Torn Apart

Finally got started on the sequel, even though I haven't finished the little side story I was writing but this just wouldn't leave me alone. I'm a slave to my muse.

So without any further ado - here we are - Enjoy.

Torn Apart


Yugi bustled about the kitchen, pleased with himself that he had managed to get enough food in at such short notice. He couldn’t believe that time had gone by so quickly. After all 3 years was a long time in anybodies book. So it had come as a bit of a shock when Mokuba had phoned up after 3 years of studying abroad, saying he would be arriving back in Domino this evening. Being the social creature that he is Yugi invited him over right away thinking it would be great to see him again after all this time. Besides a welcome back party was just what was in order.

Even though they really didn’t see that much of Mokuba before he left, his presence was still missed when it was gone. This was proved by everyone coming over tonight to welcome the younger Kaiba back. He also hoped that this would help cheer up another certain someone. Although, on reflexion, seeing Mokuba again probably wouldn’t be that helpful, after all Mokuba wasn’t the “Kaiba” that that person wanted.

He glanced around at Joey who he had roped into helping him, trying to raise his spirits a bit. As expected though it was a lost cause, because as soon as they returned to the game shop Joey had promptly slumped down at the kitchen table and had barely moved or uttered a word since. Yugi understood why he was acting like this, as he had thought earlier, 3 years is a very long time, especially when you are away from the one you love. You see Mokuba wasn’t the only Kaiba that had left Domino 3 years ago.

“You ok there Jou?”

“Yeah” Was the automatic response that he always got whenever he asked. It frustrated him that he knew deep down that the blonde wasn’t alright and there really wasn’t anything he could do about it.

“It’ll be nice to see Mokuba again won’t it?”

“Mmm” Joey sort of replied, being so used to it by now Yugi continued on anyway, almost as if he was talking to himself.

“It’s been ages, hasn’t it? Although saying that it only seems like yesterday that he went. Now he’s back again.” Yugi looked back at Jou clearly not listening to what he was saying. “Maybe…” he started tentatively, not sure if this would be the right thing to say. “…he might know what happened with Kaiba.” Yugi peered nervously over at Joey to see him with his head up and staring darkly at him.

“I know what happened with Kaiba.” Joey replied coolly. “He said he was going on a business trip 3 years ago and I haven’t heard from him since. I think it’s pretty obvious what happened.”

“You don’t know for sure if it was like that…”

“Of course it is! If it was something important he could have called, text, email, anything but he didn’t! He always was a heartless bastard and I was foolish to think otherwise.”

“But Joey…”

“Enough Yugi!” Joey cut him off, clearly annoyed. “Just drop it ok? I don’t want to think about it anymore.” With that he slumped back down again. Yugi knew that even though he said that, it still hurt. Every time the brunet was mentioned it would always receive a heated response from Joey. It was sort of funny really, Kaiba always could get a reaction from Joey, even when he wasn’t even here.

Getting back to the preparations Yugi almost missed the “sorry” escaping from beneath the blonde’s arms.

“I’m sorry Yug. I know you’re trying to help. But it’s no good, I can’t forget him, no matter how much I may want to.”

“I know Joey.”

“I just want it to stop hurting.”

‘You and me both.’ Yugi thought, thinking how great it would be to have the old Jou back. “Why don’t you help me out a bit, take your mind off things.” And much to Yugi’s surprise Joey agreed. So with the both of them working together, all the preparations were done by the time Tea, Tristan and Duke arrived. Having no idea when the guest of honour was going to get here, the gang started the party anyway, since it was no rare thing for them all to meet up regularly at the game shop. However Yugi could tell that for Joey these get togethers were getting harder and harder as Tristan never passed up the opportunity to bring up the topic of conversation that Jou was always eager to ignore.

“Come on man, it’s been ages since you last went out with anyone. I know this really cute girl from work, let me set you up.”

“How many times do I have to keep telling you I’m not interested?” Jou groaned.

“But the last time you went out with someone had to have been over a year ago.”

“Yeah so, the girl’s you set me up with are enough to put you off for life.”

“Hey, they were all perfectly nice! Stop being so picky and give this one a try.”

“I said no Tristan.”

“But I’ve never seen you serious about anyone.” Which was true, Yugi was forced to agree, they wouldn’t have. Joey never did tell anyone else about his and Kaiba’s relationship. As far as he knew it was only him and Mokuba that knew the two of them used to be lovers. Now watching as Joey tried in vain to endure his oldest friends meddling, he wished that Tristan would just take the hint and stop. It was painful watching Joey attempt to appear like his usual self, knowing what he must be feeling like on the inside.

“Come on you two, were supposed to be having a good time here.” Tea said stepping in between them. “Tristan leave Joey alone. You’d have thought by now you would have learnt to keep your big nose out of Joey’s love life.” She finished clipping the ducking brunet around the head. Yugi didn’t know how he managed to handle those two while Tea was away for a year in the U.S. No-one was quite as good at dealing with the pair as she was. Of course it was good to have her back for other reasons. Long distance relationships were hard.

“I’m going to get myself another drink.” Joey said disappearing into the kitchen.

No sooner had the blonde gone the front door burst open bringing in the now much taller version of the youngest Kaiba brother, who had long since not even bothered to ring the door bell. He may have gotten taller, almost a rival to Kaiba’s but not quite, and may have gotten older but it was still Mokuba. He still had that small mischievous glint in his eyes, easy smile and the same mass of unruly black hair, which he had pulled back into a ponytail.

“Hey guys!” he beamed, huge smile on his face. You wouldn’t have though the guy had just been on a 14 hour flight.

“Oh my god, Mokuba, look at you!” Tea cried rushing over to greet their guest. “You’ve gotten so big.”

“Yep, just a couple of inches off Seto now.” He replied hugging her tightly.

“How was your flight?” Yugi asked coming forward.

“Not too bad. Been on worse. Course some people complain more than others…right Big bro?” Mokuba called behind him to the still open door and much to Yugi complete and utter astonishment (and probably everyone else’s too) Seto Kaiba’s tall frame came into view.

“Find me something enjoyable about flying commercial airlines and I won’t complain so much.”

“Still the same as ever, a Kaiba?” said Tristan.

“Kaiba!” Yugi exclaimed, not daring to believe that the other was actually here, right now. “We didn’t know you were coming back as well.” His thoughts went immediately to Joey, who still hadn’t returned from the kitchen and from hearing the commotion in this room, probably wouldn’t be making a reappearance any time soon. “Why didn’t you tell us he was coming back too?” he asked Mokuba, whose eyes were scanning the room.

“Well if I had told you…” he said, giving Yugi a meaningful look. “…it wouldn’t have been a surprise, now would it?”

“And what a surprise it is, especially after he vanished for 3 years without a word.” Yugi couldn’t help but say.

“Oh you ain’t seen anything yet.” Mokuba replied ominously as he walked into the shop and greeted the others. Yugi was about to ask what more there could there be when a woman’s voice reached his ears.

“Wow! Its cold out there isn’t it? I wasn’t expecting it to be this bad over here.” An attractive, auburn haired girl came in through the door, closing it behind her. “Though I guess it is the time of year for it, right?” Her dark blue eyes flittered about the room before settling on Yugi. With a bright smile on her face, she stepped forward offering her hand. “Hi there and you are?” Yugi was a little taken aback by the sudden appearance of the girl but took her hand none the less.

“Uh…I’m Yugi, Yugi Moto.”

“Oh yes…Yugi Moto. I’ve heard about you. I’m Haruka by the way, but please call me Haru. It’s a pleasure to meet you, I’m Seto’s wife.” Yugi stopped dead, staring up at the woman who was smiling broadly at him.

“…you’re who?”

“I’m Seto’s wife.” Haru repeated slightly puzzled by his reaction, holding up her left hand, showing Yugi the ring on her third finger. “We were married about a month ago.”

“Wow…really? M…married!” Yugi didn’t know how to react. What the hell was Joey gonna do when he found out? Seto Kaiba married. It was bizarre. Any thoughts of Joey and Kaiba reconciling were thrown out the window. He gaze shifted over to Kaiba who was making a point of not looking at him. “Well I guess congratulations are in order.”

“Thank you.” Haru said, Kaiba merely ‘hmmed’ his reply, eyes still averted but with a some what pained expression on his face. Just then there came a muffled crash from the kitchen. ‘Oh shit!’ passed through Yugi’s mind a she headed for the door.

“I’ll just check on that. Back in a minute.” On his way he glanced at Mokuba who gave a look of ‘I told you so’. Walking into the kitchen he just caught Joey heading for the stairs, his face a mix of pain and anger.

“I’m not feeling well Yug, I’m gonna go lie down for a while.”

“Wait Joey…”

“No! What’s the point, he’s married! I’m not going in there and pretending that everything is alright. I’m just not strong enough.”

“But Jou…”

“But what Yugi?!” Joey bit back angrily. Yugi had no idea how he was gonna finish that sentence, he just didn’t want Joey to give up so easily. “I’m not going in there…I’m…I’m not. I can’t.”

“Ok Jou. I’ll make sure you’re left alone.”

“Thanks man.” And with that he disappeared upstairs. As Yugi headed back he couldn’t even begin to understand what Joey was going through right now. Knowing that the man he has longed to see for the past 3 years was so close yet being unable to actually see him. Returning he saw that Duke and Tristan had cornered Kaiba’s new wife and Tea was talking to Mokuba and Kaiba…well pretty much just Mokuba really. It seems that Seto still hadn’t lost his unsociable attitude. Feeling curious about this new woman in Kaiba’s life he went over to join Tristan and Duke, who weren’t doing a very good job of hiding their approval of this attractive new addition.

“I’m sorry, but I’ve got to ask, how are earth did Kaiba get a girl like you?” Duke was saying to Haru.

“It’s just when we knew Kaiba, he wasn’t actually the most charming sort of guy.” chimed in Tristan.

“Yeah he’s still not.” She chuckled lightly. “We met through our parents. Seto’s step father and my father were…um…business associates, to put it nicely, so I’ve known him since we were children. Course I hadn’t seen him in years and then poof there he is back in my life again. That and he is extremely good looking.” She finished looking over at Kaiba as if to confirm that it was true.

For the briefest of moments the two of them locked eyes and it didn’t feel to Yugi like the look two lovers would give each other. He didn’t know what it was…just something a little off…barely noticeable. But as quickly as it had come, it was gone again, as Kaiba went back to ignoring everybody and Haru turned back to them.

“So let me see if I’ve got this right. Your Tristan…” She said pointing at him and to each of them in turn as she ran through their names. “…You’re Duke, Yugi and that’s Tea over there.” She paused indicating to where the brunet was standing next to Mokuba. “I will warn you, I am guaranteed to forget these.”

“Hey Yug, where’d Joey go? He’s not still sulking in the kitchen is he?” asked Tristan.

“No, he said he’s not feeling well so he’s gone to sleep upstairs.”

“Man, what is up with him? Can’t he just hurry up and snap out of it? It’s been ages.”

“Who’s that?” Haru inquired curiously.

“A friend of ours.” Yugi explained. “He’s not been himself.”

“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. Do you not know why?”

“Nope, he won’t say a word about it.” Yugi listened to Tristan say, trying his best not to look too guilty, knowing full well what it is that has Joey down so much. It now being even worse having to stand next to the person who was the main cause of Jou’s woe.

Despite knowing this Yugi just couldn’t bring himself to dislike her. After all, it wasn’t her fault. She clearly had no idea about what had gone on in the past cos it was obvious that Kaiba sure as hell wasn’t gonna bring it up. He’d had always gotten the impression from Seto that his and Joey’s relationship was private and private matter were to be kept just that. Private. Besides she was nice and in all seriousness he could see why Kaiba would marry a woman like her.

As the evening wore on, Yugi wished he could have an opportunity to talk to Kaiba alone. He just had to know how things had turned out this way, cos despite Joey’s harsh words about Kaiba earlier, he was sure that Kaiba had been in love with Jou. All this business about the wife and stuff just didn’t add up. Was this why Kaiba hadn’t contacted the blonde before now? Yugi didn’t get his wish until the end of the night when it was Kaiba surprisingly, who approached him when Yugi had a moment to himself.

“Where is he?” He asked not really looking at Yugi, who was immediately aware of whom he was referring to.

“He’s not feeling well.” Yugi replied some what curtly, deliberately not saying where the blonde was.

“I see.” Kaiba paused for a moment. “Mokuba thought he might be here of he didn’t say that I was coming back too.”

“Mmm…maybe. Although now that you’ve come back with a wife, I think it’s quite a good thing he’s not here.”

“Look Moto it’s not…” Kaiba suddenly grabbed Yugi’s arm, but it was the surprisingly open expression on Kaiba’s face that made the shorter teen pause. As if coming to his senses Kaiba pulled back quickly, cold demeanour in place again. “Never mind,” he said quietly. “Tell him I’m sorry alright.”

“You should tell him that yourself.”

“You’d think he’d let me?” Kaiba replied dryly before walking off. Sadly Yugi was inclined to agree. Even if he told Kaiba that Joey was only just upstairs, he didn’t think that Jou would listen to anything Kaiba had to say. Nor did he think it would be any better coming from him either.

His eyes drifted over to where his friends were laughing and talking with Haru, all without a care in the world. If he knew this was how things were gonna turn out, he’d of wished he had stay ignorant like everyone else, like the old saying ‘ignorance is bliss’. At first it had been kinda fun being one of the few who knew about their secret but now it was turning into something of a burden, one he could really do without.

“Seriously I don’t think I’ve ever met a sore a loser than Kaiba. No offense, but the tantrums he used to get when Yugi kept beating him.” Tristan joked.

“Tell me about it. You should have seen him the other day when I kept beating him at chess.” Haru said, failing to smother her laughter. “He really needs to learn to relax more. It’s just a game after all.”

“Yeah Kaiba’s never actually gotten that part.” said Duke. “He always said and I quote: ‘I don’t have fun’.”

“Oh my God! That sounds just like him!” Haru burst out laughing at Duke’s uncanny impression of Kaiba. Yugi sniggered to himself as well. Duke impression of the moody CEO really was quite accurate. Predictably Kaiba did not find any of this particularly amusing. It looked like their evening was at an end.

“We’re going.” He stated walking aver to Haru.

“Aw but I was having fun. Your friends are really nice.”

“They’re not my friends.” Kaiba came back with at once.

“Sure they are. How come they know so much about you if they’re not your friends?”

“This is not up for discussion. Mokuba, we’re leaving.” Haru merely watched him stomp off, completely unaffected by the brunet’s attitude.

“I think we touched a nerve.” She said quietly to the others before getting up. “Well it was lovely meeting all of you. I had a really good time.”

“Likewise, we should do this again.” said Tea. “It was great seeing the two of you again as well.” She called to Mokuba and Kaiba, who was already strolling out the door.

“Yep absolutely.” Mokuba called back. “See you guys later.” And with that they were gone.

“Oh man, how does a guy like Kaiba end up with a girl like that? It’s not fair.”

“Well unlike you Tristan, Kaiba’s extremely rich and successful, not to mention he’s also a lot better looking than you are.” Duke helpfully pointed out.

“Geez thanks Duke. Always count on you to kick a man when he’s down. I meant it more in terms of the whole personality issue.”

“Yeah cos that’s what’s important.” Duke shot back sarcastically. “And size doesn’t matter either.”

“Shut up Devlin!” Tea rolled her eyes at the pair’s behaviour and Tristan had the nerve to complain that Kaiba hadn’t changed.

“She does seem very nice but…” Tea started.

“But what?” Tristan said looking up while having Duke in a headlock.

“I don’t know…they just didn’t seem like a normal married couple you know?” So it wasn’t only him that noticed, Yugi thought, Tea saw something as well.

“Now that…”gasped Duke, fighting to get out of Tristan’s hold. “Hey…let me go you big lummox. I can’t breath!”

“Oh sorry man.” Tristan released Duke, who made to smooth down his ruffled hair and clothing.

“As I was saying,” Duke continued, shooting Tristan as evil glare, “there was something weird about them, now that you mention it. It’s not like they even spoke to each other very much all evening.”

“I know, don’t you think that’s odd?” said Tea.

“Don’t forget it is Kaiba we’re talking about.”

“Yeah but Tristan…even if it is Kaiba, you would have thought there was some…I don’t know…some sort of warmth there I guess.”

“Oh well don’t let it bother you, nothing we can do about it anyway.” Tristan yawned. “Come on Dukie boy let’s go.”

“Huh?! What…wait a minute…why do I have to give you a lift back again?”

“Cos you’re the one with the car.”

“Yeah well maybe you should bring yours occasionally.”

“Oh quit complaining.” With Tristan pushing Duke out of the door, they both left.

“Phew, I know it’s nice to get together but it’s always so quiet and peaceful when they leave.” Tea sighed collapsing onto the sofa.

“True.” Said Yugi smiling. “You know I think they’ve gotten worse.”

“I could well believe it.” After sitting down quietly for a moment, the two decided that they should start cleaning up a little. It was then that a subdued Joey Wheeler came down from upstairs.

“Hey Joey, are you feeling better?” Tea asked as Joey came in and sat down.

“Not really.” Even though Joey was trying his best to hide his face, Yugi could see that he had been crying. Glancing over at Tea it appeared that she noticed it to, judging by the concerned look she cast at the blonde. Before Yugi could even attempt to comfort his best friend, Tea jumped in first. Taking a seat beside the blond, Tea placed a reassuring hand on his arm.

“Don’t you think you should get over it by now Joey, you know, move on?” Yugi watched as Joey froze, eyes wide staring straight at her.

“W-what.” He said shakily.

“Kaiba. He’s married now, so you’ll have to let it go.” Joey just continued to stare at her. “I know it’s hard and you must be hurting but you’ve been like this for long enough Jou.” It was a moment before Yugi realised his eyes were just as wide as Joey.

“How…?” Joey turned imploringly at Yugi, who simply shook his head. Sure he and Tea were going out now but he hadn’t told her a thing. Jou had made him promise not to and the last thing Yugi would do is betray a friend’s trust.

“Come on Joey, give me some credit, you’ve been moping ever since he left and as soon as he comes back you hide away. It’s a shame cos I remember how well you two were together before he left.”

“Look guys,” Joey said getting up, “I appreciate what you’re trying to do. But it’s no good. I know I should give up on that lying back stabbing bastard but it’s just not that easy. These feelings haven’t gone away in 6 years, I doubt their going to go now. Sorry, it hasn’t been a good day. I’m gonna head home.”

“Ok take care Jou.” Said Yugi and Joey left without a word. As soon as Joey was gone, Yugi turned to Tea. “You knew?” he asked marvelling at what appeared to be an amazing case of woman’s intuition.

“It wasn’t really that hard to figure out, seeing how Jou reacts to Kaiba, it’s kinda obvious he has a thing for him.” Tea explained.

“It’s slightly more than a thing. Joey’s pretty seriously in love with him. It might have been a thing before they started going out but now it’s definitely lo…” Yugi stopped himself, taken aback by how Tea was staring at him as if he had gone mad. “…what?”

“They were going out!?” She blurts out. “Like seriously going out…like dating?”

“Yeah, I thought…” Then it hit him, “…you didn’t know about that did you?” He thought it was a little strange that she knew about that.

“No.” Tea exclaimed. “I thought Joey just had a crush on him or something, not that they had gone out. Wow they kept that quiet. How long for?” Yugi inwardly debated with himself how much he should tell her. Jou probably wouldn’t want him to say anything but now that he thought she knew, he guessed it couldn’t hurt too much. Besides to would be nice to share the weight of this with some one for a change.

“Well they started going out shortly after they finished doing that chained together thing, you know, just before we graduated. They had been together for 3 years after that, up until the time when Kaiba left for the states.”

“And you knew.”

“Look it’s not like I particularly wanted to know. It’s just that I happen to be the one that Joey talked to first and they both wanted to keep it a secret, so I couldn’t say anything. And believe me recently I’ve wanted to.” Yugi finished, sighing deeply. Smiling softly Tea brought Yugi over to the sofa.

“So they broke up when Kaiba moved away. No wonder Joey’s been like this if he still loves him.”

“No that’s not what happened.” Said Yugi sighing. “They didn’t actually break up. Kaiba told Joey that his trip to America was a business one and that he would be back in a few weeks. It’s now been 3 years and Jou hasn’t heard anything from Kaiba, not till he walked in today. And to top it all off, not alone either.”

“Oh my God! Poor Joey.” Tea cried out in shock. “I had no idea. What was Kaiba thinking? He really is the worst isn’t he?”

“I don’t know though. Was this really how Kaiba wanted things to turn out?”

“Oh I feel horrible. I sounded really insensitive to him just now.”

“Don’t worry about it, you didn’t know. It may have sounded a little harsh but it’s something he’s gonna have to face up to and do. Whether he likes it or not.”

TBC (next chapter out soon - hopefully ^_^)

Plz R & R