Beauty

First Things First: Thanks for the reviews, as always. I know this chapter could have been a bit sooner, damn YGO movie and the summer Olympics. I’m such a sucker for that stuff. Anyway, since you had to wait patiently I am happy to announce that you all should be pleased with the lovely, fluffy Bakura/Yugi moments in this installment. And as a side note, I also post this story on www.fosff.net under the same penname so feel free to read and review on that site as well whenever AFF is acting a bit screwy. Alright, enough delay…


Disclaimer: When I own Yugioh I’ll send out a memo.

Song notes: I Like It by Jesse Powell, Ocean Avenue by Yellowcard, Can You Fill Me In by Craig David, I Never Knew by Deborah Cox and Naked by Avril Lavinge, which the lyrics I included. This just screams Yugi and Bakura. Tehehehe..

Chapter 18: Trust

I wake up in the morning
Put on my face
The one that's gonna get me
Through another day
Doesn't really matter
How I feel inside
'Cause life is like a game sometimes

But then you came around me
The walls just disappeared
Nothing to surround me
And keep me from my fears
I'm unprotected
See how I've opened up
Oh, you've made me trust

Because I've never felt like this before
I'm naked
Around you
Does it show?
You see right through me
I caI can't hide
I'm naked
Around you
And it feels so right

~Naked
Avril Lavinge


It was another Wednesday evening at the gym for Seto and Tristan. Tristan hadn’t exactly told Joey that he and Seto were seeing so much of each other. Every time he had brought up the CEO’s name Joey had gotten defensive. He wasn’t doing anything wrong. He just didn’t know the right time to mention it. He promised Joey his honesty, and he wasn’t being completely honest, but he could see Joey misunderstanding what was going on and getting angry. And that was the last thing he wanted. So he didn’t mention it to Joey and Seto and he continued working out together, nothing inappropriate between them whatsoever.

Seto was friendly and witty and, well normal. He hadn’t hit on him, hadn’t bullshitted him. He hadn’t even been fake. Tristan didn’t understand it. They chatted about Yami a lot, Seto finding reason to bring up his fiancé in almost every conversation, but it didn’t come off as someone who was trying too hard. It was rather sincere. If Tristan didn’t know that Seto really did… or had slept around he would have found it hard to believe. Seto was the exact opposite he had expected, and Tristan was baffled as to why. The psych major in him had analyzed the situation from every angle, wondering why Seto treated him the way he did.

He speculated that perhaps Seto suffered from self-fulfilling prophesy. People expected him to be a bastard and a prick so he acted according to their expectations. Tristan never reacted to Seto like he expected Seto to act in any pre-prescribed manner, he simply responded to his actions. Tristan also wondered if a part of Seto treated Tristan nicely because he saw Tristan more as an equal than an underling. He knew Tristan was bright, and Tristan’s parents were in one of the upper tax brackets. And of course the thought that Seto was simply trying to get into his pants crossed his mind as well.

Even though Seto didn’t openly hit on him it was still possible that af thf this was an act. Seto complimented Tristan’s work efforts constantly, even getting in the habit of calling Tristan into his office in the mornings and chatting with him. No other junior execut got got so much attention from the CEO of Kaiba Corp. No one else was offered cheese Danish and coffee. Seto openly admitted that he did favor Tristan. He said thatworkworked hard. And challenged anyone to site anything that would give reason why he shouldn’t treat him accordingly.

Had it been anyone else at the office Tristan was sure the rumor mill would have been at it in full force. But Tristan was liked by all his other colleagues and even if some of them did wonder if something was going on in hushed voices they at least had the courtesy to keep it quiet. There were certainly assistants who everyone suspected had decided to sleep their way up the corporate ladder, but Tristan didn’t fit the profile. Besides, Tristan had long since told everyone about Joey, had a picture of his blond boyfriend on his desk. And mentioned him casually all the time. And when it was discovered by his co-workers that Seto knew Joey from high school a collective “Oh” seemed to explain everything to everyone’ s satisfaction.

Seto gained nothing from being personable with Tristan, but he was anyway. And Tristan, though he hated to admit it, appreciated Seto’s company. It made sticking to a steady work out routine that much easier. They spoke about work, politics, Tristan finding it quite easy to offer his opinion. He never once tried to be a suck up and disagreed with him often, not playing the role of an ass kisser. Tristan thought that also could have something to do with it. In any case, Tristan knew he would have to tell Joey what was going on, that Seto and him had a friendly gym partner relationship. He just had no clue as to how to bring it up.

Seto opened the water bottle Tristan handed him and downed a long gulp of it. He was always thirsty after bench pressing. “So what time are you planning to leave on Friday?” Seto asked between swallows.

“After work I suppose.”

“Why not take a half day, don’t you and Joey want to get on the road before rush hour?” Tristan followed Seto to the locker rooms. Their routine was done for the dayhey hey had come to the gym on Monday to compensate not going on Friday, so Tristan and Joey could spend another weekend at his parent’s house. “I can’t imagine driving that far so late.”

“Well, I just didn’t want to leave since there’s so much Michael wants me to do with the Peterson project.”

“You’ve been working nonstop on that. This contract is practically in the bag at this point. Just take a half a day.”

“Only if iokayokay with Michael,” Tristan answered splashing some of the water from a sink onto his face.

“It’s alright with Michael,” Seto mentioned firmly. “I assure you.” Tristan glanced at him. Once again Seto was reminding him that Tristan and he had a special relationship. Tristan tried to object to the special treatment usually, but in this case he wanted to leave early on Friday.

“I guess I’ll leave around 2 or so. Depends on how my work load is.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Seto flashed him a smile. Seto smiled at him a lot, another reason why Tristan questioned Seto’s intentions and ulterior motives. “You guys are coming over New Years Eve, right?” Seto asked, changing the subject abruptly.

“As far as I know, yes. Yugi’s boyfriend has to work but the three of us aren’t doing anything else.”

“Good. Yami would flip if Yugi wasn’t there. I swear he keeps asking me to ask you. It’s getting annoying. I hate how he has me wrapped around that sexy pinky of his.”

“Th lov love, Seto,” Tristan commented, wiping excess water from his face.

“So they say. We’re still on for Monday, right?”

“Yes.”

“Excellent. When’s the last time you played?”

“The 90s.”

“So I can expect an easy victory, is that what you’re telling me,” Seto asked, pulling out things from his locker.

“I’ll put up a fight. I’ll just probably end up losing. Unless you want me to take a dive.”

“It would be better for your career in the long run if you didn’t win, Tristan,” Seto answered dryly. Tristan smirked. “I was being serious.”

“That’s what makes it amusing.” Seto cracked a smile. “I guess I’ll dig out my racquet at my parents house. Dad and I used to go all the time. It was my favorite winter activity. And one of my ex’s and I even joined a league when we weren’t busy playing basketball.”

“Are you going to hustle me, Tristan? Are you going to fain being rusty and then have me breaking out aat?”at?”

“Just have to wait until Monday to find out I suppose.” Tristan looked at the other brunet. “Don’t Yami and you play?”

“Yami doesn’t like when balls go flying in his face unless he’s in bed with me,” Seto answered. Tristan smirked again. “Yami only likes watching sports, not participating in them. He’s more content going shopping and spending my money. It’s my own fault, I suppose. He’s spoiled rotten. A diva. But then I can’t complain. He’s down to Earth and real, and humble. Every weekend he drops off things at the clothes drive then volunteers for four hours.”

“How lucky for you to have such a proactive boyfriend.”

“I am lucky.” Seto picked up Tristan’s gym bag. “Ready?”

“Yep. Let’s go.” Tristan needed to go home and shower. He was supposed to be meeting Joey, Bakura and Yugi.


-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

“Are you sure you’re going to be alright alone this weekend?” Joey asked closing the car door. Yugi and him were on their way to Bakura’s house where they were supposed to be mng Tng Tristan and Bakura. “I don’t have to go.”

“I’ll be just fine, Babe. I’m going to see Grandpa on Saturday and Sunday Bakura’s going to take me ice-skating. He doesn’t have to work so we’re going to spend most of the weekend together. Besides, I want to try to stay in the apartment alone, just to see if I can. I can’t be scared anymore, I have to be strong.”

“You are strong, Yug. Ry sty strong. I know this sounds goofy, but, I’m proud of you.”

Yugi smiled as he started the car. “Thanks, Babe.” Yugi leaned over and gave Joey a little kiss on the cheek. “I’m kind of excited about the weekend, Joey. Bakura and I have never gone ice-skating before. And I’m bringing him to Grandpa’s house. I hope Grandpa will be happy to see I’m not as out of it as I was the last time I visited him.”

“I’m sure he’ll notice the change, Yug. You’ve really improv lot lot. Counseling is really helping hum?”

“I’m filling my notebook really fast, but it’s not all bad things. I had a dream Malik came back to see me the other night, I woke up startled. I wanted to go to your room so you could take care of me, but I went to the bathroom washed my face, drank some ice water and calmed myself down. I’ve never been able to do that before, Joey. You know that. Ever since the suicide attempt I’ve always needed you to help me the the nightmares. But I did it all by myself.”

“That is so wonderful, Yug. It really is. But don’t think that you can’t come to me if you need me, alright?” Yugi nodded.

“Joey, do you think he’ll come back, I mean, what’s stopping him from moving back to town.”

“Bakura. Tristan and Bakura have been pretty tight lipped about the way things went, but Tristan assured me that there wasn’t a chance he was returning after Bakura finished with him.”

“But there always has to be a chance, Joey. I mean, unless Bakura and Tristan killed him, couldn’t he pop back up, eventually?”

“Tristan said Bakura didn’t kill him, but Bakura made his point very clear, whatever that means. I don’t think they’ll ever tell us exactly what happened that Saturday but I get the impression Bakura was satisfied.”

Yugi glanced at Joey for a moment. “Do you think I was stupid for not letting Bakura kill him?”

“Why would I think that?”

“I don’t know…I just. I feel like maybe I should have, maybe if I knew he could never come back to hurt mcoulcould heal for good.”

“You didn’t want Malik dead because you are a better person than Malik ever was. You did the right thing, Yugi. No matter what anyone else thinks. There is no coming back from death, Yugi. And I do believe in karma. What goes around will eventually come back. I’m sure Malik will suffer some more.”

“Some more?”

“When I saw Bakura after it was over I asked him if Malik was gone and if he hurt him badly. His answer was that he was alive.” Yugi thought about that for a moment. “Don’t worry about Malik, Yug. Worry about you, like you’ve been doing.”

“I know this is going to sound funny, but…what happened wasn’t….it could have been worse. It was bad, and wrong. And I know I didn’t deserve it, but…he could have hurt me a lot more if he wanted to…I don’t know if I’m making any sense but I, I’m trying to see what good stuff came out of it…am I sounding strange?”

“I understand what you’re trying to say. Your assault was a bad situation but you want to take the negative and try to dwell and focus on the positive consequences.”

“Yes. Like Bakura. He’s really been wonderful and I don’t know what I would have done without him. You and Tristan too of course. No matter what I say or do he won’t walk away from me, and I know I’ve hurt him a lot, but he stays by me. He loves me.”

“He understands that you’re healing, Yug. I’m sure he won’t leave you.”

“Bakura and I…well, I told him I didn’t think I wanted to have sex anymore.” Yugi gave Joey a small look. Joey kept his face placid, though underneath the surface he was shocked. Yugi? Not having sex anymore? He had expected Yugi to take some time of course, not just jump back into intercourse. The rape was almost two months ago now. He had thought with the way things were going with Bakura they would try soon enough. This was certainly a revelation.

Joey’s respect for Bakura could only grow now. As long as he didn’t leave of course. He didn’t think Bakura was the type who would be all right with such an arrangement. Not that he thought Bakura would simply jump ship, but he assumed if Yugi couldn’t be intimate anymore they’d just naturally become friends.

“What did Bakura say about it?” Joey asked, still stunned but hiding it.

“He said he wasn’t going anywhere and that if I could never be with him intimately again he’d understand. He thinks I’ll eventually want to again, but said he’s willing to deal with it if I can’t…but…well never mind.”

“But what, Yug?” Yugi shook his head. “Yugi, but what?”

“He’s saying this now…I don’t know what will happen in the future if I can’t sleep with him anymore. He said he won’t leave me because of it, but it’s easy to say now…I just…I can’t lose him, Joey. I can’t. I’ll do what’s necessary to keep him.”

Joey narrowed his eyes. “What does that mean?”

“It just means I won’t let him leave me like Yami did, that’s all.” Joey made another face, clearly recalling the way Yugi spoke around the time Yami split. Yugi was so afraid of being abandoned he had said that he would do absolutely anything Yami wanted him to. And now, once again, Yugi’s issues of abandonment were coming back to haunt him.

“Yugi, have you taken up Tristan on his offer? Will you go see someone?”

“Do you think I’m crazy, Joey?” Yugi asked softly. They were a block away from Bakura’s now, and Joey wanted to finish this discussion before they went inside.

“No, Yugi. I don’t think you’re crazy. I do think that you should talk to someone about your parents though.”

“What about your parents, Joey? You guys aren’t on good terms either.”

“No, we’re not.”

“Your mom left, like my parents left me.”

“I know that, Yugi. But I haven’t told Tristan I’d do anything to keep him from leaving me either. If Tristan eventually wants to go, I’ll deal with it.”

“I can deal with it to, Joey,” Yugi said, defensively.

“Yugi, with all due respect, you didn’t deal with Yami leaving very well.”

“That was a stupid mistake. You’ll never trust me again, will you? You’ll always think I’m one step away from killing myself.”

“That’s not what I think.”

“Yes it is!”

“Yugi, please, stop getting defensive. It worries me that you’re so willing to put other people’s feelings above your own, that’s all. You shouldn’t do what Bakura wants to keep him. If Bakura wants you to sleep with him and you’re not ready then you tell him no. And if he doesn’t accept that then end it with him.”

“You sound like him.” Joey looked at Yugi and let out a small sigh of relief. He was thinking he should make sure Bakura didn’t try anything with Yugi now that he was this vulnerable, but hearing as how Bakura told Yugi the same thing, Joey felt better about Yugi being with him. “Joey, I’m not crazy. I’m not.”

“I know that, Yug.”

“Are you saying I’m like Ryou? That I’m crazy and attached to people?”

“No, not at all. I just think that speaking to a professional will help you get over your issues about your parents. Being left at your grandfather’s house when you were three was clearly a traumatic event for you.”

“Is it wrong to be afraid of being alone?”

“No. No one wants to be alone, Yugi. Me either. If I didn’t have Tri and and you I’d fall completely apart. I just think it would help you in your situation with Bakura if you dealt with underlying issues.”

“Issues of abandonment?” Joey nodded. “Even though my parents left me, I had Grandpa.”

“I know. But there have been times you’ve said that your grandfather loves you because he’s obligated to, because he’s family. No one is obligated to love anyone else, Yugi. You love someone because they mean a lot to you, because you care about them and make you feel good and complete.” Yugi looked at Joey. They were at Bakura’s. “Listen, we don’t have to talk about it anymore, I know between the three of us you’ve probably grown sick of us telling you what you should do. You do what you want, I just want you to be happy and healthy.”

“Okay, Babe.” Yugi gave Joey a small smile and they headed out of the car. Joey knew that smile well, it was complete bullshit. But it wasn’t the time or the place to discuss it anymore. So they wouldn’t.


-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

“I can’t believe my New Years Eve is going to be ruined,” Joey grumbled. He wasn’t going to win this argument. Not with Yugi and Tristan already resigning themselves to spend the evening in Yami and Seto’s company. What was supposed to be a small dinner party warped into a New Year’s Eve Pre-Engagement party. The theme of the party in question was Bohemian Rhapsody. Whatever that meant. “Who has a Pre-Engagement party, anyway?”

“Yami and Seto, apparently. The same way they were pre-engaged,” Yugi answered.

“This is complete bullshit. None of us like either of them, aren’t you guys tired of kissing ass? For crap’s sake, why are we going to spend an evening with them at a Bohemian themed New Year’s party? How does one dress for such a thing anyway?”

“The Bohemians rejected laws imposed by the government and were all about freedom in art and love. Just dress like a French member of the counter culture circa 1930 on your way to a café for scholarly conversation,” Tristan answered. Joey narrowed his eyes. “The invitations said dressy casual, Baby.”

“I don’t want to go,” Joey grumbled.

“It’s not like any one in this room made some kind of plans for New Years Eve, Baby.”

“Tristan, I’d rather ring in the New Year in a cardboard box then spend it with those two. No one can explain to me why it is we continue to be involved with the two of them.”

“Come on, Babe. It’ll be fun. I haven’t had any fun in a while. Not since Yami’s birthday party,” Yugi piped in.

“Fun? Have you forgotten how that evening ended?” Joey asked.

“No, I was there, I remember, Babe.” Yugi and Joey exchanged looks. “Babe, look, I want to go. Kaiba has the best security next to the government. I want to get out, and this is the perfect opportunity. I can try having a normal evening and know that I’ll be safe and secure with you guys.”

“Why can’t you and Bakura spend a romantic evening at home?” Joey protested.

“Bakura has to work New Years Eve. And you know I am not stepping foot in the Pyramid, Joey. If you and Tristan want to be alone it’s fine. I’ll celebrate New Years alone. With a bottle of scotch and a noise maker.”

“Why can’t you go to the party without us?” Joey asked, even though he would never let Yugi go to the party alone. Anything could happen and he didn’t want Yugi to be there without him. He was thrilled was was taking initiative like this, but at thee tie time he wished it didn’t have to be at Seto’s house.

“Baby, there’s no harm in going,” Tristan began. “The one thing you can say about them is they do know how to throw a great party. We don’t have to speak to them. I think we should go. I want to go, Joey.” Joey made a face. “What?”

“Why do you want to go? I understand Yugi’s reasoning, but why are you so insistent about this?”

“I want to go for Yugi.” Joey made another face. “What?”

“You want to go for Yami.”

“Yami?”

“Yes, sex kitten, life of the party, attention loving Yami. You want to dance with him again.” Tristan smirked. “Admit it, you want to be turned on again.”

“Yami’s a looker, that’s for sure.” Joey looked up and watched as Bakura headed into the living room of his apartment. “Dinners ready. You guys better be starved.”

“We are, Kura.” Yugi answered with a grin. Bakura picked Yugi up and carried him over to the kitchen table. Tristan and Joey opted to walk. Neither Joey nor Tristan had ever been at Bakura’s before, but Bakura had asked everyone over so they could taste another one of his exams. Apparently Bakura had been given a list of ingredients and had to come up with something.

“So, Babyface, Blondie…Tristan? What do you guys think?” They all picked up their chopsticks and took bites. “It’s sashimi, I got the tuna fresh, like right off the boat fresh.
“M
“Mmm…Kura, it’s great,” Yugi answered with a huge grin. “It’s really good, Kura.”

“Yeah, it’s good. I’ve never had sashimi home cooked before. This really turned out delicious,” Tristan agreed.

“Tastes terrific, Bakura,” Joey added. “Hope there’s enough for seconds.”

“I made a lot of it, have as much as you want.”

“Bakura, you agree with me, don’t you? Don’t you think it’s ridiculous to go to the New Years party?” Joey asked, pouring himself some lemonade.

“I think it’s a good idea. Yugi needs the chance to get out.”

“Thank you, Kura,” Yugi said, smiling. He leaned over and gave Bakura a small kiss on the cheek.

“Besides, Tristan can dry hump Yami again.” Tristan narrowed his eyes. Yugi laughed.

“I did not dry hump him. He asked me if I wanted to dance. Joey didn’t want to so I was trying to be polite. It was his birthday after all, and besides he’s engaged to my boss’ boss, it’s not wise to piss the guy off.”

“And it doesn’t hurt any that he’s fucking hot,” Bakura answered. Joey and Yugi gave Bakura a look and shook their heads.

“What is this obsession with Yami? He’s good looking but I was never all that attracted to him,” Joey decided.

“Bakura and Tristan are right, Joey. Yami is pretty hot,” Yugi mentioned. “As much as I hate what he did to me, I honestly have to say Yami’s proy ony one of the hottest guys I’ve ever known.”

“Damn right,” Bakura agreed.

“And you agree with them, huh, Tristan?” Joey asked.

“He’s attractive, Baby. As a normal young gay male I’m attracted to him physically.”

“Tristan’s trying to take the safe way out,” Yugi mentioned with a little grin.

“What about Yami attracts you?” Joey wondered, lifting his eyebrows at his boyfriend.

“Don’t answer that, Tristan, if you want to keep your nuts,” Bakura answered for the brunet. Yugi giggled. “Unless you want to unleash the wrath of Joey part 24.”

“It’s a simple question, I’m just asking because I’m curious,” Joey mentioned innocently. Tristan and Joey locked eyes. “It’s no big deal. I think Yami’s good looking too, I just wonder what you like about him.”

“He’s hot, Baby. I mean I don’t know what else there is to say about it.” Joey gave Tristan an unreadable expression. “He just has this air about him. Like talking to him or interacting with him is forbidden. He manages to make you think you’re d som something dirty, plus he’s totally off limits because he’s engaged and a guy always wants what he can’t have.”

Joey nodded his head. “Yes, men do want what they can’t have. Like I’m sure you’ll really want sex tonight after we leave.”

Bakura and Yugi laughed. Tristan tried to keep a serious face but wound up laughing as well. He leaned over and gave Joey a little kiss. Joey smiled back. “So you admit to looking forward to humping Yami at the party like some dog, hum?” Joey asked, still smiling.

“I admit to nothing.”

It was another hour and a half before Tristan and Joey left, thanking Bakura for the meal. Joey and Yugi had taken Yugi’s car, but to know one’s surprise, Yugi wanted to spend the night with Bakura since he didn’t have class ork irk in the morning. Tristan was of course eager to take Joey home, hoping that he could get some before he headed to his condo. Joey teased him in front of Bakura and Yugi that he shouldn’t hold his breath, but Tristan and Joey both knew Joey was fighting a losing battle.

“Why don’t you take a shower, you spent all day making this meal. I’ll clean up.” Yugi smiled at Bakura warmly.

“Babyface, it’s fine. We’ll clean those tomorrow.”

“I don’t want the soy sauce to sit on the dishes. Just go, Kura. Then we can watch a movie.”

“If you insist, Yugi.” Bakura leaned in and gave Yugi a small kiss before he headed into his bedroom. He di min mind taking a shower, at the very least he could take care of himself before Yugi and him snuggled to watch another DVD rental.

They rented so many movies in the last several weeks Bakura got a special sticker on his video store card that signified him as a frequent renter and entitled him to discounts. Yugi and his conversation on Sunday hadn’t done much to fix the reality of the situation, or the inherent problems with the arrangement. Even though Yugi had only mentioned his feelings on sex Friday Bakura and Yugi hadn’t been intimate since the very beginning of November. And here it was, December 11th.

Bakura still had needs of course, and had been taking care of those needs the same way he did when he was single. But he really hadn’t been single in a long time. Especially since he jumped into a situation with Yugi a mere two weeks after he and Ryou were done. This was taking a toll on him, it would be one thing if Yugi was comfortable doing other things, but since the incident on Friday it seemed they had taken steps back.

And worse he couldn’t talk to Yugi about it, since he had the feeling his babyface would misconstrue what he was trying to say and think Bakura was asking Yugi for intercourse. Bakura hated this weakness, but he knew it was human nature, only natural that his body should demand release. Actually he missed Yugi so much he actual found himself turned on at Yugi’s admission. He would never make Yugi sleep with him of co. T. The thought was obscene. But the idea of Yugi being that committed to him that he would do such a thing aroused him.

Maybe tonight he could show Yugi what he meant by doing other things, and still being intimate. Haginagined what it would be like if Yugi said yes and jacked off harder, praying tonight he could make some sort of breakthrough. He groaned, as he came, dipping his head under the spray and turning the tap to colder water, not wanting to get his hopes up and botch things up.

When Bakura had himself under control he dressed in a pair of boxers and headed out to find Yugi curled up on his bed, flipping channels with the remote. Yugi was dressed in adorable pajamith ith puppies on them. He looked up at Bakura with big round eyes and smiled.

Bakura felt a wave of anger. The thought that someone, anyone could hurt Yugi so deeply, physically and emotionally enraged him. He could see why Joey was so protective of him, why he loved Yugi so much. With all his issues of being abandoned all Yugi wanted was someone to love him and care for him. How anyone could deny him that he didn’t know. He could see why Tristan had been so taken with him and dropped all his uneasiness about Yugi so suddenly. Why every decision Yugi made Joey analyzed and wondered about, trying to avoid anymore pain from entering his best friend’s life.

“Are you gonna stand there all night, Kura?” Yugi asked, simply.

“No.” Bakura walked over to Yugi and flopped on the bed hard enough to cause Yugi to fall over.

“Easy there, Buddy.” Yugi fd ovd over his PJs. “These are new, ya know.”

“I know I was there when I brought them for you.” Yugi smiled.

“What movie did you want to watch, Kura?” Bakura swallowed, not sure he could ask what he wanted. But he knew he had to try.

“Babyface, remember on Sunday when we talked about being intimate without having sex?” Yugi nodded. “I was thinking maybe I could show you what I m by by that. Only if you want to.”

“Do you want me to, Kura?” Yugi asked softly.

“I want you to feel comfortable. If your willing to trust me a bit I think you’ll enjoy this. But the decision is yours.”

Yugi looked at him tensely for a moment then smiled. “Of course I trust you, Kura. Let’s try it. What do you want to do?”

“Well, I think the best way to start is with a kiss. Just so we’re both use to the contact. Do you want to kiss me, Babyface?”

“I’ll try…I might get nervous.”

“You lead, if you feel trapped we’ll stop.”

“Okay, Kura.” Yugi slipped onto Bakura lap and connected their lips. He started it slow, but soon closed his eyes and got into it. He wanted this to work, he didn’t want to be scared with Bakura anymore. Especially if Bakura asked him for sex. Bakura kept his hands on his sides, even as Yugi wrapped his arms around his neck.

Yugi pulled away for a momentve Bve Bakura another look then leaned in again. They continued in that way. Yugi taking things very slow, each time he leaned in again he lengthened the amount of time he allowed the kiss to be passionate.

It was Bakura who finally put a stop to it.

“Babyface, I want you to get out of my lap,” Bakura said tightly, shifting under Yugi uncomfortably.

“What’s wrong, Kura? Did I do something?”

“Please, Babyface. Get off my lap.” Yugi gave Bakura a small look and did, suddenly noticing why it was Bakura was so insistent. “I just don’t want to rush anything, or scare you.”

Yugi looked at the growing arousal trapped in Bakura’s boxers and nodded. “Sorry about that, Kura.”

“It happens.”

“What else?”

“You sure you’re okay with this, Babyface?”

“Yeah. I’m all right. Are you okay?” Yugi teased with a small smile. Bakura smiled back.

“Fine.” Bakura got off the bed and retrieved his massage oil. Yugi thought about the last time Bakura and him were together, how loving and wonderful he had been, how he had taken him so softly and lovingly, leaving Yugi practically in tears at the tenderness of it. “Babyface, I want you to touch me.”

“Where? “Wh “Wherever you’re comfortable, Babyface.” Bakura lie back on the pillows and dripped some of the oil onto his bare chest. “I’ll keep my hands on the headboard, unless you want me to touch you. You’re in control.”

Bakura got himself comfortable and waited until Yugi approached. Yugi was slow again, running his palms on one of Bakura’s pectorals. Bakura smiled but made no noises of pleasure, not wanting to startle him. Yugi got a bit more confident, seeing that Bakura had no plans on making any sudden movements.

After a few moments Yugi moved his hands up and down Bakura’s body, even teasing both his nipples. “Do you like this, Bakura?” Yugi asked in a near whisper.

“Yes, very much, Babyface. You’re making me feel very good.” Bakura wanted Yugi to take off his pajama shirt but didn’t ask. Yugi had told him a week a go that Malik had told him to undress for him, so he decided against saying aing ing about Yugi’s clothes.

Yugi drizzled more of the oil onto Bakura’s torso and worked it into his abdominal muscles. His mind wandered to their last night together and he felt more and more confident, remembering well how amazing it felt to be so lovingly caressed. He stopped for a moment, to Bakura’s unvoiced dismay.

Before Bakura could ask if Yugi was feeling smothered again Yugi unbuttoned his shirt and then slipped it off. It ended up on the floor. “Will you touch me too, Kura?”

Bakura swallowed and nodded not trusting his voice. He would control himseld dod do this slowly, glad he had taken care of himself in the shower earlier. Even though Yugi was well aware of his hard-on he still didn’t need lust to ruin their moment. He didn’t think he could bear to see Yugi running off to the bathroom after things had gone this far.

Bakura stayed in the same position and Yugi handed him the bottle. He poured a liberal amount out onto his pale palm and then rubbed his hands together to warm the oil so it would be warm and silky on his babyface’s chest. “Put my hands on you, where you want me to touch you, Babyface.”

Yugi trembled at Bakura’s words. He could feel desire taking over him, easing more of his fear. He took his boyfriend’s hand and put it on his belly, over his belly button. Yugi placed his hand over Bakura’s and slowly guided him across his torso. Bakura did the same thing to Yugi’s hand, enclosing over it as it rested against his abdomen.

“Can I sit on your lap, Kura?” Bakura nodded again. Yugi was careful not to agitate Bakura’s erection and Bakura shifted so Yugi could rest on his lower belly. They mirrored each other’s movements for a long time, only stopping to pour more oil. “Bakura, you’re…you’re making me hard…”

“Do you trust me, Babyface?” Yugi nodded, and then whimpered, Bakura inciting feelings he didn’t know he still had. “Get off my lap for a second.” Yugi did and watched as Bakura took off his boxers, his erection springing free.

Yugi moved a little, away from him. “Am I moving too fast?” Bakura asked, sitting up against the headboard, his legs apart.

“Who yoo you want to do, Kura?”

“I want to pleasure you, Babyface. Please…just trust me for one moment. We’ll do this really slow, and we can stop if you start to get scared, okay?”

“Um…okay…”

“I need you to take off your pajamas, Babyface. But only if you want to.” Yugi weelieeling vulnerable and nervous, but so far everything they had done so far was good. “I love you, Babyface. I won’t force you if you’re not ready. No matter what happens, even if you get scared in the middle of it I’ll still love you and be with you. I promise.”

That was enough of a confidence booster to get Yugi to undress himself and sit back on the bed. “What do you want me to do…Kura?”

“Sit on my lap, Babyface…facing away from me…” Yugi grew red. “I’ll keep my hands off to the sides where you can see them. I won’t touch you until your ready for what’s next. I promise I won’t move. Okay?” Yugi nodded slowly.

It took him at least 20 seconds before he got close to Bakura again. Bakura said nothing. He only maintained eye contact and smiled sweetly. He kept his hands at his sides so Yugi knew what he was doing at all times. Bakura didn’t want to pressure Yugi and waited until Yugi was ready to make a move, if he wanted to at all.


“I’m scared, Kura. Do you want me to do this?” Yugi asked, finally.

“You do what makes you comfortab Yu Yugi waited another fifteen seconds to calm himself before he finally crawled back onto Bakura’s lap. “Rest your back against my chest. I won’t move until you’re ready, okay?”

“Okay.” Yugi did as Bakura wanted and adjusted a little. This was just like always, sitting in Bakura’s lap. The only difference was that they were both naked. And of course they were both hard for each other. Yugi had repressed his sexual need for so long that the part of him that was nervous was fading into the background. After about a minute of not moving Yugi finally told Bakura that he was ready for what came next.

“Babyface, you’re doing really well. I know you’re a little scared, but remember that no matter what happens I will always be here to take care of you and love you. You’re my heart, Yugi. And I love you.”

“I love you too, Kura…forever.” Bakura picked up the bottle of oil and poured some out into Yugi’s hands. Then he did the same for himself. Both men rubbed their hands togetto hto heat the massage oil.

“I want to try stroking you, Babyface. Slowly. And you try stroking me. I know this is a big step, but you’re strong. If you want to stop at anytime you let me know. Though you’ll have to excuse me if I dump you off my lap and go jump into a cold shower.”

Yugi smirked. “I want this, Kura. I want to please you. And I want you to please me too.” Yugi took a deep breath and then put his hand onto Bakura’s stout erection. Bakura groaned. Yugi swallowed and started moving his hand. He closed his eyes and waited until Bakura placed his hand on him.

He was feeling a bit smothered, a little trapped, but he didn’t want to run away, it felt good to be pleasured like this, and even better to know he was giving Bakura something he had denied him for too long. After a little bit of time Yugi and Bakura synchronized themselves.

Yugi opened his legs a bit wider, feeling part of the old him coming out as he gasped. “Kura…please…pump me a little bit harder…”

“Babyface, I love you so much…you’re so beautiful… you make me so happy…” Yugi moaned, turned on by Bakura’s husky speech. He jacked Bakura’s slick flesh harder, and panted.

“Yes…more…Kura…more…”

“So beautiful, Babyface. I am so lucky to have you…every time you say you love me I want to turn around and see who you’re talking to…”

“Kura…you feel so good…please…a little harder…” Bakura’s hand job increased in speed and Yugi moaned. Bakura moaned at the sound of Yugi’s moan.

“I want to kiss your neck, Babyface…please…”

“Yes…do it…please…Kura…I love you…I need this…” Bakura nipped at Yugi’s exposed neck sweetly, Yugi moaning louder. “Kura…mmmmm….it feels good…please…I.. I want to come…please…”

“Come, Babyface…come…” Yugi didn’t last too much longer, and came hard, white sticky release hitting the bed sheets. Yugi brought Bakura to completion a few moments afterwards.

For a moment they laid together, catching their breath. Yugi opened his eyes and slipped back off Bakura’s lap and gave him a look. “I just need a minute, Kura…I’m feeling a little closed in again…”

“Yeah, sure.” Yugi got off the bed and headed into the bathroom with his pajamas and closed the door.

Bakura wasn’t sure how to feel…happy…upset…

It had felt wonderful to be with Yugi like that again. But Yugi didn’t want him to touch him at the moment. Despite what had just happened Yugi was scared and smothered again. Would there ever be a night Yugi didn’t need to go into the bathroom and calm himself? But things had gone well, he did want to cuddle with Yugi but knew he needed some time.


“I want you to come, Yugi… you come and show me how much you like it…”

“Please…don’t make me…please…stop…”

“Do it, Yugi…you come for me… like you come for all the rest of your boyfriends. Moan…and come.”


Yugi splashed water on his face and hugged himself. He pushed the thoughts out of his mind and forced himself to think about Bakura and him.


“Oh really, Kura?” Yugi asked, with a playful giggle. Bakura leaned down, his lips carelessly kissing Yugi’s chest. “Kura…that feels good.”

“You like this?” Bakura asked, his kisses were everywhere at once. Yugi squirmed around a bit more. “You like when I kiss you here?”

“Yes…Kura…ummmm…


Yugi stayed in the bathroom for about twenty minutes, opting to take a shower to make himself feel better. He hated doing this to Bakura, but he knew if he hadn’t gotten off Bakura’s lap when he did he would have probably started crying or something.

By the time Yugi came back into the room, Bakura was back in his bo and and had slipped on a t-shirt and gotten some ice cream. “Want to watch the movie now, Babyface?” Bakura asked, sweetly, handing Yugi a spoon.

Yugi nodded. He knew Bakura wouldn’t bring it up, and he was glad for that. Bakura acted as if Yugi getting uncomfortable and going into the bathroom was normal and he needed that kind of reaction. He knew it wasn’t normal, of course, but Bakura wasn’t making a big deal out of it, and that was good.

Yugi got on the bed and slipped back onto Bakura’s lap, and dug into the ice cream. Bakurartearted the movie. After about 30 minutes Yugi finally decided to say something. “I liked what we did, Kura. It was so good to be with you like that.”

“I liked it too, Babyface. I want to try again some time, if you’re up for it.”

Yugi smiled. “I’m sure with you around I’ll be up for it.” Bakura kissed Yugi’s cheek as he giggled.

“I’m so proud of you, Babyface. You made me so happy.”

“Really?” Yugi asked, thinking about his reaction after it was over.

“Yes. Really.”

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

Emily was waiting in the driveway as Tristan parked the car on the street. “Tristan, Joey!” Joey couldn’t help but grin as he and the brunet exited the car.

“Hi Mom,” Tristan returned.

“Hi Emily.” Joey noticed that Tristan’s father was absent in the driveway greeting. It only spread Joey’s fears, that Mr. Taylor didn’t like him.


“Tristan, does your father like me?”

“What are you talking about, Baby? Of course he does. My mom just takes it to an extreme.”

“I don’t know, he seems nice, he hasn’t said or done anything that would make me think otherwise, but he…I get the feeling he…”

“This is just new to him. It’s not easy for him to meet the man in my life, Joey. You’ll connect with him, you just have to figure out what things the two of you have in common. Then you’ll be fine. He likes ice fishing. Do you?”

“Never gone ice fishing before. Is it could enough for that?” Joey wondered. Even though it was now December the weather had still been relatively mild. “What else is he into?”

“Sports.”

“And?”

“Woodworking.”

“This isn’t going to be easy is it?” Joey wondered.

“We’ll figure it out, Baby. No worries.”


“Hey Mom, where is Dad?” Tristan asked, watching as his mother hugged his boyfriend.

“He left to go get some supplies. Unfortunately it’s the second Friday of the month and it’s our turn…”

“Dad’s poker night. I forgot all about it,” Tristan thought. “So it’s here tonight, hum? Are they playing in the billiard room?”

“Yes. It makes them feel self-important playing in there.”

“You guys have a billiard room?” Joey wondered.

“Well, it’s a game room re, we, we just call it that because it has a pool table in it. Damn thing, another one of Mr. Taylor’s pleasures. When we moved out here we each got one thing. I got a room to scrapbook in, Tristan got a pool, and Charles got that damn game room. I hate the thing. I’m surprised you didn’t see it last time.”

“You’re letting him have it tonight?” Tristan continued. “I know how you are about that sort of thing.”

“Yes. I begged him to cancel it but Mr. Hiroma took a few thousand from your father last time so he’s anxious to win it back.”

“Never gonnppenppen, he’s never been able to beat Mr. Hiroma. Is Mrs. Hiroma coming over as well?” Tristan inquired. His mom nodded. “Does she know I’m home for the weekend?”

“That’s why she insisted to come for a visit. Damn woman, I’m in no mood to entertain the busybody. If I don’t of course she’ll tell everyone we play bridge with that I didn’t. I have no choice. I won’t subject you to her so if you keep a low profile you’ll be fine. Maybe you guys could rent movies tonight. Order a pizza. I made some food but dinner will probably be finger sandwiches and buffalo wings from the poker game.”

“Or Joey and I could go to the movies. Right?” Tristan added.

“If you wanted to, you could go to the movies. I just figured you’d be tired from a long trip, is all.” Mrs. Taylor gave them a smile. “Oh, look, your father is back.”

Joey swallowed. Mr. Taylor paron ton the street. “Why don’t you boys help him get the stuff out of thr?” r?” Tristan headed down the incline, Joey bounding behind him.

“Hi Dad.”

“Tristan. Hi. Hello, Joey.”

“Want some help?” Tristan offered, opening the back door. Charles Taylor nodded. Tristan handed Joey a platter and he picked up plastic bags of potato chips. “Got that, Baby?”

“Yeah.” They walked into the house.

“How was the trip, Guys?” Mr. Taylor asked, putting away the soda. He was never allowed to have any of this sort of thing to eat normally. So every time it was his turn to host poker night he had to go buy everything.

“We beat the traffic, Seto let me leave work early,” Tristan answered. “I hear you’re having Mr. Hiroma over to finish taking the rest of your money, huh?”

“He won’t be winning tonight.”

“Why, you plan on cheating, Charles?” Emily asked.

“This is why Tristan is so fresh. He gets it from you,” Mr. Taylor complained. “I will be winning ght.ght. You’ll all see.”

“Tell Joey how Mr. Hiroma spanks you over and over again. Dad.”

“Will the two of you shush. Please.” Mr. Taylor threw out the emptied plastic bags.

“Hey, Dad, since Mom’s gonna be entertaining Mrs. Hiroma you mind if Joey and I play with you guys tonight?” Joey, Emily and Charles looked at the brunet quickly. “It’s not a problem is it?”

“Tris, I don’t think that’s such a good idea. I don’t want to impose on your father’s friends,” Joey stammered, completely thrown for a loop. All he needed was for Mr. Taylor’s dislike for him to continue to grow.

“I’m sure he doesn’t mind. What else are we supposed to do this weekend? They asked us to come for a visit and neither of them is going to be free tonight. Besides, I don’t think Mom wants us out in public. We might scare off the straight people. They could catch our gay.”

“Tristan, your mom doesn’t think that. She just assumed we’re tired from a long trip. There’s no reason to ruin your father’s plans.”

“He could have canceled them,” Tristan decided, firmly. “So Dad, can Joey and I play poker? If we promise to act straight around them? We won’t do anything to gay.”

“Don’t talk to your parents like that, Tristan!”

“Tristan, I don’t know what has gotten into you, but that’s enough,” Emily said, her eyes narrowed sharply. “If your father and I weren’t accepting of your lifestyle we wouldn’t have asked you to come here.”

“Then let this be the ultimate test. Prove it to me.”

“Tristan, stop it. Why are you doing this? Just stop. I don’t want to play poker with your dad. I don’t want to interrupt things and make him and everyone else uncomfortable.”

“Let me explain something to you, Joey…my parents are nice and loving now, but it wasn’t always so, and I know them better than they know themselves. And this is their polite way of telling us to stay in the guesthouse and hide from sight. They’d never go out and say such a thing, they’d just hint at it. I’m on to them, though. I know what they’re really like behind the smiles.”

“Do you really want to start this now, Tristan? Hum?” Emily asked, her eyes narrowing further. “You want your father to cancel, is that it?”

“No, I want the both of you to introduce Joey to your friends, that’s what I want. Joey doesn’t know you well enough to see what you’re doing. But I do. You’ve done it to me all my life, even before you found out I was gay. You’ve never gone out and said what you wanted to, you’ve always done it diplomatically. When I first told you I was gay you said that you didn’t want people to judge me because of my choice, you said you didn’t want me to lose my friends and my standing in society. You didn’t even have the decency to just go out and say you didn’t want a gay son. And now that I think you’re both really accepting and supportive of it you’re doing it again.”

“You’re being ridiculous.”

“Why don’t you and Joey rent a movie tonight. I don’t want you to be subjected to Mrs. Hiroma….” Tristan shook his head. “I know you. And I know what you’re attempting to do.”

“This is nor the time or the place, Tristan,” Emily said, her voice low. “Take Joey to the guesthouse and settle in. We’re not going to be discussing this any further.”

“No, I’m not leaving until this settled. In fact, why don’t Joey and I turn around and leave right now.”

“Tristan…” Joey started. “Why don’t I leave you guys alone to finish this, I…”

“No. You stay, Baby. I want you to see what my parents are really like. Why do you think I avoided bringing you here, Joey? I knew eventually you’d see the real them. Looks can be deceiving. They’ve choreographed everything to make you think they’re the perfect accepting parents. Even that stupid festival they had us go to the first time we came up…it’s sponsored by some high society art thing that has more gay people in it then Domino does. That’s why they brought us there. Didn’t you find it strange Mom was so insistent we come home for dinner afterwards? God forbid we run into someone they know. Yeah, Joey they’re accepting of it as long as no one knows about it.”

“Tristan, you’re acting like an asshole. Just stop. You and Joey or our guests and if you would like to play in the poker game you’re more than welcome to. I have no objections to it. What happened between you and your mother is in the past. Both of us have put our reservations about your lifestyle away after we met Joey last month. Now the two of you stop showing our family dysfunction to Joey and calm down. Tristan, you’re really being silly.” Tristan gave his father a look.

“Come oris.ris. Why don’t we go put out stuff away, I’m sure your parents want to get things set up for their guests.” Joey took Tristan’s hand and led him out of the room.

When they got to the guesthouse Tristan threw his suitcase on the bed. “I’m sorry you had to witness that, Baby.”

“Tristan, the only thing I witnessed was you being disrespectful to your parents. Neither of them said anything about not wanting us to be seen in front of their friends.”

“Baby, just open your eyes, would you. They weren’t speaking to you, they were speaking to me. I know them, Joey. I read their message loud and clear.”

“Why didn’t you tell me about this before then?”

“I wanted you to like them, I wanted them to be mature and act like the parents they pretend to be. I ignored it last time, I figured I was being paranoid. But I know my mother Joey. She’s nevirecirectly told me she didn’t want me to do something. It’s always been cryptic and hinted at. I know she likes you Joey, they both do. But they’re not accepting of it yet. Don’t worry about it. It’s family bullshit. We won’t be coming back here again.” Tristan sat on the bed.

“Tristan, listen. It’s not my place, maybe you know better than I do. But I think even if your parents were trying to have us keep a low profile they’re doing it for us as much as for them. Maybe they didn’t want us to be uncomfortable. It’s not easy being a gay couple. Sure we can walk around Domino holding hands and think nothing of it. But this isn’t Domino. And maybe your mother doesn’t want us to be subjected to homophobes. Honestly, Tristan, I’m not in the habit of putting my sexuality on display for someone to ridicule.”

“We don’t have a fucking disease. I’m not a damn leper. I love you, I’m not going to act like I don’t. I’m not going to hide it so someone else doesn’t feel uncomfortable. Fuck someone else. I don’t give two shits.”

“Well I do. Alright? Your parents accept you. That’s more than Bakura, Yugi, and I can say. That’s more than Yami can say. That’s more than plenty of people can fucking say, Tristan. Goddamn it. No one’s parents are perfect. If your only issue with them is that they’re embarrassed to introduce me to their friends than you should feel lucky. I can’t introduce you to my dad, Tristan. I can’t have you hug my mom. They’re trying…why isn’t that enough for you… I like them….I do…they’re your family Tristan…love them or hate them… they’re your blood…” Joey sat onto the bed and let out a sigh. “Forget it. You wouldn’t understand.”

“Baby…I just…” Joey looked at Tristan for a moment. “I don’t want them to be ashamed of you. I don’t want you to be some dirty little secret. I want them to love you like I do. I only reacted like that because of the history I had with them. I hold them to such high standards because of the shit they put me through. Yugi’s not the only one who attempted suicide.”

“WHAT!”

“It’s done now, Joey.”

“When you were in college? You tried to…Oh gods…Tris…”

“I don’t want to talk about it. It’s family bullshit. Let’s just forget it and enjoy the weekend okay?”

“Tristan…”

“Baby, it’s nothing.” Tristan got up. “I’ll go apologize to them. Why don’t you take a little nap?” Tristan left the house, leaving Joey speechless.


-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-


“I hope you guys don’t mind having two more tonight,” Tristan’s father asked, walking into the room with Joey and Tristan behind him. Joey hadn’t gotten Tristan to say anything else about the suicide comment or the blow up with his parents when he returned. He was on his laptop most of the evening before they headed back into the house to play poker. “You all remember my son, Tristan. He’s home for the weekend.”

“Tristan…of course, how are you, Son?” A man asked, smiling at the brunet.

“Hello, Mr. Hiroma, I hear you beat my dad pretty bad last time, huh?” Tristan asked, flashing the older man a smile.

“Yes, well, when you get to be as old as your dad, it happens.” Charles gave him a look.

“You’re one to talk, Ken.” Charles turned and looked at the other men in the room. “Tristan you remember my friends, George, Jun, Yoshio, and Sho.”

“Nice to see you all again.” Tristan smiled at all the men, giving a polite bow. Then he turned to look at his father. He refused to introduce Joey, he wanted his father to do it. He cleared his throat.

“This is Tristan’s mate, Joey.” Joey hoped to god he wasn’t blushing and managed a small wave. Mate? That was a bit ambiguous. But maybe it was better this way. He wasn’t really in the mood to be the faggot entertainment for the evening.

“Mate?” George asked, making a confused expression. Joey could feel the bubbles rising in his stomach. He was going to kill Tristan for this. He couldn’t believe he was making Joey go through with this. “What do you mean, mate, Charles? You don’t mean…”

“He means it’s Tristan’s boyfriend,” Mr. Hiroma answered, simply, as if the fact that Tristan had a boyfriend meant nothing to him. “Joey, why don’t you sit next to me. That way you can watch as Tristan’s father loses more of his money to me.”

The other men chuckled to Mr. Taylor’s chagrin ad Joey had a seat in between Mr. Taylor and Mr. Hiroma. Tristan sat between Jun and Sho.

“If this is Tristan’s mate, shouldnhey hey sit next to each other then?” George wondered giving Tristan’s father a look.

“We’re fine, George, thanks.” Tristan smiled and gave Joey a wink. Joey swallowed.

“You two any good?” Sho asked, looking at Joey.

“Well we know Tristan’s not. Unless he was lucky enough to get his mother’s genes,” Jun answered. Joey smirked.

“How about you, Joey? You good at poker?” Mr. Hiroma asked, nicely.

“I don’t know. I don’t play all that often.”

“Good, two more people to take money from. You need to have your son and his mate over more often, Charlie, then we can make it a family affair of robbing you blind,” Yoshio decided. The other men laughed. Mr. Taylor had given both Tristan and Joey money to play with, telling them that he didn’t want them to use any of their money for the game, even when Joey objected.

“If that’s enough talk, I’d like to start,” Charles said, shuffling the cards. “Boys, we play five card stud. Joey, call the wilds.”

“Um…one-eyed Jacks and black eights.”

“One-eyed Jacks and black eights it is.” Charles began dealing the cards.

Two hours later the buffalo wings were finished and so were two six packs. Charles called. “I have nothing,” George stated, throwing down his hand.

“Pair of threes,” Jun said, flipping over his hand. Tristan had already folded, as had Sho.

“Yoshio?” Charles asked.

“Nothing.” He threw his hand over.

“What about you, Mr. Hiroma?” Joey asked the older man.

“Full house. I think I’ll be taking that ante. Hum, Charles?” Mr. Taylor made a face and threw his cards into the pile. “You won’t be getting your money back, in this case, miracles really don’t come true.”

“Wait, Tristan’s mate hasn’t shown,” Yoshio mentioned.

“Don’t call him that,” Sho said, “His name isn’t Tristan’s Mate.”

“I know his name…but he is Tristan’s mate, isn’t he?”

“Why don’t we start calling you Yoko’s husband,” George asked, rolling his eyes.

“It’s not a big deal, I don’t mind at all,” Joey said, giving them a little smile.

“Well, you have anything, Joey?” Jun wondered. “Or does that dinosaur get all the money.”

“Shouldn’t you be respecting Mr. Hiroma?” Tristan asked.

“Not that fossil. We don’t like him, only reason we let Ken play is because we want our money back,” George answered with a laugh.

“Don’t hate me, hate the game. So Joey, what’ll it be… have anything tot a t a full house?”

“Not sure…let me check…” Joey dropped his cards one at a time. “Oh, wait… this looks like a straight flush…”

“Holy shit…HA! Baby!” Tristan smiled and laughed.

“He’s cheating…how many times can he beat all of us…” Jun grumbled half-heartdly. Joey leaned over and grabbed his winnings.

“I’m done…bad enough to be beaten by the old man…but I’m tired of losing to a kid. I’m finished,” George decided.

“This is the third time he’s had my queen. I’m done too,” Sho continued.

“I say we call it a night before we make Joey a millionaire over here…” Mr. Hiroma added.

“I think I have it figured out,” Yoshio decided. “Charlie hired this guy…he’s not Tristan’s mate at all…he’s a card shark. Here to hustle us. I bet he’s not even gay…” Joey laughed.

“Yeah… doesn’t act gay…is this some sort of set up, Charlie?” Jun wondered.

“No, this is Tristan’s boyfriend. I assure you.”

“Lies…you were tired of getting your butt kicked…so you get this kid to come smoke us,” George continued with a laugh. They were standing up from the table getting ready to go.

“Just tell us, how much is he paying you to embarrass us?” Sho wondered.

“I’m not good at poker…this was all luck.”

“Oh, he’s an actor too, is he?” Jun continued.

“Well if he’s an actor maybe he is gay,” George countered.

“I’m afraid you guys have simply met your match. It’s that simple.” Tristan gave Joey a little kiss on the cheek. “Maybe we’ll come back some time and I’ll let Joey beat you all again.”

After the goodbyes Joey handed Mr. Taylor the money. “This is yours, Sir. Thanks for letting Tris and I play, we had a really good time.”

“No, Joey…you won it, fair and square.”

“But it was…”

“Joey,” Mr. Taylor insisted, “Seeing the looks on their faces every time you won a hand was payment enough. I’m just going to have to win it in a rematch. Use it for books.” Joey smiled at Charles who smiled back nicely. Maybe Tristan’s dad did like him.

“Come on, Baby…let’s go to bed…if we stick around here Mom and Dad are gonna expect us to clean up or something.”

“So sweet of you to offer your help, Tristan. You’re such a good son,” Emily said with a shake of her head.

“Tristan…don’t you think we should…”

“Go off to bed boys…we’re going out to breakfast tomorrow morning. I’ll treat. Mr. Taylor would but once again…he’s broke,” Emily teased. “Night.”

“Night,” Joey and Tristan returned. They headed to the guesthouse.

“Tristan, why are we going out to breakfast with your parents… I thought you said…”

“My mom said she wanted to take us. When I went in to apologize she told me she wanted us all to go out to breakfast as a family. Maybe they are different now. Maybe I overreacted.” Tristan tossed off his shirt. “Have fun tonight, Baby?”

“Yes, they were all very nice. Even when they kept losing to me.”

“They just let you win… I’m sure Dad called them and told them to throw the game,” Tristan said, with a flirty smile.

“You’re a sore loser…and a jerk!”

“You punk… straight flush…you must have cheated…”

“You’re just jealous that I’m better than you. Keep talking crap and you won’t have a mate anymore.” Tristan smirked and tackled Joey into the bed.

“You’re mine…you’ll always be my mate…”

Joey tried to say something but Tristan covered his mouth with kisses.


-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

“Tristan, what time is it? Your mom wanted us to come back to the house for lunch before your dad took us to the tackle shop.” Tristan’s father wanted to go ice fishing so they were going to drive an hour north where it was snowier and icier and go. Emily told them she didn’t want to come, but promised them a lunch before they left. “Tristan?”

“I don’t know. Baby… I don’t have my watch on me…” Tristan was in the bathroom, doing who knew what.

Joey searched the bedroom and found Tristan’s cell phone. He flipped it open. Tristan had a new text message. The blond pushed a button so he could see what time it was. Instead he opened the message:


Hey, T Ju Just wanted to remind you about Monday. And don’t forget to bring your racquet for our match. I know this great juice bar that we can go to, you’ll love it, if you’re in to prune juice and stuff. Anyway, see you at the office. Have a good weekend. Talk to you soon, call if anything changes. Love always, Seto.


“Baby? You figure out what time it is? Baby?” Tristan washed his hands and walked out into the bedroom. “Baby, what time is it? Do we have to head back to the house now?”

Tristan met Joey’s copper eyes. He had never seen Joey’s eyes get so dark and it frightened him. “When were you going to tell me about this, Tristan?” Tristan made a face. “ANSWER ME!”

“Tell you what, Baby?” Joey threw Tristan’s cell phone at him. Tristan barely caught it. “Baby, what is it?”

“I picked up your phone to check what time it was and hit a button and opened up your new message.” Tristan looked back at the phone.

“Baby, it’s nothing…”

“Oh, is that so… then why does it sound like you’re fucking around on me with
Kaiba?”

Tristan scanned the message more carefully, alarmed that Seto had ended it with “love always, Seto”. “What the fuck, Tristan!”

“Baby, calm down. This isn’t how it looks.”

“Isn’t how it looks? Then how is it?”

“Seto and I are just gym partners. That’s it.”

“Gym partners, since when? I thought that was a one day thing!”

“We have the same routine so he thought we should spot each other…that’s all it’s nothing…”

“He says he loves you!”

“Baby, I don’t even know how he got my cell phone number. There has to be some kind of mistake.”

“You’re lying to me!”

“I’m not, Baby…calm down…please…”

“If you lied to me then how do I know you’re not lying to me now… How can I ever trust you?”

“I didn’t lie.”

“You lied when you never told me about this gym partnership shit!”

“Baby, I didn’t mean to keep it from you, I just didn’t mention it because I didn’t think anything of it.”

“If it was nothing you would have told me about it. You wouldn’t have kept it from me all these weeks. Gods, Tristan…you know how I feel about him…why would you do this to me…” Joey was practically in tears. “I thought you loved me,” Joey added softly.

“I do, Baby…I do…don’t think I don’t for one moment, Baby…don’t think that.” Joey blinked back a few tears and left the house. “Baby…please…come back…let’s just talk about this.”

“You really hurt me, Tristan…” Joey said, the first tear falling. “Leave me alone. I don’t want to talk to you.”

“Baby…don’t cry…please…Baby…I’ll figure this out…I promise…”

“Like you figured out how to be with Seto, Tristan?” Joey asked darkly. He ran off. Tristan stared at the cell phone and pushed a few buttons. Love Always, Seto? What the hell was that about? He put the phone to his ear, deciding he needed to know what was going on before he took after Joey. Tristan didn’t know Seto’s cell phone number off hand, he only knew it because of Seto’s text message. And how the hell did Seto know his number?

“Hi, Tristan.”

“Yami?” Tristan wondered, making a face.

“Yeah, Seto stepped out of the room for a moment. He asked me to pick up his phone for him.”

“Oh.”

“How are you, Tristan? Dragon tells me you guys are coming to our party on New Years.”

“Yeah.”

“Wonderful, it’ll be nice for us to get together again. I had so much fun at my birthday party with you guys. You’re quite the dancer, Tristan. I’m looking forward to dancing with you agai
“
“Thanks.” All he needed now was for Yami to hit on him to top it all off.

“Here’s Seto…talk to you later, Tristan.”

“Yeah.”

“Tristan, what’s going on?” Seto asked, adjusting the phone to his ear.

“I got your text message just now, mind telling me how the fuck you got my cell phone number?”

“Yeah, I’m doing good too, Tristan.”

“Cut the shit…what the hell was with the love always Seto crap at the end of the message, Kaiba?”

“I thought you were calling me Seto, Tristan.”

“I asked you two questions. Joey just picked up my phone and was quite alarmed to read the message.”

“Well what’s Joey doing reading messages on your phone, Tristan?” Seto answered snidely.

“I told you I wanted answers to my questions.”

“Michael gave me your cell phone number…it’s in your records, I’ve had it in my phone for quite some time. I only texted you so you would remember to bring your racquet. And as for the signature at the end, the only two people I send messages to are Yami and Mokuba, my younger brother. So I have a signature set up that sends “Love Always, Seto” automatically anytime I send a message. I forgot it was there, to be quite honest. I don’t love you Tristan, I’m sorry to inform you.” Tristan sighed. “Honestly, Tristan, is Joey so insecure that he would assume you and I were anything other than gym partners? I thought the puppy was more mature than that. What, does he think I’m fucking you, Tristan?”

“Forget it, I have to go.”

“You didn’t tell him about us, did you? He didn’t know we had plans to play squash on Monday. He didn’t know you and I go to the gym together twice a week. No wonder he thinks I’ve gotten into your pants.”

“It’s over. I’ll talk to Joey. Never mind.”

“Why didn’t you tell Joey about us, Tristan? Do you think I’m trying to get into your pants?”

“I don’t know what you’re trying to do.” Seto chuckled. “What is so amusing?”

“You’re a good looking guy, Tristan. I’m attracted to you, but don’t flatter yourself.”

“You never had a chance with me, Seto. And if that’s the only reason you’ve been playing nice with me lately you’re wasting your time.”

“Once again, Tristan, don’t flatter yourself.” Tristan narrowed his eyes, ready to hang up the phone. “Go work things out with Joey, the last thing I intended was for the two of you to break up over some ridiculous text message. I apologize if I caused any trouble, tell Joey I didn’t mean to upset him. I’ll see you Monday, alright?”

“Fine,” Tristan returned tightly. He ended the call.

“What was that all about, Dragon?” Yami asked, giving his fiancé a look.

“A misunderstanding. Joey thinks I’m sleeping with Tristan.”

“And are you,” Yami asked, his eyebrow lifting.

“Do you think I’m sleeping with him?” Seto asked, rolling on top of his lover.

“You don’t usually go play squash with your junior executives, Seto. Or go to the gym with them.”

“Do you think I’m sleeping with him or what?”

“He’s not your type,” Yami answered, giving Seto a small kiss.

“He’s not your type either, but that doesn’t make you any less attracted to him, does it, Yami?” Yami smirked. “It’s true…you like him…I wouldn’t be surprised if you were infatuated with him.”

“Because of one little dance at my birthday party?” Yami teased. “I just have a soft spot for handsome brunets.” Yami kissed him again.

“Oh is that your excuse?” Seto asked, giving Yami a longer kiss. “I’m just going to have to strap a chastity belt on you so you don’t get into any trouble.”

Seto unbuttoned Yami’s pants. “What are you doing, Dragon…I just got dressed…”

“You know very well what I’m doing…” Seto kissed his neck. “You can get redressed when I’m finished.” Yami slid his eyes shut and moaned. Seto dropped his cell phone on the ground.


Authors Endnotes: Haha..evil cliffhanger… Tristan… you jerk… didn’t you know this was going to happen? So we’re in the mist of Joey and Tristan’s first fight…and let me tell you this is the beginning of some pretty crazy drama…from here on out things are going to be off the charts… you think this is a soap opera now…wait until the New Years Eve Party…oh gods… it’s all about to hit the fan… And soon enough Joey and Tristan are going to have a real dilemma on their hands… and it’s all Yami’s fault…. Hahaha… now you really want to know what’s going on… I’ll post the next chapter end of the week… most likely Friday… until then you can stew over this:

“Are you attracted to him, Tristan, just tell me, yes or no,” Joey asked, softly.

“Yes, I’m attracted to him. But that doesn’t mean I don’t love you or I’m not attracted to you, Baby.”

“This is why I never wanted a good looking boyfriend, Tristan. I know you’ot hot him, but the way you’re acting…I feel like…it reminds me of my ex.”

“I can’t keep chasing a ghost, Baby. I already started this with a hand and foot behind my back. He hurt you so much, and because of it you have all these insecurities, Joey.”

“I’m not insecure. You told me when we first started this I’d always have your honesty. You promised me that. And now I see just what your promises mean, Tristan.”