Beauty

First Things First: Thanks for reading and reviewing. Shudders…I cannot believe it took me this long to update…I am so so sorry. If you want the short story… I’ve been living out my own personal “drama” straight out of one of these soap operas I like to write. Writing this chapter was a real struggle, not that it was writer’s block…I have this story mapped out like I was taking a road trip. The truth is, I couldn’t write because if I did I would have probably ended up killing all the characters off. (that was the kind of mood I was in). Anyway, I apologize for the ridiculously long wait. And you get two chapters instead of one…and a lemon, so I hope that partially makes up for it. Thank you guys for patiently waiting for this. And I hope you enjoy it. Oh, and in case you’ve completely forgotten what’s happened, Joey got pissed at Tristan on a Sunday because Tristan confessed that he was the one to be with Duke and never told him. We pick this back up on Thursday of the same week. Yugi has yet to speak to Bakura or Yami about their threesome. Seto and Yami still have their issues, and I believe that about settles that.


Disclaimer: Don’t own nada.

Song notes: Good Times by Styles P, Without U by Usher, I’m Good by Blaque, Lose My Breath by Destiny’s Child, and Why Don’t We Fall In Love by Amerie


Chapter 27: Melancholy

Love, such a lonely place
Nobody wants to be alone
To have the world but no one to share it with

I'm so alone
I can't stand this feeling of being without you
Yes I'll do
Whatever it takes to prove I truly love you
Don't let me go
Let's stay together, forever and ever
Can't sleep without you by my side, help me

~Without U
Usher


After taking another sip of his coffee, Seto’s eyes fixed on the brunet sitting in front of him. “You didn’t hear a word I just said, did you?”

“Hmm?” Seto sighed. “I’m sorry, Sir.”

“My name is Seto. Don’t start that irritating “sir” stuff again. What is with you?”

“I’m just having an off day.”

“Try off week, Tristan.” Seto focused his eyes. “What’s going on? Talk to me.”

“Joey’s upset with me and hasn’t talked to me in four days.”

Seto nodded knowingly, folding his hands. “I’m no stranger to relationship troubles, however I’m sure whatever it is you did couldn’t have been as bad as any of my…transgressions.”

“I’m not so sure about that.”

“Look it’s Thursday. You’re not going to get anything else done concerning the Peterson Project this week. We’ll just have to wait until Monday to see if they bite. Take the rest of the week to get your head straight.”

“Are you saying I’ve been under performing?”

“Nothing of the sort. You giving 50 percent is equivalent to other peoples’ 110 percent.”

“Then why are you telling me to leave?”

“Would you like me to be frank?”

“I thought you were playing Seto in this scene.”

Seto narrowed his eyes. “Don’t quit your day job, Tristan. Your bitter sarcasm isn’t cutting it. Now what was I saying?”

“You were being frank.”

“Yes. Anyway, you look like you couldn’t stay focused if I tripled your salary. You’re disheveled, listless, preoccupied.”

“So in other words, you’re saying I look like shit?”

“Precisely.” Tristan sighed. “Just take the rest of the week. Send Joey some flowers and some chocolates. Whatever you need to do.”

“I can’t take the rest of the week. I took time off with that stupid stomach thing.”

“It was a bleeding ulcer, Tristan. You had no business coming to this office building that week.”

“I’m staying. It’s only today and tomorrow. I don’t want you being accused of playing favorites.”

“I am.” Tristan met Seto’s eyes. “You’re no good to me like this. Go home.”

“I’m sorry I’m not able to offer you any advice concerning your own domestic disputes with Yami. I apologize for not looking drop-dead stunningly gorgeous and playing eye candy for you these last four mornings. But don’t make me leave because of my shortcomings.”

“Don’t flatter yourself.” Seto took a sip from his mug. “I’m saying this as a friend. Get the fuck out of here.”

“Let me work half the day. Please. If I go home I’m just going to sit and stew and wallow in depressive misery.”

“If you’re not gone after lunch I’m having you forcibly removed.”

“Yes, Mr. Bossman.” Tristan stood up, doing a little salute. “And I’m coming to work tomorrow.”

“Don’t bother if you look like you do now. I won’t have you moping around here like a heartbroken puppy.” Tristan gave Seto a glare. “I’m serious.” Tristan walked out of the door and closed it behind him. This was shaping up to be a long day. A depressingly long day.

Coffee. Coffee always helped.

Tristan walked into the lounge and looked around for sugar, not really wanting artificial sweetener. Maybe he could just leave, what good was he to anyone right now? Kaiba was right, there was nothing else he could do, the Peterson account was out of his hands now.

“Hi, Mr. Taylor.” Tristan looked up. The face was instantly familiar, but the name was lost on him. He went through a mental Rolodex of names, trying to remember. He knew the young man standing in front of him was an intern. Had been so since last semester, but the name was still a mystery to him.

Tristan gave up. It’d come to him when he stopped thinking about it. “Hi, how are you?”

“Good. I wanted to mention I thought you did a really great job on your presentation the other day. I’ve been out sick the last few days, so I didn’t get a chance to mention it to you earlier.”

“Oh, thank you.” Tristan gave the intern a smile. “I know the flu’s going around. I’ve been trying to drink a lot of fruit juices, but they’re been upsetting my stomach. I’m sure if my doctor knew he’d have a heart attack.” The intern lifted an eyebrow. “I had an ulcer a few weeks ago.”

“From stress?”

“Yes.”

“Mr. Kaiba’s put a lot of pressure on you. Hasn’t he?” It’s not really work related, kiddo…and does this mean you’ve noticed?

“I was doing too much. Trying to play Superman.” The intern nodded with a smile.

“Can I?” he asked, motioning to the empty chair across from Tristan.

“No one’s sitting here, help yourself.”

The intern did. “I’m sure if anyone can handle the responsibility of Mr. Mazaki’s old job it’s you, Mr. Taylor.”

“Tristan. Please, don’t call me Mr. Taylor; it makes me feel like a teacher or something. I can’t be that much older than you.”

“Why, how old are you?”

“I’ll be 26 in April.”

“I guessed about 25 or 26.” The intern smiled. “I still feel like such a kid.”

“You’re an intern. Typically, interns aren’t in their 60s. You’re what 20?”

“19.”

“Not even legal yet huh?”

“I won’t tell if you don’t.” He winked. What in the world was this kid’s name? This was going to bug him the whole day.

“So what are your plans after you finish school?”

“Work here, this is the fastest growing company in the country.”

“You don’t have to remind me. Peterson account, not withstanding.”

“They hire 90 percent of their interns right after graduation too.”

Tristan nodded. “Yes. They do. Which is why my father insisted I apply for an internship here. He was concerned with my future. And I guess I owed him something since I already did enough to disappoint him.”

“I doubt that. You graduated fourth in your class from Tokyo University. You studied a year at Oxford. I don’t see how any of that is a disappointment.”

Tristan quirked an eyebrow. “Are you stalking me?”

“Last semester I was working in the human resource department. When I’d finish my work I’d dig through employee personnel files.”

“That couldn’t have been very ethical of you.”

The intern shook his head. “No, not really.”

“Well, I won’t tell if you don’t.” The intern gave Tristan a big grin. He was cute. The way a puppy was cute. A cute little puppy that follows you home. You know you’re not supposed to keep the damned thing, you know in the end you’ll regret it when it makes a mess all over the house, but you bring it home anyway. What the fuck am I thinking about? This is what happens when I don’t get laid in four nights.

“Something wrong, Tristan?” Tristan made a face. “You look distant. Stressed out.”

“Translation, I look like shit ran over twice?”

“No, I didn’t mean it like that. You’re nothing approaching shit, let alone ran over shit. Especially not ran over twice shit.”

“I think you just beat that metaphor into the ground.”

“Yes.” They both smiled at each other. “So what’s wrong? You keep stressing out you’ll be out with another ulcer.” This kid isn’t making a pass at me is he? “It’s alright, you don’t have to tell me. I won’t take it personally.”

“Relationship trouble. I’m just a bad cliché right now.”

“Did he break your heart?”

“He?” Tristan asked, making another face.

“You do like cock don’t you?” Tristan nearly spit his poorly sweetened coffee out onto the table. “I just assumed you were…you know…”

“I don’t see how my sexual orientation is any of your business,” Tristan began, getting defensive.

“It’s nothing to be ashamed of.”

“I’m not ashamed of it. That doesn’t mean I need to have a rainbow flag sitting on my desk either.”

“I didn’t mean to offend you.”

“Who said I was offended.”

“You’re snapping at me.”

“I am not snapping at you,” Tristan snapped.

“Tristan, I was…”

“Next you were going to tell me that you have a gay friend right? Or a gay sister. Like that makes it alright for you to…”

“I’m gay too, Tristan.” Tristan narrowed his eyes. “You can’t tell? Most people figure it out right away.”

“Well, I mean… maybe I might have thought…I didn’t want to assume…”

“I thought I was being fairly obvious.”

“It wasn’t that I couldn’t tell…I can tell. Well, I can tell usually when someone is…fuck this, forget it.” The intern smiled. His name is Hiro… that’s it…Hiro Something. “I’m sorry, Hiro, I didn’t mean to go off, I just…it’s not that I’m uncomfortable, I just…I’ve learned to be careful around people…”

“Hey, say no more. I completely understand. You shouldn’t feel like that around here though. Domino is like the gay capital of Japan. And the CEO of the company’s gay, you really shouldn’t worry.”

“Yes, you’re right.” Tristan sighed. “I’ve been on edge these last few days. I do apologize.”

“He must be something special if you’re so hung up on him.”

“Yeah, he’s special. I really fucked things up between us.”

“I think he should forgive you.”

“Why’s that? You don’t even know what I did.”

“How could someone stay mad at you? You’re too hot to stay mad at.”

“He’s taken “staying mad” and turned it into an art form. He hasn’t talked to me since he got mad at me Sunday night.”

“Maybe it’s over then.”

“Maybe it is.” Tristan looked at Hiro for a moment and let out another pathetic sigh.

“Look, if you need to talk to anyone about it, let me know. I’ve had my share of rough breakups.” Hiro smiled and stood up. Tristan met his look with one of his own. Are you being nice or are you trying to get into my pants?

“I’ll keep that in mind, thanks.”

“I should go. We can’t all be Seto Kaiba’s boy toy. Some of us have to actually do some work around here,” Hiro mentioned with a teasing smile.

If Tristan wasn’t already on the defensive he would have seen that the 19 year old was clearly teasing, but the brunet was way past agitated to notice. Something snapped inside the brunet and he jumped to his feet, dashing to where Hiro was leaving and slammed the door shut with the palm of his hand. Hiro spun around, startled, Tristan’s angry expression the only thing in his line of sight. “Tristan…”

“Is there some kind of rumor going around here that I’m sleeping with Kaiba? Tell me right now…”

“No…I was only teasing you, Tristan…honest.”

“I’m not sleeping with him. Don’t ever say that shit again, ever, do you understand me? Ever.”

“Alright. I was only joking, trying to cheer you up.”

“Are you lying to me?”

“Are you sleeping with him?”

Tristan’s eyes narrowed into furious little slits. “What is it you want, Hiro? I want answers. I’m not an idiot; I know when someone’s scheming something. You made it clear you’ve been watching me. Why?”

“Are you accusing me of something, Tristan?”

“I’m asking you a question that I want an answer to.” Hiro gave Tristan a smirk. “What is it you find so fucking amusing?”

“In the four months I’ve interned here I’ve never seen this side of you, Tristan. This might come off a tad masochistic, but it’s a real turn on.”

“I asked you a question. What is it you want?”

Hiro lifted an eyebrow. “I wasn’t being transparent?”

“Stop talking in a fucking circle.” Hiro did, and leaned over and gave Tristan a firm, quick kiss on the lips. Tristan pulled away and gave him a look.

“Am I being obvious now?” Tristan took a step back. “If he doesn’t pick up the phone next time, maybe you should think about moving on.” Tristan said nothing as Hiro walked out of the employees’ lounge.

Tristan wiped his mouth off with his sleeve. It wasn’t that the kiss was disgusting. It was too short to be much of anything. Tristan swallowed. This young intern, this was him, a few years ago. Only difference being that he went after guys he could get to be uke to him. The kid had spunk, that was for sure.

Another time, another Tristan and Hiro would have ended up in Tristan’s office, across his desk. But he wasn’t that Tristan anymore. And despite going without for four nights even the hornball in him wasn’t interested in making Hiro a rebound guy. There was only one man he wanted in his bed right now. And that man wasn’t speaking to him.

Tristan picked up the phone in his office and dialed the apartment. He waited patiently for the answering machine to click on:

“Hi, Joey. It’s me. I’m sorry I didn’t call yesterday; I guess I didn’t think I could stand being rejected again. I know you’re still very upset with me; you have every right to be. When you’re ready to talk, you can call me, day or night. I know we can work this…”

Tristan stopped talking, the cold hard reality of the situation between Joey and him slapping him in the face when the dial tone went off in his ear.

The brunet swallowed the lump forming in his throat.

He hung up the office phone and picked it back up. He dialed and waited impatiently. Pick up, pick up, pick up, pick up.

“Yeah, what’s up?”

“Bakura, where are you right now?”

“Your condo. I was just about to leave actually.”

“Are you going to be busy?”

“Not until this afternoon. Why?”

“Stay there. I’ll be there in about twenty minutes, alright?”

“What do you mean twenty minutes? You’ve only been at work for like an hour, if that.”

“I’m coming home. Wait for me.”

“What is this about?” Bakura wondered, frowning.

“Please.”

“Alright. Fine. I’ll see you in twenty.”


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


Joey poured himself more milk and swallowed his cereal in large soggy chunks. He took three more bites before he finally met Yugi’s gaze. “Just say it, Yug. Whatever it is you want to say to me, spit it out.”

“I didn’t say anything, Babe.”

“You’re thinking something. So whatever it is, just say it. I won’t have you giving me the evil eye for the rest of the morning.”

“You shouldn’t have hung up on him, Joey.” Joey let out an exaggerated sigh. “You asked me to tell you what I was thinking, Babe.”

“I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Joey, you knew that’s what I was going to say.”

“I don’t want to hear anymore messages on our answering machine. If that’s a crime than I’m guilty as charged.”

“He wouldn’t leave messages if you spoke to him.”

“I’m not speaking to him.”

“Joey, this is getting ridiculous. You can’t still be this mad.”

Joey made a face. “How easy it is for you to pass judgment on what I’m feeling, Yug. He betrayed me. There’s nothing for us to say to each other.”

“He didn’t betray you. He didn’t know Duke was engaged to you, Joey. Stop taking out your anger against Duke on Tristan.”

“It’s not about that. That has only a little bit to do with what I’m so upset about. He refused to tell me the truth.”

“So it took him a little bit of time.”

“A month, Yug. A full month.”

“But the point is he told you. He could have kept it from you for good.”

“He knew I was going to go see Duke. He told me because he was running out of time before Duke told me the truth.” Yugi rolled his eyes. “Don’t roll your eyes at me.”

“You’re being an immature child, Joey. And if you don’t stop acting like this you really will lose him.”

“Why am I the bad guy? He’s the one who lied to me, Yug.”

“And he’s sorry.”

“He’s sorry he was forced to tell me the truth.”

“Joey, you’re being unfair, you won’t even speak to him. You have to hear him out.”

“He’s the one who messed up, not me. I shouldn’t have to accommodate him. He’s the one who had an entire month to tell me what was going on. I’m not impressed that he suddenly wants to talk about this.”

“Talk to Duke, Babe.”

“Huh?”

“Duke. I think if you talk to him you’ll see this in a different light.”

“Tristan fucking Duke is not the point. The only reason I was going to talk to Duke was to confront him and ask him who it was. Well I know who it was. Therefore, talking to Duke is pointless.”

“The hell it is.” Joey cut his eyes at Yugi. “Babe, it’s called closure. That motherfucker cheated you out of tying up the emotional lose ends. He never gave you a chance to say a proper goodbye. There are a million things you probably would have said to him if I weren’t hospitalized. Say them. Tell him all the things you have to say in order for your heart to really heal.”

Joey met Yugi’s glare. “Yug…”

“I mean it. You know I’m right, Babe.”

“Can’t I send him a letter?”

“Joey.” The blond sighed. “I won’t give you any more advice about Tristan since everything I say you counter. But I am adamant about you seeing Duke.”

Joey stirred his cereal for a few minutes, his eyes on his spoon. “I’ll see him.” Yugi smiled and squeezed his best friend’s shoulder.

“You’re doing the right thing, Babe.”

“So subject change, when are you going to talk to Bakura and Yami?”

“You mean about our ménage a trois?” Joey nodded. “I don’t know. Bakura left me a text message this morning that he wanted to see me tonight.”

“Well, I mean it’s been nearly a week.”

“It’s not like Bakura and I haven’t spoken, or seen each other, we just haven’t mentioned it. That’s all. I don’t know, I have a funny feeling about tonight.”

“What kind of funny feeling?” Joey asked, meeting Yugi’s eyes.

“I don’t know.”


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


Tristan had just finished packing up his stuff when there was a quick knock on his door. “Come on in.” He looked up, only mildly surprised to see Hiro, the eager intern, entering his office.

“Can I talk to you for just one moment?” Hiro asked, giving Tristan a tentative look.

“Just a moment. I have to get going.”

“I’m sorry about what happened in the lounge. I sexually assaulted you and that was very wrong of me.”

“I wouldn’t call that sexual assault. I’m flattered, really. Albeit you’re a bit too young for me, but it’s still nice to know someone finds me attractive.”

Hiro looked at him for a long while. “Are you sure you’re not angry at me? You have every right to be.”

“Positive. Not angry. It’s fine. I won’t tell if you won’t, alright?” Hiro smiled.

“Thank you, Mr. Taylor.”

“Tristan.”

“Tristan.” Hiro smiled again and left the office. Tristan headed out and decided he’d stop to tell Seto he was leaving. Dana let him into their boss’s office.

Seto was on the phone yelling at someone. He glanced at Tristan and stood up. “I’ll call you back. I said, I’ll call you back. Get it fixed, or get yourself another job.” Seto put the phone down and looked at the brunet standing in front of him. “Tristan…what brings you back in here?”

“I decided to take your advice. I’m going to leave early.”

“Alright then.”

“Anything you want me to work on while I’m at home?” Seto shook his head no. “Okay.”

“Everything alright, you seem upset.”

“I’m having relationship issues, I’ve looked like this since Monday morning.”

“No, that isn’t what I meant. You sure you’re alright? You almost look sick.”

“It’s no big deal. I’ll handle it.” Tristan turned to leave.

“Alright then. Have a good day.” Tristan sighed. “Now what, Tristan?”

The shorter brunet turned to look at the CEO. “How am I supposed to know when it’s still worth the fight and when it’s time to just give up?”

“If you love him you never give up. Even when it hurts to keep trying, Tristan.” Tristan gave Seto a look. “You can’t spend life analyzing. You have to remember to live too.”

“I suppose you’re right. I just…” Tristan sighed. “I don’t know…”

“You’re not supposed to know. You’re in love. You’re never supposed to know when you’re in love. It’s one of the rules.”

“I just don’t want to feel like this anymore.”

“I know.”

“I hate this feeling. It’s killing me inside.”

“I know.”

“Right now I feel like…I feel like I should just say fuck it. You know. Just say fuck it and let it go.”

“It’s normal to feel that way. But you shouldn’t let go. Even when you’re at a dark moment.” Tristan quirked an eyebrow. “Last night Yami told me he was with another man since we’ve been separated. Right now I think I’m ready to just cut the cord and let go. But I can’t. I won’t.”

“Because you love him.”

“Yes.” It was Seto’s turn to sigh. “In any case, have a good rest of the day. And try not to spend it moping. It’ll only upset your stomach, and with the Peterson account decision coming in on Monday, you’ll have enough stress.”

“Alright. I’ll see you tomorrow then, Seto.”

“Tristan…” Seto looked down at some paperwork on his desk. “I appreciate you talking to me about your problem with Joey. It makes me feel like we’re kind of friends.”

“We are kind of friends, Seto.” Tristan waited until Seto looked up at him before he left the office.


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

Yami narrowed his eyes at the sound of the knocking at his door. “I thought I told you not to come over here unannounced anymore, Seto.” Yami flung the door open and made a face. “You’re not Seto.”

“As far as I know. If you want I can check the name sewn in my underwear just to be on the safe side.” Yami made a face. “We can have this conversation with me in the hallway, but I’d prefer to come inside.”

“Of course. How rude of me. Come in, Bakura.” Yami stepped aside so the white-haired bouncer could enter the hotel suite. “Did you want a drink?”

“Yeah, that’d be good.”

“Bar’s over there in that corner,” Yami said, pointing. Bakura scoffed as he slipped off his shoes and went to fix himself something. He needed some tequila. “Do you intend on staying long, I do have other plans, and I wanted to take a nap beforehand.”

“Why, aren’t you just going to be on your back anyway?”

Yami narrowed his eyes. “You have a hell of a lot of nerve coming over here like this.”

“Blow me.” Bakura and Yami met eyes. “Oh, that’s right, you already have.”

“You have about ten seconds to tell me what the hell you’re doing here. And then I’m calling security.”

“Don’t get your panties in a fucking bunch. We need to talk.”

“So talk. The faster you talk the faster you can get out of here.” Bakura gave Yami a look and took a shot of the alcohol. “This better be good.”

“Yugi is the most important person in my life, and I’m not going to allow you to hurt him. You’re not to see him again, that understood?”

Yami looked at Bakura and burst out in a fit of laughter. “Don’t tell me that liquor got to you that fast, asshole. If anyone is hurting Yugi it’s you. If that’s the only reason you came down here, I hate to inform you, but you wasted a trip.”

“Don’t think for one second I’m fucking around with you,” Bakura warned, in a near growl.

“I expected more from you, Bakura. Clearly I misjudged you. You’re even more insecure about your relationship with Yugi than I first thought. Pity he’s invested so much time in you.” Bakura slammed his empty shot glass down and took three steps, closing the distance between Yami and him.

“Let’s look at the facts, Yami. You only became friends with Yugi after the popular crowd dumped you, you took advantage of his affections for you so you could get in his pants. You fucked with Kaiba behind Yugi’s back and drove him to try and commit suicide. And then when your trophy wife existence wasn’t enough for you anymore and you got some balls and left that bastard Yugi takes you in with open arms. And you pay him back by seducing his boyfriend. I don’t know what kind of loyalty Yugi has to you, or why, but I’m here to end this once and for all.”

“And just what kind of man fucks one of his boyfriend’s friends in the first place. As I recall, you had no problem with it. Don’t try claiming you were an innocent victim. You were definitely a willing participant.”

“You goddamn slut, I was heavily intoxicated, I would have fucked just about anything.”

“Oh please, you wanted me from day one. Since you met me. You’ve been eyeing me like a Turkish Delight.”

“Delusional and a tramp…that’s an accomplishment.”

“Denial is not a river in Egypt, fucker.”

“I didn’t come here to argue.”

“Well you’ve gotten yourself an argument, if you think for one minute that I’m going to stop seeing Yugi. He’s one of my best friends, Bakura. And despite what happened in the past and what happened Saturday night, I care about him.”

“If you cared about him you wouldn’t have wanted me to fuck you.”

“It was a momentary weakness. I was just as drunk as you were. More so. We both fucked up.”

“No. You fucked up.”

“I never once heard you say no.”

“Sorry, Hot Pants, but I think it’s a little unrealistic to think I’m going to be thinking rationally when that sweet mouth of yours is working over my dick.”

“I bet that was one of the best blow jobs you’ve ever had in your life,” Yami decided, sitting on the couch. “You couldn’t get enough of me.”

“You sound so proud of yourself for that.” Yami narrowed his eyes.

“I’m not proud of myself. I’m ashamed. You’re right, Bakura, I’m not much of a friend. I never have been. I’m too self-involved to be anyone’s friend.”

“So you’ll stay away from Yugi then.”

“No.” Bakura poured himself more alcohol. “I won’t stay away from Yugi. I haven’t been a good friend in the past but I want to make it up to him. I know that what happened between us Saturday has probably ruined the friendship, but at the very least I’d like to speak to him, and let him decide on his own whether or not he wants to stay friends.”

“I don’t want him to be hurt, Yami. It’s that simple. He’s been through enough.”

“What about you, huh? You’re telling me Yugi’s perfectly happy with you after what happened on Saturday?”

“How Yugi feels about me is none of your business.”

“You’re a fucking asshole. At least I admit that I messed up. You can’t put this all on me. You mentioned a long time ago that you didn’t trust me, remember?”

“So you’re saying it’s partially my fault because I should have known what you were capable of it?” Yami didn’t answer. But he gave Bakura a firm look. “First off, I didn’t trust you around Yugi. I didn’t think you would have had the balls to try something with me.”

“You didn’t realize I was attracted to you, Bakura? Pity, I thought I was being obvious.” Bakura narrowed his eyes. “Lighten up, you don’t have to go giving me the death glare. I don’t like when Seto gives it to me, I won’t take it from you either.”

“Were you planning this? Tell me. Yes or no.”

“No, I wasn’t planning this. If you want the truth, yeah, if given the chance, I would have probably tried to sleep with Yugi. But not to spite you, and if it didn’t seem like he was interested I wouldn’t have pushed the issue. I just would have let nature take its course.”

Bakura took the shot and walked over to the couch. He sat next to Yami and studied him. “So I was right to suspect you had an ulterior motive.”

“It wasn’t like that. I just wanted comfort. I wouldn’t have used him.”

“Why not, you’ve used him before.”

“I never used him. Why is it that you’re so quick to make me the villain? I’m willing to own up to what I did. You won’t.”

“I didn’t do anything wrong, so I have nothing to own up to.”

“There was never a moment you thought about fucking me before Saturday night?”

“No.” Bakura crossed his arms over his chest. “I’m not attracted to sluts.”

“Fine, Bakura. You only had eyes for Yugi, and my mouth on your cock threw you off guard and you were forced into sleeping with me. I apologize, Bakura. How dare I be such tempting bait.”

“I told you, I was horny. That was all. I would have fucked anyone that night.”

“Good. Are we done now? I’m not staying away from Yugi, you won’t convince me to, and if that’s all you wanted to speak to me about, then I’d say this meeting is adjourned.”

“I’m being serious with you, Yami. I don’t want you near him.”

“Why?”

“You have the nerve to ask why? You just admitted you were planning on fucking him if you got the chance. That alone is enough. Then of course there’s the incident on Saturday.”

“No, I think it’s more than that. I’m curious, Bakura, when was the last time you and Yugi had sex.”

“Our sex life is not your concern, or your business.”

“Something about this just doesn’t jive for me. Something seems a bit funny. You guys aren’t sleeping together, I can tell.”

“I’d be real careful if I were you.”

“Are you threatening me now? Really, Bakura, I’m just asking a question. But it must be something, since every time I bring this up you grow really defensive.”

“Drop it,” Bakura demanded through gritted teeth.

“Don’t be so touchy, Kura,” Yami insisted, teasingly. “It can’t be that bad. Yugi let you fuck me, didn’t he?” Bakura’s eyes turned black and he made a grab for the other man sitting on the couch next to him. Yami jumped up and Bakura stood up.

“Calm down…I was just trying to upset you…”

“You did.” Bakura took two steps forward.

“Stop it, don’t come any closer. I’ll scream.”

“Scream.” Bakura took three more steps forward. “Scream, Yami. Scream until your heart’s content.”

“I mean it, I’m not joking. Stop it.” Bakura smirked and grabbed Yami’s wrist. “Please, stop…Bakura…stop…”

“What did Yugi tell you about us? Did he tell you that we haven’t had sex since November?”

“Bakura…let me go…”

“Did he tell you we’ve been having relationship problems since before then?”

“Bakura, let’s just talk about this like adults. Please…” Bakura took Yami’s other wrist. “Bakura…please…”

“What has he told you, Yami? How much did he tell you, and how much did you just infer? At what point did you decide that while you were trying to figure out how to get Yugi in bed you’d tease me a little? You enjoyed teasing me, didn’t you, Yami?”

“I wasn’t trying to tease you…”

“Sure you were.”

“I didn’t know you and Yugi haven’t been together since November. He didn’t tell me that. Please, Bakura, let my wrists go.”

“You liked teasing me, didn’t you. You like being a little tease, don’t you?”

“Bakura…”

“It’s all fun and games, until someone gets hurt. I’ve told Yugi this many times. Some guys don’t like being fucked with, some guys don’t like being teased.”

“I wasn’t trying to fuck with you. Yes, I was attracted to you. But I would never have fucked you…that was an accident.”

“But you knew that I was attracted to you as well. And you knew Yugi and I weren’t intimate, didn’t you.”

“That wasn’t my intention…Bakura…let me go…”

“I know you weren’t nearly as drunk as you wanted us to believe, Yami. Admit it.”

“Bakura..please…”

“You wanted the sex. Tell me the truth, I won’t ask you again.”

“Bakura…it wasn’t like that…”

“You wanted me to fuck you…say it.”

“Bakura…”

“SAY IT.”

“I wanted you to fuck me.”

“And Yugi?”

“I wanted you both. Alright. I was lonely, I wanted male companionship. I was depressed about Seto. Part of me wanted to get him back, I wanted him to hurt like I hurt. And part of me just wanted the sex. And the opportunity presented itself…so I took it. I didn’t know you and Yugi were having problems…I never would have done it if I really knew your relationship was a mess.” Bakura kept his eyes trained on Yami for a second longer. “Please.”

Bakura released him and sat on the couch. “Yugi was raped, back in November. And since then we haven’t had intercourse. To be honest, Saturday night was the most intimate we’ve been since then.”

“What?” Bakura gave him a look. “Slow down. WHAT!”

“Yugi was raped.”

“I…oh my god…” Yami’s hands came up to cover his mouth. “Oh gods…Yugi…Aibou…oh gods…”

“Look, I wanted you. And I hate that I did. Yugi and I have had a strained relationship, and there you were. It was as much my fault as it was your fault. I wanted to fuck you. That’s the truth. I crossed the line. I should never have hurt him like I did. Not after everything he’s been through. I can’t stop you from seeing him…I just…I’m asking you, for his sake.”

“Why didn’t he tell me about the rape? Why did he keep it from me?” Yami asked, slumping onto the couch.

“You know why.” Yami looked at Bakura, and away.

“I guess I do…I…” Yami blinked back a few tears. “I never meant to hurt him, Bakura. I just…I need him. I’ve always needed him. I’ve needed him more than he’s ever needed me, he just never realized it. If I don’t have him I’ll have no one. He’s my best friend.” Yami wiped at his face. “I’m not a good person. I’ve never been a good person, even now I bet you question how genuine I’m being. The sex…with Yugi…I wanted it because I needed him…I know, it’s selfish…I just…I’m terrified of being alone…and Yugi…he’s been through so much more than me, and I’m the weak one. Some friend I am…he’s raped and he doesn’t tell me…I…my poor aibou.”

“Yami, look, I shouldn’t have told you…it wasn’t my place…but if it’s any consolation…I’m pretty sure he was going to tell you. I think he wanted to tell you when you were supposed to go away for the weekend.”

“But you know what that weekend was about.”

“You wanted to go away with him in hopes you guys could sleep together.” Yami nodded. “Look, you’re a bitch, but I’m pretty sure if he had told you you wouldn’t have continued your little plot.”

“No. Of course not. I just…I’m just a tease because…it makes me feel…like I’m in control. I never really thought the three of us would have ended up together.”

“Nor did I.”

Yami looked at Bakura. “If you think it’s better I stay away from him I will. I don’t want to hurt him anymore.”

“Do you mean that?”

“Yes.” Yami nodded firmly. “I don’t like what kind of person I’ve been. I don’t want to be this way anymore. But Yugi means too much to me…I can see now that it’s not doing him any good by continuing this destructive friendship. Your wish is granted, Bakura.” Bakura looked away and sighed. “What? I meant it.”

“I know that.” Bakura sighed again. “Listen, me telling you to stay away from Yugi is making me a hypocrite. Joey did the same thing to me, demanding I stay away from Yugi, for his own good. Only Yugi knows what’s for his own good, and he doesn’t need me or Joey or anyone else making decisions for him. You need to talk to him. We both need to talk to him. It’s up to Yugi whether or not he wants to keep this friendship.”

“Bakura?”

Bakura sighed. “This is too complicated. I just don’t want him to hurt anymore.”

“I don’t want him to hurt anymore either.”

“So what exactly are we supposed to do? How exactly are we supposed to fix this?”

“I’ll take full responsibility. I’m just a little slut, after all. Yugi wouldn’t expect any less from me. Yugi deserves to be happy with you, Bakura.”

“We were both to blame. It’s not just your fault. I only got angry with you because I was angry at myself. Look, you talk to him. Then I’ll talk to him. This will work itself out. Just have a little faith.”

“I don’t mind taking the blame, Bakura. If it’ll mean Yugi and you will get over this then I’ll do it.”

“I’ll own up to my part in it. I don’t need you to play Good Samaritan for me. I’ll just tell him the truth. We’ll just tell him the truth and remind him that we both love him and care about him very much, and explain that the last thing we ever wanted to do was hurt him.”

“You make it sound so easy.” Yami pressed his head into his hands. “Tell me what happened to him. Tell me about the rape.”


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


Joey entered his bedroom and took another glance at the picture frame sitting on his desk. The one Tristan had given him when they went away for the weekend together. That seemed like forever ago now. What exactly was he supposed to do? Maybe he was being stubborn, and unfair. But he couldn’t help feeling this way. He couldn’t help feeling betrayed. No matter how hard he tried.

No it wouldn’t kill him to talk to Tristan. Damn his pride. It had been four days, four long days…but it didn’t change how he felt. It hurt just as much now as it hurt then. What bothered him the most? Was it that Tristan was with Duke, or that he had lied about it? Both hurt.

Was it fair to be mad at Tristan for Duke? He hadn’t known, even if Tristan had turned a blind eye to Duke, it was his fiancé who had messed up by pursuing a sexual relationship when he was someone else. And had Tristan been that wrong to not tell him sooner? He had been right, ironically enough. Joey had flipped out, like Tristan had predicted. So what was keeping him from talking to the brunet?

Things weren’t all neat and clear cut. Joey still felt the dull ache of a broken heart, he still felt betrayed. Tristan was not the super boyfriend Joey had thought he was. No, no one is perfect, of course. But Tristan had been pretty damn close. So that was it? Tristan had fallen from grace. Was that why he was so reluctant to forgive him?

This was too confusing. Why did he have to feel this way? Why was life so complicated? So what if he was to blame for complicating things. At the end of the day, Tristan had caused this. Even if it was debatable whether or not Joey would have reacted to the news any differently if he had been told right away.

He didn’t want to be this way anymore, trapped. Maybe he’d see Duke. But what would that prove. Having closure with Duke wouldn’t change anything in concern with Tristan. Would it? How could it? So his mind would be freer because he wouldn’t have the shadow of a past relationship on his shoulders. But the shadow would always be there because Tristan had been the nefarious other man.

He could look at this five different ways. He could never really say goodbye to his former fiancé if he was dating the man he cheated on him with. Just thinking about it in those simple terms made it seem like a lost episode of some trashy talk show. Of course this other man had a name, had been a part of his life. He loved this other man. He loved him as much as he had loved Duke himself.

Tristan.

Friday nights at the Pyramid or some other hot spot dancing all night long, hot passionate sex afterwards, waking up to the smell of a lavish breakfast the next morning. Weekdays spent at lunch analyzing a friend’s problem, being surprised with Chinese take out after work. Never a dull moment…always feeling like the luckiest guy in the world.

And now…alone…each day was darker than the last, each one more painful than the last…each day another grueling memory of love lost. And it had only been four days…what was it going to feel like if this kept up? Maybe it was time to do something about this. But he couldn’t help being hurt.

Tristan wasn’t perfect. Sure it was easy to remember all the good times because they were in a fight right now. But times hadn’t always been good. There had certainly been some dark moments. It hadn’t all been coming up roses.

So what did this all mean?

Joey gave the picture in the frame another look. He didn’t say anything and left the room. He had grocery shopping to do soon. It was about time he cleaned the refrigerator out. He needed to make room for the stuff he was planning on buying.

Anything to give his mind a much needed rest.


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


While Joey finished cleaning out the fridge Yugi and Yami headed into the bedroom. “So what is it you wanted to talk about, Yams?” Yami had called before coming over to the apartment, and now that he was here Yugi was already beginning to dread the impending conversation. It was clear why Yami had come over, but he had hoped to avoid talking to Yami until after he had spoken to Bakura. He wasn’t really sure how this was going to go, but in any case he was soon going to find out.

“I had a conversation with your boyfriend, Aibou.” Yami gave Yugi a pointed look.

“What did Kura say?”

“He said a lot, Aibou. He told me everything.” Yami and Yugi held each other’s gaze. So Bakura had spoken to Yami, the plot was thickening. Yugi hadn’t thought the white-haired bouncer would speak to Yami, especially given their history. But maybe this was all a month in the making, maybe something had to give. “Aibou, I’ve done a lot of thinking since he left my hotel room earlier.”

“I’m sure you have.”

“Listen, Yugi, I…I don’t know how to say this…he told me…about Malik and what happened…in November.” Yugi held his half of the intense look, as the color drained from his face. “Aibou…I’m so so sorry about…”

“I’d prefer not to talk about it,” Yugi interrupted curtly.

“I’m sure if you wanted to discuss it with me you would have mentioned it to me three months ago.” Yugi looked away. “I am sorry, Aibou. For everything. For hurting you the way I have.”

“I’m not upset about what happened on Saturday.”

“I wasn’t just talking about Saturday.” Yugi swallowed but didn’t look up. Yami took his hand in his. “I’ve been a very bad friend, Aibou. I’ve hurt you so deeply.”

“All of that is in the past now. No use bringing up ancient history.”

“You have every right to hate me, Aibou. If I were you I’d hate me.”

“I don’t hate you, Yami. It’s fine.”

“No it’s not. I’ve been hurting you since the day we became friends. I’m not a good person.”

“That’s not true.”

“That’s why Seto cheated on me. I’m cold. A cold bitch who’s too self-involved to ever really be loving.”

“That’s not true, Yami. I told you, I don’t hate you. Let’s just drop it, please.”

“Aibou, look at me.” Yugi looked up. “What happened Saturday was my fault. I seduced Bakura. I didn’t know you guys hadn’t been intimate in a few months, and I just went for it. I didn’t do it to hurt you, I did it because I was just too busy thinking about my own needs. Like I always do.”

“Yami, what is it you want from me? What do you want me to say? Are you afraid I won’t forgive what happened?”

“I don’t want forgiveness.” It was Yami’s turn to look away. “Maybe we shouldn’t be friends anymore.” Yugi made a face.

“You don’t want to be my friend anymore, Yami?”

“I’m not a good friend, Yugi. And given everything I’ve done to you since…”

“Yami, stop it. Yes, you’ve done things to hurt me. But you’ve done wonderful things too. You are who you are. I’ve already forgiven you, Yami…I won’t lie and say that it didn’t hurt from time to time. But you have to move on. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. And I get stronger everyday. This wouldn’t have even been a big issue if Bakura and I didn’t have problems in our relationship. And I didn’t tell you about them or about the rape, so there was no way you could have known. I wanted to tell you, Yami…but it’s not something I’m comfortable talking about.”

“I just want you to know I want to be a better person for you, Aibou. I mean that.”

“Don’t be a better person for me. Be a better person for yourself. You’re going through your own emotional turmoil, and I’m sure that played a big part in what happened. Plus we were all drunk.”

“Are you sure, Aibou?” Yugi nodded, then smiled. Yami smiled back and hugged him. Yugi’s smile faded. What was he ever going to do with Yami?

Why couldn’t he just cut him off…get rid of him? Certainly no one he knew liked Yami all that much. Joey and his grandfather had always had issue with Yami, long before the events leading up to his suicide attempt. Yami wasn’t entirely to blame for that. People got dumped everyday. A hormonal imbalance was also to blame.

But Yami was still his friend. And Yugi cared about him. And in all honesty, though he had been a bit upset about Yami’s behavior he was more angry at Bakura. Maybe because he expected more of Bakura. Yami really had no way of knowing prior to the incident that his sex life was nonexistent.

“I better be going, Aibou. I have a hair appointment this afternoon. Tomorrow night’s that charity banquet for the orphanage.”

“Oh that’s right, that’s tomorrow. And you’re going with Seto, right?” Yami nodded. “That should be interesting.”

“We’re supposed to meet for lunch first, then I told him I’d help him pick out something to wear. I’m a bit nervous, to be honest, Aibou. I know I’ve seen him fairly regularly since the separation, but beside the incident at the hospital with Tristan the other times have been limited to seeing him at the hotel. Plus the press will be around, and we have to give the impression everything is peaches and cream, you know.”

“The paparazzi are still a buzz, huh?” Yami nodded. “You’ll be fine. If anyone can handle it you can. You wouldn’t have told him you’d go if you had any doubts you could pull it off.”

“Still, Aibou, there’s something about pretending like nothing is wrong when he hurt me the way he did. Keeping up appearances hurts. Outside I’m smiling and being charming, inside there’s this voice screaming at me. Reminding me how he betrayed me. Going with him is almost saying it was alright that he did what he did.”

“You’re doing it for the greater good. Going to support children without parents is worth putting on a false face for a few hours with Seto. You never know, if you let yourself relax a bit, you might actually enjoy the evening.”

“Yes, you’re right, Aibou. You’re very wise.” Yami gave Yugi a kiss. “Thank you, Yugi. Thank you for being my best friend.” Yami gave Yugi another smile, feeling a lot better and headed out of the bedroom. “Have a nice afternoon, Joey.”

“Later, Yami.” Joey turned to watch Yami head out of the apartment before looking back at Yugi. “So I guess you guys are made up now?”

“I guess we are.”

“Let me guess, Yami found away to turn the conversation onto him even while he was apologizing to you.” Yugi lifted an eyebrow. “You found it hard to be moved by his speeches while he was once again reminding you of his problems with Seto and his weight and the big mean wicked world we live in.”

“He was sorry, but he made it into his moment. But that’s Yami. He’s always been that way. And I guess he always will be.” Yugi shrugged. “We’re alright now. It’s Bakura I have to deal with.”

“When’s he supposed to be coming over?” Yugi glanced at their clock.

“Soon.”


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


Joey unlocked the door. “Hey, Bakura.”

“Hey, Blondie, what’s up.”

“Nothing much.” Joey moved out of Bakura’s way, and let him into the apartment. “Yugi, your boyfriend is here…Yugi…” Yugi appeared. If pictures were worth a thousand words, the expression on Joey’s best friend’s face had to be an unabridged dictionary of terminology.

Bakura’s gaze dropped. That was Joey’s cue to leave. “I guess I’m going to go food shopping. Be back later.” Joey slipped on his shoes, grabbed his winter coat and left.

“Babyface.”

“Kura.”

“I guess you already spoke to Yami.” Yugi didn’t answer, he headed into the kitchen. Bakura followed him, and instinctively picked Yugi up, placing him on the counter. “I wonder what he said to you.”

“He told me you told him everything. About Malik, Kura.” Bakura nodded. “Why did you decide to tell him?”

“I wanted him to stay away from you. I was trying to explain to him that you’ve been through a lot and the last thing you needed right now was his false friendship. It was not my place to tell him, but you led me to believe that you were planning on telling him anyway.”

“I see.”

“Babyface, whatever you want to say, just say it. Let’s not ignore the pink elephant in the room here.”

“You had no right to tell Yami about me being raped. Actually, you having a conversation with Yami in the first place upsets me. I don’t trust him around you.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Yami’s been eyeing you. He told me it was his fault, that he willingly seduced you.”

“He’s lying.” Yugi made a face. “He said that to protect me. I told him not to say that, but I guess he did anyway. He said he’d take full responsibility for what happened.”

“Why would he do that?”

“He said the two of us deserve to be happy.”

“I see.” Yugi stared into his lap, finding it more interesting than Bakura’s face.

“Don’t start that again. Speak. Talk to me. I know you’re upset about what happened between the three of us. And I’m sorry. I am truly sorry. But believe me when I say that I would have never, ever done something like that if you weren’t right there. I wouldn’t cheat on you.”

“I know that, Bakura.” Yugi looked up. “I’m not upset that it happened. I’m upset that that was the closest to sex the two of us have had in three months. Look, we’ve both lusted. I wanted Yami…you wanted Yami. We had Yami. Yami was attracted to the both of us. It’s done.”

“It’s not done, Babyface. You’re still upset. Please, just talk to me.”

“I told you in the beginning of this relationship that I wouldn’t blame you for finding someone else to give you what I can’t.”

“What?”

“If you and Yami were to wind up in bed again, I’d be alright with it.”

“What the hell are you talking about, Yugi? It’s not happening again. Are you crazy? It was a mistake. We all messed up there, but I would never ever do that to you. You’re my boyfriend, I don’t want Yami to give me pleasure on the side.”

“I don’t think Yami would mind.”

“Yami’s a slut, I’m sure he wouldn’t mind.” Bakura shook himself. “Yugi, sometimes I don’t understand you. Stop doing this. Stop acting this way. When you say stuff like this it angers me.”

“I’m sorry I’m angering you, Bakura.”

“Yugi…come on…what is it with you?”

“We shouldn’t be together anymore, Bakura.”

“So you’re dumping me. Because you want me to have sex with your ex and I’m refusing?”

“Yami was never my ex…he was just a guy I happened to be in love with that I was screwing.” Yugi jumped off the side of the counter.

“It sounds to me like you’re threatened by Yami so you’re pushing me away again.”

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

“Oh, no you don’t. Stop it, and talk to me. Stop shutting me out. It’s all right to be upset with me, Yugi. Hate me for what I did with Yami. But this cold indifference isn’t working.”

“I can’t fuck you anymore, Bakura. I’m telling you not to wait for the imaginary day when we fuck again! It’s never coming! That’s what you don’t get. It’s not going to happen. Ever! If you want sex from me you’ll have to force yourself on me.”

“Don’t ever say that shit, Yugi. I would never do that.”

“Sometimes I wish you would! Sometimes I wish you would stop babying me.”

“That’s what you want then? So be it, you’ll get your wish.” Bakura grabbed Yugi and picked him up, flinging him over his shoulder. He said nothing as he carried him into the bedroom. “Enough of your crap, Babyface. It ends now.”

Yugi gasped as Bakura tossed him on his bed. “I get the point, Bakura…you can stop it now.”

“You wanted this, remember? I’m only giving you exactly what you wanted.” Bakura crawled onto the bed and hovered over top his boyfriend.

“Kura…I’m sorry…I was just upset…”

“It’s too late for sorry, Babyface.” Bakura nipped at Yugi’s neck. It wasn’t overly hard, but it was hard enough to make Yugi let out a little whimper. Bakura was fucking with him, wasn’t he? He wasn’t serious. Of course not, Bakura would never hurt him…but then why was he acting like this?

“Kura, what are you doing?”

“Taking what I want.” Bakura unbuttoned Yugi’s pants. He moved them so that Yugi’s abdomen was uncovered. “You said you wanted to be forced, did you not.”

“I told you I was sorry, Bakura. I get it. You’re trying to make a point.”

“No I’m not.” Bakura gave Yugi’s exposed skin slight kisses.

“Kura…” Yugi let out a little contented sigh as Bakura continued his kisses and rubbed his thighs. “I’m sorry, Kura. I’m just so frustrated, with everything.”

“I know, Babyface.”

“I just don’t know what to do. Sometimes I do think you and I won’t be able to…”

“What did I tell you three months ago, Babyface.” Bakura looked up at him. “I told you I’m not going anywhere. So stop trying to push me away.” Yugi looked down into soft brown eyes.

“I won’t push you away anymore. Alright?”

“I’m going to hold you to that.” Yugi smiled, then let out a giggle as Bakura smothered him with more kisses. “Hold still…you’re getting a blow job…” Yugi giggled again, as he let Bakura take off his pants.


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


Seto watched as Yami ran towards the SUV at full speed. He hadn’t thought it was supposed to rain, but now it was coming down in buckets. Yami opened the door, climbed in, and shivered before looking at his estranged fiancé. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to take that long. I had to change, I was wearing suede, and you know what would have happened to it if I came out here in this weather.”

“It’s alright, Sweetheart.”

“How was work today?”

“It was fine, thank you for asking.” Seto turned up the heat, in response to Yami’s shivers. “How was your day, Love?”

“Could have been worse. I didn’t get too much sleep last night so I’m running on high doses of caffeine right now.”

“I was in the mood for Thai, for lunch. It that alright with you?”

“I haven’t had Thai in a while, that’ll be nice.” Yami buckled his seatbelt as Seto took off down the road. “I get the feeling we won’t be eating to much at the banquet.”

“No, most likely not.”

“Such a waste.” Yami looked out the window. Seto glanced at Yami. There was a lot he wanted to say, to ask. But he wanted to keep it civil.

“I never got a chance to ask you, how was Joey’s birthday party Saturday night?”

“We had a good time. There was a live band. We got to do a lot of dancing.” Yami gave Seto a look. “Actually, Tristan mentioned something about wanting a raise for keeping me out of trouble.”

“In what way?” Seto asked lifting an eyebrow.

“I had too much to drink. So did Yugi and Joey. The three of us were pretty smashed.”

“Oh, I see. Well, that’s how one is supposed to be on their birthday.”

“There’s something I never thought I’d hear you say.” Seto quirked his eyebrow again. “Don’t give me that look. Remember, your 20th birthday? I had to practically force alcohol down your throat.”

“That was because I didn’t trust myself around you. You were teasing me. And if I got drunk I probably would have done something I would have regretted.”

“You should never regret something that made you smile, Seto.”

“You were with Yugi. It would have been inappropriate of me to have put moves on you so early into our blossoming friendship.” Yami gave Seto a look. “Not that I didn’t want to.”

“I think there was a part of you that liked that I was with Yugi. You liked the challenge.”

“Yes. You’re right. I did. And you, Sweetheart, liked all the attention I gave you.”

“You were certainly head over heels for me, weren’t you?”

“I still am.” Yami and Seto exchanged glances. “And always will be.” Yami looked away, and suppressed a sigh. “Yami…I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“I’m not upset.” Yami turned to look at Seto and smiled faintly. “I just don’t want to go through this right now. Not today. It’s all been said once, said a million times over. For today, for tonight, let’s just pretend we’re in love and we’re living happily ever after.”

“As you wish, Sweetheart.”

“Seto, will you order that thing I like for me? I don’t remember what it was, and I always get the pronunciation wrong.”

“Of course, Love.”

“Thank you, Seto.” Yami give him another smile.

Lunch went uneventfully. And even getting ready for the banquet and the banquet itself went smoothly. It all went better than Seto could have ever dreamed it would. What ever thoughts Yami had he kept to himself, even when Seto was sure he wanted to comment. Yami wooed everyone the way he always did, and acted as if everything was perfect between them.

Yami did such a good job at it, Seto was even beginning to believe it.

Yami allowed Seto to help with his coat and they headed out towards the limo holding hands. “I’m so proud of you, Seto. The orphanage is going to get that new edition, and with all the extra that was raised you could probably start that computer system project.”

“I wouldn’t have been able to do this tonight without your strength, Love. Thank you for coming.”

“I know how much this means to you, Seto. It was no trouble at all.” The limo driver opened the door for them and they got in.

“If there’s anything you want, let me know.”

“Well, since you’re asking, could we stop at the supermarket, I have a craving for mint chocolate chip ice cream.” Seto quirked an eyebrow. “I’ve given up, if I’m going to be a little fat butterball I should eat appropriately.”

“You’re not a fat butterball, Sweetheart.”

“I just feel like I am.” Yami looked out the window. “Can we please, can we just go get some ice cream?”

“Of course, Honey.” Seto told the driver and they headed to a 24 hour food store. When they got there, Yami jumped out. “Where are you going? He can get it for you.”

“I can get my own ice cream. Come on, Seto, come with me.”

“Dressed like this? In a tux?”

“Yes, come on, Seto.” Seto followed his short estranged fiancé and they walked into the supermarket. “The ice cream is over this way. I should know, I’ve eaten enough of it.”

“It doesn’t show, Sweetheart, I promise.”

Yami looked at the ice cream and sighed. “I thought I wanted mint chocolate chip, but I think I might want something else. Decisions, decisions.”

“Get a bunch of different flavors, then you can take samples of each kind.”

“You want me to be the size of the mansion, don’t you, Seto?” Seto gave Yami a look then grabbed him and turned him so he was facing the frozen food refrigerators.

“Look at yourself, Yami. Take a good long, hard look. What do you see?”

“Seto…”

“I’ll tell you what I see. I see a man who’s so fucking gorgeous he makes people want to come with just a smile.”

“Seto…”

“There is absolutely nothing wrong with you. You look just as trim and as perfect as you looked when we were in high school. You look just as breathtaking as you did when we met that day at the little French bistro you use to work at. Why do you suppose you made so much in tips, hmm? It wasn’t because of your sparkling personality, I can tell you that.”

“Seto…”

“I don’t want to hear another word about you being anything less than 100 percent amazing. Do you understand? Not another word. You still take my breath away with just a look, and no matter how you looked people would still be enamored with you. I will always be hopelessly infatuated, Yami.”

Yami got out of Seto’s grasp. “Sometimes I really love you, Seto. My beautiful dragon.” Yami stood a bit straighter so they could kiss. It was only a moment before Yami began moaning against Seto’s eager lips.

“Mmm..honey…”

“Seto…dragon…I want to go home…with you…”

“Are you sure, Yami?”

“Yes. Right now.” Yami took Seto’s hand and led him out of the supermarket. They returned to the limo ice cream-less, and Seto told the driver to get them back to the house as quickly as humanly possible without killing them.

Yami fumbled with the satellite radio system, finding his favorite station and began rocking contented to the music. Seto sat silently across from Yami on the opposite bench, watching Yami’s every movement. Yami winked before he put his finger in his mouth and bit on it playfully.

“Mmmm…this music always gets my blood going, Seto…”

“You love dancing, and this is great music to dance to.”

“It’s more than that, Seto.” Yami gave him a lascivious smile. “Let’s just say not just my nipples get aroused.” Seto took a deep breath, trying to slow his heart rate. “All the other times, nothing happened between us…because I was tipsy. But I was nursing a chilled sherry the entire evening. Hardly what I’d call under the influence.”

“Yami…”

“I don’t I think I’ve wanted anything so much in my entire life.”

Seto swallowed. “Yami…”

“The only reason I’m not sitting next to you right now is because if I were we wouldn’t make it to the bedroom.”

“Is that a fact?” Seto asked, feeling his dick begin to levitate. He locked eyes with his estranged lover and held them. “Well if we don’t get back to the mansion soon, I’m starting right here.”

“You don’t say,” Yami asked, lifting an eyebrow. “Maybe I plan on taking a bath. Or eating something. Who’s to say I want anything to happen between us.”

“If you didn’t want anything to happen you got in the wrong limo, Yami. You’ve been acting like you wanted it the whole night, and who am I to deny you.”

“I have not the slightest idea of what you’re talking about.”

“You damn little tease…” Yami smirked. He thrust his hips forward to the intense beats pounding out of the speakers. Seto watched, but said nothing else. He enjoyed watching the show Yami was putting on. Even though Yami was sitting down he still managed to move in ways that had to be illegal in several countries.

The limo finally pulled onto the estate and they were let out. Yami walked in first, his hips swinging back and forth enticingly. They were moving to a silent rhythm…primal…animalistic. Yami opened the bedroom door and the moment Seto came in behind him the door closed and locked.

“Was it necessary to wake the entire household by slamming that door, Seto Kaiba?” Seto said nothing, simply unbuttoned the top button of his pants and then zipped them down. “What do you think you’re doing?”

“I think I’m about to fuck you raw…get undressed.” They met eyes.

“What makes you think I will?”

“You ask that like I’m giving you a choice.” Yami smiled. He walked backwards, hips swaying as he unbuttoned his pants and pulled down his zipper. Yami’s finger was back in his mouth, as he loosened his tie. He took two more steps back, before he ground his hips until he made them drop and pool around his ankles.

“The more you tease me the harder it’s going to be, Sweetheart.”

“I’m getting undressed to get ready for bed, Seto.”

“Keep playing games with me.”

“Like I said before, I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Seto snorted. Yami pulled his length twice. “Just what do you think is going to happen between us tonight.”

Seto stepped out of his pants and began unbuttoning his dress shirt off. “You think I’m kidding…I’m not…you’re going to be in for a rude awakening.”

“Really, Seto…you’re being ridiculous.” Yami finished taking off his shirt and tossed it at his estranged fiancé. “I’m going to sleep.” Seto walked towards Yami as he sat down on their king sized bed.

“I should make you wear the collar,” Seto thought, darkly.

“Nothing is going to happen tonight, Seto. As you can see, I’m naked simply to go to sleep.” Seto closed the distance between them. “I see your body thinks something entirely different.” Seto said nothing, his eyes smoldering. “You want a blow job, Seto…would that make you feel better?” Yami wrapped his hand around Seto’s dick with s sly smile. “Hmm…Dragon?”

“On your knees.” That fucking voice. God, Yami could come just listening to him. Seto focused his eyes on him. Yami smiled again. He wanted it like this…kinky wouldn’t cut it tonight. He wanted it dirty…nasty.

“What if I wanted to do it like this, Seto,” Yami asked, giving Seto precious kisses. Seto shivered. Yami slipped off the bed, onto his knees, grabbing Seto’s balls in his hands and squeezing them gently. “What if I just want to play with it for a while.”

Seto grabbed Yami’s hair, not hard, but firm enough that Yami had to look up at him. “I’ve had enough of your teasing…”

“Oh my…poor Seto…someone wants to come…” Yami smirked. “Well, it just so happens I want to taste it.” Yami gave Seto another hard kiss. “Mmmm…I want to taste it…” Yami cut himself off as he opened his mouth and took Seto back in. He swallowed, Seto thrust his cock smoothly, slowly down his throat. Yami’s moan was suppressed as he continued. Maybe it made him a slut…but he loved this. Kneeling in front of Seto like this, working him over, bringing him pleasure. He could never get enough of this moment.

Seto’s hands were in Yami’s hair, kneading his scalp, guiding his lover on and off his achingly hard manhood, husky moans escaping his lips. As good as Yami’s hot little mouth felt on his organ, the lust he was feeling could only be satisfied when he released deep within his lover’s tight hole.

“On the bed…” Yami looked up at Seto…smiling, intense need written all over his face. Tonight, if only for tonight, the rest of their problems didn’t matter. Yami got back on the bed, and spread his legs wide, bending them at the knee. “No more games, Love…”

“Is that so?”

“I’m going to use you like a bitch…just how you want it.” Seto slipped against Seto biting his sensitive nipples. Yami groaned in pained pleasure. “Look at you, hot and panting…just like I knew you’d be.” Yami pressed up, desperate for more contact. Seto took a lone finger and ran against Yami’s pouting lips, Yami sucking on it and closing his eyes as he enjoyed Seto’s molestation. Seto took the finger from Yami’s mouth and pressed it against his puckered hole with a smile. Seto slid it inside, Yami immediately writhing on it then moaning as the brunet worked up his tight ass.

“Seto…please…”

Seto pushed in past the second knuckle, and curled the digit sharply. “It’s just as I remember…hot and tight…closing around my finger. Hungry, no starving for it.”

“Mmmm…aahhhh…ngh…” Yami shook his head back and forth against the pillows, biting his lip to keep from screaming.

“You wet little slut…what am I going to do with you…”

“Please…”

“I think I know what my sweetie needs…does Yami want Seto to take care of him?”

“Mmm…hmmm…” Seto reached into the nightstand and pulled out lubricant, Yami working his own finger in alongside the CEO’s. Yami and Seto had done this enough times that Yami didn’t need much preparation.

Yami took a deep breath, the familiar feeling of being invaded by Seto’s pulsing member forcing whimpers past his slightly parted lips. He was aching for it…his whimpers becoming louder as he felt himself becoming full…stretching…accommodating the wanted intrusion in his most private of places.

“So…perfect…” the brunet was already out of breath and he had barely begun moving. “I can’t…”

“Yes…Seto….yes…” Yami bucked his body up, then rolled his hips back, begging for more, every nerve in his body buzzing like a firefly. He needed it like this, fast, reckless. He knew the CEO wouldn’t be able to hold back…and he wanted it that way. He wanted to remember why it was called “taking” someone.

Seto could see the white spots in his vision…it would all be over as soon as it started but his body had already taken over. He was being dragged out to sea in a tidal wave. The friction was killing him, that special feeling that only came from breaking in and entering like this overwhelming his senses. This was hot, dirty sex…the kind reserved for vehicle backseats and cheap motels.

Yami’s legs wrapped around his hips, his body demanding more. “Fuck me…fuck me…fuck me…”

Seto growled, biting into Yami’s shoulder, marking him like an animal. In out, in out…Yes…Yes..Yes…faster harder…more more more… Not enough…more. Yes. Hard…

“I’m so close…Sweetheart…I’m so close…”

“Seto…MMMMMMMM…yes…YES..” Yes. So close now. Moments from hot release. Seto showered Yami with flaming hot kisses, smothering him in wetness. “Yes, Seto…YES.”

Seto growled. “Gonna make it so…” Seto thrust in twice…“we come together…”

Yami could feel the edge, drowning in whiteness…this was it…he was there…he was letting himself go…

Lightening, hot fire shooting through Seto’s body and it was all over. Yami howled. Seto surrendered to his own voice and screamed and it all went from white to black.


Author’s Endnotes: Not a very long lemon…but a very long chapter. Actually we’ll see some more about Seto and Yami’s tentative situation in the chapter after next…as for next chapter, you should go read it. Now…right now…run run run…