Tied Together

Boy was this chapter hard to write! The middle bit went ok, but the start and end just wouldn't go right. >.< But finally it's done...woot!

KiraRaven: You think that one was evil, wait till you get to the end of this! Hee hee. I don't believe in love at sight either so I understand completely what you're saying. (You're english is very good!) This is exactly what I was trying to do so I'm overjoyed that it's coming across that way. Thanks for the lovely review.

Cody_Thomas: I love it when things like that happen. It's like karma...it was bad to be without the internet but you get more things to look at when you eventually get it back! (I think I've been watching too much "My name is Earl" ^_^)

HiMokusei: Hey I did try to email you but unfortunately it didn't work. I was just gonna say it was fine if you wish to translate it, I'm glad that you like this story so much. Hope this chapter to longer for you.

kara: Yeah I like the slow paced ones too. It's so rewarding at the end when you get to think..."Finally!" Don't worry I will finish this story.

yaoirose: "confusseled" is such a great word! It's perfect to describe Joey state at the moment. Confusseled...love it. ;P

fire_lilly: We all know Kaiba is a pussy cat really! =^.^= lol

Hugs for all the reviews. Thankies.

And again...Enjoy


Joey’s confusion lasted all weekend. Try has he might he couldn’t stop the thoughts about a certain CEO surfacing in his mind. It didn’t matter what he was doing, whether he was alone or hanging out with his friends, his brain would betray him and end up fixed back on the taller teen. It was driving him crazy and as Sunday drew to a close he wasn’t even sure if he wanted to see the brunet or not.

When Monday morning came it was to find Joey in a heap on the floor of his bedroom, fighting to get free of his covers which seemed to be hell bent of holding him hostage. Giving up Joey just laid on his back staring at the ceiling going over last nights dream in his head. It had started out simple enough. He had been walking across a field, a vast field whose grass land spread out infinitely in all directions. He was wondering aimlessly around when he started to sink. He struggled briefly for a moment before stopping letting himself be dragged down until he was completely engulfed in darkness. It felt like he was drowning while still being able to breathe. Gazing upwards Jou could see hundreds of hands immerging, each reaching out to him, waiting for him to take a hold, if he could only reach one. But which one? There were so many! Somehow one just seemed so much brighter than the others and Joey made a grab for it. Stretching upwards Jou manages to grasp the hand which then proceeds to pull him up. Once out Jou was on his hands and knees, spluttering and coughing, still holding onto the hand that he had grabbed.

“Why?” Joey went still when he heard that voice. Looking up he saw Seto Kaiba crouched down beside him. “Why...why is it always me?” Kaiba says dropping Joey’s hand.

“What?” The softness in his eyes caught Joey off guard. He had never seen it directed at him before. It was usually the look he saved for his little brother.

“Why?” Kaiba repeats leaning forward. His hand extends to cup Joey’s cheek. “What do you want from me?” Jou is stuck dumb by the warmth coming from the hand on his face that he barely comprehends the question. It is when Kaiba gets up to leave that Joey snaps out of it only it’s a little too late as Kaiba is already walking away. Reaching out on impulse Joey tries to grab Kaiba’s arm but misses and instead ends up falling forward. It was at this moment when he woke up in a tangled heap on the floor.

As a result Joey ended up being later than usual to school that morning. Now to say that Joey Wheeler was freaked out as he made his way to Ohana’s office, would have been a major understatement. All that stuff on Friday seemed to be just a prelude to this extremely disturbing dream he had had that morning. He couldn’t stop thinking about what “Kaiba” had said in his dream. Why was it always him? He hadn’t really thought about it before but what did he actually want from Kaiba? He had wanted to beat him but that seemed to have been lost somewhere along the way. So what did that leave? Respect…acceptance. It had always annoyed him they way Kaiba spoke to him and he had repeatedly asked for some sort of acknowledgment from the CEO however it had never occurred to him why it had to have it. He had not been this persistent with anyone else…just Kaiba. What was it about the brunet that made him yearn for his approval? Why couldn’t he just let it go? Jou had a feeling he knew the answer yet his brain would not relinquish it, as if trying to protect from the horrible truth...the truth that he probably was hopelessly...

Joey shook his head vigorously in an effort to rid himself of that thought. No it was just a dream, it didn’t mean anything. So it was that he was in two minds about what to do when finally made it to the counsellor’s office. He was torn. Some part of him wanted to see the brunet, just to be near him cos it drove him crazy being away. Then again after the night he had had, he had no idea how he was gonna be able to look Kaiba in the eye. He could still see the soft light in his blue eyes and feel the warmth from his hand. From the voices coming from within Joey knew that Kaiba was already there, like always. Taking a deep breath he placed his hand on the door handle and turned.

“Please tell me you’ve at least started it.” Jou heard Risa say.

“Yes I’ve started.” Kaiba replied.

“Oh well...that’s something I suppose. Ah Joey...” She exclaimed when she saw he had entered. “...glad you’re here. How was your weekend?”

“Uh...it was ok I guess. Pretty boring really. I mean nothing happened...nothing at all.” Jou said refusing to look at Kaiba, his dream still very vivid in his mind.

“Ooookay...moving swiftly on. I’ve decided not to put the chain on today. It’s seems foolish to me to go back when you both have moved so far forwards. But I can’t remove the permanently until someone has given me what I asked for.”

“Since we’re making progress I don’t see why I have to bother anymore?”

“Because it’s still important and besides I asked you to. You wouldn’t respect me if I went back on what I said.” Joey wondered what the hell they were going on about. What had she asked Kaiba for? “So that’s pretty much it. You can both go now. But please remember I’m here if you need anything.” She ended up calling after Kaiba who was already strolling out the door. “Aw he’s such a pleasure to deal with.”

“Um...what did you ask him for?”

“You know I can’t tell you that Joey.”

“You haven’t asked me for anything.” Jou said a little sullenly.

“Maybe it’s because it’s something you’ve already done. So don’t worry.” Joey merely nodded turning to leave. “Are you alright Joey? You don’t seem yourself this morning.” Jou freezes by the door, so close to freedom.

“I’m ok...just tired...didn’t sleep that well last night.” He says quickly making a break for the hallway. He spent the rest of the morning trying his best to act like his normal self. He even attempted to pay attention during class to distract him from his thoughts about Kaiba from earlier. Being as stubborn as he was, Joy refused to acknowledge what was screaming at him at this current moment in time. He was holding on to the notion that he was merely over reacting and thinking about it too much. So by lunch time he realised that he needed some conformation, which was why he was searching for Yugi. Surely his best friend would be able to tell him he wasn’t going crazy. Fortunately he spotted him in the cafeteria and much to Jou’s relief he was alone.

“Hey Yugi.” Greets Jou, joining his friend at the table.

“Oh hey Joey, have you come down for lunch now?”

“Uh no...I came to find you exactly. I need to ask you something.”

“Oh...ok. Is anything wrong?”

“No it’s...well you see...I’ve got this...friend...” He knew it sounded lame and kinda obvious but even when faced with Yugi, Joey just couldn’t admit to the thoughts he was having about Kaiba. “...and they’ve been spending a lot of time with someone recently. But now they haven’t been able to and now my friend can’t stop worrying about it. It’s driving them crazy, no matter what their doing, their thoughts are always on this other person. I just don’t know what to tell them.” Jou watched nervously as Yugi thought it over.

“Hmmm...I’d have to say that it sounds like your friend really likes this other person.”

“What?”

“Well...isn’t it when you fall in love with someone that you start to think about them all the time?” Suddenly Joey didn’t feel so good. The thought that had been nestled at the back of his head had broken free making him sick to his stomach. He was only vaguely aware of Yugi looking at him in concern. “Are you alright Joey?”

“Uh not really...I’m gonna go and get some fresh air.” Joey gets up and leaves, desperately trying to deny what he knew to be right.

“I’m not in love with Kaiba...I’m not in love with Kaiba...I’m not in love with Kaiba...” Jou kept repeating to himself, hoping if he said it enough times it would make it true. ‘I just can’t be. There’s no way…fine I’ll admit that he’s not exactly hard on the eyes but it’s still Kaiba...uh oh...’ Joey had to duck back behind the wall as said subject of his obsession came into view climbing the stairs. Thankfully Kaiba left in the other direction to where he was hiding. Joey watched him go, his eyes full of longing as the brunet disappeared out of sight. “Oh man.” Joey sighed, leaning against the wall. “I really do, don’t I?” He needed professional help and there was only one person who came close.

Joey found Risa Ohana in her private room, climbing up her bookcase reaching for one on the top shelf.

“Uh…do you need any help?” Jou offered. Risa turned her head to see her visitor but still remained clinging to the case.

“Oh Wheeler what are you doing here? No one comes here voluntarily.” She goes back to stretching for her book, which she
finally grabs but unfortunately takes quite a few others tumbling down with it. Joey rushes forward to help protect her from the falling books as Risa herself held up her arms as a shield. After the avalanche stopped Risa straightens up surveying the mess she had made. “Oops, my bad.” She chuckles lightly at Joey. “Tell me you didn’t see that coming.” She steps out of the way of the pile on the floor. “It’s a good thing that I needed to re-organise anyway.” She said idly flicking through the book she has in her hand.

“Um...I need to talk to you...I have a...problem.”

“Mmmm...I’ll say.” Risa mumbled to herself, engrossed in her book.

“What!?”

“Oh...” She stops, looking up from the page at Joey. “...I said that out loud didn’t I? Sorry.” Risa goes back to her book briefly before closing it, giving her attention over to Joey again. “Ok...So tell me what the problem is?” Jou didn’t know where to start. How the hell was he supposed to say this out loud? Maybe he could try just getting the general idea across, hopefully Risa would understand.

“So...um...the thing is…I think I’m starting to...like Kaiba...” He sort of trailed off, staring at his shoes.

“I’m sorry...didn’t quite catch that.”

“I said...I think I’m starting to like Kaiba.” Jou repeated, hating himself for saying it.

“Oh...” She paused frowning in confusion. “...isn’t that what we were going for? You know, for you to get along.”

“No...no that’s not what I mean. I...I like like Kaiba.”

“Yeah I’m still not getting it. See all you’ve done there is repeat yourself. You need to expand a bit.”

“Argh...I’m saying that I’ve fallen for him!” Joey ended up growling out in frustration, thinking she would now finally see what he was getting at. He saw mouth the word ‘fallen’ to herself still with the confused frown in place.

“Fallen?!” she blurted in suddenly as realisation hit her. “Are you saying I’ve turned you gay?”

“What? NO! I’m not gay!”

“But you fancy a guy.”

“Yeah but not all guys, just one...just...”

“Just Kaiba.” Risa finished for him. Joey nodded, falling into the chair behind him, hands fisting in his hair. “Oh I see...how is this a problem?”

“What do you think!? It’s Kaiba! Kaiba! The guy I’ve hated all this time!”

“Yes so...have you never heard the phrase ‘there’s a thin line between love and hate’?” Joey glanced up at her shaking his head. Ohana placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “Well it looks like you’ve just crossed the line. I told you hate was a strong word to use Joey. Just like love is a strong word.” She paused for a moment removing her hand. “I guess that’s why I’m not completely shocked by this.”

“What!” Jou said leaping to his feet. “You’re telling me you knew?!”

“No I wouldn’t say that.” Risa replied hands rising defensively. “I didn’t know it was going to happen, I’m just not surprised that it did.”

“What am I supposed to do? I feel all weird every time I see him now...oh god what if he finds out...he’s gonna kill me!” Joey ranted pacing the room continually ruffling his fingers in his hair.

“Not necessarily…” Risa started trying to comfort him but Joey cut across her.

“It’s Kaiba!”

“I know! Even so…he might be ok with it…” Joey stopped in his pacing to stare at her, “…ok I just said that and even I didn’t believe it.” Jou dropped onto the sofa this time and Risa came and sat beside him. “But in all seriousness Joey, it’s entirely up to you whether you tell him or not. I can’t tell you what you should do cos only you know how you feel.”

“But I don’t know.” Jou said in a quiet voice obviously bewildered by the situation he found himself in. Should he tell Kaiba? Would he come out alive if he did? He couldn’t imagine an outcome where he would come off in a good light. Man...love was complicated...maybe it was easier if the person you fell in love with was nice and normal with normal emotions. Why the hell did he have to fall for Kaiba?

“Don’t feel guilty ok?” Joey was brought out of his musing by Ohana’s voice. “You haven’t done anything wrong. It’s ok that you love him...I mean someone has to. So don’t feel bad.”

Joey left the room awhile later only to open the door to Kaiba standing on the other side. Jou’s heart immediately started pounding in his chest. It was so loud he was surprised that Kaiba couldn’t hear it.

“What are you doing here?” He sort of squeaked out causing Kaiba to give him a very strange look.

“I’m here to see Miss Ohana...”

“Risa, Seto. It’s Risa.” Risa had joined them in her office from the other room. Kaiba rolled his eyes at her before fixing them back on Joey who immediately started going red.

“Whatever. Can you kindly stop blocking the doorway Wheeler?” He said leaning in slightly to the flustered blond.

“Huh? Oh...sorry.” Jou stuttered as he moved aside watching Kaiba enter and strolled over to their counsellor.

“Here, I’ve finished what you wanted.” He hands over a piece of paper which Risa takes and looks over.

“Thank you. Now that wasn’t so hard was it?”

“So now we don’t have to where those stupid things again right?” Kaiba said ignoring her question.

“Of course. As long as you don’t revert back to how you were, then I don’t see a problem with keeping them off. Well lunch is almost over, you two better head back now.”

Joey followed behind Kaiba as they both left the room, attempting to pluck up the courage to speak.

“You know we’re not chained together today Joey so you don’t have to follow me around.” Kaiba said as he continued to walk down the corridor.

“I just wanted to ask you something.”

“What?” He stopped, turning to Joey.

“Huh...” Now being face to face with Kaiba, Joey realised how daunting actually telling him was gonna be. Especially if his stomach continued to do somersaults as it was currently intent on doing at the moment. “...I was just wondering that seeing as we’re not gonna be tied together anymore would you still willing to tutor me...” it was a long shot but Joey needed something to keep having contact with the brunet and he really couldn’t think of any other plausible reason that Kaiba would accept. “...Cos you know...when you go over things, it sticks.” Kaiba narrowed his eyes, probably trying to decide if he had any ulterior motives for asking for his help.

“I can’t today. I’ll let you know.”

“What! Really?”

“As much as like calling you stupid Wheeler, I can’t knock you for trying to improve yourself and I certainly can’t fault you in your choice of teacher either.” Kaiba walked off before Joey could reply with a suitable come back. Damn it, he thought he was being a bit too agreeable for a moment there, it perplex him what it was about Kaiba that made him feel for him like he did.

He was grateful that he didn’t see much of Kaiba for the rest of the day as he spent most of it contemplating on telling him or not. It was exhausting going through all the pros and cons, it left very little time for anything else. He knew he was worrying his friends, he knew he wasn’t acting like his usual self but he didn’t care, he needed to sort this out if he was ever going to have a proper night sleep again. By the end of the day Joey had decided not to confess because quite frankly he wanted to live out the rest of his school life in one piece. Happy that he had finally made a decision Jou headed to his shoe locker on his way out the building. When opening it he was surprised to find a piece of paper resting lightly on top of his sneakers. He took it out to read a list, a list consisting of good points about him and what shocked him the most was that he recognised the writing has Kaiba’s. Now what was he supposed to do? He made his decision based on the point that Kaiba still felt fairly indifferent towards him but now this? He didn’t even have time to consider how this even got into his locker when he noticed Kaiba leaving for the day. Stuffing the paper into his pocket and quickly changing his shoes, Joey chased after him, catching him up on his way to his limo.

“Hey Kaiba! Wait!” He called out hoping the brunet would stop. It was no good, he had to tell him and deal with whatever consequences came after. Joey knew he wasn’t very good at hiding his feelings and his expressions were always easy to read, so he couldn’t spent his time worrying if he was giving himself away or not.

“I told you Wheeler, I can’t tutor you today.” Kaiba had stop but seemed impatient to leave.

“Yeah I know, I just...I mean...I need to tell you…”

“Hurry it up Wheeler. I don’t have the time to watch you learn a new trick.” Seriously he really had no idea why the hell he liked this guy. He was rude, arrogant, egotistical and constantly referred to him as a dog but the moment he looked into those eyes all that stuff didn’t seem to matter anymore. “If you have nothing to say then I’m going.” He goes to leave and Joey panics.

“Oh man...what is up with you? All I’m trying to say is how much I love you but you have to be such an asshole about it!” Kaiba stops dead and Joey clasps a hand over his mouth realises what he had just let slip in his outburst.

“What did you say?”

“Ah! Nothing...I...” Oh the hell with it! He had already said it, what was the point of denying it now? “I...I said I’m in love with you, Seto.” The serious tone in Jou’s voice knocked Kaiba off balance for a moment and he didn’t have much luck composing himself again.

“Is…is this supposed to be some sort of joke!” Kaiba snarled out in his most dangerous voice.

“What? No! It’s not a joke...I so wish it was. I would give anything for this not to be happening. I’ve tried not too but it just doesn’t work...I can’t help it. I’m in lov…”

“SHUT UP!” Joey back away slightly, he didn’t think he had ever seen Kaiba looking so angry. He could even see him visibly shaking. The knuckles of his hand gripping his briefcase were beginning to turn white. Both just stood there for what felt like a lifetime. He felt like he should say something more but didn’t know what, that he was kind of scared to. He wished there were some magic words to make this situation bearable, that or for the ground to simply swallow him up.

“I don’t have time for this!” Kaiba snapped suddenly, before turning on his heel and stomping off to his car. Jou watched the limo leave, his whole body strangely hollow. Somehow he expected more from Kaiba, he didn’t know what exactly but something more than that. Feeling worse than he had done all day, Joey left, not really wanting to go home he made his way to the park. He came to rest on a bench, certain that he wouldn’t be seeing anything of Kaiba anytime soon.

Plz R & R