Beauty

First Things First: I have two really good reasons why this chapter took so long.. really. One…I had real life to deal with. And two, I couldn’t stop myself from writing chapter 25 before I wrote this chapter. So for all your patient waiting and nail-biting I’ decided to post both chapters together. That’s right, it’s a double chapter, two for one special. The chapters sort of work as one really long chapter, since I wrote them at the same time. And…both chapter have lemons…so you’re in for a real treat. And don’t worry, you don’t have to leave two reviews. Hehehe…I’m just teasing. Also this chapter, which was supposed to be relatively short turned out being a lot longer than originally planned. Oh, what a tangled web I’ve woven. Well, the good news is…so many of you have asked me when something in this chapter would happen…you were desperate for it. 24 chapters in and we finally see the lemon you guys have been waiting for. This chapter picks up Tuesday in the same spot the last chapter left off. Alright, enough of that…on to the drama.

Disclaimer: No songs, no shows…

Song Notes: Strangers by Raj Ramayya, Gravity by Maaya Sakamoto, Shiro by Yoko Kanno, Train on a Track by Kelly Rowland, and Fall Again by Glenn Lewis

Chapter 24: Calm


Feels like a fire that burns in my heart
Every single moment that we spend apart
I need you around for every day to start
I haven’t left you alone
There’s something about you, I stare in your eyes
And everything I’m looking for I seem to find
All this time away is killing me inside
I need your love in my life

I wanna spend time till it ends
I wanna fall with you again
Like we did when we first met
I wanna fall with you again

~Fall Again
Glenn Lewis



Bakura sat on his counter and gave Tristan a hard stare. “We’re dealing with two separate issues here, Tristan. You sleeping with Duke and what happened between you and Joey this afternoon are two different situations.”

Tristan looked up at Bakura from the bouncer’s kitchen table and sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. “They’re not, Bakura. They’re the same situation.”

“How so?”

“The secret about Duke has been on my mind, stressing me out. And in classic Tristan style I’ve tried escaping from the situation by dealing with the stress by using sex.”

“And Joey refused today so you acted like an asshole.”

“It wasn’t that i would have forced him, I just didn’t like that he said no to me.”

“Doesn’t he have the right to say no?”

“Of course he does.” Tristan cupped his head in his hands. “I know, I sound like some kind of hypocrite. It’s not that Joey doesn’t have a choice. I was just upset that he decided to say no.”

“But by your own admission, you’ve been using Joey as a stress reliever. Correct?”

“Yes.”

“So in other words, you want Joey to let you use his body so you can temporarily forget that you unknowingly hurt him in the paat…have I got it right?”

“It’s not that I just fucked the shit out of him and left, Bakura. You make it seem disgusting. Being with Joey intimately calmed me because I got to be with him, I felt good making him feel good. I get pleasure from his pleasure, it wasn’t about me getting in, coming, getting out. I was just hurt that he refused me today, and I got defensive. Then things took a darker turn.”

“Alright, you’re talking in circles.”

“I don’t like taking no for an answer. And the fact that it was Joey upset me more.”

“See that’s the part I’m confused on. You don’t like being told no, yet you claim that Joey has the right to say it. Are you saying that anytime Joey says no you’re going to act like you did this afternoon?”

“No. This afternoon things got messed up because I was feeling the world caving in on me. I was upset about a lot of things. My behavior was deplorable. The moment Joey refused me that should have been the end of it. That was not my normal reaction.”

“How do you know that? Joey’s never said no before.”

“I love him, that’s the difference. He’s not some random fling, he’s not some booty call. He’s not one of the members of the endless parade of sexual encounters I’ve had in my life.”

“He’s not Duke.”

“No, he’s not Duke. Or Brian or any of the rest of the nameless people I’ve fucked. He’s special to me. It’s just, my old self came out this afternoon. That part of me I had thought I had buried.”

“And what part is that?”

“The part that thinks I’m entitled to whatever I want when I want.” Tristan took another shaky sip of the hot chocolate Bakura had fixed him. “I wasn’t a nice person in the past, Bakura. Maybe that’s why I try to carry the weight of the world on my shoulders now. Maybe I do so much as some kind of repentance. Heaven knows I have a lot to repent for.” Tristan dumped another fluffy marshmallow in his mug. “I guess I’ve always been full of myself. That’s why I fucked whoever I felt like.”

“And most of the guys said yes?”

“Why wouldn’t they. I was doing them a favor by sleeping with them.”

“And what about the ones that said no.”

“I’d leave or I’d kick them out. Or I’d persuade them they had made the wrong decision. It became like a little game to me…what else did I have to say to get them to give in. Sometimes I think I went after guys who would be a bit reluctant.”

“You sound pretty nonchalant about that.”

“It’s not nonchalance. It’s shame. It’s regret. It’s the kind of thing that haunts me. The kind of motivator that makes me push myself to the limit to help others.”

“But Joey is different.”

“He’s different. He’s everything, Bakura. Gods, I never thought love was for me. Anytime I got close I let it slip through my fingers like grains of sand. What happenhis his afternoon is all caused by what I did a year ago.”

“You’re upset that you hurt Joey a year ago so you hurt him now subconsciously?”

“Something like that.”

“Tristan, you didn’t know. Duke lied to the both of you. Why are you killing yourself over this?”

“I should have known, Bakura. I didn’t want to know. Joey would be happily married right now if it weren’t for what I did. If I wasn’t some goddamn home wreaker.”

“Whoa. You got it twisted, Tristan. Happily married? Duke cheated on him. It doesn’t matter that it was you, the fucker would have found someone else to fuck around with.”

“There’s no way to possibly know that.”

“Oh, so you were just so much of a temptation that Duke was powerless to resist? You gave him your phone number, at the moment Duke decided to call you he made the decision to betray Joey.”

“That first time we were together, I know he didn’t want to.”

“But he did. Did you rape him, Tristan?”

“No, but I didn’t give him much of a choice. I told you I don’t take no for an answer very well.”

“Did you rape him? Yes or no?”

“No.”

“Then that’s that. He went over to the condo to fuck. And if he was that intimidated by you, if he was that worried you were going to force yourself on him he wouldn’t have kept coming by for 4 months. Don’t beat yourself up over the possibility that Duke and Joey would have lived happily ever after if you hadn’t come along. Even if you and him never slept together he was tempted by another man.”

“Who’s not tempted? He had been with Joey for a long time. He had proposed to him. This was who he was going to spend the rest of his life with. Can you blame him from having doubts, for wondering if this was who he wanted to spend forever with?”

“It’s one thing to look at another guy, check him out. But being tempted is entirely different.”

“You’ve never been tempted by another man while you were in a relationship?”

“No.”

“What about before you and Yugi were official. Long before the rape, back when you and him were simply friends with benefits. You knew Yugi was sleeping with other people, you mean to tell me you never had the desire to sleep with anyone else?”

“No. I didn’t have the desire to sleep with anyone else. I wasn’t going to encourage Yugi’s bed hopping with hopping of my own. And while I was with Ryou, even when he went off the deep end, I might have looked, but I never got close to wanting to sleep with someone else. Are you saying you’ve been tempted while with Joey?”

“Of course not. I told you, Joey’s it for me.”

“A horny fucker like you and you’ve never seen someone you just wanted to fuck. In the worst way.”

“No.”

“Not even Yami or Seto.”

“Yami or Seto. No. I never wanted to fuck either of them. I never wanted to fuck you or Yugi or anyone else I’ve met since dating Joey.”

“So you concede my point that Duke being tempted by other men is a big problem, right?”

“Duke and Joey were together for a longer period of time than I’ve been with Joey. There comes a point in any relationship where things need some spicing up, where the situation could get stale after a while.”

“So you’re saying that down the road in a month or two you could see someone else and get tempted?”

“That’s not what I’m saying.”

“Duke was tempted while with Joey. You’re with Joey now.”

“Duke was an idiot who went looking for what he already had.”

“Did Duke want you, Tristan? Did he want you guys to have a relationship?”

“It’s hard to tell. The only person that knows the answer to that is Duke. God, that fucker, if I could get my hands on him. Bad enough he had to break Joey’s heart. But he made me a party to it.”

“So what are you going to tell Joey?”

“I don’t have a choice, I have to tell him the truth.”

“That’s not true. You don’t have to tell him. If telling him is going to do more harm than good, don’t tell him.”

“You want me to lie to Joey?”

“It’s not a lie. What good would it do? We both know Joey’s not going to react to this well. Why hurt him. I know it wasn’t your fault. You know it wasn’t your fault. Joey’s not going to see it that way. He’s going to be devastated. And especially since you’ve messed up this afternoon. Actually, you’ve been messing up a lot lately. Going to the gym to workout with Kaiba, dancing with Yami. This is going to ruin your relationship.”

“Joey is an adult. He can handle it. You make it sound like he’s a child who can’t understand this.”

“How would you feel if Joey told you he slept with one of your ex’s and had an affair with him. This wasn’t just some random fling for him. This was his fiancé for Christ sakes, Tristan. He was planning a life with him. A happy ending. It took him a year to recover from that. Why do you think he’d take it well?”

“He’s trying to track down Duke as we speak. What if he finds him. You want me to prevent Joey from finding him too? How far do you think I should go? Tap the phone, have him followed?”

“Think about it though. You tell him, all I can see is misery and heartbreak, Tristan. He’ll never be able to look at you the same. He’s not going to trust you again. You sleeping with Duke is going to dredge up all his feelings about the Tristan you use to be. The arrogant jackass who went around Domino fucking anyone he could get his hands on. That coupled with what happened this afternoon is relationship suicide. He’s going to see you as callous and uncaring. No matter what you’ve done since you’ve been together your past is going to haunt the both of you.”

“But if I don’t tell him I’m lying to him. I’m betraying him. The longer I keep this from him it’s like I’m admitting guilt. It’s like I’m saying I did something wrong a year ago. How could I tell him he has my honesty and keep this a secret. This goes to the very heart of trust. Isn’t it better he finds out from me than from Duke? How would I ever be able to get him to trust me again if he found out some other way?”

“I’m getting an ulcer just thinking about this, Tristan.”

“God…I’m going to lose him. No matter what I do. If I tell him I’m going to lose him, if I keep it from him I’m eventually going to lose him. Hell, I might have already lost him after the bullshit I pulled today.”

“Why don’t we talk to Babyface. He knows Joey better than anyone. Get his opinion. He’ll be able to tell us if you should confess this to Joey or not.”

“Yugi? You think I should ask him?”

“Yes. I’m sure he won’t say anything to Joey. And he’ll give you his honest advice.”

“Maybe you’re right. If anyone knows how Joey would react it would be his best friend. Alright, we’ll talk to your boyfriend.”


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

“Hello, Yami. looklook gorgeous.” Yami offered a small smile.

“Hello, Seto.” He held the door so that Seto could enter the hotel suite. “Thank you for coming. I didn’t mean for you to drop everything you were doing and rush over here. It wasn’t an emergency or anything.”

“You needed me, didn’t you? So I came. It’s never a problem, Yami.”

“If you were busy you didn’t have to come so quickly, that’s all I was referring to.” Yami looked at Seto and swallowed. He had called the CEO and told him he wanted to talk and Seto had hoped in the car and sped over. He hadn’t thought Seto would be that eager. But here he was. This was getting complicated, quickly.

“Cosmopolitan, Yami?” Seto asked, walking over to the wet bar. Yami nodded, watching as Seto pulled out the vodka.

“I should be doing that. You’re my guest, Seto.”

“It’s not a problem, Honey. ike ike doing things for you.” Yami gave Seto a look as he mixed the contents of both glasses. He squashed plans to speak to Seto in the bedroom. He wanted to keep things casual, but not too casual.

“Thank you, Seto.” Yami took the proffered drink and sat on the couch. Seto made like he was going to join him and Yami shifted over. He had hoped Seto would take a chair, but what was done was done. The last thing he wanted to do was get into semantics. “I won’t waste too much of your time, Seto. I know you’re a busy man.”

“It’s never a waste of time to speak with you, Yami,” Seto insisted. “Should we make a toast?”

“Toast for what, Seto?”

“To talking, to inviting me over.” Yami gave him a look. Technically, he hadn’t invited him over. He had simply told Seto he wished to speak with him. He could have had this conversation over the phone. Since the incident Friday night, four days ago, with Tristan, he had spoken to Seto on the phone every night. I had felt comforting to speak to Seto, but strained. And now they were here. And Yami wasn’t even sure what that meant.

They made the toast and Yami took a hard sip of the alcohol. “This is stronger than you usually make them, Seto.”

“Want me to add more cranberry juice.”

“It’s okay, Seto. Don’t worry about it.”

“You sure, Yami?”

“Yes. It’s fine.” Yami took another sip. He needed to say something. He needed to talk. But the words weren’t coming to him. Just say it…for the love of Ra, just say it.

“I hear it’s supposed to be heavy snow tonight. Maybe 5 inches.”

“I guess it’s a good thing you packed up my snow boots for me then.”

“Do you need anything? A scarf, or a hat?”

“No. I have them, thank you.” Yami turned to regard him for a moment. “Listen, Seto. I just wanted to talk to you about what’s been going on between us recently.”

“Alright. What’s on your mind?”

“It is very sweet of you to do things for me, but I don’t want you to think you’re obligated. I’m not helpless, though I suppose since we’ve been together I’ve allowed you to pamper and spoil me. I just don’t want you to bend over backwards for me, it’s not necessary.”

“It’s the least I can do, Honey.”

“Seto, we’ve been getting along well, but I don’t want you to get the wrong idea about what is going on here.” Seto narrowed his eyes, slightly. “I don’t mean to lead you on, Seto.”

“So you’re saying this is over, then?”

“I…” Yami looked away. Damn it. He didn’t know what he was supposed to say. How could this be fixed, it couldn’t. Right? There was no reason to take Seto back…but why was it so hard to let go? Why was he feeling like this? What had happened to the night he had wrung Seto’s penis out and told him he wouldn’t be coming back? Didn’t he feel that way anymore?

“Yami?”

“I…Seto…I don’t know how to feel about this. I know I’ve been throwing out mixed signals. And the last time you were over here I think I gave you an impression that something was happening that wasn’t. I shouldn’t have kissed you the way I did. I apologize for confusing you.”

“Well, you’ve always been a little cock tease, Yami,” Seto said, his eyes still narrowed.

“I wasn’t teasing you. You should not have assumed something was going on.”

“If this is over say so.”

“Why are you so quick to ask for finality, Seto? Are you that desperate for this to be over between us?”

“I want us to make up, Yami. You’re the one on the fence about this.”

“What am I supposed to do, fall back into your arms and pretend none of what you did happened, Seto? For the love of god, I don’t know what to think. How else am I supposed to feel, Seto?”

“So what you’re saying is, you don’t want me to think I have a shot of getting you back, but you’re not saying it’s over. What am I supposed to do, Yami?”

“Don’t start with me, Seto. Don’t you dare start when you put me in this damn predicament in the first damn place!”

“At least I’m trying to figure this out, Yami. You want to remain in perpetual limbo. It’s been damn near a month.”

“Fuck you, Seto. Figure this out? Figure out how to weasel your way back into my pants, that’s what you’re figuring out.”

“I’m sorry, Yami, but not every time I’m speaking to you I’m attempting to fuck you.”

“That’s right, you have your whores for that, right?”

“What is it you want from me, Yami? I will do anything you want. Anything. You name it and I’ll do it.”

“You can’t do what I want you to do. You can’t un-break my heart.” Yami turned away, arms over his chest. “I don’t want to speak with you anymore. Forget it. Leave.”

“We’ll never get anywhere if you keep pushing me away.”

“I told you I didn’t want to speak to you anymore.”

“Yami…please…talk to me…yell at me…hit me…do something. Don’t tell me to leave.”

“I’m surprised you miss me, Seto. Especially with your little boys all over town.”

“There aren’t any boys, Yami. I told you. I had a problem.”

“It’s called being a bastard. And there’s no cure for that.”

“Will you look at me, please?”

“No.”

“Yami, please. Look at me, talk to me.”

“No.”

“Honey, please. I’m sorry I upset you again. I’m sorry I accused you of being a tease.”

“Admit that you want to sleep with me,” Yami demanded, looking at Seto, arms still across his chest. “Say it.”

“I’m very attracted to you, Yami, yes, I do wish to have sex with you, but that’s not on the forethoughts of my mind every time we interact.”

“And what about that kiss the other day?”

“I missed the feel of your lips, I was so taken in by your scent, Honey. You drive me wild. I didn’t mean to take advantage of the situation.”

“Oh course you did, Seto,” Yami insisted. He stood up. “I’m cold. I need a sweater.” He headed into the bedroom, he glanced over his shoulder to watch Seto following him. Why was his heart pounding?

“You’re right, Yami, I did.” Yami stopped dead in his footsteps. He trembled as Seto’s hands massaged his shoulders. “If you hadn’t have stopped me I wouldn’t have stopped kissing you until I passed out from lack of oxygen.”

“Is that so?” Yami asked, softly.

“I admit to wanting to sleep with you that afternoon,” Seto added, in a near whisper.

“Me too.” Yami turned around. What the hell am I…oh gods…someone…help me…I’m so confused…is this the alcohol? “I miss you…physically…there are nights I…”

“What?”

“I…wake up…wanting you…wishing you were here to…take me…” Yami swallowed, why was he telling Seto this…this man…who lied and hurt him…who destroyed their relationship. But 21 days was a long time, especially since Yami was use to nightly sexual relations.

He pulled away slowly and sat on the bed, abandoning thoughts of getting a sweater. Truth was he didn’t really want one, the alcohol was already warming him, and he really just needed an excuse to get Seto into his bedroom, for what he wasn’t sure. Why was he so torn, this was killing him inside.

“Seto…sometimes, I wish I was with you, you were holding me again. I miss that most of all…being held. Though waking up with more than just my nipples hard isn’t pleasant either.”

Seto sat on the bed next to him. “No, it’s not. Of course if you tried sleeping with clothes on maybe they wouldn’t be so hard all the time.” Seto smiled a little, even under Yami’s shirt he could clearly see the nips poking out.

“I always had you to keep me warm, Seto,” Yami mentioned in a whisper. Seto looked at his little lover and down. “I don’t want to miss you anymore. I want the pain to go away.” Yami looked at Seto, who decided silence was the best thing for him to say. He watched as Yami took successive sips of his cosmo and did the same.

“I wanted to tell you, Seto…I decided I would be your date for the charity banquet for the orphanage next week. The children need the money, and you’re right, they’ll be a scandal if I’m not by your side, and I don’t want our separation to be the reason we don’t reach our goal.”

“Really, Yami?”

“Yes.”

“Thank you, you don’t know what this means to me.”

“I do, Seto. That’s why I’m doing it.”

“Do you need something to wear? I could send over a tailor…”

“I have something at the house. I’ll just have to come home to get ready, that’s all. What are you wearing?”

“I…I don’t know, Sweetie. You’ve always picked out my outfits for these things.”

“I think you have a tux that would match what I’m planning to wear. I can lay it out for you. Help you get ready, help you pick out cufflinks, that sort of thing, but you have to get home from work early enough. By 4, Seto.”

“It’s a Friday, I’ll take a half day. I can be home by two. If you want, I could come pick you up at the hotel on the way home.”

“That would be fine.”

“Maybe we could get some lunch first, I know we’ll never get a chance to really eat at the banquet.”

“500 a plate and we never get to eat much of it, it hardly seems fair, hum, Seto?”

“No, it doesn’t seem fair.”

“Alright, we’ll go to lunch. You can pick where.”

“Okay, Honey.” Yami looked at him. He wasn’t sure what to think or say. He sighed, and started in on his cosmopolitan again. Seto did the same.


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


Tristan opened his front door and gave Joey a shy smile. “Thank you for coming to talk to me, Baby.”

“Yeah.”

“I just want ten minutes. If you want to walk out on me after that it’s your choice.”

“Fine.” Joey entered the condo and took off his shoes. Bakura had assured him that Tristan had an explanation for his behavior and that he was truly upset about his actions hours ago. Joey had decided to see Tristan at the scene of the crime after learning Tristan had cried in the lobby of his building with guilt.

Joey did a small glance at the couch. The pillows were back in place. It looked like it did before Tristan’s stunt. “Would you like to sit at the kitchen table, Joey?”

“Fine.” Joey swallowed and followed his boyfriend.

“Drink?”

“No.”

“Alright then.” Tristan sat, Joey sat across from him. “I wanted to apologize for my behavior earlier. I have no excuse or reasonable explanations to offer you, Joey. All I can give you is my apology.”

“Why would you do that, Tristan? Were you going to force me?”

“No. I would never force you. I wish I could tell you why I reacted that way. But I can’t. I wasn’t trying to hurt you. I was upset that we began arguing.”

“You caused the argument though, Tristan.”

“Yes. I admit it was my fault.”

“It wasn’t that I wouldn’t have slept with you, but I wanted to talk, I wanted to understand what was going on with you.”

“Your concern for me touches me, Joey.”

“Don’t say it like that. It sounds like you’re patronizing me.”

“I only meant that you’re the first person I’ve ever allowed close enough to worry about me. I’ve always been hesitant about reforming close relationships with people.”

“Do you admit you’ve been acting different?”

“Yes. I have. I know I’ve been more irritable.”

“And demanding. It’s like you’re always horny.”

“I don’t want you to think that you don’t have a choice, Joey. I don’t want to intimidate you, or back you into a corner. I don’t want to be that type of person anymore. If you’re uncomfortable being with me intimately you can say so.”

“I like being with you, intimately. But there are times you say things…like this afternoon…that make me feel…I don’t know…like you’re going to do what you want whether I want it or not.”

“No, Baby. Never. It’s only good if you want it as much as I do.” Tristan looked at the table. “Sometimes I think I pressure you. You never initiate the sex, maybe you don’t want it like I do.”

“I would initiate it more if you weren’t pouncing on me every chance you get.” Joey took Tristan’s hand in his. “You’re aggressive. But it’s all a game. You demanding, me resisting. And I like that. Most of the time. I know you’re joking around. That’s part of your charm. Being a jerk. But this afternoon, it wasn’t a joke. It wasn’t a game.”

“No.”

“I didn’t like what I saw in you this afternoon, Tristan.”

“I didn’t like it either. That’s not who I want to be anymore. I’m disgusted by myself and my actions. The last thing I want is to ruin what we have.”

“I know that, Tris. You just need to remember that I’m here for you and I want to care for you the way you care for me. I can be your crying shoulder, Tris. I don’t mind.”

“I guess I’m so use to being alone, it’s hard for me to rely on other people. Even when it’s someone I’m in love with. But I want to make an effort. That is, if you are still willing to put up with me.”

“Promise me that you’ll be more mindful of my feelings. That you’ll think about what you’re saying before you say it. That you won’t get defensive with me because I say no.” Tristan nodded. “It’s not like I’d say no all that much anyway.” Joey smiled a little.

“You’re forgiving me?”

“You just better straighten yourself up, Tris. Don’t think I won’t do a Yami and wring your dick out a few times if you fuck up again.”

Tristan looked up into Joey’s eyes. “I won’t fuck up anymore. And I am sorry.”

“Alright then. We’re okay again.” Joey pulled his hands away and stood up. “Life’s too short to be upset, right?”

“Yes.” Joey headed out of the kitchen.

“Where are you going, Baby…I thought maybe we could spend the evening together, I could make you dinner and make it up to you.” Joey stopped at the staircase.

“We’re not really made up until you make love to me, Tristan.” Joey turned and smiled, devilishly.

“What have I ever done to deserve you in my life, Baby?” Tristan hugged Joey and nuzzled his neck. “I love you so much, and I’m sorry. For everything, for messing up, and being a jerk.”

“I know you’re sorry, I got over it when I found out you were sobbing like a newborn in the lobby earlier.” Joey kissed Tristan’s forehead. “You don’t cry, so I figured you were feeling pretty shitty about yourself.”

“I was, Baby. Honest.”

“So I forgive you. I don’t want to fight anymore. I want you to show me how it should be between us. Upstairs. Right now.”

“I don’t want to lose you, Baby. Never ever, you hear me. Never.”

“Don’t do anything stupid and you won’t.” Joey kissed his cheek.

“I want to make love to you until your birthday, then start all over again,” Tristan murmured against Joey’s neck.

“Stop talking and give it to me already.”

“Oh, trust me, Baby, you’re going to get it. Until you can’t walk.” Tristan pulled away to look in Joey’s eyes. “I mean, that is if that’s alright with you, Baby. Only if it’s what you want.”

Joey rolled his eyes and threw off his shirt. “Don’t start getting uptight on me, Tristan.” Joey unbuttoned his pants. “You’re no fun when you’re uptight.” Joey stood on the first step on the staircase.

“I like being uptight,” Tristan began, zipping down Joey’s pants. “In you that is.”

“Such a jerk, Tris.” Joey wrapped his arms around Tristan’s neck and planted a firm, hungry kiss on his lips. Tristan couldn’t resist the urge to scoop Joey up and into his arms. Joey wrapped his legs around Tristan’s waist as Tristan carried him upstairs.


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


They sat there for a while, drinking in silence. Yami eventually put down his empty glass and looked at Seto for a moment. “Seto, I need a favor from you.”

“Yes, Honey?”

“Would you kiss me, please? Nothing overboard. Just a small peek, okay?”

“Alright, Yami.” Seto cupped Yami’s face in his hands and gave him a small, but firm kiss on the lips. “Is that alright, Yami?”

Yami looked down. “No, it’s not alright. No matter what I think of you, Seto. Those damn butterflies won’t go away. It’s not fair, Seto. It’s not.” Yami looked at him then, and slapped him. “I hate you. Why do you make me feel this way?”

“Yami…”

“I hate you, I hate you, I hate you!” Yami went to hit him again, slapping and smacking him wherever he could. Seto finally grabbed Yami’s wrists and forced him to stop. “Let me go, you fucker, let me go!” Seto and Yami struggled a bit before Yami gave up. “I do hate you, Seto.”

“You have every right to.”

“Yes, I do.”

“Yes, Honey, you do.” Yami looked at him, studied him critically for a moment. He was feeling more than a little buzz and he wasn’t sure what he was trying to do anymore.

“Kiss me, please. Please, Seto.”

“If I kiss you again you’ll end up hitting me.”

“Then do it the right way.”

“What way is the right way, Yami?”

“Don’t make me weak in the knees.”

“I don’t know if I can change the way I kiss you, Sweetheart.”

“Do it, if you still love me, do it.”

“Honey, I think you’ve had too much to drink.”

“NO…do it.” Seto leaned over and kissed Yami again, surprised when Yami pulled him in closer and took over. The kiss was passionate and intense within seconds, Yami’s tongue an invading warrior in their tongue duel. Yami was hungry, starving…desperate. It wasn’t long before Seto moaned into his mouth against his will. Yami had never kissed him like this before. Yami finally pulled away and looked at Seto was was gasping.

“Are you going to slap me again, Yami?” Seto managed, dazed.

“Kiss me like that, Seto…”

“But you said…”

“Now. Do it…I need it…” The alcohol was beginning tke oke over, but Yami was quite liking the feeling. Seto looked at him and leaned over, kissing him as he was instructed to do. In moments Yami was pressed against the pillows, Seto on top of him, exploring his mouth like it was the first time. Seto came up for air, Yami also panting. Neither said anything, letting their eyes do the talking. There was perfect understanding between them. Seto went in for another round, Yami receiving him with open arms.

Each time Seto came up to catch his breath he’d check Yami’s expression, checking for permission before plunging back in. His brain was now on autopilot. It wasn’t until he lost track of just how many times and how long they had been at it when Yami finally broke down and began crying.

“You know we can’t, Seto…you know we…” Yami sobbed, looking at him. “I…I can’t…I…”

“I’m sorry.” Seto pulled back, wiping a few tears off Yami’s cheek, glad he didn’t resist. “I don’t want to keep hurting you, Yami.”

“I made you…”

“No. I hurt you because I’m selfish.” Seto wasn’t talking about the make out session anymore. “I had the world and I treated you like you were expendable. You’re not, Yami. That ring belongs on your finger not because I wanted some goddamn trophy spouse. It’s because you were my partner. You were the strength I could lean on when things got too intense. I didn’t ask for your advice or tell you about the company because I thought you were just some gorgeous sex kitten. It was because I could depend on you. I wish I could offer any kind of explanation why I cheated on you with those guys, but I have none.”

“Dragon…” Yami sniffled between tears.

“You were the best part of me. And I don’t deserve you again.”

“I wasn’t perfect. I could be cold to you. All you wanted was affection and I became a little bitch.”

“No, Honey. No.”

“I did, Seto…sometimes I could see you just wanted to hold me and I’d finish putting on my make up or getting dressed or eating or whatever else I was doing. I pushed you away.”

“You didn’t. I demanded too much of you. You didn’t have to be at my every back and call, Yami.”

“You weren’t all bad, either, Seto. I mean, you messed up…but when it was good, it was really good…right?”

“It was really good, Honey…” Seto swallowed as Yami sat up and held him.

“I need you, Dragon…please…I don’t want to be alone anymore.”

“I need you too.” Yami sucked on his neck. “Honey…we can’t…”

“I want to…I want it…please…you always knew how to make me feel so good, Dragon.”

“Baby, you’re tipsy.”

“Don’t leave me, if you leave me, I’ll be alone again.” Yami held onto Seto tightly, sucking on his neck hard enough to leave love marks. “Stay.”

“I want to…gods, how I want to.”

“I know you want to, Dragon,” Yami remarked darkly, snaking his hand between them and feeling Seto’s mounting arousal. “Seems someone is quite turned on, aren’t they?”

“Yami…don’t…”

“It’s alright, Seto…there’s nothing in the rules that says we can’t fuck while we’re separated.” Yami picked a new spot on the brunet’s neck to leave hickeys on.

“There is something in the rules about vulnerability. And your judgment is impaired.”

“Stay…please…”

“Go take a shower, Honey…you’ll feel better.”

“Only if you come with me.”

“Honey…come on…stop…” Seto pulled away, reluctantly. “Take a shower. It’s late. You always say if you don’t get a full eight hours you wake up looking like Frankenstein’s bride.”

“You think I’m ugly, don’t you…”

“Of course I don’t, Sweetie. Come on.”

“Carry me.” Seto stood up and took Yami in his arms. They made their way into the bathroom. Yami sat on the toilet, head in his hands, his head throbbing from his intoxication.

“Get in, Honey. Take a shower, I’ll wait for you to get out.”

“Okay.” Seto left as Yami undressed.

Forty-five minutes later Yami came back out in a mist of steam, in his fuzzy white bathrobe. Seto was sitting on the bed in just a towel, having finished his shower in the smaller bathroom earlier.

“It’s snowing, Honey.”

“It is?” Seto nodded. “I don’t feel good, Dragon. I threw up, and my head hurts.”

“Come here, Honey.” Yami walked over to him, and sat on his lap. “You didn’t even have that much to drink.”

“I know, but I didn’t eat.”

“Why not.”

“I was going to start my diet today.”

“No diets. I’ll make an appointment for a nutritionist and he can give you some suggestions for healthier snacks. Okay?”

“I have put on some weight, though.”

“You’re not fat.”

“I know that. I don’t want to argue with you, my head hurts too much, Seto.”

“Lay down. Sleep it off.”

“It hurts. A lot.”

“I don’t want to give you medication with the alcohol still in your system, Honey. It’s not safe.”

“Make it stop hurting…it hurts.”

“You can be such a child sometimes, Honey.” Seto dumped Yami off his lap and walked over to the dresser. He returned with Yami’s moisturizer and crouched down in front of him and began rubbing it in. Yami seemed to be soothed by the gentle touch and stopped whining. He didn’t say anything as Seto slipped the bathrobe off so it was out of the way so he could finish.

Seto swallowed, finding it hard to caress Yami’s skin the way he was. The only thing he wanted to do was pounce on Yami and ravage him. He could imagine pushing Yami onto his back and making him open his legs. Sticking two fingers inside that tight heat with the moisturizer, Yami probably complaining that it was from Switzerland and that he didn’t want Seto to waste it. Then Yami would get in front of him and give him one of his numbing blowjobs, before Seto pressed into that moist, delicious cavern and let lust take over.

“What are you going to wear for bed, Seto?” Yami asked, handing Seto the bathrobe to put away as soon as Seto was finished. “Are you going to sleep naked too?”

“I don’t want to poke you with an erection the rest of the night, Honey.” Yami looked at him and flushed. “I’ll just sleep in the other bedroom.”

“No. You’re staying with me.” Yami looked at him. “You packed some of your boxer shorts for me. Wear them.” Yami liked wearing Seto’s shorts so Seto had thrown some in so Yami could have them. Especially since Yami didn’t own underwear. “Top drawer, Seto.”

Seto retrieved a pair and slipped them on, aware Yami was watching him. Seto walked back over to Yami who had already gotten into bed. “Are you sure, Yami?”

“Yes, I’m sure. I don’t want you driving home in the snow. It’s dangerous. I don’t want you to die, Seto.” Seto looked at him and got into the bed. “This night doesn’t mean…well…”

“I know, Honey. There’s more than a good chance this is over.”

“I’m not trying to hurt you…I just…”

“I want to spend the night with you, Yami.” Seto pulled up the covers. Yami snuggled against him.

“Can I have a good night kiss?”

“A small one,” Seto answered, imitating Yami. Yami made a face but smiled a little. Seto pecked at Yami’s lips for a few moments until Yami settled on his chest.

“I love you, Seto. Sometimes I hate you…but…right now…I love you.”

“I love you too, Sweetheart.”

“Thank you for not taking advantage of me…I’m sorry I threw myself at you like some pathetic slut.”

“No, it wasn’t like that at all.”

“You promise?”

“Yes, Honey.” Seto held him a little closer. “Sleep, Baby, you’ll feel better in the mog.” g.”

“Love you, Dragon…” Yami finished.


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


“He didn’t speak to me during breakfast, I ordered us room service. I think this means he hates me again,” Seto decided, staring out his office window.

“He doesn’t like that he’s vulnerable around you, Seto,” Tristan offered over speakerphone. He had only called to ask Seto about the Peterson account when Seto had asked for his advice about Yami again. “You hurt him, he hates that you can still have such a hold on him. He doesn’t want to want you back. But a part of him does.”

“I suppose.”

“You staying with him last night was about more than just physical need.”

“Yes, you’re right.”

“It’s going to take time. I’m sure this morning he justjust a bit nervous. He knew he said some things to you last night he didn’t want to say. He was feeling desperate, and the alcohol wasn’t helping matters.”

“No, it wasn’t. I shouldn’t have given him anything to drink.”

“But you guys hagoodgood talk last night, it sounds like. You just have to take this little by little. Rome wasn’t built in a day.”

“I hate being patient. But I’ll wait I guess. Are you feeling better?”

“Yes. I am. Tomorrow is Thursday, you promised I could come back then.”

“Yes, I did. I guess I’ll see you then. I should go, I do have a company to run. Thank you, Tristan. I appreciate your advice.”

“Your welcome, I’ll see you tomorrow.”


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


Yami took off his sunglasses. “We have a reservation for two.”

“Of course, please, right this way.” Yami and Yugi followed the man to a secluded booth in the corner of the restaurant.

“There were some photographers outside…”

“They won’t be allowed inside to bother you, Sir. I’ll take care of it personally.”

“Thank you.” Yami watched as the man scurried off before turning back to Yugi. “Paparazzi. They’ve been out in full force lately. All I need is for them to find out Seto and I are separated. Especially with the release of next months issue of Rave magazine. Seto and I made the cover, there’s a full spread on the New Year’s Eve Pre-Engagement Bohemian Rhapsody party. I have to sneak in and out of the hotel.”

“That’s awful, Yams.”

“Thank you for coming to lunch with me, Aibou. I appreciate it. I needed some air.”

“No thanks necessary, Yams. I don’t mind at all.”

“You’ve always been good to me, Aibou. And I want to thank you for that. Lunch is on me. Order whatever you want.”

“What’s good here?”

“The left side of the menu.” Yami picked up a piece of garlic bread and munched on it. “That asshole, he makes me eat. I’m going to be as big as a cow soon.”

“No, Yami, you look fine. Really.”

“I’m gaining weight. A lot of weight.”

“It doesn’t show, Yams. Really. You look fine. I like your sweater shirt, it really brings out the red of your eyes.”

“Thank you, Aibou. You always manage to say the right thing.” Yami smiled. Yugi smiled back at him. “I should admit, I had a reason for asking you to lunch today, Little One.”

“What is it?”

“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 to get 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.”

“Me?”

“It feels wonderful, becoming close to you again. I missed our times together. Being around you is bringing up all my old feelings.

“Yami, I don’t kwhatwhat to say…”

“You don’t have to say anything, Aibou. Please, come away with me. Not this weekend of course, and next weekend I have that charity banquet. The weekend after next. We could go anywhere you want.”

“I…Yami…I’m with Bakura…I love Bakura.”

“I told you my intentions are pure, Aibou.”

“But you just said…”

“I said I didn’t know how I fell about you, Aibou. I didn’t say I’ve fallen in love with you again. I just want us to catch up.”

“And Joey could come?”

“If that’s what you wish, yes, he can come.”

“Can I think about it, Yams?”

“Of course, Aibou.” Yami turned as their waitress approached. “Think about it, Aibou.”


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


Joey shook his head. “There’s no way Bakura is going to let you go away with Yami for the weekend, Yug. Why would you even ask him?”

“He’s not my grandpa, I don’t need his permission, Babe.”

“He’s your boyfriend, doesn’t he get a say.”

“Yeah, but…I mean…you really don’t think he’ll want me to go?”

“How quickly you forget the karaoke bar incident.” Yugi sighed. “Yami’s been trying to get in your pants since Seto and him separated.”

“He has not.”

“The fuck he hasn’t. You have to admit, Yug, if Bakura wasn’t in the picture you would have considered sleeping with him.”

“I wouldn’t.”

“Yes you would.”

“I wouldn’t. And Bakura is in the picture, and I won’t hurt him. Not anymore.”

“Then there’s no way you should go away anywhere with Yami.”

“But if you come…”

“Oh no you don’t, forget it. The last time you made me go somewhere it was that stupid New Year’s Eve party. And do you see the mess that was created with that? It was bad enough he spent five days here.”

“But, Babe…”

“Don’t start with me…Yug. The answer is no. I’m still mad you invited Yami to come out with us for my birthday Saturday. I’ll be damned if the diva drags me away for the weekend. Besides, I’m going to be busy.”

“Busy doing what, Babe?”

“Anything.”

“But, Babe…”

“Stop whining, Yugi.”

“Babe…please…”

“No. Stop pouting. Those puppy eyes aren’t going to do it for me. So just lay off.” Yugi plopped into his best friend’s lap.

“Pretty please, with sugar and ice cream on top. And Chinese food.”

“Have Bakura go with you.”

“But that defeats the purpose of going awath, th, Yams.”

“You’re a little player, Yugi.” Yugi shook his head no, trying to look innocent. “Yes you are, you want to go away with your ex-lover for the weekend, behind your current boyfriend’s back, and you’re sitting on your other ex-lover’s lap trying to get him to agree to help with your deception.”

“Deception?”

“The fact that you want me to come means you don’t have trust in the situation that nothing inappropriate would happen between you and Yami while ypentpent the weekend alone. You want me to come so you can tell Bakura that it’s a platonic, innocent getaway when in reality, you and Yami will be rekindling old flames while I’m elsewhere.”

“No. It’s not like that. I admit to missing him.”

“It’s more than that, Yug. It’s like you’ve forgotten all the nights you cried over him. Like none of that matters. This is what you’ve wanted for over a year. For Yami to come back to you, and now he’s here.”

“It’s not like that at all, .”
.”

“The hell it’s not. You should see the way you’ve been around him. You’re lucky Bakura hasn’t gone psycho-boyfriend yet.”

“Fine, maybe I’m crushing on him a little bit again. But I’m in love with Bakura.”

“Yami’s the one who got away, and now he wants you to go away with him. This can only spell disaster. Yug, I’m serious, don’t go. I can see you getting swept up in a moment and not using your good judgment.”

“I want him as a friend again, Joey. A real friend. I don’t want it to be fake with him anymore. Is that so bad? We were good as friends, me and him. Close. And I want that again. It’s not like I can’t control myself. Nothing could ever happen between Yami and me, especially not after the incident.”

“Have you ever stopped to wonder if the reason you can’t sleep with Bakura is because it’s Bakura?”

“What are you talking about, Babe?”

“I’m not saying this is definitely it. But maybe part of the problem you’re having with intimacy is that Bakura intimidates you. He is bigger than you.”

“Everyone is bigger than me, Babe. You’re bigger than me.”

“He’s a bouncer, I work at a bookstore.”

“Point taken.”

“And Malik alleged he did what he did to get you back for being with Bakura in the first place. It seems to me like there’s a part of you that could be holding back from Bakura because of his relationship to Ryou and Malik. I have a feeling thf yof you tried to be intimate with someone else you wouldn’t be as nervous and frightened.”

“I was thinking that too, Babe,” Yugi said, sadly. “I didn’t want to tell Bakura that, he already thinks it’s him. And after Tristan told him about the fisting, I…I don’t know what to do. I…I have a feeling that if I tried sleeping with you I could, Joey.”

“I think you could too. But that doesn’t mean you can’t with Bakura, it just means it might take longer.”

“After Tristan told him Baks bas barely touched me. This is going to destroy the relationship, eventually. And I’m going to end up alone. He’s going to leave me.”

“Don’t say that. He won’t.”

“It’s not fair to him. He has needs.”

“He understands.”

“I slut around with half a town with ease, in and out ofangeangers beds. He tells me he wants us to try an actual relationship, I sleep around some more, throw it in his face. He gets frustrated, says he doesn’t want to play with me anymore, I get myself raped and now that we’re together I can’t have sex with him.”

“Got yourself raped…Yugi, don’t say it like that.”

“I think a part of me wanted it, Joey…I think I wanted to be punished for hurting Bakura and you. I think I needed someone to fuck with me the way I fucked with the two of you.”

“Stop it. You were attacked. How many ways can I continue to say it wasn’t your fault. The same way it’s not your fault you are having trouble being intimate againtimatimacy is built on trust, Yugi. You trusted Malik wouldn’t hurt you. It’s only natural you’re finding it hard to trust Bakura.”

“Sometimes, sometimes I think he’s going to get so worked up he’s going to throw me down and take me.”

“He wouldn’t do that, Yug.”

“I want him to…I want him to take me…”

“I know you do. When you’re ready you’ll know.”

“Maybe if he forced me.”

“No. Sex is a mutual thing. You need to want it. It’s not going to work if you ask him orceorce you.” Yugi sighed. “Just give it some time. These things have a way of working out.”

“You think so, Babe?”

“I do. This thing between you and Bakura is gonna have a happy ending. I just know it. You guys have been through too much to have everything fall apart.”


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


“So what’s the deal? This must be something pretty big if the two of you want to meet.” Tristan and Bakura glanced at each other. “Just say it, Kura. Whatever it is.”

“Tristan…shit, there isn’t a good way to say it.”

“Tristan what?” Yugi regarded the brunet. “Tristan, what’s going on?”

“He…I really wish there was a good way to say it,” Bakura repeated.

“What is this about?” Yugi asked, looking at his boyfriend and back at the brunet. “Speak up.”

“It’s about Joey,” Tristan finally answered. “Bakura suggested I get your advice about something since you and Joey are best friends.”

“Joey?” Yugi made a face. Joey’s birthday was now in two days and everything they had planned was already set. It couldn’t be about that. “Are you gonna propose to him or something?”

“No.”

“You’re not cheating on him, are you?”

“Certainly not.”

“Alright, I give up. Is it good or bad?” Bakura and Tristan glanced at each other. “Alright, enough games, Frick and Frack, tell me what’s going on.”

“Tristan figured out recently that he was the one who slept with Duke while he was engaged to Joey.” Yugi narrowed his eyes. “He didn’t know Duke was seeing anyone at the time, let alone end.” d.”

“Your shitting me right, the two of you are shitting me.”

“I’m afraid not,” Tristan answered.

“Holy fucking shit, Tristan. Those were your brown hairs on Joey’s pillow?”

“Yes.”

“Get the fuck out of here.” Yugi looked at Bakura who confirmed with a nod. “I…what the…Tristan…”

“Look, Babyface, we know. The question is what is Tristan supposed to do about it. He’s been making himself sick stressing over it.”

“The ulcer…the blood.”

“Yes, Babyface.”

“Shit. Tristan…I…well, I mean…what have you been thinking of doing?” Yugi asked, searching Tristan’s expression.

“I have to tell him.”

“I see.”

“You say that like it’s a bad thing, Yugi.” Yugi looked at Tristan for a while, regarded Bakura then went back to studying the brunet. “Tell me what you’re thinking.”

“Joey’s entire world came crashing down that day. He came home to find signs of lovemaking in his bed, confirmation after months of knowing in his heart that his fiancé, the love of his life, was with someone else. And then he comes to my apartment and discovers me passed out, blood all over the baom fom floor.”

“Wait a minute, your suicide attempt was the same day Joey confronted Duke for cheating on him?” Bakura asked. Yugi nodded. “Fuck. This is bad, Tris…really bad.”

Tristan could feel his stomach lining melting…he could feel the acid in his stomach kicking up. He could feel himself growing pale.

“Joey was an emotional wreak, but he was determined to be strong for me. So he buried all the pain and hurt he felt over Duke inside. And as he tried to help me recover he channeled all his anger about the situation with Duke into the mystery man who had taken Duke from him. He was mad at Duke too, of course, hurt. But this unknown lover had become the scapegoat. It was easier to focus on hating someone he didn’t know because with Duke he had to admit that for the most part the relationship had been idyllic and Duke had been a good man. This mystery man had been a home-wreaking whore who he could despise.”

“So Joey’s spent a year and a half hating the man who ruined his happy ending. And that man is Tristan. Shit, Tristan…this is worse than I thought…Tristan…”

“I’m going to be sick…”

“Tristan!” Tristan got up from Bakura’s kitchen table and ran into the bathroom to vomit. Bakura followed after him and Yugi tried looking for something to settle his stomach.

Twenty minutes later Tristan had gotten his stomach to settle a little and looked directly into Yugi’s violet eyes and asked, “Do you think I should tell Joey?”

“My opinion is biased. As Joey’s friend I’d have to say yes.”

“But?” Bakura asked.

“As Tristan’s friend, I’d have to say no.”

“That’s what I toim.”im.”

Tristan looked at the couple. “Isn’t this lying to him?”

“Joey never got closure. Duke never gave him a name. He was left wondering what this other man had that he didn’t. How do you think he’ll feel when he discovers that it was you, Tristan?” Yugi explained. “This will only hurt him. He’ll take out his anger about Duke and lash out at you.”

“Duke was his everything, wasn’t he?” Tristan asked, looking at Yugi critically.

“Joey has this thing about petnames. He’s always felt uncomfortable calling his boyfriends “baby” or “sweetheart” or whatever.”

“What does that have to do with anything, Babyface?”

“He nicknamed Duke “Kitten”.”

“Doesn’t Joey call you a pet name?” Bakura asked. Tristan shook his head and looked down, finding his lap far more interesting. “That doesn’t mean anything. He was with Duke longer than he’s been with you. He’s obviously in love with you.”

“He slept with Duke on their first date, he moved in with Duke after four months. Duke proposed in six,” Yugi continued.

“So the fucker moves quick. That still doesn’t mean anything.”

“Joey was in love with being in love. The time he spent with Duke was the only time since Joey and I became friends that I ever felt like I could really lose him. He got wrapped up in the idea of being his husband. He cooked, he cleaned. They had gone house hunting, they talked about what they were going to name their children.”

“This was the love of Joey’s life. And I ruined it.”

“Tristan, Duke, ruined it. He’s the fucker. We wouldn’t be sitting here right now if his ass didn’t fuck up. And as for what you’re saying, Babyface, Joey might have been swept up in some moment with Duke, but there is no doubt in my mind that Joey’s love for Tristan is just as strong, if not stronger. There was a time when you were quite threatened by Tristan, Yugi. Or have you forgotten yout ast as for as to sleep with his ex-boyfriend to spite him.”

“We don’t need to bring that up again, Brian was a one-night stand that lasted two months. I was never upset about that. It’s old news and Yugi and I are both past that now.”

“This is the kind of thing I’m talking about, Tristan,” Bakura continued.

“Huh?”

“Your ex-boyfriends meant little to you. You got rid of them before you could get in too deep. You use to go through men like it was nobody’s buss. ss. All of that is going to be on Joey’s mind if you tell him you were fucking with Duke for four months.”

Yugi made a face. “Four months! Shit, Tristan…”

“So you’re both in agreement. You say I should continue to lie to him. Right?”

“I just don’t want things between the two of you to end, Tristan. I would never condone misleading and lying to Joey,” Yugi answered.

“And what happens when he goes to see Duke and finds out that way. I can’t pretend I didn’t know. I have to tell him. I want to tell him. I want him to know that I’m someone he can trust. One day I want to marry him, I want a future with him, and I can’t have that if what we have right now is built on a lie.”

“So when are you going to break the news?” Bakura asked.

“I don’t know.”

“Sooner is better than later,” Yugi concluded. “This is going to force him to deal with all the emotional baggage he has with Duke.”

“How do you think he’ll react? Is Blondie gonna flip out and go crazy?” Bakura asked.

“The good thing about Joey is, he doesn’t hide his emotions. He’s going to let Tristan know exactly what’s going on in his head up front. Joey will have to realize Tristan was concerned about this. He saw Tristan make himself sick. He’ll be upset, but his anger will be towards Duke. We just have to hope that he doesn’t focus that anger at Tristan.”


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


Joey unlocked the door of the condo and stepped inside. It was quiet. A little too quiet. “Tris?” No reply. “Tristan H. Taylor!” No response. Joey was just about to get annoyed when he noticed the thick red ribbon on the floor in front of his feet. And attached to the ribbon was a small white folded card. Joey closed and locked the door and slipped off his shoes before he bent down and picked up card.

Follow the red ribbon, Baby. P.S. I love you.

Joey swallowed and picked up the ribbon and wound it around his hand as he walked. The ribbon stopped in the living room, on the couch where there was a medium sized box wrapped in red. On top of the box was another white card.

Undress and put these on, Baby.

Joey opened the gift box and found a pair of slippers and matching blue terry cloth bathrobe. He followed the ribbon trail again, ending up at the refrigerator. And attached was another white card. Joey lifted the flap.

Grab the champagne and the wrapped box.


Joey tucked the champagne safely in one of the oversized bathrobe pockets and picked up the delicate looking wrapped box. He was tempted to open it and see what was inside but there was a small note telling him not to open it yet. All this fuss for his birthday, he could only imagine what Tristan had in store for him come next month for Valentine’s Day.

Joey continued long the path the ribbon had made and looped around until he was at the staircase. The ribbon stopped, and in it’s place were red and white rose petals. Alright, he was officially impressed now. Joey balled up the ribbon and tucked it in his second large pocket and picked up the white card that was attached to the banister.

I’m waiting for you upstairs, Baby.

Joey could already feel himself getting aroused. Not that he was that much of a romantic. But he did like this. A whole lot. He was a little nus aus about this. He wasn’t quite sure why, but he was. It wasn’t like what they were about to do hadn’t been done before. Many many times in fact. Still…

Joey followed the rose petals to the master bedroom. He swallowed and opened the door. He wasn’t sure if he should have knocked first but decided he had had enough of playing Hansel and Gretal and following breadcrumbs. He wasn’t sure what to expect, he just hoped Tristan wasn’t playing cheesy jazz music or something. Romance or not…if he was he’d probably burst out in laughter.

Tristan was sitting in a hunter green bathrobe, nervously tapping his hands on his thighs. He looked up when Joey stepped inside. Joey blushed. “Happy birthday, Baby.”

Did Tristan’s voice always sound so fucking hot? Joey was ready to come on the spot.

“My birthday’s not until tomorrow, Tris. You shouldn’t have gone through all this trouble.”

“You’re going to be distracted tomorrow, with Yugi and everyone else. I want tonight to be about just me and you.” Tristan patted the empty spot next to himself where he was sitting on the bed.

Joey padded over to the bed and sat down. “Can I open this now?” Joey asked, motioning to the wrapped box in his hands.

“Yes, Baby.” Joey unwrapped the ribbon and smiled.

“Mmm, I love chocolate covered strawberries. Thanks, Tris.”

“You’re welcome, Baby.” Tristan took one and presented it to his boyfriend. “Have a taste.”

“Okay.” Joey opened his mouth. “Suck on it, Baby.” Joey giggled.

“Are you trying to choke me, Tris?”

‘Of course not, Baby.” Tristan gave Joey a teasing kiss on the nose. “I’m trying to be romantic.”

“Sorry.”

“Let’s have some champagne, okay?”

“Alright.” Joey pulled it out of his pocket. He watched as Tristan produced a corkscrew and two glasses. “You know, you really didn’t have to go through all this, Tris. If you wanted us to fuck yould uld have just said so.”

“So vulgar, Baby. This is supposed to be a tender moment between the two of us.”

“This is just your ploy to get me to hit the sheets with you. Like I said, if you wanted sex you could have just asked.” Joey took the glass from Tristan.

“That is not what this night is supposed to be about, Baby,” Tristan insisted.

“Yeah, right. That monstrosity between your legs is probably hard for me already.” Joey rubbed his free hand on Tristan’s thigh and started moving up.

“Would you cut that out.” Tristan pulled Joey’s hand away, making Joey spill some of the liquor on himself. “Look what you’ve done, Baby. Are you trying to ruin the moment?”

“I’m wet, Tris.” Joey pouted.

“Take off the bathrobe then.” Joey sighed and slid the terry cloth off his shoulders. “Let’s make a toast, alright.”

“Okay.” Joey clinked his glass against Tristan’s and spilled more champagne onto himself. “Shit.”

“What am I goin do do with you? I’m trying to be romantic here, if you didn’t happen to notice. Maybe I shouldn’t light the candles; I don’t want you to catch on fire while we’re at it. Alcohol is very flammable you know.”

“I’m sorry. Maybe if you tried being romantic more than once I’d be better at this.” Joey took a nervous sip of his champagne. “Besides, this stuff gives me the hiccups.”

“Then don’t have any. Just eat your strawberries while I get ready, alright.”

“Maybe I’m a little nervous. Not that we haven’t done this before. Lots of times. I just…I don’t know…I guess I always fuck up things right before I’m about to make love. I think it’s easier for me to just fuck, you know?” Joey took a long sip of the champagne while Tristan lit the candles. “Thanks for this, though, it’s very sweet. I’m sorry I’m messing this all up.”

“You’re not messing anything up, Baby. I just want this night to be special for you, that’s all.”

“Every night with you is special, Tris. I promise.”

“Aww, so sweet.” Tristan leaned over and gave him a delicate kiss. “See, you can do this.”

“Yeah. I can be romantic. Really. Now take off that bathrobe and get over here.” Tristan smiled and slid the robe off his body. “Yum…” Tristan smirked. “Hey, stop laughing this is supposed to be a momen
“
“Sorry, Baby.” Tristan sat on the bed and Joey crawled onto his lap, spilling the rest of his champagne on Tristan’s body.

“Shit, sorry, Tris.”

“I’m so hot for you right now, I know it’ll just evaporate off my skin, Baby,” Tristan promised in a deep, husky voice.

“Fuck you’re sexy when you talk like that.” Joey tossed the glass away, it breaking as it hit a dresser. “Oops. Sorry.”

“Shush.” Tristan grabbed Joey’s cheek in his hands. “I love you, Baby, and I want to do something extra special for your birthday.”

“Any moment of any day with you is special, Tris. I love you so much.” Tristan smiled and leaned over to plant a solid kiss on Joey’s lips when Joey let out a hiccup.

“I give up trying to do this. I’m just going to tell you.” Joey hiccupped again. “Hold your breath for ten seconds so I can tell you you’re surprise.” Joey pinched his nose amid more hiccups. Finally he got them to end.

“What surprise, Tris?”

“Tonight’s going to be a bit different.”

“Get a new sex position move from my roommate?”

“Sort of.” Tristan stroked Joey’s cheek again. “Baby, I want you to take me.”

“Where?”

“Joey, stop fooling around. I’m serious.”

“It’s just, you never ever ever ever bottom. You’re a virgin, right?” Tristan nodded. “You really mean this. You want me to screw you for my birthday?”

“I’d like us to make love with me on the receiving end.”

“So not only did you get me the strawberries, but I get to pop a cherry on top of that.”

Tristan frowned. “Is it necessary for you to say it like that. You make it sound like this is happening after our second date in the backseat of an El Camino or something.”

“Hey, is this your way of getting out of getting me a real birthday gift, Rich Boy?” Tristan narrowed his eyes. “Unless this is the gift that keeps on giving, you gonna be my slut from now on? Do I get to snap my fingers and dro drop your pants for me?”

“Joey, just stop. And yes, for your information, I got you a formal birthday gift, which you can open tomorrow.”

“I’m sorry…no one’s given me their virginity as a gift before. I mean I can’t eveep iep it, once you’re stretched out of shape all the fun’s gone. You’re really only virgin tight once.”

“I knew this was a bad idea.”

“I know you’re nervous, Tris. As anyone would be before their first time. This just seemed like an impossibility. You’ve had relationships longer than this one and you didn’t submit, I guess this is just a bit overwhelming. I’ve never done this before.”

“You’ve never topped, not even with Yugi?”

“No, I meant, I’ve never done this with someone who’s never done this before.” Tristan looked into Joey’s eyes.

“I want to do this with you because I’m in love with you, Joey. I’ve never been in love before. I didn’t realize how frightening and wonderful it could be.”

“It is wonderful, isn’t it, Tris?” Joey kissed him, softly at first, slowly gaining entrance as the kiss became hungry. Tristan slid his eyes shut as he allowed Joey to control the action, pleasantly surprised Joey was so skilled in tongue dancing.

“Baby…” Tristan whispered, feeling his lust rise. Joey was sitting on his lap, half undressed, he completely undressed, something had to happen very soon, his erection was up on his belly now.

“Tell me you want this, Tris. I only want you to do this because you want to. Not because you feel obligated or you want me to have some extra special birthday surprise. I don’t want you to have any doubts.”

“I want this, Baby. Please.” Tristan leaned into Joey and nibbled his neck, Joey hugging him.

“Lay down, Tris. I’m going to take care of you,” Joey promised with a warm smile.

“I trust you, Baby.” Joey got out of his lap and Tristan lay against the pillows. Joey got off the bed and walked over to the dresser. “Where are you going, Joey?”

“To get the Crisco and the handcuffs.” Tristan made a face. “Oh loosen up, Tris…literally.”

“Can you lay off the wisecracks, Jackass?” Tristan asked, trying to look angry. Joey pounced on him and smothered him with kisses. Tristan forgot to be angry and began moaning as Joey worked his hands up and down his body.

“Roll over, Tris.” Tristan did, stretching out, moaning in approval as Joey dripped oily lubricant on his back. Joey rubbed it in, starting at Tristan’s broad shoulders and working his way down. Joey kissed up and down his back as his hands reached underneath his lover and found the pert little nipples just begging for attention. Joey twisted them again as Tristan slowed down his breathing relaxing and loving the feeling of being taken care of.

Joey went back to kissing, taking in the delicious scent of Tristan’s aftershave and the lubricant. He was at Tristan’s neck and blew in his ear before he whispered, “You’re going to love this, Tris…I promise.” Before long Joey was working his way down Tristan’s back again, loving the little whimpering sounds the brunet let escape as he kissed his ass.

Joey worked slow, but diligently, licking his way from Tristan’s crack to his balls. Joey circled the ring with his tongue and Tristan gasped. He could feel himself flutter at the teasing he was receiving. “No one’s ever done this to you before, Tris?” Tristan shook his head. “So deprived.” Joey blew warm air at Tristan’s winking opening and the brunet moaned, and then he let out a satisfied sigh as he felt Joey part him and poke a lone, wet finger inside.

Tristan spread his legs wide so Joey could continue what he was doing, and gasped when he felt that special bundle of nerves get stroked. “Mmm…now we’re getting to the good stuff, Tris.” Tristan closed around his finger, involuntarily. Joey gave his lower back a few more butterfly kisses to relax him before his first wet finger was joined by a second.

It was lightening when Joey stroked his prostate again, he felt his lower body move towards Joey’s finger of it’s own accord. “Baby…please..do that again…”

“I’ll make you a whore yet,” Joey teased, moving his fingers back in forth in rapid succession. Joey curled his fingers just the right way and Tristan groaned. “Someone likes being finger fucked, don’t they?”

“More…please…Joey..” Joey snaked his hand back underneath Tristan and felt Tristan swell in his hand. “Mmm…don’t tease me, Baby…please…”

“I just want to make sure you’re ready, Tristan…I don’t want you to hurt at all.” Joey took his fingers out gently. “On your back, Tris.” Joey started kissing Tristan’s shoulders, savoring the taste of sweat on his lips. “You are so sexy, Tris..you have no clue.”

“Baby…please…”

“It’s okay, Tris. I pro.” .” Joey poured out some lube on his and Tristan’s cocks, working it in as he timed their strokes.

“How are you ever gonna fit?” Tristan asked, looking at Joey’s throbbing erection. “It’s too big.”

“It’ll fit, Tris. Trust me. You manage to wedge that banana dick inside me all the time.” Tristan chuckled and it was just what Joey needed to poke back inside him and make a scissoring motion one last time. Joey withdrew his fingers and then pressed up against Tristan’s loosened entrance.

“I’m a little scared, Joey…” Tristan confessed, pulling his legs up and securing himself by holding his legs under the knee. “Baby…please…”

“I love you…it’s going to be just fine.” Joey met Tristan lips for a heart-warming kiss, turned on by Tristan showing off that careful guarded vulnerability he hid most of the time. Joey held himself as he pressed just the head in and waited for Tristan to relax. “Shh…Tris..it’s alright… it only hurts for a moment.”

“Joey…” Joey responded by sucking on Tristan’e earlobe, a move that usually drove Tristan wild, and had the desired effect of soothing him. Joey moved further inside, taking Tristan’s length and giving him a few reassuring strokes. “It..hurts…still…”

“I know, I know. It won’t soon…I promise.” Joey’s kisses were back on Tristan’s neck, sucking him and nibbling. Anything to distract him from the incredibly tight flame that was surrounding his cock. Tristan willed himself to relax as Joey pushed forward again, burying himself deep within him. “Just give it a bit, Tris. It’s always hardest the first time.”

“It hurts,” Tristan whimpered.

“Such a manly man, Tris…can’t take it up the ass. You’re a wimp.”

“Shut up.”

“Such a baby, Tris. Suck it up.” Tristan gave Joey a look and hit him in the shoulder, only to have Joey slid out, then slide back in.

“Shit…”

“Does it still hurt?” Joey asked, wondering if he was moving to fast for his boyfriend.

“Do that again.” Joey smiled and complied, making sure to keep his movement slow but firm. Tristan nearly cooed at the feeling. “Mmm…Joey…again…”

“Someone likes it after all..someone wants Joey’s cock to fuck that little asshole open, huh?”

“Stop being a dick…fuck me.”

“Your wish is my command, Tristan.” Joey quickly established a steady rhythm. It was slow, but firm, and Tristan found himself moaning and pushing back against the invasion. He took Tristan’s cock in his hand, giving it all the attention it deserved, loving watching it pulse and twitch while he took him.

“Joey…”

“You want it harder?”

“Yeah…fuck…mmmmm…baby…”

“You feel incredible, Tris…you tight little whore.”

“More…mmmmm…Joey…”

“You like big juicy cock uur aur ass, huh?” Tristan let out a contented groan. “Mmm…you’re as grs gripping my dick and swallowing it back up…”

Tristan groaned again. “Harder…more…”

“It’s like feeding time…your asshole is hungry for it. Who would have guessed you had a cock eating ass, Tris.” Joey pushed deep inside of him, feeling Tristan’s muscles spasm and contort as they were forced to deal with the long thick shaft impaling Tristan’s opening. “How’s it feel…”

“Like you’re skewering me…but it’s good…it’s real good…mmmm…Baby…I like this…”

“You whore. You’re a natural.” Joey nibbled one of Tristan’s nipples and Tristan keened, bucking off the bed at the assault. “Ahh…Tris…your ass is fondling the shit out of me…it feels so good.”

“I’m close, Joey…oh gods…”

“Let go, Tris…let go…let me see you come all over yourself.” Joey squeezed the base of Tristan’s dick and Tristan lost it, shooting his essence all over his and Joey’s chests.

Watching Tristan come did it for Joey and after three more hard thrusts he went over the edge as well. They laid panting for a moment, Tristan’s arms wrapped ly aly around Joey as he tried to catch his breath. “You made me make a mess all over myself, Baby. I should make you clean me off.”

“Maybe I will,” Joey said, with a smile, delivering a hard kiss to Tristan’s lips.

Authors Endnotes: Not much to say. I liked writing this chapter. Not much happened. But at least Tristan’s not a virgin anymore. Now we just need him to tell Joey the truth about Duke. Oh well, well go read the next chapter…or save it for later. Either way, here’s a taste:


“Just like old times…hum?” Yugi asked as he kissed Joey.

“Hell yeah,” Joey agreed. “You know, Yami…this might be the alcohol taking…but you’re looking pretty cute…I could fuck you…”

“Thanks, Joey…I’m going to kiss you again.” Yami did. They both laughed again.

“What about me?” Yugi complained. Joey and Yami both gave Yugi sloppy kisses on his neck. Yugi giggled.