It's always been you.

Chapter two.

Joey woke up fifteen minutes before his alarm went off today.

His eyes opened by themselves and the sun was all.. ‘shiny’! He was actually fully energized, so getting up was no problem at all. He hopped out of bed, put on his fuzzy slippers he got for Christmas from Anzu and started to get ready for the carnival. He took his time in getting ready because it was Saturday and the Carnival wasn’t for another hour.

Joey wondered if he should call Yugi, everyone was supposed to meet at Yugi’s and then they were all gonna leave together.

“Hey, Yug… is everyone there already?"

“Yeah, Joe—you’re the only one we’re waiting for.”

Joey could hear crashing and banging in the background.

“Uh… what’s going on over there? Did Bakura kill anyone?”

Yugi chuckled. “No, Ryou just took the last riceball and I guess Bakura wanted it. He’s throwing a tantrum. “Oh, wait… Ryou just smacked him with a pat spoon and now they’re both strangling each other on the floor.”

Joey and Yugi both shared some more laughter and after ten minutes, Joey hung up the phone and got back to fixing his hair. It was the last thing he needed to do before he left the house. He decided he was going to eat at the carnival since there wasn’t anything in the fridge or the shelves.

He grabbed his keys and ipod and closed the door behind him. Mmm.. he breathed in. This is some good fresh air.

---

At the Kaiba mansion Seto was working from his laptop. He needed to get some work done and he wanted to finish it so he can take a few naps. He didn’t know why he was feeling so unspeakably tired.

Just then, Mokuba popped in the room and distracted him from his own thoughts. “Hey, Seto—can you take me to the carnival at Avaryn Park? PLEASE? OH PLEASE?" Pleaded Mokuba. He knew Seto would eventually give in. Seto didn’t like saying no to him and he used that to his advantage. “Mokuba I’m really busy right now, why don’t you ask Roland to take you? I’m sure he’d love to."

“Roland’s sick, and he won’t be able to. You’re my only other option. If you love me you will take me."

“You’re such a brat, you know that?”

Mokuba climbed into his lap, and closed his laptop screen. “I’m your brat and you can’t help but love me.”

Seto knew he didn't have a choice.

“Okay, I’ll take you but let me finish typing one more email first, opening up his laptop screen again. Did you eat breakfast already?”

“I did, but I just have to finish a piece of bacon. I’ll be right back.” Mokuba hurried out of the room to finish his bacon.

Ugh, so much for those naps. This carnival’s probably gonna be boring anyway. I don’t know why Mokuba wants to go. That mutt and his friends are sure to be there and god forbid, I don’t want to see the mutt. I’d rather eat wheat thins for dinner and I hate wheat thins. But for the sake of Mokuba’s happiness, I better take him or he might do something reckless. That kid worries me sometimes. He still haven’t mention Jason again. I’ll have to ask him about it one of these days.

---

Joey felt guilty about leaving his friends and coming to the carnival alone but he just really needed some time alone. Lately that’s all he’s been wanting… He promised to meet up with them later.

As he reached the park’s entrance.. streamers, balloons, ferris wheels, food carts all caught his sight.

He was about to get a burrito when he recognized a familiar mop of brown hair in the distance. He winced a little when the figure moved closer. It was Seto and Mokuba… I bet Mokuba forced him to come here today. Ha ha, I’m glad he’s here though. He deserves to have some fun instead of working his ass off all day and night. Wait.. what am I thinking? Snap out of it Joey!

He walked over to Seto and Mokuba.

“JOEY! I was wondering when I was gonna see you. Seto said you were gonna be here. It’s good to see you!”

“It’s good to see you too, Mokuba. How are you?”

“I’m great, Seto had a day off and he decided to take me to this carnival and I’m having a blast!”

“You forced me into taking you; I didn’t wanna come in the first place. I’d rather be much comfortable taking a nap at home.” Seto answered in a monotonous voice.

“Aw, but you still gave in and decided to take me.”

“True…”

Here comes the gang. See you later Mokuba… Seto… he paused for a second to look Seto in the eyes. Seto stared back, not saying anything.

Seto could hear Joey talking cheerily with his friends.

“You should tell him how you feel, you know. He loves you Seto.. can’t you see it in his eyes?”

“Mokie, please don’t start with this. I don’t feel anything but hate for Joey and you know it. It’s nothing more than hate. That’s all, so give it a rest already and go back to having fun. Which ride do you wanna go on next?”

“You’re being a meanie..”

“I’m not. Why do we always have to talk about Joey and me?”

“Because you love him and he loves you. But you’re so stupid and won’t admit your feelings for him because you’re so afraid of getting hurt.”

“When did you become such a genius on other people’s feelings?”

“I just want you to be happy; Seto, and I know you will with Joey.”

“I’m gonna go sit down, I’m tired of walking.”

“Follow your heart, Seto and tell him how you feel before it’s too late.” Spoke Mokuba.

Seto was so confused and annoyed. Thoughts were running through his head like wildfires. He didn’t know what he was supposed to do. One thing’s for sure… he can’t let these stupid feelings go on any longer. Joey’s just some common teenager who doesn’t mean a thing to him. So why do I feel so weak whenever he’s near?

He turned his head abruptly to find Joey sitting next to him. His thoughts were obviously interrupted. “Don’t you have somewhere to be? Like with your friends?"

“Not really, I told them I wanted to talk to you for a while. Is that a crime?”

“To want to talk to Seto Kaiba? I would think so.”

“Ha ha, yeah… whatever tough guy. I’m not scared of you, you know?”

“You should be.”

“And why’s that?” Grinned Joey.

“You don’t wanna know.”

“Mokuba seems to be really enjoying himself out there” Joey chuckled.

“I’m glad, he’s a kid afterall; he deserves to have fun. He’s not talking to one of his friends.. Jason.. I think. I wonder if those two had a fight or something.”

“What? I doubt that. Mokuba doesn’t seem like the type of kid, who’d get into a fight with one of his friends.”

“Yeah, let’s hope.” Sighed Seto.

“So, how are you?”

“I’m fine, why you asking? Don’t I look fine?"

“Just making conversation, Kaiba. Will you lighten up a little?"

“Well stop. You’re making me think that you’re capable of a decent conversation when we all know you’re not.”

Joey tried to ignore that last comment. “I’m gonna go get an ice cream, you want any?”

“No.”

“Aright, suit yourself.”

Joey got up and Seto’s gaze followed him all the way to the tiny ice cream parlor next to some dancing clowns.

He looks so scrumptious in those jeans. Seto’s breath caught in his throat. Never in his life had he thought something so naughty about Joey. He averted his gaze to the ground when he caught Joey coming back with an ice cream cone in his hand.

“You were staring at me, am I that good looking?”

You have no idea… “hardly.. a monkey wouldn’t want to go out with you.”
Joey gasped and feigned hurt. “You’re too much, Kaiba.” He laughed and dabbed a bit of ice cream on Seto’s nose with his finger and ran off.

“What the hell, mutt?! GET BACK HERE!"

He chased Joey into an empty tent and pinned him down onto the wooden table—Joey decided to be brave and licked some of the ice cream off Seto’s nose. It was already half melting. Seto leaned in real close so that their lips were just merely inches apart.

“K-Kaiba…”

“Don’t play with me, mutt. It was really childish of you to put ice cream on my nose. Now it’s dripping all over my clothes. You never know when to be serious; it’s always fun and games with you, huh?”

“I…”

“Save it. I’m leaving.”

“I’m.. sorry, okay? I didn’t mean…”

“Of course you didn’t, just go find your friends and play with them. I’m sure they’d love that, won’t they Joey?”

Seto exited the tent, leaving a sobbing Joey inside. Hehehe… he laughed through his tears, I should’ve known better. For a second there though, I thought I was gonna get a kiss.

---

Fuck, fuck, fuck! Why did I do that to him?! Stupid baka Seto.. go back in there and hold him and tell him you’re sorry. Pff, Seto Kaiba sorry? AS IF! It’s a good thing if I don’t see him anymore. His very presence makes me nauseous. I should go home and change my suit. I really could use a nap and I think Mokuba’s been here long enough. It’s time to go home...

He found Mokuba eating some jolly rancher candy and talking with some strange kid. Wait that kid looks an awful lot like… JASON? What’s he doing here? I thought he and Mokuba weren’t talking.

“Hey Mokie, are you ready to go home yet? It’s been 4 hours. Hey, Jason… long time no see."

“Hey Kaiba, sorry I was away at camp with my cousin. But I’m back now.”

“I see, how long have you been gone?”

“A few months. I just got back yesterday.”

“That’s good. Is everything okay between you and my brother? He didn’t feel like talking about you during the time you were gone. Did you guys talked on the phone?”

“Yeah, I tried calling but he wouldn’t pick up the phone or call back.” Said Jason, a sad look in his eyes.

Mokuba winced a bit. He didn’t like when people were talking about him when he was right there infront of them.

“Can we go home already, Seto? I’m tired. I’ll see you later Jason.”

Jason nodded, confused… he got up and walked over to play a game of ping pong ball and fish bowl.

Seto called up his limo driver to take him and Mokuba home and in the meanwhile decided to do some interrogation. “So, what’s with you and Jason, Mokie?”

“Did he do something to you that I should know about?”

“No, Seto, I don’t wanna talk about it.”

“Fine, but if you ever want to, I’m here okay? I want to see you happy.”

“I know…”

“Seto?”

“Yeah?”

“Can Joey come over and play some video games? I’d really like to him to, he hasn’t been over in forever and I miss him.”

“Mokuba…”

“I know, I know but Seto please? He’s my friend. I promise he won’t be in your way. We’ll play the games in my room and we won’t bother you.”

“I don’t think he’ll want to come over today. How about another day?”

“Noooo, I want him to come over today. Please, big brother? I haven’t played video games with him since Anzu’s birthday party and that was a long time ago.”

“Alright, go find him! I’ll wait in the limo.”

“Oh, thank you Seto! You’re the best. I love you.”

“I love you too, kid.”

Seto sighed as he entered the limo and rested his head against the leather seat. Joey… can you forgive me? He whispered to himself as his eyes betrayed him and he fell asleep.

---

Seto woke up to find himself in his own bed at home. Wait.. what… how did I get here? Okay.. I remember the carnival. I was in the limo. Mokuba had gone to find Joey. Joey.. it all came crashing back to him. The ice cream, the tent…

He got out of bed and could hear faint voices down the hall, no doubt coming from Mokuba’s room. Joey must still be here. Why???

Just then, he saw Joey coming out of Mokuba’s room—sapphire eyes locked with golden ones. Time stopped and they were the only two beings that existed in this world.

“Oh… h-hi.. I didn't.. know you were a-awake.” Joey said softly, glancing away. Pain and sadness written all over his face. He was aching inside and out and Seto knew he was the cause of it.

"Y-yeah.. I just did.. moments ago..." Seto replied, wanting nothing more than to wrap his arms around Joey's waist and whisper sweet nothings into his ear.

"O-o-okay."

.
.
.

The silence was almost unbearable and Joey walked past Seto to get to the bathroom.

Seto stared him down and then went to Mokuba’s room. “Mokuba? Who put me in bed yesterday? I don’t seem to recall being awake when it happened. How long was I asleep for? Did I miss anything?”

“Me and Joey tried waking you up but you wouldn’t budge, so Joey decided to carry you upstairs to your room.”

Seto’s eyes widened. "Joey took me to my room?!" He asked, incredulously.

“Yeah…”

“Why couldn’t Horace do it?” Horace is their butler.

“He’s off on some secret mission or something. He’s been gone since this morning.”

“Oh…”

I can’t believe this, what the hell was he thinking, carrying me to my room?! His face flushing a little..

“Seto, are you okay?"

“I’m fine Mokuba. Have you seen my laptop? I need it.”

“I think it’s in your office.”

“Thanks.” And just like that, Seto left Mokuba’s room

He went to work on his laptop, replying to a bunch of business emails, calling up employees, the usual.

He threw a quick glance out the window and much to his surprise, it was raining. That’s weird, it hasn’t rained since February.

He saw Joey walking out the front door and hurried downstairs to call after him…
Wait.. what am I doing?

“Joey…”

Joey turned his head to see Seto standing at the door, his hair a bit disheveled, no doubt from running down the stairs, he could’ve taken the elevator because that would’ve slowed him down.

Great he’s probably gonna insult me again. “D-did you want something…?”

“It’s pouring out here; my driver will take you home.”

“That’s alright, I like walking in the rain. It helps me to think, but thanks anyway.”

Seto saw a look of utter confusion cross Joey’s face. Of course… he’s still thinking what happened in the tent. Why did I have to be such a dummy back there?

“If you’re sure…”

“I am. Goodnight.”

“Night.”

Meanwhile, up in his room, Mokuba was watching the whole exchange through a window. He giggled as he saw his brother’s face expression.

Seto frowned and walked back up the stairs to his master bathroom to take a shower. He loved to take midnight showers. It calms him down and helps to wash the day’s worries from him.

As the water cascaded down his body, his thoughts went back to Joey. Oh Joey… He had a strong urge of 'wanting to know more about Joey'. This wasn’t some stupid game anymore. Actual feelings were involved.

He shut off the water, and grabbed a towel. Drying himself off and slipping into a pair of warm, silk pajamas—he walked back into his room.
He saw a lump in his bed and was not surprised at all. Mokuba only came to sleep with him only if he had nightmares or was feeling lonely and after the apparent fun day he had at the carnival—he decided to go with the first reason.

He climbed into bed and pulled the silk covers over him.

“Do you love Joey?”

Seto blinked, his heart suddenly pounding intensely. It was an innocent question…

“W-w-what? Don’t be silly, Mokie.. I’d never love someone as worthless as him, you know that.”

“Joey’s not worthless. He's funny and sweet. If I were you… I’d choose him.” Mokuba sadly whispered to his brother.

“I thought you were tired.”

“I am”, yawned Mokuba.

“Then go to sleep baka; it’s late."

“Mmkay, oh.. if Jason calls, tell him I’m not at home, okay? I don’t want to talk to him. Please?”

“Mokie.. what’s going on between you and him? I remember you guys being best friends in the past, if something happened, you can tell me. There’s nothing to be ashamed of. I’m your brother, I’ll always be here for you.”

“Well…”

“Go on, I’m listening.”

“He got a girlfriend when he went to camp.”

Seto chuckled. “Is that it? It’s normal for boys your age to have girlfriends, Mokie.”

“Well the thing is… he hangs out with her most of the time and never wants to hang out with me anymore. He’s acting weird and I don’t know what his problem is.”

“Do you want me to call him and ask him to come over tomorrow?”

“NO! Don’t, I don’t want to see him.”

“Mokuba, this is important. You obviously want to see him, why else would this bother you so much?”

“Fine, I guess you can call him.” Mokuba sighed.

“Okay, now go get some sleep. I’ll talk to you in the morning. Goodnight.” Seto gave him a quick hug and let him get to his own room.

He picked up the wireless phone by his dresser and started dialing Jason’s house number.

“Hello?” An unfamiliar voice said, at the other end.

“Hello, this is Seto Kaiba."

“Seto… Kaiba? You’re Mokuba’s brother right?"

“Yes, who am I speaking to?”

“I’m Jason’s brother, Chris, I’m a senior like you but I attend Claysville High School a few blocks from Domino High school.

“Lovely.”

Chris chuckled.

“Is Jason around? Mokuba wanted him to come over tomorrow to hang out."

“Uh, hold on a second? I’ll get him.”

What an idiot… Seto could hear Jason shouting ‘I’ll be there’ to his brother. Then there was a noise, indicating that the phone probably fell or something.

“Hey Kaiba, it’s Jason.”

“Hey, listen can you come over tomorrow? Mokuba wants to see you—I think he misses you. He says you spend way too much time with your girlfriend and I guess he’s a little sad. Can you come over and maybe cheer him up, play some video games with him? He’d really like that.”

“Um…”

“I don’t know what’s going between you two but if I hear you hurt my brother…”

“I-it’s nothing like that.. I would never hurt him!” Defended Jason.

“Then how come he seems depressed and doesn't want to talk about you anymore?”

“H-he's depressed? I'm sorry.. I..I have to go."

“Jason, don’t hang up the—“

Jason had already hung up the phone.

GRR, why did I even call? That Jason kid seems like a big snob.

He turned out the lights, snuggled under the sheets and drifted off to sleep.

Author's note: That was chapter two, folks. You're all probably wondering who this Jason guy is and what his problem is but he's an important character and so is his brother, that's all I'm gonna say. :D Hope u liked~