked me when was the last time I told you that I love you. He thought that I might not have said it enough. That's ridiculous! You know my feelings for you. It's Valentine's Day, Jou. Come back home. >>

<< Three p.m. >>

Beep.

<< Jou, I love you, >> comes Seto's voice through the machine.

<< Four forty-seven p.m. There are no new messages. >>

Jou gasps. He looks at Seto with wide eyes. “What?”

“Jou… I know that I've never told you before, but things have never been easy in my life, and then you came into it and it was so easy to fight with you. Then we found it was so easy to kiss each other and turn all of that violent energy into sexual tension,” explains Seto staring straight into Jou's brown eyes. “So when I realized that I had fallen in love with you, it seemed so… right and so very wrong at the same time! It would have been too easy to tell you and get hurt if you didn't feel the same, so I tried to complicate it. Then you told me you loved me, and I thought you realized I felt the same way! I didn't understand that you needed me to say the words to make you understand. I thought that you understood just by how long I kept you around. By how long I waited for you to make love to me. I love you, Jou!”

“All this time you loved me and you never said anything! We could have been fucking each other like bunnies months ago if you'd only said you loved me!” exclaims Jou, “The only reason we didn't have sex is because I wanted to wait for my first time to be with someone who I loved and who loved me!”

“What?” snaps Seto, “I thought you were still having problems with the fact that we're both guys!”

“No! I got over that years ago! I'm totally cool with my sexuality! I was waiting for you to say you loved me!” exclaims Jou.

Seto moves over to Jou and pulls him into a warm embrace and a passionate kiss. He pulls away abruptly. “I have one more present for you!”

Jou smiles happily. “What is it?”

Seto pulls a small box from his pocket and passes it to Jou. “Open it?”

“Is it an engagement ring?” asks Jou.

“No. Not yet, but soon,” says Seto with a smile. “Now open the box!”

Jou smiles and opens the box. He pulls out a platinum locket on a matching chain. He opens it to see Seto's picture and hear Seto's voice clearly say, “I love you, Jou, with all my heart.”

(So sad and slow)

“I love you, Seto!” exclaims Jou.

“I love you,” says Seto, “Would you care to dance with me? I notice you have the stereo on.”

“Speaking of the stereo. It was a great birthday present, but I think it's broken. The power button doesn't work!” exclaims Jou.

(So why can't I turn off the radio?)
(Why can't I turn off the radio?)

“Actually, I programmed a lock into it so you wouldn't be able to shut it off when I wanted it on, and I wanted you to hear the music on tonight,” says Seto blushing, “Sorry.”

“You will un-program that in the morning,” says Jou.

Seto lifts the remote and turns the station to his favorite. He drops the remote again. “Would you please dance with me?”

Jou snuggles up to Seto's chest. “Of course I will. You're my boyfriend.”

The two boys start to dance along with the music.

<< I knew that we belonged together long before I knew your name and the only thing I longed for was a sign to prove you felt the same. Somehow I knew your every secret just by looking in your eyes. From the very moment I met you, I was thinking of the rest of our lives, >> comes the pleasant voice of the woman singer.

Seto holds Jou tightly and leans down to kiss his lips as they sway to the music.

<< Just say to me, I'm gonna love you `til the end of time. Somehow two hearts have made a friend of time. Eternity, eternity is on our side. I'm not afraid to say forever. You have made me feel so sure. `Cause I know it's everlasting and I've never had this feeling before. >>

“Tell me you love me,” whispers Jou.

“I love you,” whispers Seto in return, “Wear that locket and let it speak to you even when I cannot.”

“It will never leave my neck,” whispers Jou.

<< Keep telling me. I'm gonna love you `til the end of time. Somehow two hearts have made a friend of time. Eternity, I'll love you for eternity. Caught in the tide and it brought me to you. Under a spell, and now I know that dreams come true… >>

Seto kisses Jou's neck.

<< I'm gonna love you `til the end of time. Somehow two hearts have made a friend of time. Eternity, eternity, is on our side. I'm gonna love you `til the end of time. Somehow two hearts have made a friend of time. Eternity, eternity, is on our side. Is on our side… >>

Jou squawks as Seto suddenly lowers him into a dip he wasn't expecting. A moment later though, he's moaning as Seto pulls him upright into a heated kiss.

<< I'm gonna love you `til the end of time. `Til the end of time. Somehow two hearts have made a friend of time. Eternity, eternity, is on our side. Eternity, I'll love you for eternity. >>

Jou steps out of Seto's arms and grabs the remote. He presses the button to change the radio back to his favorite station.

<< And when the night falls, loneliness calls. Oh, I wanna dance with somebody. I wanna feel the heat with somebody. Yeah, I wanna dance with somebody… with somebody who loves me… >>

Jou passes the remote to Seto. “Turn it off. I'm tired. I'm going to bed.”

Seto presses the button combination to turn the stereo off.

Jou heads to the bedroom door. “Are you coming or going?”

“Coming preferably,” says Seto.

“I'd prefer that too,” says Jou.

Seto takes a deep breath before rushing over to Jou and holding him close.

“If you have any business to do, you might want to take care of it,” says Jou before going into his room, “and another thing… you'll want to go to bed naked.”

Seto heads into the bathroom. When he enters the bedroom naked, he notices Jou lying on the bed in nothing but his glorious flesh. He doesn't even notice the other items in bed with his boyfriend. He walks towards the bed and climbs into it.

“Now before we do this, you have to know, this is your Valentine's present from me, and as such this time we do it my way or you don't get any tonight! Understood?” asks Jou as Seto moves to kiss him.

“I'm all for it! Show me what you have in you, Jou,” says Seto, “Command me.”

Jou lifts the blindfold from the bed beside him. “Lie down and let me get this on you!”

Seto's eyes widen. “Why?”

“Because… every time you kiss me, you keep your eyes open. It's a little unnerving to always have you watching me up close like that. I sometimes wonder if you're looking for zits or something!” exclaims Jou.

“That's not it. You look so beautiful when I kiss you. Your face contorts into this expression of pure rapture that I find completely gorgeous,” says Seto.

“Oh.” Jou blushes. “Anyway, I want this to be special. Just do this for me tonight. I won't leave it on you all night, just for the beginning.”

“I trust you, Jou. Don't make me regret the decision to go along with this,” says Seto as he lies down on his back and closes his eyes.

Jou secures the blindfold over his boyfriend's eyes, and he smiles as he kisses the other's lips. “Thank you.”

“Happy Valentine's Day, Jou.”

“Right back at you,” says Jou. “Now… where should I start? So many options!”

“How long have you been dreaming of this?” asks Seto.

“About a year. I came up with this idea around Valentine's Day last year,” says Jou straddling Seto and starting to massage the brunet's shoulders, “I've gone over it in my mind so many times in so many different ways.” He moves to kiss Seto's jaw and neck.

“And in this dream… what am I doing to you?”

Jou blushes even though Seto can't see. “This isn't about me… This is about me wiping away any memories you might still have of all the lovers you've had before me… This is about me proving my worth to you…”

“Jou…”

Jou kisses Seto's lips to silence him, and his hands move down to rub and pinch the hardening nipples. He slides down to lick and nip at Seto's erecting penis.

“Oh, Gods, Jou!” gasps Seto, “You've been practicing!”

“Bananas are good for more than just snacks!” exclaims Jou.

“Damn lucky banana! But all the better for me!”

Jou grabs the bottle of lubricant from the bed and opens it, pouring some of it onto each hand. “Now, hold still and don't move, okay, Seto?”

“I'll hold still,” says Seto.

Jou moves one of his hands down to slide a single finger into his own ass hole while his other hand makes a ring around Seto's hidden opening.

Seto gasps… a clear sign that he's surprised by Jou's sense of dominance.

“Are you okay with this?” asks Jou still circling the opening with his finger, “Are you okay with me taking you?”

“You can make love to me whenever you wish to,” says Seto apprehensively. He bites his lower lip.

Jou slides his finger into Seto's opening and starts to stretch it to accept something bigger.

“I've never been taken…”

“What?” Jou stills for a moment. Then he remembers his task and continues to stretch both his own body and Seto's.

“I've never been taken… I've… I've only had one lover before, a woman who helped me learn who I was… Oh, Gods, Jou! Do that again! Yes! Yes!”

“I never knew you were bisexual, Seto,” whispers Jou sliding a second finger into each opening and continuing to strike at their prostate glands.

“I'm not. She helped me learn that… I didn't enjoy being with her,” says Seto moaning slightly, but he stays true to his word and doesn't move even though his hips do twitch occasionally with the need to thrust against Jou's fingers.

“So… you've never been with a guy?”

Seto shakes his head and his blush shows beneath the blindfold.

Jou slowly adds the third finger to both virgin openings. “We'll have to change that. In just a few moments… But you know,” he pants, “I always thought you had tons of lovers in your past. Why didn't you ever tell me you didn't? Why didn't you ever tell me that you were a virgin to gay sex?”

“I thought you might think…”

“What?”

“That I was just pretending to be gay as a way to get under your skin…”

Jou smirks. “Oh, you'll get under my skin later. You can guarantee it. I won't always dominate, although it is nice to have you obey my every command. Now… am I hurting you? You look a little tense.”

“I'm okay. I can handle a little pain; especially for the pleasure you'll be giving me soon! I'm ready, Jou!”

“I'm almost ready myself,” says Jou taking another brief moment to scissor his fingers in his own ass before withdrawing both sets of fingers and grabbing up the bottle of lube again. He pours more of the thick liquid into his hands and closes the bottle before tossing it onto the floor. He moans as he grabs his erection with one hand. His other hand seeks out Seto's erection to massage the lubricant onto it. “You're so big, and you feel so good.”

“Jou! Please… give it to me now!” exclaims Seto, “As quick as you can!”

Jou kisses Seto's lips before lining up his opening with the tip of Seto's cock. He sits down as quickly as he can, forcing the penis inside him.

Seto throws his head back and moans.

Jou removes the blindfold from Seto's eyes. He smiles when he sees the passion glazing over the blue eyes.

Seto looks down at their joining and blinks several times. “I'm… inside you? But… but you were preparing to take me! Surely you must be in great pain!”

“I prepped myself while doing you. I didn't want you to think you could just take me whenever you wanted. I wanted you to realize that for this relationship to work sexually, we'll need to compromise with sex, each taking turns taking the other,” says Jou, “Now… should I start moving, big boy? You feel so good inside me.” He wills his muscles to clamp around the thick member inside him.

Seto moans again. “Can I move now?”

Jou blushes and nods his head. “Um… you can take over control now if you want.”

Seto pulls Jou down against his chest and kisses him hard on the lips. He rolls them both over and starts to thrust in and out of his boyfriend's tight ass. “You feel so good, Jou, so tight and hot and perfect!”

Jou moans loudly and clutches to Seto as they make love to each other. Moments later, he screams out his release.

With a final thrust, Seto fills Jou with his seed and collapses onto his chest. “I love you, Jou.”

“Damn! I love you too, Seto!”

“If I ask you to marry me on our anniversary, would you say yes?”

“Are you asking for the date of the ceremony to be our anniversary or the date of the proposal to be our anniversary?” replies Jou.

“Both. Our second anniversary for the proposal and our third for the ceremony,” answers Seto.

“Double yes, now can we go to sleep or do you want to take a shower first?”

“We should probably sleep now, and we can take a bath in the morning. You probably couldn't stand right now anyway,” says Seto slipping out of Jou and cuddling up to his side.

Jou blushes.

(Cause I'm so sick of love songs)
(So tired of tears)
(So done with wishing)
(You were still here)
(Said I'm so sick of love songs)
(So sad and slow)
(So why can't I turn off the radio?)
(Why can't I turn off the radio?)

“I'll always love you, Jou,” says Seto.

“Will you go get the necklace for me?”

Seto groans slightly as he climbs from bed and he heads back into the living room to fetch the necklace for his blond lover. He returns with the chain and charm in hand and passes it to Jou.

Jou secures the necklace around his neck and opens it to hear it speak once more, “I love you, Jou, with all my heart.”

Seto returns to the bed and pulls Jou into an embrace as the blond closes the locket.

Jou smiles. “Let's sleep now, lover.”

Seto kisses Jou's lips before they cuddle together under a blanket and fall asleep.

The End

So Sick - Ne-Yo
The Lover After Me - Savage Garden
Love, Me - Collin Raye
Cold Hearted - Paula Abdul
The Hardest Thing - 98 Degrees
Calling You (Operator) - Aqua
Story of a Girl - Nine Days
Worthless - No Secrets
Points of Authority - Linkin Park
One Boy, One Girl - Collin Raye
Savage Garden - To the Moon and Back
Save The Last Dance For Me - Aaron Neville
Put Your Arms Around Me - Texas
Don't Turn Around - Ace Of Base
Shimmer - Shawn Mullins
Never had A Dream Come True - S Club 7
Life's a Dance - John Michael Montgomery
Mr. Lonely - Bobby Vinton
Shut Up and Dance - Aerosmith
Gunning Down Romance - Savage Garden
Remember Me This Way - Jordan Hill
Skin Deep - No Secrets
Opposites Attract - Paula Abdul
Last Christmas - Wham!
Joey - Blonde Concrete
In A Different Light - Doug Stone
From the Bottom of My Broken Heart - Britney Spears
We Belong Together - Mariah Carey
Forever Your Girl - Paula Abdul
Why Can't I? - Liz Phair
Have You Ever? - Brandy
Don't Stay - Linkin Park
If She Would've Been Faithful - Chicago
But I Do Love You - Leann Rimes
Careless Whisper - Wham!
Stay The Night - Chicago
Show Me The Meaning Of Being Lonely - Backstreet Boys
One Of Us - A-Teens
Be a Man - Aqua
Affirmation - Savage Garden
Ghost of You and Me - BBMak
It Must Have Been Love - Roxette
I'll Be Your Everything - Youngstown
Cinderella - Vince Gill
Love Love Love - Dreams Come True
I Won't Say I'm In Love - Hercules
If You're Not the One - Daniel Bedingfield
I Think About You - Collin Raye
Change Of Heart - Cyndi Lauper
Simple and Clean - Kingdom Hearts
I Don't Wanna Live Without Your Love - Chicago
That Was a River - Collin Raye
I Can't Fight This Feeling - Chicago
The Fear of Being Alone - Reba McEntire
Somebody - Reba McEntire
I Knew I Loved You - Savage Garden
Digital Love - Daft Punk
Mirror Mirror - M2M
What Are You Waiting For? - No Secrets
Love Potion No. 9 - The Clovers
The Right Kind of Wrong - Leann Rimes
Every time We Touch - Cascada
Leave (Get Out) - JoJo
Invisible - Clay Aiken
Crash and Burn - Savage Garden
Escape - Enrique Iglesias
Somebody's Watching Me - Rockwell and Michael Jackson
Eternity - Dreams Come True
I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me) - Whitney Houston