Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Stronger Than Before ❯ Epilogue ( Chapter 32 )

Stronger Than Before

by Dragondreamer and Yami Dragon

Disclaimer: We don't own Yu-Gi-Oh! If we did, Dragondreamer would own Seto.

Warning: This story contains shouenen-ai (guy/guy relationships) and yaoi (guys having sex with guys). It also contains coarse language and violence. If you don't like it, or become offended by such things, take off already!

WARNING: THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS EXPLICIT YAOI (MALE/MALE SEX)! IF THAT'S NOT YOUR THING, THEN LEAVE NOW!

Note: /…/ Tristan's thoughts

[…] Joey's thoughts

{…} Seto's thoughts

[[…]]Yami's thought and mind link to Yugi

//…// Yugi's thoughts and mind link to Yami

`yak, yak' Sadie's(AI) voice

~*~*~*~*~

DD: This is it!

YD: I can't believe it!

Tris: FINALLY!

Lexi: Papa…dat no nize!

Joey: When are you starting the sequel?

YD: Geeze, Blondie! Can't we take Xmas off?!

Seto: No.

Justin: *looks at YD over glasses* Can you leave the Tomb Robber out of the next story? He scares me.

Lexi: No, Jut-in! Lexi low Ba-ra!!

Bakura: *squishes Lexi* That's my girl!

Lexi: AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!! X.X

~*~*~*~*~

Joey walked into the house to be greeted by the sound of Tristan playing the piano.

He dropped his bookbag on the couch and went to sit next to his lover.

"Hey, baby." Tristan greeted him, not taking his eyes of the music.

"You're home early." Joey kissed his cheek. "Where's Lexi?"

"With Ryou and Bakura." Tristan frowned and stopped playing. "Damn. That can't be right."

"Problems?" Joey picked up the sheet music, scanning it.

Tristan shrugged. "Ryou gave it to me. It just doesn't sound right."

Joey looked at the name of the composer and shook his head. He couldn't even pronounce it.

"How come she's with them?" He asked, setting the paper back on the piano.

"You're not going to believe it." Tristan chuckled. "Somehow she found out Bakura was in the building and she talked a couple of the other kids into throwing tantrums to create a diversion. Then she just walked out the door."

"You're kidding?!"

Tristan shook his head. "She met up with Mokuba in the elevator and he brought her to my office."

"This is going to be a problem." Joey sighed. "Well, I don't have any classes for the next three days, so she can stay home. I might as well keep Justin too."

"I'm glad you're home." Tristan looked at his watch. "We've got about a half hour before the limo picks us up."

"The limo?" Joey looked confused. "Where are we going?"

"It's a surprise." Tristan stood, drawing the blond up with him. "Come on. We have to get changed."

"Tristan, I hate surprises." Joey protested as he was led upstairs and into their bedroom. "Just tell me."

"You'll like this one." Tristan grinned as he opened the closet door. "You need to put your tux on."

"It's not gonna fit." Joey said. "Not with all the weight I've lost."

"I had it altered for you." Tristan replied as he laid his own tuxedo on the bed and turned to Joey, beginning to unbutton the smaller man's shirt.

"How could you possibly know my measurements?" Joey said tersely…his weight was still a sore point with him.

"Hey." Tristan kissed him gently, his hands slipping into Joey's shirt to caress his chest. "Who knows this body better than I do?"

Joey bit his lip, blinking back the tears that threatened.

"Shh, baby." Tristan's hand came up to cup Joey's face. "Just trust me, okay?"

Joey nodded, moving away from Tristan and removing his shirt. Tristan smiled and took Joey's suit out of the closet for him before proceeding to change into his own.

"You look great." Tristan said a few minutes later.

"It fits perfectly." Joey said, buttoning up his jacket. "I like the shirt."

Tristan reached out to straighten Joey's tie. "You're gorgeous."

Joey smiled. "I don't know what you've got planned, but I'm certainly not going to complain about the way you look."

Joey's hands came up to fix the collar of Tristan's cream colored silk shirt. Tristan's hands closed over Joey's and he brought them to his lips, kissing the backs of the blond's fingers.

"Come on, baby." Tristan said softly. "We can't be late."

Tristan turned to the dresser, opening a drawer and taking out a silk handkerchief similar to the one tucked into his jacket pocket. Before Joey could comment, Tristan grabbed the blond's hand and dragged him from the room.

He led him outside, pleased to see the limo waiting for them. The driver gave him a conspiratorial wink as Joey ducked into the car.

Tristan grinned and climbed in, settling himself next to Joey.

"Will you PLEASE tell me where we're going?" Joey asked.

"Nope." Tristan made a show of folding the silken square in his lap.

"What's that for?"

"It's part of the surprise." Tristan held it up. "Can I put it on you?"

"Are you getting kinky with me, Tris?" Joey grinned.

Tristan rolled his eyes. "No. Well, not right now, at least."

Joey eyed the piece of cloth warily for a moment before nodding. Tristan smiled and put it over Joey's eyes, tying it behind his head.

"Is it too tight?" The brunet asked.

"No."

"Can you see anything?"

Joey sighed. "No."

"Good."

Joey felt Tristan take his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. After about fifteen minutes, Joey felt the limo slow down and come to a halt. The door opened shortly after and Tristan let go of Joey's hand.

"Let me get out first, baby." Tristan said. "And I'll help you out."

Joey nodded and scooted over on the seat. When Tristan took his hand again, he got carefully out of the limo. Tristan put his arm around the blond's waist as he straightened.

"Just walk straight ahead. There's no steps to worry about."

Joey let Tristan guide him forward, hearing what sounded like a heavy door being opened. Cooler air hit him and the sounds from the street faded away, making him realize they had entered a building.

"Stay here."

Tristan was suddenly gone from his side. He could hear rustling…and then someone coughed. Joey shifted nervously.

He jumped slightly when he felt someone press lightly against him and the blindfold was untied. He blinked, the face of the person who had removed the cloth coming into view.

"Serenity!" Joey grabbed her by the shoulders. "What are you doing here?!"

"Tristan flew me in." She smiled sweetly up at him. "Besides, you don't think I'd miss my big brother's wedding day, do you?"

"Wedding..?" Joey's head snapped up.

He was standing in the middle of the isle of a small church. His gaze fell on the small crowd of people sitting in the front pews. People from Tristan's work; Gina and her husband; Teddy and his wife and baby girl; Tom from the tech department; and a few other people Joey was familiar with.

Jack was also there, along with Will and Gwen. And sitting in the second row were Master and Mrs. Kiotou, Otogi with them. He met Otogi's eyes and the dark haired man smiled, albeit sadly.

In the front row were the people he had come to consider his family. Yami and Mokuba, Justin in his lap; and Ryou and Bakura. His daughter was sitting in her favorite uncle's lap, dressed in a frilly white dress and black patent leather shoes; her long brown hair curled and piled in careful disarray on top of her little head.

He looked toward the altar and his heart skipped a beat.

Tristan was standing there with the minister, Seto at his side. Yugi was standing on the minister's other side, obviously waiting for him.

"Come one, Joey." Serenity took his hand. "Tristan's waiting for you."

Tristan watched as Joey was led toward him by his sister. As they gained the altar, Tristan laid a hand on Serenity's shoulder and bent to kiss her cheek. Her arms went around her soon to be brother-in-law, and she hugged him before turning to Joey and leaning up to kiss him.

Joey felt tears fill his eyes as he watched her go sit with his family. Lexi immediately crawled into her Aunt Serenity's lap and that's when Joey realized there were three people missing. His mother and Tristan's parents.

He pushed the thought aside and turned to Tristan, reaching for his hand. "Tristan…"

Tristan smiled, giving the hand in his a squeeze. "For you, my heart."

Joey didn't even notice when the minister began to speak. The only thing that mattered was the love shining from Tristan's eyes, the gentle smile and the warm hand holding his.

Tristan, as well, didn't hear a word the minister said. He was too lost in the tear-filled, amber eyes of his golden love.

They both snapped back to attention when the minister said something about rings and Yugi nudged Joey.

Joey turned to see Yugi holding out a white gold band. He took it, noticing it had a small scroll pattern engraved on it. It was beautiful in it's simple elegance; perfect for Tristan.

He lifted Tristan's hand and, with the ring poised over his finger, repeated the vows as the minister said them.

"I love you, Tristan." Joey said as he slid the ring onto the brunet's finger, his voice low and choked with emotion.

Without looking at his friend, Tristan took the ring for Joey from Seto and took the blond's hand. As his gaze fell on the band between his fingers, his eyes widened and filled with tears.

The plain gold band; the oddly shaped piece of amber…

"Time to put that back where it belongs, Tris." Seto laid a hand on Tristan's shoulder.

Tristan nodded numbly. Everything he had planned to say, the vows he had written, flew from his head when he looked up to see tears coursing down Joey's face.

"I thought you got rid of it." Joey whispered.

Tristan shook his head. "Never." He slid the ring onto Joey's finger. "I love you, Joey. With all my heart and everything I am."

The only sound in the church was the patter of feet as Lexi jumped from Serenity's lap and ran to her fathers.

"Papa?" Lexi tugged on Tristan's pant leg.

Tristan looked down and, seeing the worried expression on the little face, picked the child up.

"Papa, tell Da-ee no cry." Lexi reached out and brushed the tears from Joey's face. "Papa no cry e-der."

Tristan smiled and kissed Lexi's cheek even as Joey leaned over and kissed the top of her head. The minister smiled at the open display of affection and quickly wrapped up the ceremony.

"Here." Seto reached out to Lexi. "Give me your kid and kiss your husband."

Tristan grinned and handed the little girl to his best friend. He turned back to Joey and took his new husband into his arms. Joey smiled at him and closed his eyes, tipping his face up in invitation. Tristan felt his heart overflow as he lowered his head and kissed Joey deeply.

"YEAH! PAPA LOW DADDY! TIPPIE!!"

They broke apart, chuckling, as their family and friends burst into laughter.

Tristan took Lexi back from Seto and turned to the minister, thanking the man, who then discretely withdrew.

"Come on, guys." Seto said. "Let Steve get a few pictures so you can get out of here."

"Steve?" Joey shook his head, puzzled.

"Steve Brooks." Yugi said, moving to Seto's side. "He's a reporter. We didn't want this to turn into a circus, so Seto called Steve. He also called the editors of the other papers and stuff and told them to stay away or we'd have them arrested."

"We can't avoid the press altogether." Seto said seriously. "But Steve's a good guy. From now on WE'RE controlling the press. They won't control us."

Tristan shook his head. "You can't control them, pal."

"Wanna bet?" Seto looked smug. "Rita Adams got on a plane bound for Nice, France this morning. She bought a house there three days ago."

Tristan grinned. "That's great news."

"Hey, you guys!" Serenity stood in the isle of the now empty church. "Come on! Everyone's waiting!"

~*~*~*~*~

Otogi hung back as everyone congratulated the newly married couple.

His car was parked across the street, packed and waiting. But he couldn't leave without saying goodbye. He couldn't do that to Joey.

He waited until Joey was distracted, cuddling and making a fuss over Teddy's daughter, and then he approached Tristan.

"I'm glad you could come, Otogi." Tristan smiled at him.

"Yeah. Well…" He held out his hand to Tristan. "Congratulations, Tristan."

Tristan rolled his eyes, taking Otogi's hand and yanking the smaller man towards him.

"Thanks for everything." Tristan said, wrapping his arms around the shocked man. "You've helped Joey so much. I'll never be able to repay you for that."

Otogi hesitated a long moment before returning the hug. "He's helped me too."

Tristan pulled away, placing his hands on Otogi's shoulders. "When will you be back?"

"I'm not sure." Otogi avoided his eyes. "I'll call you."

"Don't stay away too long, okay?"

"I won't." Otogi replied, relieved when Tristan turned away to talk to Teddy.

He approached Joey slowly, seeing the blond staring at him.

"Congratulations, Joey." He said quietly.

"Thank you." Joey replied in kind. "You're coming back, right?"

"Yes. I'm just…I'm not sure when."

Joey bit his lip, blinking back the tears. "I'm going to miss you."

"I'll miss you too, Joey."

Unable to stand it any longer, Joey put his arms around Otogi, pulling him close. Otogi hugged him back, biting back a sob.

"I have to go." Otogi untangled himself and turned away.

Joey wanted to call out to him, tell him to stop, but he couldn't find his voice under the lump in his throat.

"Everything okay, love?" Tristan asked as he came over, Lexi in his arms.

Joey nodded, turning toward Tristan. He noticed that everyone else had gone except for their family. He took Lexi from Tristan, nuzzling her cheek as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

"You look so pretty, sweetheart." Joey said. "I love your hair. Did Aunt Serenity do that for you?"

Lexi shook her head, curls bouncing. "Nope. Ba-ra did."

"Bakura did your hair?" Tristan snickered, casting a glance at the white haired man.

"Yah-ha. Ba-ra putted Lexi hay-war in drollers. Tookt tore-eber!"

Joey laughed. "Bakura has rollers?"

"Yah-ha. Deer tink. Tum pity too."

"Pink hair rollers, Tomb Robber?" Yami raised an eyebrow.

"I bought them for Lexi!" Bakura scowled.

"Sure you did." Seto laughed. "Kiss Papa and Daddy goodbye, sweetie. It's time for them to go."

"Where are we going?" Joey asked.

"I thought we'd spend the night at the retreat." Tristan replied.

"Yeah! Papa a Da-ee do a da tree treat an Lexi ab teep ober a Ba-ra a Ree!"

"I'm staying at Seto's." Serenity said. "I'll be here for a week…so I can catch up with my big brother and get to know my niece."

"YEAH!" Lexi clapped her hands. "Lexi pay a At Ten-ity!"

Joey smiled and squeezed his daughter, kissing her rosy cheek. "I'll see you tomorrow then, Lexi."

Tristan took her from Joey, peppering her face with kisses, making her giggle. "Be good, baby girl."

"Lexi be dood." She reached for Ryou.

Tristan and Joey watched as their family piled into the limo. Seto stayed behind for a moment.

He put his arms around Tristan and kissed him. "Love you, buddy."

"Love you too, pal."

"Well, puppy," Seto pulled away from Tristan and put his arms around Joey. "You finally got him to the altar. Took him long enough."

Joey smiled as Seto kissed him on the forehead and he wrapped his arms around the taller man. "Thanks, Seto."

Seto smiled at them both before turning away and climbing into the limo.

"Well, baby," Tristan took Joey's hand and led him to the limo that was waiting to take them to the retreat. "What do you think of surprises now?"

Joey didn't reply until they were in the car and it pulled away from the church.

"What I think," Joey moved into Tristan's arms. "Is that I'm the luckiest guy in the world."

"That makes two of us then." Tristan replied, his hand coming up to cup Joey's chin.

He tipped Joey's head back and kissed him gently. Joey sighed and snuggled into Tristan's arms, content.

~*~*~*~*~

Tristan joined Joey outside as the staff came into the room, laying out a cold supper for them.

"Are you hungry, baby?" Tristan asked as he came up behind Joey, wrapping his arms around the blond's waist.

Joey shook his head, leaning back against Tristan, his eyes on the sun dipping below the water. They stood quietly, watching the sunset. As the fiery orb slipped below the horizon, Joey turned to look into Tristan's eyes, seeing the last of the sun's rays reflected there.

"It's all so perfect." Joey said softly, his hands coming up to gently clasp Tristan's face. "Thank you."

"I'm just sorry I didn't do it sooner." Tristan replied.

"Shh." Joey leaned up and brushed their lips together. "That's not important anymore. What's important is that you have, and you've made me so very happy."

Tristan pulled Joey closer, molding their bodies together and claiming his lips in a deep kiss. He moaned softly as Joey tangled his arms around his neck and returned the kiss with equal passion.

When it ended, Joey laid his head against the brunet's chest, enjoying the sound of his husband's strong heartbeat.

"I love you, Tristan." Joey rubbed his cheek against Tristan's soft shirt.

"I love you, baby." Tristan said, his hand coming up to tangle in Joey's soft hair, pulling him back so he could look into his eyes. "More than anything."

By silent consent, their lips met again, the union more forceful this time as the heat of their mutual desire rose in their bodies.

Joey withdrew with a small gasp, his breathing slightly ragged. "I want to make love to you."

"There's nothing I want more, love." Tristan replied, shivering slightly as he found as he found himself becoming lost in bottomless pools of warm honey.

Joey untangled himself and took Tristan's hand, leading him inside. He stopped short at the sight of a small basin and a stack of cloths sitting on one of the bedside tables.

"What's that?" Joey looked inside the vessel, finding it full of water.

Tristan smiled. "Something Yami told me about. It was custom in the harem to keep water and cloths next to the bed, you know, to clean up afterward."

"Yami had a harem?"

"Well," Tristan shrugged. "He WAS a pharaoh."

"Mmm." Joey turned back to Tristan, his fingers going to the buttons on the taller man's shirt. "I don't want to talk about Yami's sexual escapades. I'd rather have a few of my own."

Tristan snickered, mimicking Joey's actions. "So long as I get to be the subject of those escapades, I'm happy."

"Always, my angel." Joey smiled as he pushed Tristan's shirt from his shoulders, the garment hitting the floor with a soft hiss of silk.

Tristan finished removing Joey's shirt, tossing the matching fabric to join his, and bent to kiss a bare shoulder.

"How is it," Tristan said as he straightened, sinking his hands into Joey's hair, his fingers combing through the long strands." That you're more beautiful every time I look at you?"

Joey flushed slightly and, instead of replying, began to work at getting the rest of the clothes off his husband's body. Tristan grinned at the blond's modesty and reciprocated, not saying another word until they were standing naked in front of each other.

"So beautiful." Tristan ran his hands over Joey's body, tearing a hard shudder from the shorter man.

Taking a deep breath to bring himself under control, Joey pushed Tristan toward the bed. "Sit."

Tristan complied and Joey dropped to his knees, his hands moving to spread Tristan's legs so he could kneel between them. He ran his hands lightly over the brunet's thighs, traveling upward to caress the ridged stomach and smooth chest. He snaked one hand behind Tristan's head, pulling him down for a kiss while the fingers of his other hand found a nipple, deftly teasing it to hardness.

Tristan groaned deep in his throat, grasping Joey's shoulder. Joey pulled away to trail small kisses down his lover's neck to his chest, stopping to take the neglected nub into his mouth, teasing it with his teeth.

Tristan moaned as Joey wrapped his hand around the brunet's already throbbing arousal, squeezing gently. His moan quickly turned into a hiss of pleasure as Joey lowered his head, engulfing his length in the hot cavern of his mouth.

"Joey…" Tristan whimpered as the blond began to bob his head, soft strands of molten gold caressing the brunet's thighs.

A sharp stab of desire lanced through Joey's body and he pulled back, looking up at his husband with heavy-lidded eyes. "Lie down, angel."

As Tristan obeyed, he stood, grabbing the bottle of lubricant that was sitting next to the basin of water. He quickly popped open the lid and squeezed some of the gel-like substance onto his fingers. He then moved to lie down, resting his head on Tristan's stomach. He nudged the brunet's legs apart, reaching to trace a single finger over his enterance before slipping it inside.

Joey felt Tristan tense and he lifted his head, taking the brunet's erection between his lips again, sucking hard.

Tristan sighed and his body relaxed, allowing Joey to insert another finger. He swallowed around his lover's shaft, causing Tristan to thrust up and giving him the opportunity to add a third digit.

Tristan felt his husband's fingers brush his prostate and he cried out sharply, his fingers digging into the mattress. Joey moaned, tasting the evidence of his love's future release, and he worked to take him there; making sure to repeatedly hit that bundle of nerves that had Tristan writhing beneath him.

"Joey…stop!" Tristan gasped.

Joey lifted his head. "Why?"

"I'm…too close."

"So?"

"Please, baby." Tristan reached out to caress Joey's shoulder. "I want you inside me when I come."

"Come for me first." Joey licked at the tip of Tristan's arousal, causing the bigger man to shudder. "Come for me, Tristan, and then I'll take you. You want me to, don't you?"

"Gods, yes!"

"Then do it. I want to taste you." Joey lowered his head, once again taking Tristan into his mouth, sucking hard on the silken flesh.

Tristan growled, his fingers tangling in Joey's hair as he began to thrust into the moist heat surrounding him.

"Joey…oh, gods…baby, please!" Tristan sobbed, feeling his climax just out of reach.

Joey took him deeper, swallowing around him, causing Tristan to cry out as his passion burst, making stars explode behind his tightly clenched eyelids.

Coming back to earth, his body fell limp against the bed and he forced his eyes open, feeling Joey move up.

"Baby." Tristan lifted a shaking hand to touch the blond's face. "Love you."

Joey turned his head, kissing Tristan's palm. "I love you too, my angel."

"Take me, love." Hazel bore into amber.

Joey hooked his arm under Tristan's leg, lifting it and pushing in slowly, holding his eyes.

"Joey…oh, yes." Tristan moaned as he felt his golden lover become fully embedded inside him.

Incredibly, there was no pain as Joey began to move, and Tristan felt his passion quickly reawakening. He wrapped his other leg around Joey's waist, thrusting up to meet him.

"Tristan…you feel so good." Joey's voice was husky. "Love you so much…Tris…"

The sound of Joey's voice, deep and seductive, sent a jolt through Tristan. He suddenly found himself teetering on the edge again and he bit his lip, trying to hold back.

"Angel…I'm coming…need…need you…" Joey buried his face in Tristan's neck with a small whimper as he thrust hard.

Tristan gasped, wrapping his arms tightly around his husband, his back arching as he felt Joey releasing deep inside him. Joey clung to Tristan just as tightly, still moving, slamming into the brunet's prostate. He whimpered again as a warm wetness spread between them and he heard Tristan whisper his name.

He collapsed, trembling, feeling Tristan slip a hand into his hair, cradling his head. "Gods, Tris."

Tristan sighed, rubbing Joey's back as the blond shifted, getting more comfortable, his hands sliding under Tristan's shoulders, gripping weakly.

They lay quietly in the afterglow of their lovemaking, content, until a loud grumbling sound broke the silence.

Joey lifted his head, grinning sheepishly. "Sorry."

"Sounds like you're finally hungry." Tristan smiled.

"Starving."

"Let's get some food into you then."

Joey withdrew from Tristan's body, rolling over onto his back. Tristan turned on his side, propping himself up on his elbow and reaching out to push Joey's sweat damp bangs from his eyes.

"Do I get fed or what?" Joey mock-pouted.

"Let me get you cleaned up first." Tristan leaned over Joey, taking one of the cloths from next to the basin.

He dipped it in the water and wrung it out, smiling as he felt Joey kiss his neck. He moved back and began running the damp cloth over Joey's body, gently cleaning him.

"My turn!" Joey said when Tristan was done.

He copied the brunet's actions with a clean cloth until his husband's skin was free of any traces of their passion.

"I can see the advantages of this." Joey commented as he tossed the used cloth aside. "We should do this all the time."

"If you want to, love." Tristan rose from the bed, drawing Joey up with him.

Crossing over to the small table the retreat's staff had set up, Tristan took the bottle of champagne from it's bucket of ice, popping the cork and pouring two glasses. Joey filled two plates and brought them back over to the bed, stretching out and waiting for his husband to join him. Tristan handed Joey his glass, kissing him before sitting next to him.

About half way through their meal, Tristan's cell phone rang.

"Couldn't you have turned that thing off?" Joey complained.

"It might be Bakura and Ryou." Tristan put his glass aside and rose, going to the dresser and picking up his phone.

A check of the caller ID indicated that it was, indeed, the two white haired men.

"Hello?"

"PAPA! Lexi pick wock!!"

"What?" Tristan went back to the bed, dropping down and leaning against Joey; tipping the phone so he could hear.

"Lexi pick wock!"

"Baby girl, it's late. You should be in bed."

"Tan't. Lexi nee er-wen teep."

"Earn your keep?" Joey said, confused. "What are you talking about?"

"DA-EE! Lexi pick wock!!"

"What lock?" Tristan asked.

"Ab de dame top! Ba-ra tell Lexi pick wock on de tash red-is-ter!"

Tristan and Joey exchanged looks.

"Put Uncle Bakura on the phone, baby girl."

"O-tay, Papa…BA-RA!!"

"I'm right here, midget. You don't have to yell. Hello?"

"Bakura," Tristan said. "WHAT are you doing to Lexi?"

"What?" Bakura sounded puzzled.

"I don't want you teaching her to steal."

"I wasn't. I was teaching her…umm…time management."

"Yeah, right." Joey rolled his eyes.

"It's true!" Bakura said, trying to defend himself. "She had sixty seconds to pick the lock and get the cash out. Then I taught her some advanced math."

"I'm afraid to ask." Tristan said dryly.

"Yeah. She had to count it and give me half."

Tristan groaned. "Bakura…"

"What?! You should be proud of her, slim! She got that lock open in forty-eight seconds!"

"Put Lexi back on the phone."

"LEXI! C'MERE!!"

"Now I know where she gets it." Joey winced.

"Hey-doe, Papa. Hey-doe, Da-ee."

"Lexi," Tristan said, his voice stern. "I want you to put the money back in the cash register."

"Papa mad a Lexi?" The little girl's voice quavered.

"No, baby girl. I'm not mad at you, but that money belongs to Uncle Yugi. You need to put it back."

"O-tay, Papa. Da-ee mad a Lexi?"

"No, honey." Joey said. "I'm not mad. Go do what Papa said and go to bed. We'll see you in the morning."

"O-tay, Da-ee. Wanna tak a Ree?"

"Yes, please." Tristan said. "Love you, sweetheart."

"Lexi low Papa…Da-ee too." Lexi replied. "REE!! TAK A PAPA A DA-EE!!"

"I'm standing right here, Lexi. You don't have to yell." Ryou said as he came on the phone. "Bakura go with her."

"Hey, Ryou." Joey said.

"Oh, guys, I'm SO sorry!" Ryou began. "I turned my back on them for five minutes to get Lexi's bath ready. I swear!"

Tristan chuckled. "It's okay, Ryou. Just make sure she puts it ALL back."

"I will. I promise."

"We'll be over to pick her up in the morning." Joey said.

"Take your time. She cajoled Bakura into taking her to the zoo."

"We'll call before we head home then."

"Okay. Good night, guys. See you tomorrow."

As Ryou hung up the phone, Tristan and Joey could here him admonishing Bakura to go back downstairs and put the rest of the money back.

Tristan laughed as he got up to put the phone back on the dresser. "Yami's going to regret having them living above the game shop. If he doesn't already."

Joey shook his head and rose as well, picking up their plates and taking them over to the table. "Well, I've lost my appetite. I can't believe Bakura was teaching her the fine art of break and enter."

He turned back toward the bed to find Tristan standing here, watching him with an intense look in his eyes. The thoughts that his daughter was learning the skills of a thief flew from his mind as his body instantly reacted.

"Gods…Joey…"

Joey went to him and put his arms around him, shocked to find the brunet trembling. "What's wrong?"

Tristan buried his face in Joey's hair, fighting for control.

He had returned to the bed with the intention of getting their glasses to refill them when his gaze had fallen on Joey. One look at him…his face in profile…his long hair falling in soft waves down his back…and Tristan had been slammed with such a feeling of overwhelming love for him that it had taken him off guard. It was so strong it brought tears to his eyes and a soft sob escaped him.

"Tris? Please…tell me what's wrong."

Tristan pulled back, cupping Joey's face in his hands. "I love you, Joey."

Joey frowned, looking into Tristan's eyes. He could see the love and need there under the tears. [This is what Master Kiotou meant when he said Tris feels things so strongly it overwhelms him…that's why it hits Seto so hard. He can't control it.]

"Hush, angel." Joey pressed close. "I love you too. It's okay."

"I'm sorry, love." Tristan kissed the scar on Joey's temple. "It's just…all of a sudden…it was like I realized just how much I love you and…and…"

"I understand." Joey said softly, running his hands gently over Tristan's chest. "You don't have to try to explain it to me."

"I'm glad…'cause I don't think I could."

"I don't want you to." Joey pulled back, a mischievous, almost child-like grin on his face. "I'd rather you put your lips to other uses."

"Oh, really?" Tristan smiled back, a spike of arousal shooting up his spine.

"Mm-hm." Joey tipped his face up. "Kiss me."

Tristan's mouth immediately closed over his and Joey sighed, feeling a flash of heat suffuse his entire being. It quickly became hot and fierce and he shuddered as Tristan's hands began caressing his back.

Joey tore his lips from Tristan's, throwing his head back and gasping for air. Tristan pulled Joey closer, kissing a scorching trail down the smooth column of his lover's throat.

"I need you." Tristan whispered. "Gods, Joey. I can't get enough of you tonight."

Joey reached out blindly, his fingers closing over the bottle of lubricant. He removed one of Tristan's hands from his body and squeezed the gel onto his fingers.

"I want you too." Joey moaned as Tristan slipped two fingers into him. "Oh, Tristan…yes."

As Tristan bent to kiss him again, Joey squeezed some of the lubricant into his palm, tossing the bottle carelessly aside, and reached between them, taking the brunet's erection into his hand. He began to stroke Tristan gently, causing the bigger man to moan into the kiss.

When it broke, they were both breathing raggedly, raw need pounding through their bodies. The second he felt Tristan remove his hand, Joey moved away, turning around and kneeling on the bed.

He braced himself on his hands and looked at Tristan over his shoulder. "Please."

Tristan was instantly there, grasping Joey's hips and thrusting himself into the blond's welcoming warmth. Joey whimpered, pushing back against Tristan, trying to take him deeper.

"Tris, please…harder." Joey begged as Tristan began to move slowly on him.

Instead of giving in to his lover's plea, Tristan pulled Joey up and back against his chest; one arm going under the blond's and across him, his fingers splayed over the side of Joey's face. He tipped Joey's head back and engaged him in a hot, almost desperate kiss. His other hand reached for Joey's, entwining their fingers.

"That's it, baby." Tristan whispered against the parted lips as Joey began to buck back against him. "Come on."

Joey brought their joined hands forward, wrapping their fingers around his arousal. Guiding both their hands, he began stroking himself hard, whimpering at the feeling of the dual grip.

Tristan kissed Joey's neck as he began to counter the blond's movements, his voice low and husky with need. "Joey…you're so beautiful. I love you so much, baby."

Joey began to thrust back harder, a soft, keening whine coming from between his clenched teeth. Tristan could already feel the tension growing in his lover's body…feel his own climax bearing down on him…and he braced himself, tightening his grip on the blond.

Joey convulsed, screaming, as his orgasm crashed through him. He heard Tristan moan deeply and felt the brunet release, scalding hot, deep inside him. He struggled to stay conscious and failed, going limp in Tristan's arms.

Tristan eased Joey down on the bed, withdrawing and collapsing next to him. He stroked a hand down his husband's sweat-slick back and Joey stirred, but didn't wake.

As his breathing returned to normal, Tristan forced himself to sit up, fighting the urge to just curl up next to Joey and go to sleep. He reached for the cloths on the bedside table and proceeded to clean himself and Joey up, turning the blond over in the process. Joey didn't even move.

Tristan stood, drawing back the covers on the bed and picked Joey up. He kissed him gently as he laid him down and Joey opened his eyes, blinking sleepily and yawning.

He reached for Tristan as he lay down, cuddling up against him and laying his head on his shoulder.

"Love you, angel." Joey mumbled as he closed his eyes again.

"I love you too." Tristan drew the covers over them and put his arms around his husband, drawing him closer.

"So tired." Joey yawned again.

"Go to sleep, love." Tristan replied. "We don't have to rush to get Lexi in the morning, so you can sleep in."

"Maybe we can go for a ride before we leave. Maybe go to the cove."

"Sounds like a plan." Tristan began combing his fingers through Joey's sweat-damp hair.

Joey sighed, nuzzling against Tristan's shoulder. "It really is so perfect, Tris. Everything. And you know…I'm not afraid it's going to end anymore."

"It won't." Tristan's eyes slipped closed as exhaustion swept over him in a large wave. "No matter what happens, I'll do whatever I have to to make sure you're happy, baby. That's one promise I'll never break."

Joey smiled, throwing an arm around Tristan's waist and giving him a weak squeeze. "I'll hold you to that."

~*~*~*~*~

"I can't believe he's done this to us!" Alice Taylor handed the society section of the newspaper to her husband and picked up her coffee, sipping nervously. "Gods, Greg! What are we going to do?!"

Greg Taylor's eyes narrowed as he looked at the picture that headed the story announcing his son's marriage.

Tristan was standing with Joey in front of a church, the child in his arms. Yugi Motou stood next to Joey and Seto Kaiba stood on Tristan's other side.

He frowned as he noticed that Seto had his arm around Tristan's waist. He had heard stories of their perverted relationship. Of how his son, while claiming to love Joey, was sleeping with his friend and employer.

And the child…daughter of a whore and a drug addict. She looked too much like Tristan not to be his.

"I thought you were going to talk to him."

"I tried! He kicked me out of his office!" She replied indignantly. "After that, I couldn't get near him! That so called assistant of his said he wasn't there!"

"I can't believe he has a MALE secretary. He's probably sleeping with HIM too." He looked at the picture again. "Alice, we can't allow him to keep that child. The gods only know what will happen to her. I don't know where we went wrong with Tristan, but our granddaughter is another matter."

Any reply Alice was about to make was cut off by the sound of the doorbell.

They both rose and walked from the kitchen. Greg opened the door, revealing a short, balding man.

"Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Taylor. My name is Andrew Becket. I'm with Concerned Citizens for Family Values and I'm here to talk to you about your son."

"We have nothing to say to you or anyone else about him." Greg growled.

"Your son leads an immoral and hedonistic lifestyle, Mr. Taylor." The man said. "Surely you do not wish to see your grandchild raised by such a corrupt man."

"Greg, wait." Alice laid a hand on his arm. "What is it that you want?"

"To help you obtain custody of your granddaughter."

"What do you want from us?"

"Your support in putting a stop to the behavior of people such as your son…and Seto Kaiba."

The Taylors exchanged a look.

Greg stepped back and held the door open. "Come in."

~*~*~*~*~

Ryou: You two are SO dead!!

Tris: You can't wait to do the sequel, you have to start right away!

Otogi: Man…you're going to torture the hell out of me, aren't you?

YD: *pets Otogi's hair* Of course we are, my little pawn.

Otogi: *rolls eyes*

DD: Don't forget to check out the lyrics for Stronger Than Before. They're posted as a separate chappie.

YD: Thanks so much for making this story such a success.

DD: We love you guys.

YD: And Merry Christmas to all and to all a giant bowl of lemons!