Forever, My Puppy

DDYD: Steven has some up and commance due him, but it's not going to be death, it will be MUCH worse. Remember, not just Seto's mad at him... So's Yami... and not to mention... do you know what they do to child molesters in the Big House?

:: To the other Reviewers:: Thank YOU so much.. Your support has really helped this story move on.. after I finish this one, then I'll be picking back up on Shadow Ball and In My Heart.


A while after their bath, Joey sat on the bed in Seto's room. Seto kept looking at the clock with some impatience. Joey had stopped crying, but still looked quite depressed. They'd both had a intense screaming match that chased everyone away from them. Afterward, Joey had started crying again and hadn't spoken since. Suddenly Yugi and Yami appeared in the doorway as Joey stalked outside, a pack of cigarettes in his hand. Yugi followed him outside.

"Joey, You promised me you'd quit." Yugi's violet eyes looked sad. "I know you have been stressed out.. I'm sorry."

Yugi took the pack from Joey and pulled out a cigarette. Not looking at Joey, he put it in his mouth and lit it. He took a quick drag then handed it to Joey. Joey raised his eyebrows.

"Does Yami know you do that?" The only responce Joey got was to again have his pack taken away from him and Yami took one. Yami lit it then slipped the lighter back into the pack. Yugi reached for the cigarette and took it. They shared it for a few moments then Yami spoke.

"Joey, this was NOT Seto's surprise. It's still comming."

"Has he found another way to turn my life upside down?" There was acid in Joey's voice.

Joey sat on a bench with his back to his friends. He had alot to think about and they didn't make it easier just standing around. He heard Yugi giggle then something slipped around his neck. It was a gold square shaped locket. A pair of small, feminine hands reached around him in a hug, then they opened the lock. Nestled inside was a photo of Mokuba and Serenity together. The hands moved up to ruffle his hair.

"Joey, I'm sorry." Serenity moved to the front of the bench and took her older brother in her arms.

Seto stood behthemthem smiling at the sight. It was easy to see that Serenity and Joey loved eacher, just as he loved Mokuba. The locket had been Serenity and Mokuba's idea, and it just might be the surprise that pulled Joey out of his depression. Catherine had also said that the aftereffects of the Extasy might be a heavy downer, and that Joey shouldn't take his pain medicines till it wore off. Serenity took the half smoked cigarette away from Joey and threw it into the ashtray close to the bench.

"Sis, I wasn't through with that!"

"Yes, you are. I have another surprise for you. I'm staying here till you get better. Mom thought it would help you." Serenity threw her arms around her brother again and this time kissed his cheek.

"This is what he ment by a surprise!?!"

"Seto? Yeah. Your caseworker called Mom at home the other night while you were in the hospital. She said that she has to go out of town for business, but that I could stay here with you and Seto."

"Is that why he wants me to be in my room?"

"No, seriously, Ms. Masters wants you there. Don't worry. Mokuba's giving up his room for a few days so I'm staying in his room."

Seto walked over to the two happy siblings and slid his arms around Joey's shoulders. With a soft sigh, Joey leaned into the strong embrace, happier than he'd been in days. He turned his head and kissed his lover gently.

"Seto, I love you so much, Thank you. I'm sorry I doubted your surprise."

"You really think that I would let something that hurt you be your surprise? Serenity begged your mother to let her come and stay with you while she's out of town. The locket was our sibling's idea. Serenity didnt have a birthday present for you, so Mokuba helped her with it. I have to remember to control his credit cards!"

"You two have enough money to NOT worry about that!" Joey laughed lightly and kissed Seto again.

"Let's get you back in bed, Joey. You need to rest. Are you hungry?"

"Now that you mention it, I'm starved!" Joey stood up with the help of his sister and lover.

"Joey, you are always hungry!" Serenity joked and made to poke her brother in the ribs. Seto stopped her.

"Don't. He has bruised ribs, and they hurt him to be touched."

Serenity looked at her brother and smiled. She hugged him instead.


After supper, Serenity was sitting up watching Joey sleep. A soft creek of the door caught her attention. In the doorway was standing Mokuba.

"How's he doing?" Mokuba crossed the room and gently touched Joey's hand.

"He's sleeping now. I just wish I could get him to talk. Mom thinks he'd be better with her, but dad would still find ways to hurt us. Mom left dad because he started drinking and abusing us."

"Maybe you both are safer here. Joey's not totally in my brother's care. It's more the name and the y pry protecting him. There is also an arrest warrent out for your father. They say the guys in prison will eat him for lunch. He deserves it!" Mokuba's sweet voice turned bitter with the last few words.

The two sat in silence for a long time. Serenity noticed that Mokuba had fallen asleep with his head on Joey's shoulder. She picked up a small blanket, then covered the younger boy. Just as she opened the door between the rooms, Seto walked in.

"Mokuba fell asleep, but you may want to move him. I don't know if he'll hurt Joey or not."

Seto moved over quietly then scooped up his younger brother gently. He carried him over to the small day bed in the corner of the room. Mokuba stirred but didn't awaken. He then sat on the bed next to Joey and kissed him tenderly on the temple.

"Sleep now, my love. I'll see you in the morning."

On his way out, Seto switched off the lights and softly closed the door. A new day was about do dawn for all of them.