Beauty

First Things First: Lovely reviews… thank you… A quick update…but I’ll let you in on a secret…this chapter was actually written before the last one was. I gealleally excited about this chapter a while ago, so I wrote it I w I wanted to put some Bakura/Ryou stuff in the last chapter but when i hit page 30 I decided it was time to call it a wrap. As for this chapter, I’m really loving the mess I’ve made. The last time I got excited about a chapter and wrote it early was chapter 19, when Yami confronted Seto for cheating on him. It’s Wednesday the 15th of January, so it’s been two weeks since New Years. Alright, let the drama commence.

Disclaimer: I own no shows or songs


Song notes: Hit The Freeway by Toni Braxton feat. Loon, Wrong Impression by Nie Iie Imbrulia, Lean Back by Terror Squad, Landslide the Stevie Nicks unplugged version,

Chapter 23: Intensity

Calling out, calling out
Haven't you wondered
Why I'm always alone
When you're in my dreams
Calling out, calling out
Haven't you wondered
Why you're finding it hard
Just looking at me
I want you
But I want you to understand
I need you
I love you

Didn't want to leave you
With the wrong impression
Didn't want tove yve you
With my last confession
(Yea) Of love
Wasn't trying to pull you
In the wrong direction
All I wanna do is try to
Make a connection
Of love

~Wrong Impression
Natalie Imbruglia


“I think this might be him.” Joey opened the link. “You think so?”

“It’s just his address for the business. It doesn’t have his home address.”

“I can always call them or go there and get his home address. You think this is Duke though?” Yugi nodded.

“Looks like it very well could be. What are you going to do if you do find his address? Send him a mail bomb or something, Babe?”

“No. I’m going to confront him. I want this resolved. It occurred to me last week that I can’t help anyone else until I help myself. I need closure. Desperately. I want it really to be over. I don’t want it to feel like it’s lingering.”

“I hear ya. I bet Tristan’s going to be impressed you found him, Babe.”

“I’m doing this for Tristan as much as for me. I want to be free to love Tristan without all this baggage going on. Maybe I’ll call him at work and tell him I’m getting close to tracking the fool down.”

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

“Dana told me you wanted to see me, Seto?” Seto nodded. Tristan sat down in front of Seto at his desk.

“Donut?” Seto offered taking a bite of the pastry in his hand.

“No thank you.”

“I called you in here for two reasons, Tristan. One business and the other personal.” Seto shifted in his seat. “We’ll deal with the business issue first.”

“Peterson account?”

“Of course. I’ve decided that enough time has past that it’s time to deal with your boss. Michael’s performance lately has been unsatisfactory.”

“Don’t fire him, Seto. He has a wife and kids to support. He put a lot of responsibility on my shoulders, the deal falling through at the last minute was partially my fault.”

“I never said anything about firing him. He has been working here for five years, and I can’t overlook his hard work. It was only recently that I’ve had cause to be disappointed in him. In any case, I’m arranging for him to be sent to our office in San Francisco. His English is good, and he’ll be heading up sales, which he has experience in. Of course, if I don’t get satisfactory reports from the office in the states I’m recommending to the board of directors to force him out.”

“Then who are you getting to replace him?”

“That’s what I called you in here for, Tristan. You’re bright, and I know you’ve taken the initiative to try to salvage something with the Peterson account, even as things get progressively worse. If you can make this work without going more than 20 percent over our initial figures I would give you Michael’s vacancy.”

“A promotion?”

“Yes.”

“I don’t know what to say, Seto. I mean I still have grad school to finish. I don’t know if I’m qualified.”

“A degree is a piece of paper. This won’t be something thall bll be right away. Michael won’t be leaving until the end ofruarruary. And obviously by then whatever is going on with the Peterson account should be resolved. In the meantime, Michael can walk you through what your new responsibilities will be before he leaves.”

“You say that like you’re sure I can get it under the 20 percent.”

“I don’t doubt you will do whatever needs to be done to make this happen for us. I don’t need to remind you how important this account is for Kaiba Corp.”

“No, you don’t.”

Seto smiled tightly. “Alright, enough of that. I don’t like mixing business with pleasure, but I wanted to ask your advice.”

“About Yami, I presume?”

“Yes, about Yami.” Seto sighed and then stood up, crossing his office to go to the windows to gaze out. “There was an incident between us Monday.”

“This last Monday or last week when you dropped off his things at the hotel suite.”

“No two days ago Monday. I was planning on ng yng you about this when we went to the gym after work, but I know this will bother me all day. I wanted to ask you about it yesterday but we had those damn project meetings the entire day.”

“So what happened exactly?” Seto turned to look at Tristan, his expression unreadable.

Yami walked out of the bathroom, a stream of mist from the shower following him. He was engulfed in his white fluffy bathrobe. He walked over to the bed and allowed the robe to slide off bronbronze shoulders revealing the rest of his flawless flesh in perfect view to Seto.

“Ya…” Yami spun around and shrieked, Seto jumped back, ending up in an easy chair. Yami scrambled for his bathrobe and put it back on and then glared at the CEO of Kaiba Corp.

“What the HELL is going on here, Seto Kaiba! What are you doing in my hotel room?”

“I knocked, there wasn’t an answer, so I…I let myself in…I…”

“YOU HAVE A KEY TO MY ROOM!” Seto could feel his face turning colors. “You jerk! I should have known better than to stay at a Kaiba Hotel. You’ve always been a pervert. Let me guess, you stop by here when I’m not in so you could snoop around. You’d probably steal my underwear, if I owned any.”

“It’s not how it looks.”

“You fucking voyeuristic pervert. You were probably sitting here the entire time I was in the shower, jacking off or some sick shit like that!” Yami walked over to Seto standing in front of him, his armosseossed over his chest as he snuggled himself deeper into the robe. “I should have security remove you from my sight.”

“Let me explain, please.”

“Explain.”

“I only came here to drop off your winter coat.”

“I have my leather jacket.”

“It’s supposed to snow. I know you were going to need your down coat because you’d never leave the building in snow in leather. I knocked and you didn’t answer so I was just going to leave it in the other room with a note. But then I heard you in the shower. I just wanted to talk to you. I haven’t seen you in a week. I was worried about you.”

“You weren’t worried about me when you cheated on me. You weren’t worried when you lied to my face, you fucking jackass.” Yami turned away. “I have nothing to talk to you about. You’re an asshole. You’ve established that. That’s the end of it.”

“Please. Yami. Please.”

“Where are your other boyfriends, Seto? Why don’t you talk to them?”

“Yami…please…”

Yami sat on his bed in a huff, still refusing to look at the brunet. “They were probably all gorgeous. They were probably cuter than me.”

“No, Baby. No one is more gorgeous than you.”

“You’re only saying that.”

“No, sweetheart, no. No one is cuter than you.” Seto slid off the chair and onto the floor so that he was kneeling in front of Yami. Yami looked at him. “You’re perfect, Yami. My indiscretions were no fault of yours.”

Yami looked off to his right, hands firmly crossed across his chest. “I have nothing to say to you. You probably came in here when you discovered I was in the shower because you wanted to see me naked. You’re a fucking asshole. I don’t want to talk to you.”

“Every moment without you is longer than the last, Honey. I can’t do this without you.”

“I don’t care.”

“It hurts so much,” Seto whispered.

Yami turned to look at him, his eyes angry little slits. “Oh, poor thing. Poor Seto Kaiba. He hurts. How do you suppose I feel, Seto? Hum? Do you think perhaps I hurt too? You fucker. I don’t give a shit if you hurt. You’re supposed to hurt. I want you to hurt. Maybe I should wring out your dick a couple more times and you can hurt some more.”

“I’m sorry, Yami. I hurt because I know what pain I’ve put you through. It kills me to know how you must feel right now.”

“Oh just cut the fucking shit, Seto. It’s done. We have nothing more to discuss. Coming here, while I’m in the shower…you pervert. I’m sure you just wanted a free show from your little slut.”

“No, I didn’t want you to be stranded in here without your coat, Sweetheart. That’s all. I know you, I know you’d never step a foot outside of this place if you were in your Italian leather and it was snowing.”

“I have to get dressed.” Yami stood up. “Don’t look at me.” Seto kept his eyes trained on the bed as Yami slipped on something. He walked back over to the bed in only a pair of cotton short shorts. Seto swallowed. Yami sat back on the bed. “I’m getting fat…it’s your fault…I’ve been eating ice cream and chocolate like some kind of PMSing housewife.”

“You look perfect.”

Yami looked away again, arms once again across his chest. “You’re only saying that.”

“No, Sweetie. You’re absolutely perfect. I swear.”

“So talk.”

“I apologize for ever causing you any heartache. My cheating was a weakness in me. It had nothing to do with you.”

Yami looked at him. “You’re lying. You didn’t think I was enough for you. You thought I was a standoffish little bitch. A tease. So you thought you’d fix me.”

“No. That’s not what it was about. I just couldn’t control the need to find someone and have them.”

“Because I wasn’t enough.”

“No, because I was a bastard who couldn’t keep it in his pants.”

“Because I wasn’t cute enough for you.”

“Absolutely not. It was never about you.”

“You fucked five other men since we’ve been together, Seto. Of course it was me!” Yami turned away again a single tear falling down his cheek.

“Baby, Sweetheart, no. There were so many because none of them could hold a candle to you. They meant nothing to me. How could they ever when I’m so in love with you.”

“So in love that you decided to cheat on me.” Yami blinked a few stray tears.

“I was too weak to control it. I had these desires.”

“Because I wasn’t desirable? Is that it?”

“Yami, people would sell their first born to be with you.”

“I need to put on my moisturizer.” Yami stood up and walked over to the vanity, dabbing the tears away. He didn’t want to cry anymore. He was sick of crying. Yami picked up the bottle and walked back over to the CEO. Seto watched in silence as Yami applied the lotion to his skin like he did every time he exited the bathroom. “Can you get my back, Seto…” Yami asked softly, handing the bottle to him.

Seto crawled up onto the bed, sitting behind him, his legs underneath him. He poured a liberal amount into his hands and rubbed it in his palms so it would be warm on Yami’s skin. Yami always asked him tt itt it on his back for him, and the thought that Yami was letting him touch him was warming his aching heart.

Yami leaned into Seto’s sensual caresses cursing himself for still being in love with his two-timing dragon. He was happy Seto brought over his down coat, that he had thought about it and made the trip to the hotel, though his letting himself in wasn’t cute.

“Here, Honey,” Seto whispered, letting his fingers linger on Yami’s skin a little as he handed the bottle back.

“Thank you, Seto.” Yami gave him a look and Seto slipped back off the bed and back on the floor kneeling at his feet. Seto almost looked submissive in this position, and Yami wasn’t sure what to make of it.

“There was another reason I wanted to talk to you, Yami. The charity banquet for the orphanage is the Friday after next. I wanted to know if youome ome with me.”

“You mean lie and pretend that we’re still happily engaged?” Yami asked, bitterly.

“I don’t want our personal situation to take away from the focus of the evening. If I go without you people are going to be suspicious, and the last thing either of us need right now is a media frenzy. I’m not asking for me. I’m asking for the kids.”

“Don’t make this about the kids. The charity will raise money whether or not your trophy fiancé is on your arm that evening.” Yami held his hand out in front of him. “I suppose it’s about time I return this to you.”

Yami made to remove the ring as Seto stopped him. “That belongs on your finger, Yami. It’s yours.”

“Seto…”

“I don’t want it back. You’re the only person I ever intend to marry. That ring belongs to you.”

“And if we don’t get married?”

“I won’t be looking for anyone else, Yami. I already found who I want to spend the rest of forever with.” Yami met solemn sapphire eyes. Seto looked down. “Just think about it, please.”

“I don’t know how I could ever really trust you again.”

“I meant the charity banquet. Coming with me.”

“I’m not saying no. But I’m not saying yes.”

“When could you have an answer for me?”

“Why, you have another date waiting in the wings, Seto?”

“Of course not. If you don’t want to come I’ll just go alone.”

“I am in no mood to cry this afternoon, Seto. I think I’ve had enough talking for one day.”

“Could I call you tomorrow, Honey?” Seto asked, softly, still not looking at him.

“I guess you could.”

Seto got up on to his knees, almost looking like he was about to beg, which intrigued Yami. “Could I give you a little kiss good bye, please?”

“A little one.” Seto looked up into fiery red eyes. Yami slid off the bed, so he was crouched in front of Seto. Seto moved slowly, wanting to savor the fleeting moment. He leaned in, burying his lips and nose into Yami’s neck. His warm breath tickled Yami’s delicate skin. “I said a kiss, not a sniff.”

“You just…you smell so wonderful. I’ve always loved the way you smell after a bath.”

“How did you know I took a bath and not a shower, Seto?” Yami whispered.

“You use differeody ody washes and soaps when you take a bath than you use when you simply shower. I recognize the smell, the way it mixes with the moisturizer and your own personal scent.”

“You can tell if I take a bath based on my scent?” Yami whispered, tangling his hands in Seto’s brown locks.

“Yes, Sweetheart.” Seto dipped his head in closer and placed a tiny kiss on Yami’s exposed neck, then dropped a minuscule kiss on his shoulder before he pulled away a little.

“Seto…”

“I will never ever stop loving you, Yami. If we never reconcile this I’ll be single for the rest of my life.” Seto leaned into him, and joined their lips together gently. His kiss was filled with longing, with distant hope…with anguish. Yami wrapped his arms around him, drawing him in. He had missed Seto’s embrace, missed his smell, missed his butterfly kisses.

Seto’s lips trailed away and he was back to Yami’s neck. He didn’t mean to take advantage of the situation, he just couldn’t help himself. He couldn’t stop his instinctual need to leave love marks on his other half’s neck. Yami only held his eyes closed tightly, hugging Seto to him.

He didn’t know what he was doing. Why he was doing it. But he loved the bastard. The rational part of him went into remission as that part of himself that had chose to stay with Seto despite his cheating took over. The things this man could do to him.

Seto was barely kissing him now, simply dusting his lips against the sensitized area on Yami’s neck, nuzzling him. Holding on to him and wishing the moment would never leave him.

“You should go, Seto,” Yami whispered softly. Seto didn’t want to push things too much, so he pulled away reluctantly. “I don’t want you coming over here unannounced again, do you understand?”

“But if I ask for permission I can come see you?”

“Maybe.” Yami stood up. Seto followed him out of the bedroom and across the suite. Seto looked down, unsure what else could be said. He had bumbled this all up. “I will talk to you tomorrow, Seto.”

“Yes, Honey. Tomorrow. Is there anytime that’s good for you?”

“Around three would be fine. I’ll think about the charity banquet.”

“Thank you, Yami,” Seto responded. Though he wasn’t talking about Yami thinking about going to the charity banquet. Seto stroked Yami’s hand, brushing against the ring. His last hope. He left without another word.

“So you wonder what is going on in Yami’s head?” Seto nodded, looking back out his office window.

“I’m sure he is just as confused about what is going on as you are, Seto. His emotions are all over the place. He’s still in love with you, but he is angry that he is. He doesn’t want to be in love.”

“I need him back, Tristan.”

“I mean, I can’t wave a magic wand and make him come back to you. You just have to take ste steps. And even then there’s a good chance he still won’t come home to you. You committed the ultimate betrayal. It won’t be easy to trust you again.”

“But he’s still wearing the ring. He could have gotten rid of it. He could have thrown it off the freeway like Joey did. Is it wrong for me to think he’s still wearing it because he’s considering this?”

“No, it’s not wrong to think that. But at the same time maybe he wants to wear it because he likes fine jewelry. That thing is a work of art.”

“Yami isn’t a gold digger. He never asked me for anything. I spoiled him because I wanted to.”

“I never said he was gold digger. A good gold digger hangs around. If he wanted to insure he had your money he wouldn’t have left in the first place. Or he would have married you first. If you wanted to cut him off right now you could. You have no obligations to him.”

“I’d never do that. If this doesn’t pan out I have int intentions to buy him a condo and continue paying his credit cards and other bills. I’d close our joint bank account of course, but he still has his bank account, which I can make deposits into. “

“So if this is over for good for the two of you you plan on maintaining the lifestyle you’ve established for him? For how long?”

“Until Yami doesn’t want it anymore. And if he always wants it that’ne.”ne.”

“I guess a billionaire like you could afford it.”

“It’s abo about the money. Yami was never impressed with it. I mean, he liked to shop and buy things. And yes, I have spoiled him rotten. But he’s still a good person. He went to the clothes drive Saturday. He put on a smile, even though he’s hurting, and volunteered like he always does.” Seto sighed. “He hasn’t told me whether or not he wants to come with me to the charity banquet. He said he wants the night to be a success so we can meet our goal and raise enough money for the improvements planned. But he said it might be painful to come with me.”

“I could see that. It’s not easy to pretend everything is alright.” Tristan looked down at Seto’s desk, bristling. “It’s not easy to act like everything is perfectly fine when you know in your heart the whole thing is falling apart at the seams.”

“Yes.” Seto was walking back to his desk.

“It’s up in the air what Yami will do. He needs some time to sift through his feelings.” Seto sat down as Tristan stood up. “I need to go back to fficffice. I have work I want to finish before lunch.”



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

Bakura folded up the grocery bags and put them away. He put away a bag of pretzels and glanced at his boyfriend. “Thanks for helping me with the food, Babyface. I appreciate it.”

“Of course, Kura.” Yugi pulled a chair over to Bakura’s refrigerator so he could put some of Bakura’s groceries up in the cabinets on top of it.

“You’re too cute, Babyface. Why don’t you let me put that away?”

“I can do it, Kura,” Yugi insisted with a smile.

“You’re ridiculous, Babyface. But you’re adorable just the same.” Bakura scooped Yugi off the chair and carried him into his bedroom. Yugi giggled the entire way. “Is Blondie expecting you home for dinner?”

“I don’t know, Kura. I told him I was stopping here on my way home from work.”

“Do I get some quality time with the then?” Bakura asked, sitting on his bed, and settling with Yugi still on his lap.

“What did you have in mind, Kura?”

“You tell me.” Yugi snuggled up into him.

“Can I tell you a secret, Kura?”

“Sure can.”

“I had a dream last night…a wet dream…about you.”

“No Yami?”

“No Yami. Just me and you…and I woke up sticky, Kura.” Yugi crawled out of his boyfriend’s lap. “I haven’t had any real sexual desire by myself since what happened.”

“I see.” Bakura studied Yugi, not sure what to make of this annemenement. He didn’t want to get his hopes up. Even though Yugi and him had started doing things together they were a ways from intercourse. Or maybe he could hope…he didn’t know. “Do you want to try something tonight?”

“Try what, Kura?” Yugi asked, a bit nervous. He had fretted telling Bakura about last night’s dream because he was concerned Bakura would want to have sex with him. And if Bakura did Yugi knew he wouldn’t stop him. He had resigned himself to keeping Bakura at all costs. And if he had to sacrifice himself he’d do it. Whatever necessary.

“Maybe I could give you a blowjob or something? Only if you want.”

“Is that what you want, Kura?”

“Yugi, don’t start that again. You tell me what you want to do.”

“We could try, Kura.” Bakura smiled. Yugi gave Bakura a little smile back and slid off his jeans.

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

Joey opened the door and Tristan practically pounced on him, hugging him close. “What has gotten into you, Tris?”

“Nothing…I just missed you…that’s all.”

“I saw you yesterday, Tris.”

“I know.” Tristan held Joey in his arms for a while longer, reluctant to pull away. “I really missed you.”

“I can see that.” Joey walked over to the kitchen. “I’m making dinner.”

“What happened to Yugi?” Tristan wondered. He slipped off his shoes and walked towards Joey.

“Why do you automatically assume that because I’m making dinner Yugi must be out of the apartment?” Joey asked with a look.

“I’m sorry, Baby. What are you making?”

“Lasagna.” Tristan smirked. “It’s not funny. I can cook.”

“If you say so, Baby.”

“Jerk!” Joey slapped Tristan on the arm. Tristan responded by grabbing Joey and holding him close. “Hey, I’m cooking here, I don’t want my pasta to burn.”

“Let’s make love, Baby.”

“Do you not see me cooking, Tristan?”

“You’re cute, trying to cook for your man.”

“This dinner isn’t for you. This is for Yugi, if he comes home. And besides, I didn’t think you’d want any of this. It’s full of fat and carbs and all sorts of stuff that’s bad for you. And won’t that ruin your diet?”

“What diet?” Tristan asked, dipping his mouth against Joey’s ear.

“You’ve lost some weight, didn’t you do it on purpose?”

“No. I didn’t. I didn’t really think about it. I couldn’t understand why some of my pants weren’t fitting.”

Joey pulled away. “Well, why are you losing weight, Tris? You go to the gym all the time, don’t you eat to compensate?”

“I don’t have time to eat, Joey.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I haven’t been all that hungry, Baby.”

“How could you not be hungry? You go to the gym practically everyday. You run around town, taking Yugi to his therapy appointments, meeting me at work, doing stuff for Seto. Getting ready for next semester’s classes. You’ve been acting like a madman, how could you not be hungry.”

“I’m just not, Joey. It’s not a big deal. I’ve just been busy lately. Seto told me if I get the Peterson account together he’ll give me Michael’s job when he sends him to the states. It’s a lot of responsibility. Plus I have a million other projects to do.”

“You’re wearing yourself thin, Tristan. It’s not healthy to not have time to eat because you’re so busy. There’s something more to this. There’s something wrong.”

“Nonsense, Baby.” Tristan wrapped his arms back around Joey’s waist. “Today was just hectic. That’s all.”

“You’ve been acting weird the last couple of weeks, Tris. I can tell there’s something wrong.”

“There’s not.”

“So throwing up at the Karaoke bar two weeks ago was normal?”

“My stomach was just upset, that’s all.”

Joey pulled away and looked at Tristan directly. “Bakura told Yugi who told me you threw up the last time you and him went out to lunch. He said you ordered a salad and then went to the bathroom and he found you in a stall, vomiting.”

“I guess that’s the last time I go to lunch with Bakura then,” Tristan decided, angrily.

“Tristan, I’ve been doing some research, people who’ve suffered from eating disorders in the past are two to three times more likely to develop one again over someone who hasn’t.”

“And I guess Yugi told you about my eating disorder, hum?”

“We’re all worried about you. The three of us.”

“So you guys have powwows and discuss what’s wrong with me, is that how it works, Joey?”

“Don’t get defensive.”

“What else have Yugi and Bakura told you, Joey?”

“Tristan, you’ve been worrying me. You’re doing too much. You can’t keep acting like there’s not anything wrong.”

“I don’t have an eating disorder. I’m not binging and purging, Joey.”

“You’re not eating period.”

“So now I have anorexia nervosa, is that it? Which is it, Joey. Bulimia or anorexia? Or maybe it’s both.”

“Tristan, please. I never said you had an eating disorder. But I know something is wrong with you. And if you keep this up you could develop one. And if you keep running around trying to do everything you’re going to burn yourself out. Just slow it down a little.”

“I have responsibilities, Joey. Obligations.”

“The only obligation you have is to yourself. Don’t worry about pleasing everyone. You don’t have to be superman.”

“I don’t want to talk about this anymore.”

“If you can’t talk to me talk to Bakura. Or Yugi. Or someone. Please. Talk to your mom.”

“Talk about what?”

“About what is causing this, Tristan.”

“I’ll be fine. I’m just stressed out. And when I get stressed I can let things start to consume me. But that doesn’t mean there’s something wrong. I’ll be fine, Baby. I am sorry I worried you.”

“Tristan…”

“I’m fine, Joey. It’s all okay.” Tristan wrapped his arms around Joey’s waist. He pulled Joey close. “How much longer until you have to take the lasagna out of the oven?”

“About fifteen minutes.”

“That’s enough time.” Tristan began kissing at Joey’s neck.

“Tristan…what are you doing?”

“I need you, Joey…please.”

“Tristan, we were having a serious discussion about your health. You’re losing weight, you’re not eating.”

“I just need you, Joey…that’s all I need…please…” Tristan kissed Joey desperately. “Please…Joey…” Joey swallowed, and allowed Tristan to lead him to his bedroom.


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

“I see him, thank you.” Tristan walked over to the table Yugi was sitting at and sat down. Yugi had called him this morning at work, sounding distressed. He had worried it was related to Joey, but was equally worried when Yugi confessed that he wanted to talk to him about his won problems. “Hi, sorry it took so long, there was an accident on the other side of town.”

“That’s okay. I hope you don’t mind, I ordered without you.”

”That’s fine. I wasn’t hungry anyway.” Yugi frowned. “Big breakfast this morning.”

”Oh.”

“So what’s on your mind, Yugi?”

“It’s about Bakura. I know you guys are pretty close now. I needed some advice. I think I’m probably overreacting. But something happened between us last night and now I’m worried. I’m sorry I’m burdening you with my bullshit again, Tristan.”

“Yugi, please. I’m more than happy to help. What’s going on?”

Bakura licked along the head of Yugi’s penis, before popping it back into his mouth. He hadn’t thought Yugi would want to pleasure him this way, but Yugi had agreed to the 69 and now they were both working on each other, Yugi on top.

Bakura sucked hard, almost violently, Yugi was working him up so much he was servicing Yugi’s shaft with reckless abandon. Bakura couldn’t help the moans coming from his mouth as he took his hand and pumped his boyfriend into his wiling mouth. There was no way he could know that his boyfriend’s trembling wasn’t pleasure related. Yugi continued his ministrations as the shaking got more and more intense.

“Mmmm…Babyface…mmmm…make me come…I’m soooo clooose….”

Yugi took more of Bakura into his mouth, feeling hot tears come to his eyes. He relaxed his jaw so he could deep throat his boyfriend. Bakura moaned, his sounds muffled around Yugi’s length. Yugi bobbed his head up and down faster…he wasn’t sure how much longer he could keep doing this. He was feeling closed in. He was suffocating, and scared.

“Like that…yes…so good…so close…” Bakura had Yugi back in his mouth and within moments Yugi came. He whimpered as Bakura released in his mouth. Yugi scrambled off Bakura and int into the bathroom and burst out into tears.

“I take it that was the first time you tried oral sex since the assault?” Yugi nodded.

“Malik and I didn’t have oral sex that afternoon. That’out out the only thing he didn’t make me do for him.” Yugi shivered. The brunet spotted the goosebumps on his arms. Tristan took off his sweater and handed it to the shorter man sitting across from him.

“Here, Yugi. It’s okay.”

“I don’t want to start crying.”

“Do you want to leave, we could go to somewhere more private.”

“No, I want to just tell you.” Yugi looked up at Tristan after he put Tristan’s sweater over his shirt. “Bakura couldn’t get me to stop crying last night. I fell asleep crying on his bed. He had to sleep on the couch. I even locked the door, just to know he wouldn’t come in the room.woulwould have gone home but I was too emotional to drive and I didn’t trust myself to be alright to let Bakura take me.”

“Did you flashback during the sex?”

“It wasn’t that. I know I’ve told you pretty much everything that happened that day, but there’s one thing I haven’t told you. Or anyone. Not the rape counselor, not the new therapist I’m seeing, not Bakura, not Joey. No one.”

Tristan swallowed. “What is it, Yugi. You can trust me.”

“I know I can.” Yugi took a sip of the water to settle himself. He didn’t want to cry. He couldn’t cry. He doubted he still had teleftleft after last night. “Bakura has promised that he’d never make me sleep with him. But I’ve gotten a lot of broken promises in the past. Not from him, but…” Yugi swallowed. “Towards the end of what happened…after Malik’s box was empty he told me that I had put myself in the position of a little sex toy and that he was going to treat me that way.”

“It’s okay, Yugi. Whatever it was, it’s not your fault.”

“He…fisted me.” Yugi looked down, missing Tristan’s reaction. “It didn’t hurt as much as you’re probably thinking. By that point I was numb from the waist down, my body was no longer my own, and him doing that to me was symbolic to that. He wanted to humiliate me, he wanted to make sure I learned my lesson. He wanted me to understand that all I was was some little slut for someone else’s enjoyment.”

“So when things got very intimate with Bakura last night you felt like you had no control over the situation. Over your body. Like that day.”

“My body was Malik’s, Tristan. I was there for him.” Yugi swallowed his water quickly, anything to keep himself from crying. “What upsets me most is that I’m hurting Bakura. I’ve been with everyone and their brother and I can’t even pleasure my own boyfriend without freaking out.”

“Did you and Bakura discuss what happened?”

“No. He made me breakfast this morning. He could tell I didn’t want to talk about it. I showered, put on my work clothes and left. He didn’t kiss me, I think he was scared I’d flinch away.”

“You know you have to talk to him.”

“I can’t. The only reason I told you was because I knew if I told Joey he’d freak out and I knew Bakura would call you asking for advice. You’re able to look a situation critically without allowing your emotions to get in the way and I couldn’t stand Joey or Bakura getting emotional around me because then I’d get emotional.”

“Would you like me to tell Bakura what you told me?”

“You would tell him for me?”

“Only if that’s what you want. When he calls me, which I’m sure he will, we’ll discuss it. But only if you want to.”

“I can’t tell him. I know how emotional he’ll get. I’therther not have him yelling that he should have killed Malik when he had the chance. But I don’t want to keep it from him. I thought that we were making progress that maybe one day we could have intercourse again. Now I don’t know anymore. You’re good at listening, Tristan. Offering advice, you’re very supportive. I know if you spoke to Bakura the conversation me and him would have afterwards would go better.”

“I’ll talk to him then. But I know what he’ll say to you, Yugi.” Yugi looked at Tristan. “He’ll say how strong you are, he’ll say how sorry he is for frightening yoke tke that. He’ll tell you muc much he loves you and how good you’re doing and how you loving him is all he’ll ever need from you.”

“Is that what he’ll say, Tristan?”

“I’m positive that’s what he’ll say.” Tristan smiled and took Yugi’s hands in his. “No worries. Bakura will understand. He’s a very caring person behind that tough guy thing he has going. But then, you already know that.” Yugi nodded, confidently.

“Thanks, Tristan… I really don’t know what any of us would do without you…you gie a e a lot of strength. I love you. Thank you.”

“I’m just happy to help.”

“If you ever need anything…”

“I’m fine right now, Yugi. But thank you for the concern.”

“Here you go, Sir.” Yugi and Tristan looked up at the waitress. “Can I get you something?”

“Just a glass of ginger ale, thanks,” Tristan answered politely.

“You sure?” the waitress asked. Tristan nodded. “Enjoy your meal.”

“Thanks,” Yugi returned. “You’re welcome to nibble off my plate, Tristan.” Tristan smiled. Though he knew he wouldn’t have anything. The sight of Yugi’s food was actually making him physically ill.


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


“I’ll get the plates,” Yugi offered. Tristan was making dessert. He, Bakura and Yami were all over Friday to watch movies. Id bed been Yami’s idea, he was feeling upset about Seto so he called Yugi and asked if they could rent movies and have an old fashioned sleep over, crashing on the living room floor amid popcorn and cookies. Yugi had convinced his boyfriend, best friend and Tristan to agree.

Yami had even come over and made some orange juice to go with the pizza.

“Bakura, do you want mushroom?” Joey called from the floor.

“Yeah, and one with pepperoni.” Yami handed Joey a plate and Joey picked up two slices for the bouncer. “What about you, Tris?”

“I’m fine,” Tristan answered.

“Tristan…”

“Bakura, do you know what happened to the oven mitt? I have to take the apple turnovers out,” Tristan asked, ignoring Joey’s protests.

“Yeah, I think I know where it is.” Bakura opened a drawer to look for it.

“So what are we doing for your birthday next week, Babe? You s hav haven’t told us what you wanted to do.”

“You guys don’t have to do anything special for me. Yug, what kind of pizza do you want?”

“Plain’s fine. But just one slice, I wao sao save room for Tristan’s turnovers.”

“I only want half a slice, Joey, I can’t afford to gain anymore weight,” Yami put in, handing Joey another plate. Joey rolled his eyes. “I’m becoming a porker.”

“Yeah and I’m Batman, Yami. You’re full of shit,” Bakura responded. “Hey, Babyface, what happened to the oven mitt?”

“I don’t know…you had it last when you cooked for us last night, Kura. I had cereal for breakfast this morning.”

“I’d ask you, Blondie, but you don’t cook so it’d be a waste of time.”

“It’s on top of the fridge, thank you very much,” Joey responded, casting Bakura an annoyed look. “Tristan, you should eat.”

“I’ll eat some dessert, I don’t want to eat pizza. Is it just me or is it hot in here?”

“No, I’m fine,” Bakura answered. “Tristan, you should have picked up a six pack on your way to pick up the pizza.”

“But I made orange juice,” Yami said, si. .

“Orange juice and pizza, yum.” Yami narrowed his eyes.

“Bakura, don’t be nasty to him. I think it was very nice of you to make orange juice, Yams,” Yugi said with a big smile.

“I’m getting good at it too,” Yami said. Joey smirked. “Is there something funny, Joey?”

“No, you’re just amusing, that’s all.”

“No one minds if I open a window, right?” Tristan asked, opening the small window over the sink. “I’m sweating.”

“It’s not hot in here,” Joey answered. The blond watched as the brunet rubbed his neck with his hands.

“These look pretty good, Tristan,” Bakura commented, poking one of the turnovers with a fork. He took a taste. “Not bad, either. You didn’t have to go get the pizza and make dessert, Tristan. You could have told me to pick the food up.” Bakura took another sample.

“I didn’t…mind…” Tristan looked at Bakura, his vision blurring, Bakura’s head multiplying to four separate images. “I’m noelineling good…the room’s spinning.”

“Tristan?” Joey looked at him

“What’s wrong, Tristan?” Bakura asked, putting the fork down. “You look pale, is it your stomach?” Tristan shook his head no.

“I feel weak, faint.”

“What do you think it is…you want to lie down?” Bakura asked.

“Did you just start feeling sick, Tris?” Joey inquired walking over to his boyfriend. “Tristan?”

“I’m fine, just a little dizzy spell, that’s all.”

“Caused by what,” Yugi asked. “You shouldn’t just get dizzy for no reason.”

“What’s the last thing you ate today, maybe it’s something not agreeing with you,” Yami thought.

“I don’t remember.” Joey narrowed his eyes. “I don’t think I had anything to eat today.”

“What do you mean you don’t remember, how do you not know if you’ve eaten or not?” Joey asked, getting angrier and more concerned.

“It could be his blood sugar…it could be low…would explain the weakness and his face growing pale,” Bakura thought.

“I’m not diabetic,” Tristan answered, leaning against the counter top. He put his head in his hands. If the room would stop going in circles he’d be fine.

“You don’t have to be diabetic, Tristan. It could even be lack of iron. Your body needs nutrients to run. If you haven’t eaten all day your body can’t maintain its regular functions,” Yugi put in.

“Give him something sugary. An apple turnover, “ Yami suggested. By now Yugi and Yami had joined Joey and Bakura in the kitchen.

“I’ll cut one for you, okay, Tris?” Joey offered.

“I’m fine. Really.”

“Let’s not start that shit again, Tristan. That’s the same crap you told the four of us at the bar that night you threw up all over the damn place. You look sick. You’re sweating, you’re pale. You need to eat,” Bakura insisted. “Joey, cut him up a turnover. He’s eating it and that’s that.”

Joey handed it to Tristan. “You can’t keep over extending yourself, Tris.”

“I’ll eat…if it’ll get you guys to calm down…I’m fine…I don’t know how many times I can say that…would you like me to say it in French?”

“You speak French?” Joey asked.

“Yes.” Tristan forced a turnover into his mouth, and began swallowing it in big lumps. “Happy now?”

“I’d be happier if you had an actual meal,” Joey answered, sternly.

“I guess he’s having pizza after all,” Yugi decided. “Come on, you can sit down and we’ll start one of the movies.” Everyone headed back into the living room.

Under Joey’s watchful eye Tristan managed to eat an entire slice, though his stomach was rejecting the entire time. “Dessert time?” Yami asked, pausing the DVD.

“I thought you were a porker?” Joey inquired.

“There are apples in it, they’re good for you. An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Besides, I want to taste Tristan’s treats.”

“Yeah, I bet,” Bakura remarked, with an eye roll. He stood up and went into the kitchen. “Everyone want a piece?”

“Yeah, Kura.” Yugi answered. “Want help?”

“I’ll help,” Tristan answered standing up. He grabbed the empty pizza plates and headed into the kitchen. He was just putting the dishes into the sink when the room started doing flips again.

“Tristan, you okay…” Bakura asked, turning as Tristan grabbed his head and crouched down. “Tristan?”

“What’s wrong, Tris?” Joey asked, getting off the couch.

“I’m going to be sick…” Bakura grabbed Tristan’s shoulders. “Come on, Buddy, I’ll take you to the bathroom.”

“He hasn’t been eating has he?” Yami asked, giving Joey a firm look. “He’s lost some weight.”

“I noticed that,” Y,” Yugi answered, as they heard sounds of Tristan vomiting. “He didn’t eat when we went to lunch yesterday. And he didn’t eat when Bakura and him met for drinks yesterday evening either. You need to talk to him about this, Joey.”

“He won’t tell me what’s going on, he keeps telling me there’s nothing… “

“Guys, call an ambulance….right now…”

“Tristan…what the fuck is going on…” Joey scrambled towards the bathroom. Bakura grabbed him. “WHAT is going on…”

“Babyface, call an ambulance…please…”

“What’s wrong?” Yugi asked, running to where Bakura was holding Joey back.

“He’s throwing up blood…”

“TRISTAN…” Joey screamed.

“Joey, calm down…it’s okay…”

“It’s not okay! FUCK…let me go in the goddamn bathroom…Bakura…” Yugi got passed them and into the bathroom where Tristan was on the floor crying, holding his stomach.

“It’s okay, Tristan…it’s okay…” Yugi knelt down and held his hand and squeezed it. “Bakura, keep Joey out of the bathroom…”

“I’ll call for help,” Yami yelled over the commotion, grabbing his cell phone.

“Let me fucking in there…right now…”

“Joey, alr alright…” Bakura held Joey firmly. He wasn’t having the blond see his boyfriend like this. “Yugi’s with him.”

“BAKURA…let me in there…fuck..let me…” Joey started sobbing.

“Shh…it’s okay…it’s okay…we’ll take him to the hospital. He’ll be fine.”

“He’s fucking throwing up blood…that’s not fine…”

“It’s alright.” Bakura comforted the blond as best he could.

“Tell Joey I’m sorry…” Tristan whimpered. “Tell him I’m sorry…please…”

“Just sit still, alright…we’re going to get some help.”

Yami put on his shoes and made sure the oven was off and wrapped up the food quickly. He grabbed everyone’s winter coats and walked back over to where Joey was with Bakura. “Guys, they’ll be here in about two minutes. Put on your coats so we can go.” Yami held up Joey’s coat. “Here, me and Bakura can help you.”

Joey sniffled but slipped his coat on. “Does Tristan have any clothes here uld uld grab and throw into a bag? In case he has to spend the night or something?”

“In my room…the middle drawer in my dresser has some of his things in it.”

“Okay.” Yami walked into the bathroom, swallowing, preparing himself for anything he might find. Tristan was sitting silently…clearly in pain, Yugi comforting him with soft words, and rubbing his lderlder. “Here, your coat, Aibou. Let’s wait to put Tristan in a coat, in case the paramedics need to do something.”

“Okay, Yami.” Yami walked into Joey’s bedroom, found some things and threw them in Joey’s book bag. By then the doorbell rang. Joey ran towards the door, opening it, not wondering why the paramedics didn’t have to be buzzed in. Behind them was the last person he had expected, or wanted to see.

Seto Kaiba.

Joey turned to look at Yami. “What the fuck is going on here?”

“I wanted Tristan to get to the hospital as fast as possible, I called Seto. The security guards at the mansion called for a medical helicopter. The last thing we need is the ambulance to have to come across town in Domino city traffic.”

“And you’re here, because?” Joey continued, his attentions back on the brunet. Bakura was by his side now, to keep him calm. His emotions were everywhere at the moment.

“You can’t follow a helicopter te hoe hospital in a car. I came over in Kaiba 1, one of my helicopters. We can get to the hospital as soon as Tristan does.”

“Watch out, please.” The paramedics were taking Tristan out on a stretcher. Bakura took Joey and held him as he cried again. “We’re taking him to Domino Medical.”

“Come on, let’s go,” Seto said firmly. Joey looked at Seto and Yami for a moment then walked out so he could hold Tristan’s hand as they headed for the elevators. Yugi was the last to leave the apartment so he could lock the door.

The ride in the helicopter was silent. Joey was riding with Tristan. Yami, Seto, Bakura and Yugi were in Kaiba 1. “We have to call his parents,” Bakura finally thought as they saw Domino Medical coming into view.

“I don’t know the number. I’m sure Joey doesn’t know it either,” Yugi answered, looking at the other men in the chopper.

“I grabbed Tristan’s cell phone before we left, I’m sure it’s stored on his phone,” Yami decided, opening Joey’s backpack. He picked up the cell phone and handed it to Bakura. “Here you go.”

“What are his parents names,” Bakura asked, looking through the phone book stored on the phone.

“Emily and Charles,” Seto answered.

“I’m not going to ask how you know that,” Bakura decided finding the number. “Good, it’s here. I’ll call once we find out what’s going on, I don’t want to scare them. They live far away, I don’t want them panicking because they don’t know what’s happening.”

“Is he going to be okay…I don’t understand…blood…what if he has a stomach cancer or something…”

“I don’t think it’s that serious, Yugi. It could be something as simple as an ulcer,” Seto assured him. “Heaven knows I’ve had my fair share running Kaiba Corp.”

“Yes, Seto’s stressed himself out plenty of times. Though he’s never thrown up blood. I’m sure Seto is right.”

“He has been really stressed out recently. He’s been doing too much stuff,” Bakura agreed.

“And he’s lost some weight, I’ve noticed. And he has no appetite. Has he been vomiting after meals?” Seto inquired.

“He has. He’s done it a couple of times that I’ve seen,” Bakura thought.

“I’ve noticed too,” Yugi added.

“He’s been going to the gym almost every day. I hoped hitting a punching bag would relieve some of his tension. But now it looks like he’s made himself sick,” Seto said stiffly.

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

Seto returned to the lounge with four cups of coffee. “Here you guys go.” Seto handed one to Joey and Bakura took two for Yugi and him. “Here, Honey, they had French vanilla, I know it’s your favorite.”

“Thank you, Seto.” Yami smiled and took the cup. “What about you?”

“I can’t drink coffee this late. It ruins my sleep cycle. I haven’t been getting enough sleep as it is.” Seto looked at Joey. “So what have the doctors said?”

“They said it looks like peptic ulcer disease and that they were going to test for helicopter something infection to be safe since he vomited blood…”

“Helicobacter pylori infection,” Seto corrected. “You were saying?”

“They said if he doesn’t have the infection they’re probably going to prescribe a proton pump inhibiter to reduce the amount of acid in his stomach. That’s all they said. They haven’t spoken to us in about an hour. It’s busy here tonight, we can’t find a doct

“I’ll track down one and see if anything has changed. And what about his parents?”

“Bakura called them. They weren’t home so he left a message to call one of our cell phones.”

“I’ll be back in a few minutes.” Seto left the lounge again.

“God, I hate this…why can’t I see him?”

“I’m sure we’ll see him soon, Babe. Don’t worry. I’m sure they’re just running tests or something.”

“We’re all guilty of letting him do things for us. He’s just always firsfirst one to volunteer. And we take advantage of it,” Joey thought, bitterly. “That jerk…why would he do this to himself…and he refused help…”

“Seto’s had a few ulcers and he always recovered quite quickly. I’m sure the only reason things got as bad as they did with Tristan is because he ignored it. You have nothing to worry about, Joey,” Yami insisted.

“I want to see him. Now.”

As if on cue Seto came back. “Joey, I talked to a nurse. They want to keep him overnight because he’s complaining of abdominal pain, but you can go see him.” Joey got up. “Room 17
“
“Okay.”

Seto walked back into the lounge. “Tristan should be just fine, there’s only a small chance he’ll develop complications. He just needs to relieve some stress. I gave him the week off, but I have a feeling he’ll try coming to work at some point.”

“Joey’ll kill him if he does. But Tristan can be stubborn when he wants to be,” Bakura decided.

“I should be heading home. It’s been a long day.” Seto looked at Yami for a moment.

“Thanks for coming, Seto, we all appreciate it. It was very nice of you to bring us over here in the helicopter,” Yami said, standing up.

“I do what I can. It’s never a problem.” Seto looked at Bakura YugiYugi. “I gave Joey the cell phone number of the pilot. When you guys are ready to leave just call him and he can fly you back to the apartment building if you don’t want to take a cab home. I guess we’re just lucky you’re building is big enough and lit well enough to land on.”

“Okay, Seto…” Yugi answered.

“How is he? Could we go to see him?” Yami wondered.

“You can, but he’s moaning, I got the impression he wasn’t in the mood to chat.”

“I guess I’ll just see him later then.”

“I can give you a ride back to your hotel in the limo, Yami,” Seto offered.

“Is that okay with you, Aibou?” Yami asked.

“Yeah, that’s fine. Just call tomorrow, Bakura and I can drop off your car.”

“Goodnight guys,” Yami said, “Give Tristan our .” .”

Seto didn’t say anything as they walked to the elevators and took them to the ground level and outside. Yami waited until they were walking to the limo before he commented, “Really, Seto, thank you for helping tonight.”

“I’d do anything for you, Yami. You must know that by now.” Seto allowed Yami to get in first. “You called me because you needed help, and I came.”

“I called because Tristan needed help. I was going to call an emergency number but changed my mind because I thought of the traffic in this city. It wasn’t for me, Seto.”

“Yami, you’re one of the most important people in my life. And when you called and told me what happened I sprung into action because I wanted to help you. It didn’t matter that it was Tristan. It could have been a complete stranger to me. I would have still helped. Do you understand?”

“I do.” Yami looked at Seto for a while, not sure what to think of the CEO. When he was sure Seto wasn’t looking at him he glanced at the ring on his finger, perplexed.

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


“I’ll stay the night if you want, Tris…I don’t want to leave you…”

“No, Baby. Go home with Yugi and Bakura. I’ll be fine.”

“You’re in the hospital, Tristan. At what point do you think it’s time to stop telling me that you’re fine?”

“It’s only a precaution. Besides, I got admitted so late, it’s silly for me to leave here at like 4 in the morning, Baby.”

“You’re doing too much, Tris. I told you something was wrong.”

“I’ve been stressing myself out…the acid in my stomach’s been churning…I just need to stop worrying about things I have no control over.” Joey nodded. “I didn’t mean to worry you, Baby. I’m sure when Bakura told you about the blood in my vomit you got scared.”

“Yes, terrified. I don’t want something awful to happen to you.”

“If I promise I won’t let anything awful happen to me will you go back with Yugi and Bakura? I’m sure they’re waitior yor you. And Yugi did say the helicopter pilill ill be back in a few minutes.”

“Alright, I’ll go home. I’ll call tomorrow; see what time you can leave so we can come pick you up. Okay?”

“Yes.”

“I love you, Tristan. You jerk…scaring the shit out of me…”

“I’m sorry, Baby. I love you too.” Joey leaned over and gave Tristan a kiss. “Tell Bakura and Yugi goodnight again, okay?”

“Okay. Goodnight.”


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


Tristan felt a lot better on Saturday and by Monday, with the medication he was taking he was feeling better still. Unfortunately no amount of time off from work was going to solve all his stress. Despite Seto and Joey’s protests he stopped in at the office on Monday, yesterday, so he could pick up some files and do some work from home. Truth be told, as much as he did want to the promotion, he didn’t need it.

His parents had come down to see him and make sure he was alright on Sunday, which had been a strain, especially since they had waned to know what it was that was making him so upset. Unlike Joey and Bakura, they knew better than to think work had anything to do with it.

Working at Kaiba Corp and climbing up the corporate ladder kept the illusion up. Besides, the money in his trust fund was his parent’s money…and given their history if he could avoid using it he did. When he had first turned 21 and had been eligible to take from it he had splurged of course, buying the condo and the motorcycle. He wondered why it was Joey and Bakura never connected the dots, though.

Maybe they didn’t want to know just how well off he was. And it wasn’t like Tristan really wanted to tell them. He was sure that their estimations were probably low. He strongly doubted that either of them, or any of the other people he had met since movto Dto Domino had any clue he had money in the low millions.

Except perhaps Seto. Tristan didn’t think Seto wanted to get in his pants. And chances were good he never had. He had simply wound up seeking Tristan out because he knew that they had this in common. Why he hadn’t thought of it before he wasn’t sure. Maybe because he didn’t like thinking about what was sitting in the bank. Maybe because he had known what it was to be average before his dad got lucky in the stock market.

All of that was side stuff…he didn’t feel horrible about keeping this little secret from Joey…if Joey ever asked him how much he had he would tell him the truth. What bothered him was this Duke thing. Every time he thought about Duke he could feel himself getting worse. With Joey’s birthday on Saturday he had the added stress of helping Yugi and Bakura with their small surprise.

And Yami wanted advice about Seto. And when didn’t Seto want advice about Yami. And of course he had already established himself as the middle man for Yugi and Bakura. He could blame no one but himself for casting himself as the psychologist. Analyzing, giving advice. Life was falling apart around him…and he couldn’t even take his own advice. He couldn’t talk about it. He must have tried telling Bakura about Duke a hundred times in the last two and a half weeks.

How could he ever tell Joey if he couldn’t even tell Bakura?

Tristan walked over to the front door and let Joey in. “Hey, Tris. How you feeling?”

“Good, Baby.”

“Take your meds?”

“Of course, Baby.” Tristan gave Joey a look. “There’s leftovers, are you hungry?”

“Nope, ate at work. I ordered some books for classes. I can’t believe break is practically over. They don’t give us enough time off.” Joey slipped off his boots. “It’s starting to snow.”

“I should take your car to the shop and get you some snow tires, Baby. I don’t want you to get into an accident.”

“Tristan…I can do it…I’m not helpless.”

“I’m not allowed to do things for you anymore?”

“That’s not what I said.”

“You’re going to be at work res rest of the week, Baby. Seto doesn’t want me back at the office, he’s threatened to have security remove me from the building if I go back before Thursday.”

“Good. But you need your rest, Tristan. The last thing you need is to be running around town doing errands. That’s how this all started.”

“I can take your car tomorrow, alright?”

“Tristan…”

“Do you want something to drink?” Tristan inquired, his hands slinking around Joey from behind. He pressed kisses into Joey’s hair. “You sure you’re not hungry?”

“I want you to stop acting like ignoring the problem will make it go away. What are you trying to do, kill yourself?”

“Let’s go upstairs and finish this..okay…”

“No.” Joey pulled away. “Tristan, why don’t you want to talk to me? What is going on with you?”

“You shouldn’t worry so much, Joey…you’re going to end up with an ulcer too.”

“You’re not cute, Tristan. I’m not amused.”

“Am I laughing, Joey?”

“You’re being an asshole.”

“That’s your opinion.” Tristan headed from the foyer and into the living room. Joey followed after him.

“I’m tired of having this discussion with you. What is it going to take for you to admit to me that there is something wrong?”

“I’m feeling better, Joey. Honest. As long as you’re with me I’ll be fine. That’s all that matters, thou’rou’re with me.”

“Tristan…” Joey sighed and sat next to his boyfriend on the couch. “I’m just complaining so much because I’m concerned. I’m not allowed to worry about you?”

“I don’t want you to worry, Joey. It upsets me when you worry about me.” Tristan held open his arms. Joey moved over and they hugged, Tristan clinging to him tightly. Joey shivered, lately every time the brunet held him it felt like Tristan was afraid he wouldn’t get to hug him again.

“You’re not dying or something…are you…Tris…if there’s something serious…”

“Just an ulcer…I swear it, Joey…I won’t leave you…ever.” Tristan released him. “I know I’ve been a challenge these last couple of weeks, but I am just going through stress. I guess playing superman is getting to me, Joey. Like you said.”

“Will you please try taking it easy…please?”

“I will, promise.” Tristan leaned over and gave Joey a hard kiss, surprising the blond. “I need you, Joey…” Tristan murmured.

“Tristan…I still want to talk about this…”

“We can talk when I’m finished.”

Joey’s heart jumped. Usually he thought nothing of it when Tristan got demanding before sex, but now he was turned offt tut turned on. Actually, Tristan’s sexual appetite had been insatiable for weeks. It seemed he just couldn’t get enough. Granted, it was kind of cool to be that irresistible to him. But at the same time it seemed that their lovemaking was becoming more and more about Tristan relieving some tension than about them sharing intimacy.

Why hadn’t he thought about this before…about the way Tristan was virtually unstoppable when it came to sex? Joey had never said no…he had always got into it, always wanted it. Liked teasing Tristan a bit beforehand. It was all part of the game. But this didn’t feel like a game anymore. Tristan’s comment had definitely not felt good.

“I want to know what’s wrong, right now…it doesn’t feel like it did a month ago…it’s like all of a sudden something’s changed…is there someone else?”

“There’s no one else…I only have eyes for you, Baby..” Tristan was kissing more aggressively, rubbing his hands under Joey’s shirt. “Take off your pants, Joey.”

“I thought we were having a conversation.”

“And I thought we would finish talking when I was done with you.”

“Why are you talking to me like that? It makes me uncomfortable. It makes me feel like you don’t care what I think.”

“I just…I need you so bad…please, Joey…I’m aching for you…I’m not trying to upset you…” Tristan kissed Joey softly, Joey sliding his eyes closed, and responding to the kiss, though he wasn’t sure what he was feeling anymore.

It wasn’t long before the kiss became more aggressive on Tristan’s end, more submissive on Joey’s end, and both men ended up lying on the couch, Tristan on top of Joey.

“Why do you ache for me so much…I don’t understand….” Joey asked, feeling Tristan’s hands running up his shirt again. “Talk to me…what’s happening to you..”

“Do I need a reason to want to be with you? You’re my boyfriend.”

“And because of that I’m just supposed to lie down for you whenever you want….”

“I didn’t mean it like that, and you know it. I meant you’re my boyfriend, I’m very attracted to you…that is the reason I want to be with you…I don’t know why you’re fighting me all of a sudden.”

“You’re missing the entire point, Tristan…”

“Baby, we’ll talk..we’ll talk all night if it’ll make you happy…please…I need this from you…”

“Maybe I’m not in the mood to give it to you…Tristan…” Tristan didn’t say anything as he shifted and kissed Joey’s neck.

“I’m not in the mood for your little cock tease games right now, Joey…”

“I’m not playing any games…me saying no to you is some kind of game?”

“You’re always resisting me, and you end up wanting it as much as I do…you haven’t said no since we started dating.”

“Get off of me, you jerk…”

“Baby, just stop…stop doing this…stop turning this into a fight…” Tristan was at Joey’s pants, undoing them.

“No…I don’t want you…stop…”

“Joey…just calmn…” n…”

“Tristan…stop…STOP!” Joey pushed Tristan as hard as he could. Tristan rolled off of Joey and onto the floor. Joey sat up, in a panic, trembling. “What is wrong with you, Tristan?”

Tristan didn’t answer, he sat up and looked at the ground, also shaking.

“What did you think you were doing, didn’t you hear me when I said no?” Still no response from the brunet. “What is going on with you, Tristan? Tell me. Please. It’s like I don’t know who you are anymore.” Joey stood up, and zipped and buttoned his pants back up. “SAY SOMETHING, DAMNIT.”

No response. Tristan didn’t even bother to look at his boyfriend.

Joey blinked back a few tears and left the condo.

Tristan remained on the floor and began to sob.



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


“HE SAID WHAT!”

“Calm down, Babyface.”

“I will not calm down… that fucking bastard…”

“Babyface, please…you’re only agitating Joey by carrying on like that. Calm down. Please.” Yugi sat on the couch, fuming. Bakura gave Joey a hug as he sat upset on the couch. “I’ll go have a discussion with him. Alright, Joey. I’ll talk to him and I won’t come back until I figure out what the hell is up with him.”

“I don’t even want to see him… “ Joey said, hugging himself. “He doesn’t care about me at all… he’s just an asshole.”

“Just let me find out what’s happening before you write him off.”

“Maybe he’s just some kind of psycho…he was so goddamn arrogant to me.. acting like I owed him or something…it made me sick…”

The three men turned at the sound of the door buzzing.

“That fucker has a hell of a lot of nerve coming over here,” Yugi spat.

“I’ll go downstairs and talk to him. The two of you stay here.”

“Don’t defend him, Kura. He’s been acting up for weeks now. Joey is trying to help him and he practically forces himself on him in response.”

“Just give me a moment, Babyface. Joey, can I speak with him…is that alright?”

“I don’t care…I’m tired of this bullshit with him.”

“Give me twenty minutes.” Bakura grabbed his coat and slid on his boots and headed for the elevator. When he got outside he opened the door for the brunet who was standing there inrs. rs. “Yugi and Joey are ready to crucify you right now, you care to explain yourself, Tristan?”

“I can’t be with Joey anymore.”

“What the fuck are you talking about? According to Joey you sure tried to be with him an hour ago.”

“He’s going to leave me…” Tristan said, cryptiy. y.

“He’s in love with you, but yeah, if you keep fucking up like this he will call it a wrap. Why are you crying? I didn’t think you cried.”

“This will never work with Joey…he won’t forgive me…”

“You must have some kind of explanation…I know you’re not some sort of rapist.”

“I’m not talking about this afternoon…I’m talking about Duke.”

“What the hell does Duke have to do with any of this? Really, Tristan, I’m saying this because you’re a friend, but lately you’ve been acting like a looney tune.”

“I slept with Duke, Bakura. When he was still Joey’s fiancé.”

Bakura’s face grew paler and he grabbed Tristan’s shoulders. “You’re tingting me right. Please tell me you’re shitting me.” Tristan said nothing as he became overcome with guilt and shame and cried violently in the lobby of Joey and Yugi’s apartment building.

Author’s Endnotes: Hot diggity damn. Gods… what the hell am I doing? I don’t think I even have a comment… the drama’s so deep now… What can I say… I know you’re desperate to read the next installment…tell me what you thought of this one… I quite liked this chapter… but I’m evil… and another cliffie… shesh… somebody stop me…oh… and just because I know you’re anxious:

“Aibou, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking. Since what happened between Seto and me…I feel like I don’t really know how I feel about things anymore. I guess what I’m trying to say is, I want us to go away for the weekend, catch up, reconnect.”

“Away for the weekend, Yams…I…this is so sudden…I don’t know what to say…”

“My intentions are pure, Aibou. If you want to invite Joey you can. It can be like old times. I just have tt awt away for a little bit. Figure out what I want.”

“Are you still in love with him?”

“I don’t know, Aibou. I don’t know how I feel about Seto. Or about you.”