Tied Together

Man this chapter was so hard to write so I’m afraid it’s a little late on the update. Sorry for the wait but there was just no helping it.

*huggles* for all! (I'm feeling generous ^_^)

HiMokusei: Thank you very much! Sorry it was a longer wait on the last chap, but it needed to be good so it took time I'm afraid. Anyway glad you liked and good luck with your own story.

Cody_Thomas: Don't worry! He's not that bad. (I think) I'm tempted to write him nicer just so you leave poor Seto alone. =P Hopefully he comes off a little better by the end of this chap.

KiraRaven: Wow double review this week! I could tell you if Kaiba does or not or whatever but that would spoil the chapter. (I'm evil I know XD) But you just have to read on and find out. ^_^

Mazu: Welcome back! I'm pleased you like, hope you keep enjoying this.

yaoirose: Oh he did, he did! But I wonder if he'd admit it out loud yet.

digiditz: This is my favourite pairing too...they work so well. Hmmm don't know about whether it's gone sweet or angsty as I didn't really want it to be one or the other. I think it's probably in the middle - it's kind of sweet but not perfect yet.

fire_lilly: I like happy endings too and I don't think I can make poor Jou suffer anymore than he already has. So don't worry, it's all good.

Sexy Ookami: That's right...it has it all! Woot! =P I've updated as soon as I could, hope it wasn't too long of a wait.

Well - once more - here we go!

Enjoy


Kaiba on the other hand did not fall asleep. He just lay there against Joey’s chest, stunned by what the hell he had just done. He had only come over here to yell at Wheeler, telling him to cut it out, but somehow he had ended up like this. His mind raced with how and when things had changed so quickly. He could feel Joey’s hand in his hair and was shocked that he did not find it as repulsive as he knew he should do. He shouldn’t want any part of Wheeler touching him at all and yet here he was quite contend to lie there, listening to Joey’s heart beat calm and his breathing slowly becoming even. The hand gradually slipped from his hair so Kaiba carefully lifted his head and raised himself up on his hands. Looking down he saw that Wheeler had in fact fallen asleep. Kaiba continued to stare at him for a moment, returning to a previous thought that Joey actually looked rather cute when asleep. He leaned down, his lips just about to brush over Joey’s when he jerked back in shock at what he was doing. He scrambled to his feet, doing up his trousers as he went and be very careful not to wake the sleeping blonde.

Kaiba glanced around the room racked with indecision. Reason told him he should just leave, it would be easier overall cos he didn’t have a clue how he was gonna talk to Wheeler when he woke up. After all what was there to say? His eyes wondered over to where Joey lay and his reasoning went out the window. His conscious, small as it was just wouldn’t allow it. At the end of the day there was no denying the fact that he was the one who had started it. He was the one who had kissed Wheeler first, although he still had no idea why he did it. He had just been there and before he knew what was happening their lips had connected. After that he couldn’t stop, he didn’t know what had come over him but it had felt good so he had gone with it. However now it was like he had woken up from whatever dream he had lost himself in and the reality of the situation was slapping him hard in the face. The more he stared at Wheeler the more he couldn’t just leave him there.

“Damn it!” he said under his breath as he stepped cautiously back over to Joey. Picking him up gently in his arms, Kaiba made his way down the corridor that Joey had disappeared earlier when he changed his clothes. He was hopeful that he would be able to recognise Joey’s room when he saw it and he was not wrong. Numerous pieces of clothing littered the floor, including a drenched school uniform plus the picture of the blonde sister that sat on top a chest of draws all easily identified the room’s occupant. Walking over to the bed, Kaiba placed the unconscious teen on the mattress and covered him with the sheet. It was funny that only a couple of days ago he refused to carry a sleeping Joey to his bed and yet now he had done just that, not being able to do anything but. How had things turned around so fast? Being unable to answer his own question only frustrated him further. He didn’t like not knowing things. He did not like not being in control and everything about this situation had taken that all away from him. His fist clenched at his sides as he thought of the mess he had gotten himself into. No…wait…that wasn’t right. Granted he did initiate things but he wouldn’t have had to come over here if Wheeler had learnt to keep his mouth shut. Why did he have to push this onto him? He kicked out at the wall to vent before leaning against it with his arms crossed.

His anger seemed to be growing with every second that he spent here but even so he couldn’t just leave, which didn’t help his mood either. As much as he tried to kid himself his anger was not really aimed at the sleeping teen. He wasn’t the type the blame his problems on others. Sure he was angry at Joey for saying such stupid things but what really got to him was his inability to comprehend why. It wasn’t like he was looking for this. Love and friendship had never been something he had troubled himself with…well aside from his brother. But that was his brother…that was different. He didn’t want those geeks friendship, no matter how many times they had tried to force it on him. However after a while he guessed he had gotten used to them being around, like a little everyday annoyance that you can’t get rid off so you just learn to live with it, but not Joey. He had never missed an opportunity to goat the blonde and had had fun doing it. He had never done it that maliciously, it was just amusing to watch him get all worked up and heated over every little thing that he said.

The weight of what he just thought was beginning to sink in so he hurriedly surveyed the room again, trying to find something to take his mind of things. His eyes focused on Wheeler’s drenched school uniform, currently strewn on the floor. How on earth was it gonna dry like that!? Honestly doesn’t he think at all? He went over to it intent on hanging it up somewhere but only because he was disparate for something to do. He was about to pick it up when he noticed a piece of paper sticking out of one of the pockets. He knew he shouldn’t but the paper was in his hand before he knew it. Horrified he stared down at the very sheet of paper he had given to Ohana that afternoon. He stood there completely still, his rage building as he knew immediately what she had done.

“That woman!” he growled through gritted teeth. Marching over to the sleeping boy, Kaiba grabbed one of the pillows and throw it at Joey’s head. “Wake up Wheeler!” Gone were his earlier worries about how he was going to talk to Joey, now that his anger had a direction in which to go, he felt more himself. He watched as the covers shifted and the pillow fall down as Joey lifted himself up, rubbing his eyes.

“What...what’s going on? What happened?” he mumbles half asleep. Kaiba brandishes the paper in front of Joey.

“Where did you get this?” he asks with a tone that demanded an answer. The blonde’s eyes widen as he realises what it is that Kaiba is holding onto.

“Um...I found it.”

“Where?”

“...in my locker.”

“Right” Turning on his heal, Kaiba stomps out of the room, his course of action already in place. He ignores Joey calling him to wait as he picks up his coat and makes for the door.

“Hey Kaiba!” Kaiba doesn’t stop until Joey grabs the back of his top. He turns around glaring hard at the other teen.

“What!?”

“I’m sorry.”

“Sorry?” Kaiba repeats in disbelief. “What are you apologising for? You haven’t done anything wrong.”

“But you’re angry at me.”

“I’m not angry at you Wheeler. I’m angry at that…that woman for giving this to you.”

“You say that but you still sound angry to me.”

“I’m Not Angry With You!” Kaiba shouts exasperated at how this inane conversation was progressing, mentally chastising himself straight away at the hurt look that crossed Joey’s face. Taking a deep breath Kaiba reaches out and gently places a hand on the blonde’s head. “I’m not angry with you.” He says again, softer. “Ok?” As soon as Joey nods Kaiba removes his hand. “Good. I’m going.” He goes to leave and this time Joey lets him. “I’ll see you at school.” Kaiba says before closing the door behind him.

As he made his way out of Joey’s apartment building Kaiba was glad he had the forethought to take his own car here rather than rely on his driver. It was coming onto 2am and he didn’t think he would appreciate being woken up now, besides for personal travelling like this he preferred to go on his own. When he finally got back home he realised just how tired he was but it wasn’t the usual tiredness that he felt after working all day and into the night, this was different…it was like he had been completely drained. So after a quick shower Kaiba headed for bed, intent on regaining his composure ready to face Risa as early as possible tomorrow.

Kaiba woke up early the next morning, his mood no better than the night before. After a quick good morning and goodbye to his little brother, Kaiba was on his way to school. He knew that he was gonna be way too early but he didn’t care, he needed to get this off his chest now. Kaiba was on his way down the corridor to Ohana’s office when he heard a woman’s voice.

“Those two weeks went by far too quickly.” It was Risa, good that meant did wouldn’t have to wait for her.

“I know but it’s only another two month and then I’ll be back indefinitely.” A male voice replied and as Kaiba rounded the corner, his eyes widen when he sees who it is. He peers round the corner, staying out of sight not wishing to intrude in their obviously private conversation. There was no mistaking it that was Gen Nikaido and he was speaking with their school counsellor, well she had said she had met him before he was famous.

“Yeah but that still makes it about 10 months in total. It’s not fair.”

“Then you should have come with me like I asked.”

“You know why I couldn’t do that.” Sighing Gen brushes his finger tips against Risa’s cheek.

“Don’t be like this on my last day.”

“It’s just that I know I’m gonna miss you that’s all.”

“I know.” He trails his hand down her face, stopping to lift her chin up. Leaning in he places a kiss on Risa’s lips. “I’ll come pick you up later.”

“Ok.” She relents. When Gen leaves, Risa disappears into her office. A little surprised by what he just saw Kaiba waits a moment before following her into the room. Risa jumps when she turns round and sees him standing there.

“Wow, Jesus Seto. You scared me.” Her face suddenly becomes serious. “What are you doing here so early?”

“That was Gen Nikaido wasn’t it?” He asked pointing towards to door. Ohana’s eyes widen for a split second before manages to control them again.

“Yeah.” Risa says as if not really wanting to admit it. “But...shhh...it’s a secret.” She goes back to her desk shuffling through the various books and papers that littered the top of it. “What are you doing here anyway?” Ohana asks her back to Kaiba. Pulling the sheet of paper from his pocket, Kaiba strolls purposefully to towards her.

“I’m here because of this.” He says and Risa turns round to see the paper thrust into her face.

“Oh...I didn’t know that I lost that. It’s a good job you found it.” She said all innocent.

“It wasn’t me who found it.” Kaiba lowers the list and stares straight at Ohana. “It was Wheeler.”

“Really?” She says staring straight back.

“Mmmm...he found it in his locker.” Kaiba continued.

“Well fancy that.”

“I wonder how it got in there.”

“...I wonder...”

“You see I think someone put it in there.”

“Wow...this is just like being back at school, you know, when a teachers tries to get you to admit to it yourself... so yes it was me! I don’t see what you’re getting so angry about.”

“You had no right to do that! I gave this to you in confidence and you turn round and give it to Wheeler!”

“I had to! The poor guy, he still believes you think so little of him.” She grabs the paper from his hand. “I was only throwing him bone...to show him that it wasn’t true.”

“I didn’t need you to do that!”

“But I think you did…cos you certainly weren’t going to. Besides it’s your own fault away.”

“What!” Kaiba exclaims outraged. “And how did you figure that out?”

“Because if you hadn’t been such a stubborn jackass in the first place and just told me these things, then I wouldn’t have been able to give them to Joey, now would I?”

“That...that doesn’t change the fact that you still broke your “in confidence” rule.”

“Let it go Seto.” Risa sighs, getting slightly irritated herself. “This isn’t even what you are angry about. What you’re doing is classic displacement and you know it. So stop! This is not important…” She says holding up the list, ripping it into pieces and throwing them into the air. “...it’s over, it’s done. Forget about it. Now why don’t you tell me what’s really bothering you?” Kaiba stood by silently for a while, head lowered unable to look Ohana in the eye, knowing that she was right. Damn it! How does she do that?

“I don’t understand why...” He begrudgingly replies in a subdued voice.

“What! You’re actually standing there and asking me why Joey finds you attractive.” Risa shakes her head in disbelieve. “That is not a question. Man and I thought I had problems. My god Seto! You do have mirrors in your house right?” Kaiba looks back at her, a little stunned by the heated response he is getting from their unusually laid-back counsellor. “The reason why Joey is attracted to you is because you are hot! You’ve got the whole tall, dark, handsome thing going on. Your entire aura permeates “I don’t give a shit what you think” and that’s just cool. And it’s not even an act...that’s just who you are, which makes you even cooler. I can’t believe you’re asking me such stupid questions. And as for him being in love with you...I don’t understand what you need to understand! He is in love...with you. He loves you. What more is there to get! If I were you I would be more worried about the fact that he’s another guy. I mean are you even that way inclined? It is something you’ve even thought about? Do you find him attractive? Could you be intimate with him?” Risa finally stops in her rant, regarding Kaiba closely, wanting an answer to her question. Kaiba averts his eyes from her intense gaze, remembering what he had done last night. Unfortunately Ohana picks up on this immediately. “You already have haven’t you?” Not knowing what to say, Kaiba remains silent. “Well I guess that answered that question. So if your heart and body are willing...” She walks forward and points a finger at his forehead. “...you just have to sort out what’s going on in there.” Kaiba knocks her hand away.

“I’m attempting to! It’s not like this is something I’ve ever spent time thinking about...the whole love, romance thing. I don’t have time for it and it doesn’t interest me. So forgive me for being a little...lost. And yes it makes me angry. I don’t like not knowing what to do.”

“Yes I get how that is hard for you but I can only give you my advice. It’s up to you whether you take it or not cos I know you don’t like being told what do to either. So this is just a suggestion...you could try being with him.”

“Try.” Kaiba repeats narrowing his eyes at Risa.

“Yeah, try.” She says smiling. “You don’t have to keep fighting things all the time. You can kick back and go with it occasionally. So try. After all that’s all that dating is...trying to be with someone to see if it works out. What have you got to lose?” Suddenly a mobile phone started to ring. “Oh sorry.” Risa says as pulled her phone out from her pocket. “Excuse me.” Kaiba contemplates her words as Risa answers her phone. Should he try...it was true...he didn’t really have anything to lose...but it was Wheeler. Was it really such a bad thing that it was Joey, would he be reacting this way if was someone else?

“What! Today...? They said it was gonna be tomorrow!” Risa angry voice punctured into his thoughts. “...but that’s not fair...alright...I’ll see you in a minute.” Sighing she turns off her mobile. “Sorry but I’ve have got to go.”

“Why?” Kaiba questions watching her gather her things in her bag.

“Because Gen’s manager made a mistake saying he was leaving for Australia tomorrow when it is in fact today. So now I’m going to say to goodbye at the airport cos I won’t be able to see him for another few months. I’m sorry but I really have to go.”
Once she has everything, Risa heads for the door but stops turning back to Kaiba. “I just have one little thing to add...I don’t know if it’s gonna be helpful but I want to say it. I’ve been thinking about you two a lot since Joey told me and the more I think about it, the more I think that it’s a good idea. I know that you are so different from each other but I can just see it working. You both have aspects in your personality that the other lacks...it’s like you balance each other out. It’s always bothered me that with your attitude, you might end up alone...I know you have your little brother and that’s fine for now. But what happens when he grows up and finds someone he wants to spend the rest of his life with...where does that leave you? I’m sorry for thinking like that but I can’t help it. So I really think you should try with Joey...I think it would be good for you. This is just my opinion though...I’m sure you’ll do what you want...just promise me you’ll think about it?”

“Fine.” Kaiba concedes sullenly. “I’ll think about it.”

“Thank you. I better go. Gen’ll be waiting…and he doesn’t like waiting.” She quickly opens the door and leaves. Kaiba meanwhile collapses into a nearby chair, head in his hands. ‘Think about it she says. What does she think I’ve been doing? I’ve done nothing but!’ This was how Joey found him, entering the room shortly after Ohana left. Even though he knew he was there Kaiba refused to move, not wanting to acknowledge the blonde’s presence just yet.

“What are you doing in here?”

‘Trust Wheeler, he can never stay quiet can he?’ Kaiba thought, smiling to himself. “Idiot.”

“Geez Kaiba! I was only asking.”

“Not you, you moron! ...I am.”

“Not that I’m gonna argue with you but...”

“Huh...didn’t think you would.” He interrupts slightly.

“...why are you an idiot?” Joey presses on regardless.

Kaiba leans back in the chair. “I’m an idiot…because I don’t regret what I did last night. I’m an idiot because I enjoyed it…hell I’d do it again if given the opportunity. And finally I’m an idiot because...” He pauses as he starts to rub his fingers across his temple. “...I’m actually considering trying to love you.” Kaiba waits for a moment for the weight of his words to sink in before glancing over at Wheeler. He soon wishes he hadn’t bothered when he sees Wheeler staring off into space gaping like a fish. “What is that look for?”

“Huh?” Joey says snapping out of it, his eyes focusing on the brunet in front of him. “Sorry...I just never thought you would say something like that.”

“Even after what happened yesterday?”

“I thought you would just ignore me or something.”

“Face it Wheeler, when have I’ve ever been able to ignore you?” Kaiba stands and walks over to Joey. Amused by how flustered the blonde gets the closer he moves to him. “You’re like an annoying little irritant that I can’t get rid off no matter what I do…” As he gets closer to Joey, the other teen moves back until Kaiba has him pinned to the wall again. “...no matter how mean and horrible I am to you...you always come back for more.” He leans his arm against the wall, next to Joey’s head. “And you wonder why I call you a dog.”

“Hey, I’m not...!” Kaiba quickly silences him by placing a finger to his lips.

“It’s because you’re loyal...so no matter what your master does to you, you always return to my side.” Joey pulls Kaiba’s hand away from his mouth.

“You are not my master!”

“Give it up Joey, you know you’re the one who’s practically begging to be owned just like the little lost puppy that you are.”

“I do not! That’s...not...”Joey trails off as Kaiba lent in closer still. Tracing his fingers down the blonde’s cheek, Kaiba noted that proximity seems to work wonders at shutting Wheeler up. He gently places a kiss on Joey’s lips, waiting for him to relax and open his mouth to deepen it. He didn’t have long to wait. As soon as his lips connected to the other teens, Joey’s eyes drifted shut, he’s mouth parting to allow the other entry. He kisses him languorously for a while not even bothering to deny how good it feels to have the blonde against him. “See Wheeler?” He gloated pulling back. “How can you still deny it when you give under my touch so easily?”

“Shut up!” Joey tried to say angrily but the blush spreading across his nose took away the heat from his words.

“You know...right now...you almost could be considered adorable.” Kaiba half mocked watching as Joey’s face grew redder. Grabbing his jacket Joey pulled himself forward bringing his lips to Kaiba’s once again. Obliging Kaiba let Wheeler take control for a moment.

“Wait...hang on a minute.” Joey said when Kaiba’s fingers started to slid up under his shirt.

“You’re the one that started it this time.”

“I know...” he groans dragging Kaiba’s hands back down. “...but what if Ohana comes in?”

“Don’t worry, she’s gone to the airport.” He leans in again to resume after the interruption but holds back when a thought occurs to him. “Did you know she was going out with Gen Nikaido?” Joey blinks in surprise at the abrupt question.

“Uh...yeah, I met them yesterday. That’s who I was with before I came home.”

“I see. Oh...” Kaiba removes his hands completely. He couldn’t let himself keep getting distracted like this. Not when he needed to make sure that Joey understood how this was gonna work. “...and before this goes any further than it already has, I don’t think I need to tell you that this will be kept strictly between us. I said I’d try to love you Wheeler, not those dweebs you call friends. As you know I have never had any inclinations of ever wanting to get along with them.”

“I know...I know. You’ve said it enough times. But...um...I think Yugi might kind of know already. I didn’t really tell him out right but I don’t think it was that hard to guess...sorry.”

“Mmmm I suppose that’s ok,” Kaiba says sighing, “I honestly didn’t think you’d be able to keep it quiet for long, at least this way you have someone else to talk to about this beside me. Just make sure it stays as just Yugi. Anyway,” he takes a step back for Joey. ”I can’t hang around here all day.” Kaiba walked slower than he normally would towards to door, knowing what was coming next.

“What!? You’re leaving? Now?”

“Yeah,” He stops in the doorway. “...because of what a certain someone pulled yesterday I didn’t get any work done, so I have to go back in today. Plus I also have to play catch up too so I won’t be in tomorrow either.” He glances back to Joey who has an uncertain, weary look on his face. In a moment of weakness he rather not think about Kaiba relented. “Don’t panic, I’ll come find you when I’m done.” Kaiba makes a hasty exit, wondering when Wheeler had managed to have a hold on him like that. “Damn...when did I become such a softy?”

Plz R & R

(A/N: If you're wondering there will be another chapter. I haven't finished yet!)