(Notes... This is the first chapter-section-thing of this fic, and it deals with Jonouchi...it works a lot better if you read As Always first, but it should also be fine on its own. The second half has been posted as a separate story.)


No Need to Hide
"Yo, Jonouchi! What's up?"

"Oh. Hi, Honda."

Honda frowned at his friend's listless tone, and draped an arm around the blonde's neck.

"This isn't like you, man. I know you're not much of a morning person, but this is a bit much."

"I'm fine."

Jonouchi growled, and shoved Honda away.

"Whoa! Cool down, Jonouchi! What the hell's bothering y—"

Honda was cut off by Jonouchi grabbing his head and planting a kiss squarely on his open lips.

Gagging, Honda tried to pull away, but froze as he heard Jonouchi begin moaning Yuugi's name. When Jonouchi started to rub against him, however, Honda broke free.

"So…. That's why you were acting like you've got a stick up your ass?"

Honda hazarded, watching Jonouchi glare at the sidewalk.

When there was no response, the coffee-haired teenager sighed.

"I take it this means that you're telling me that—"

"That I'm gay, okay? And that I like—I like Yuugi. There, ya happy!"

Jonouchi tried to run ahead, but Honda grabbed his sleeve.

"What're you tryin' to run away for? I'm not going to hurt you."

"But I—"

"That was a shock, yes. Especially your method of explanation," Honda chuckled, warding off Jonouchi's fist. "But it's not gonna change anything, dude. What made you think it would?"

"Well, uh, I… I guess I'm gay, and I figured that you'd, I dunno, spaz out on me. I mean, you've been my best friend all these years, and if ya found out that I was gay and in love with you or one of your friends and—"

"You're babbling."

Jonouchi grunted and jammed his hands into his pockets, focusing on kicking rocks as they walked along.

After an awkward hush, Honda spoke up again.

"I have to admit I'm a little weirded out, but who wouldn't be? Like you've said, I've known you for years. But I'm not all that surprised, y'know."

"Huh?"

"Come on! You're always staring at Yuugi and hanging all over him, hugging and stuff. Who wouldn't think you were at least a little attracted to him?"

Jonouchi gaped at Honda's cheerful smirk.

"Wha?"

"Can't really blame you, what with his girly looks and all. Hell, if I wasn't straight, I'd be after him myself!"

Honda shrugged, deadpan. As Jonouchi began to sputter, though, he burst out laughing.

"Man, you're so fun to tease!"

Jonouchi blinked at Honda, then howled and threw his bookbag at him. Honda caught it with ease and shoved it back at the blonde.

"But seriously, dude…. It—it's okay. I won't even say anything to Yuugi. And if you have anything else to share, it's not a problem. Just give me a little time."

Jonouchi exhaled, muttering as he ran his fingers through his hair.

"What was that, Jonouchi?"

"I said thanks."

Honda opened his mouth, then shook his head and smiled. He slung an arm across Jonouchi's shoulders, and they walked the rest of the way to school in companionable silence.