Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-OH or the GX version either. I want to so I can make this an actual fact but hey you don't get far really that way. Well I can always eat cake and then use their figures inappropriately.
Zane had been brooding along the riverside thinking over his friendships and how well they were proving. When walking back he saw one of them. He was blonde but not the usual suspects, those being Marik and Malik Ishtars. No he was paler in skin tone and not as long or girly hair. He looked sullen almost upset.
Walking over he stood in front of the moping man sighing with a soft gentle tone in his voice. "What's wrong Wheeler?"
It had been a long week for Joey. Things hadn't worked out the way that he'd planned them to, and the realization is driving him mad. He'd thought jumping into a relationship with his current boyfriend would be the one sure fire way to completely rid his lingering thoughts of his long time infatuation Seto Kaiba, and keep his closet girl friend Tea Gardner from embarrassing herself with proclamations of love. In actuality the entire ordeal just made things ten times worst. Kaiba continued to make his blood run warm, and Tea continued to follow him like a lovesick puppy. He hadn't felt more alone or confused in his life, and at this very moment he couldn't feel worst. He'd come to the riverside to think things though, to give himself time to get over it before meeting up with Yuugi later. He had been so lost in thought, that he didn't notice Zane approaching, not until the attractive man spoke.
"Hey'a Zane." Joey replied, his voice lacking any of it's usual enthusiasm. In fact, his voice sounded dry, and utterly depressing. "Hmm, jus thinkin' about some tings." He shrugged nonchalantly, a fringe of blond hair falling over his right eye. "It hasn't been a good week." Curious, he asked with a raised brow, "Wat ya doin' out around dis way? Sorta late ain't it?"
Zane cocked his head and slowly lifted his arms to chest height with his shrug. "Myself? I was reflecting of sorts. I'm a quite person when am given the chance. Let alone I was walking back home when I saw you."
He gave a small sigh and knelt down so that he could see Joey's face from underneath the blonde locks. "Come on, it's late as you say and cold. Please, come back to mine I'll get you some /coffee/." He snicker pulling a bad accent to try and lighten the guy up.
Standing back up he out reached a hand. "Hows about it wheeler. Fancy coming back to a middle class gay man's apartment without the threat of sex?" He laughed at his own comment god, he was turning into the opposite of Malik with his lines yet somehow they usually worked.
Joey grinned, not really sure if he should take Zane up on his offer. True, he did feel terribly alone at the moment, he was cold, and he needed someone to talk to. Maybe it would do him some good to chat with someone unbiased. What could it hurt? He wasn't a homophobe, so it didn't matter to him that Zane was gay, and the guy was friendly enough. What did he have to lose? Rising to his feet, and sweeping a fringe of wheat blond hair from his eyes, Joey managed a half-hearted grin.
"Wat could it hurt?" He asked the attractive man rhetorically. Habitually, he shoved his hands into the pockets of his tight fitting pants. He always felt more at ease with his hands in his pockets.
"I got da time, so sure."
Zane watched Joey stand up taking in his form and stature let alone the rather noticeable tight trousers. Giving a small smile to match the half hearted one. "Come on, you need something stronger then caffeine." He soft stated seeing those eyes clear now that the blonde had stood up, he saw them glisten almost on the verge of breaking down.
He lift his hand to point the direction in fat the building since it was only five minutes once they crossed the small bridge. Leading the way he stopped at his door and slowly unlocked it. "Well come in then."
He happily stated leaving the door open and hanging his jacket. "Let's see if we can't make this bad week of yours end with a high note?"
"A high note?" Joey scoffed. "Ya gotta be kiddin' me pal." He shook his head, his tousled hair becoming messier. He hadn't bothered to do more than run a comb through the stubborn locks earlier. In fact, his hair had been the last thing on his mind today, but against his will he'd become more self-conscious of the mess, due to Zane. The longer Joey's sights lingered on the guy, his locks suavely styled and clothing so neat, the more Joey felt out of place. He and his pals usually went for the more casual look, usually consisting of jeans, t-shirts, sneakers… Zane on the other hand appeared to have just walked out of a fashion magazine. Yet, he'd walked out to the riverside in the middle of the night dressed so, sexy? Joey snorted, simply unbelievable. In fact, bullshit.
After a brief pause that seemed to have lasted a lifetime, he cupped the back of his neck with his right hand and rubbed as he said, "Nothin' short of a miracle is gonna help me wit dis rut." His words were barely audible, but as they tumbled, his amber eyes noticeably took a darker, lustier shade of molten gold.
…against his will of course. But hey! He couldn't help that his subconscious was telling him more than he was willing to digest at the moment. Even in his state of sorrow, he wasn't ignorant enough /not/ to notice the attractive Zane Truesdale. The same Zane that was inviting him, street thug and second rate duelist Joey Wheeler into /his/ home. The audacity of it all. Yet, he couldn't ignore the fellow's the fellow's lips as he spoke, the color of the eyes as they pierced his own, or the voice of pure silk. Hell, other than Seto Kaiba, Zane /had/ to be one of the most gorgeous guys Joey'd ever encountered in his entire teenage life. He'd never admit that though, no…he wouldn't. Besides, he had too much more to think about. Attraction wasn't exactly on list of high priority.
After Zane had hung his jacket, Joey stepped one foot into the place, his hands shoved in pockets…his eyes cast downwards.
Zane stood there wondered what had stalled the blonde from entering. Was it because he was over dressed, for a change. Yes it was know that Zane was middle lass but hanging around Malik he tend to wear combats and very loose fitting clothes. But he had went out for lunch earlier with Aster and he demands a sense of class so Zane had no choice. He was in dark smart trousers with a crimson red shirt made of silk that had the top three buttons undone showing just the finest lines of his collar bone. Match to the trousers was a waistcoat with silver clasps.
Sweeping a few teal spikes back to reveal a pale pierced ear that had a long thin silver chain dangling from it which at the top stud had a cobalt obviously a gift from his old dueling friend. Inspecting his hand straightened his ring that was shaped to look like the head of his beloved cyber dragon, and slowly leant to shut the door behind Joey.
Slipping off his black formal shoes and padded into the lounge walking up to the drinks cabinet and musing whether to choose a whiskey, a sherry, a fine wine or something else. Finally deciding on a bourbon he took a bottle out and placed it on the desk nearby picking up to two glasses, putting three ice cubes into each before pours a small amount of liquid on to the ice. Placing the glass cap back on the bourbon, Zane left it out.
Thinking to himself about his new company. He didn't know that much about the guy, he was a friend of the infamous Yugi, and a constant rival and supposed love affair to one Seto Kaiba. Which back at the academy Crowler kept liking him to myself. Although haven't seen the man in question Zane thought it was best that he wasn't like the brunette after all he was a lot calmer and politer around anyone that needed a hand these days. But he digressed with his thoughts and went back to the blonde. Despite his lack of confidence the two had passed a mild flirt here and there walking past each other in daily life. He was an attractive man, tall and slender almost like a diamond in the rough. Such pale skin satin accent when he wanted it.
He shook his head passing the thoughts out of his mind and turned holding out the two glass and slowly sat down raising one to the blonde in the hallway. "Come sit, and tell me all darling."
Joey, leaving his inhibitions at the door, decided to take Zane up on his offer. After all, he was being hospitable, and Joey would feel bad if he refused the kind offer just because he could. It wasn't like he had anything else to do, so visiting for a moment wouldn't hurt. In fact, Joey appreciated the gesture.
With a weak grin, he made his way over to Zane and accepted the glass of brown liquor. With a small nod he smiled and said, "Thanks," not really knowing what sort of drink was in his glass, but figured that his host's tastes were refined enough to suggest something comforting. On a night like this, comfort was a good thing.
With a given nod of Zane's head and a sweep of the arm in the direction of a parallel piece of furniture, Joey seated himself. He didn't notice until he sat that their sitting positions positioned them snuggly close. No, he didn't realize this until his jean clad knees accidently brushed up against Zane. Upon contact, he drew in a small, yet still noticeably sharp breath, following it with a gulp of the liquor. Good for him that the alcohol was smooth or his throat would have been torn to shreds. Most importantly, Zane didn't appear to notice the somewhat cliché Wheeler reaction.
Joey demanded himself to calm down, and to stop being so jumpy. Though he had been hasty with the drink, he had enjoyed its sudden shot of warmth through his system. Hence, his second sip was a bit more calculated, better planned. He was prepared to enjoy the flavor of the brandy this time, versus guzzling, even though it was an accident on his own part which caused it. Without constraint, his lips pulled into a genuinely pleased grin for the first time all night. Yes, the liquor's heat, as it traveled down his throat, had warmed him dearly and in a matter of seconds, his frazzled nerves had been calmed.
"I don't really know where ta start." He finally stated, grateful that Zane was a patient host. Sitting across from him, the slender man with turquoise hair, with crossed legs, with drink glass still hanging mid-air, nodded at Joey, as if he was encouraging him to continue in his own time. Joey nodded back, noticing, Zane hadn't touched his drink once. In fact, the glass in his hand seemed to be more of a decoration of sorts. Or was Joey just over thinking things?
With a sigh, the boy continued, "It ain't exactly easy for me ta just come out wit it. I've never talked ta anyone about relationship related things before." He lowered his eyes and his shoulders sagged. "Not even with Yug, and we're best pals." With a troubled grunt, he sat his now empty glass down on a nearby end table, courteous enough to use the provided coaster.
" I always thought that it was better ta keep things in, but after da last few nites..." His eyes misted, and his lower lip trembled. He was falling apart. "I don't know. I just feel used." He blurted, his words tumbling with more anger than sadness. "Dat about sums it up right there. Everyone wants somethin' from me, but don't consider my feelin's in the process."
Zane took a mellow sip of the warm brandy before placing the glass down and standing up to fetch the bottle. "Help yourself dear Jou."
He politely stated, heading the the hallway unclasping his waist coat and laying it on a small table side. "I'll be back in a second. Feel free to look around or help yourself to the kitchen."
With that he headed up stairs peeling out of his dress shirt and trousers. An replacing them with some black slacks, and a old black shirt only bothering to do the bottom three buttons exposing a good portion of his chest.
Walking back down the stairs and back into the lounge picking up his glass finishing the drink and pouring another. Giving a small sigh. "Well, I won't use you. Tonight is all about making you smile and feeling good no matter what the requires."
The invitation to explore the place was intriguing, but Joey didn't really feel like exploring anything. Zane's offer of another drink had been appealing though, and he did say that he could help himself. Accepting the offer, Joey went to retrieve more ice for his glass, shortly returning and pouring himself another small serving. Then he sat where he had before and awaited Zane's return. Once he had re-entered, Joey noticed that he'd changed clothes. The outfit fit him, nicely. Perhaps like Joey, he did enjoying winding down a bit. Joey didn't know what he'd do without his favorite pair of jeans or oversized teeshirts.
With mind wandering a bit, he sighed, and when Zane recognized his presence with a nod, Joey grinned. But, how many times had he done that already? Any more grinning and it would seem like an open invitation to pounce and make prey.
Pounce and make prey?
'Get a grip Wheeler.' Joey thought to himself, not allowing the words to spill from his lips. He didn't want to say anything rude, just because his mood was bit pissy. 'Does everything have ta be a trap?' He continued to ask himself silently. ' Can't people just be nice without ya thinkin' dat something is up?'
While battling with his internal disposition, he only caught the last of Zane's friendly statement. "…tonight is all about making you smile and feeling good no matter what…" As hospitable as that may have been intended, Joey wasn't so distant that he couldn't be smug about it.
Hadn't he heard those words before? God, was everything going to remind him of heartbreak? Was he going to be /this/ bitter for the rest of his life? If so, he wouldn't be able to stand himself for too much longer.
He groaned, this time audibly. The dull pain had returned in his chest, the same pain he'd been attempting to rid himself of for the past few hours. His ex had said the same words to him before literally walking out. At the time, the man's promises of actually putting time into Joey had seemed more than earnest. But, the promises hadn't been, and now Joey was left with the feelings. Bitterly he recalled his best friend Yuugi's words a few years back, "Joey, all people aren't good people pal. Every one doesn't have the heart that you do. Sometimes, you just have to let go and move on. Every bad guy doesn't want to be a good guy."
Snapping out of his temporary daze, he remembered just /what/ his purpose was here. Feeling that he /had/ to have some type of conversation with Zane, who was now eyeing him curiously, his eyes holding a look of concern, Joey decided to let go of his pending problems and just focus on the here and now.
"Got any ideas on how ta do dat?" He asked his friend glumly. "Usually when I'm like dis, I either eat, fight, or duel it out." He chucked dryly. "Well I already ate for da night, I ain't in da mood ta get my ass kicked by some random thug, and duelin' is just outta the question." He raised his brow. "So wat is there ta do?"
Zane watched his evening house guest in such horrible turmoil feeling a small pang in his heart and not from the underground pain. Sure he still got that every so often and really was beginning to regret that part of his past. It was a long dark time, he was going through a bad patch with his ex Atticus.
What had happened was that since his over throw of the shadow mask, and that of the riders. Night-shroud had been trying to over throw Atty in their relationship. So on the time of Zane's graduation they decided to break for a bit and then the pro leagues and one silver man captured him. Breaking him first in the duel ring but also in bed that tipped the knife edge. Purely because he enjoyed it, it was new and fun enthralling.
Shaking himself he hoped to clean himself in the underground but he ended up in the shadows too. He got addicted to the thrill of pain collars and went overboard with them. Even with his return to the island Atticus couldn't snap him out of it, again it was the small assertive silver haired man.
And then it all went downhill, with the parallel dimension Zane spent the whole time with Aster fighting to find the dark king to find a way out. Spending countless days and nights with Aster, their bond growing needless to say so did the bedroom department also developed a lot more.
Once everything was back to normal he was left with his heart in two, one to the childhood friend that he had grown with and loved and then his pro league man, whom he had fallen for. Not wanting to worry not wanting to hurt one over the other Zane ran and ran far.
Since then he spent his years alone until last year meeting Malik Ishtar was a good send he had a new slumming buddy he took him to raves they drank together done drugs together hell fucked, blowed and fully enjoyed screwing each other. Then recently Aster appeared back in to his life, yet he kept to social encounters and maybe the odd roll around in the bed.
But now he had other things he had to focus on Joey, he needed the attention the caring Aster had given him when he was lost in his own shadows. Walking across to sit right next to the lost blonde placing an arm around the man in a gently hug.
"Talk..." He stated out wondering how else he could help this less then heartbroken bitter man, how could he show him that not all words leant to sex not all men just wanted to be in his pants.
"And you got beaten up, you poor thing is there any thing that really hurts, I have some salves cold compress to place on anything. I know alcohol can heal some wounds ." He paused softly giving a comforting rub on a shoulder. "But it won't help if you don't let it out, and if you don't have the courage or you seem not be able to get it out I know of a tiny little pill that can sometimes help it but that is a /last/ resort even I don't use them in moments like this."
He softly smiled petting the blonde full volumed hair, letting go to lean forward and get his drink, letting it trickle down his throat and warm his chest inside out. Setting the glass down and leaned back picking up a black tablet and set up the lights to go a bit brighter and close the curtains and set the fire a blaze before setting it back.
"If, the fact of my words off put you off or make you feel like am preying on you then your free to leave if you wish. But honestly I mean nothing of it, in fact sex is that last thing I want."
"I'm jus a little insecure about things right now." Joey replied, voice slurring. He hadn't had that much to drink, but seeing that he wasn't a regular partaker in alcohol played a role.
"Ya know, sometimes ya just put your faith in people and it doesn't work out." He made a sloppy gesture with his arms, and grinned even sillier when it failed. " Dat's pretty much wat happened, yup with me." He shoved his thumb to his chest, a bit too hard and winced.
" I jumped into a relationship with a guy who didn't really care, and I rebounded again with the same stupid mistake." He shook his head with distaste, his eyes ridding of the lusty look only to be replaced with one of stone.
"So pretty much, I did this to myself." Shrugging nonchalantly, his lips curled into a bitter scowl. Remembering the remarks that Zane had made over his bruises, he scoffed. "Bruises? More like old battle scars."
"And I ain't that beat up." His voice shook a bit. " More like, I caught my dad on a /good/ night. I ain't had a good feel of his hand in days. Ain't complainin' either."
Joey glanced up at Zane, hair falling over his eyes, hiding the obvious fact. He /was/ hurt and that he /needed/ comfort. Distraction and deviation from the events of his life was his goal. When the man's hand made contact with his blond hair, Joey leaned into it a bit. He enjoyed the comfort. It was simple, yet it was enough. He reached for his glass once more and polished off the rest of the liquor, telling himself that he didn't need any more of it. However, when Zane poured him a bit more, he didn't reject it. Instead, he leaned into the simple touch and began on another drink.
"I don't think you're da type of person ta take advantage anyways." He murmured. "You're helpin' more than ya think."
Zane smiled at the last comments, happy to know that Joey didn't think he was a terrible person that just invited him to stay get him drunk and blow his mind out with a session of relentless sex. In fact that was the last thing on his mind after all he had that this afternoon with Aster after their dinner date. Nothing to serious both mutual agreement to have dinner light conversation then back the Phoenix's to have another round of wine before hurriedly pilling into bed with each other.
No he was content with just the slow pace of a comforting friend, listening to the tales. "Am, sorry I just thought some street thug got to you, I shouldn't of said anything." He muttered swing his arm around to rub Joey's shoulder farthest from him. Before gingerly pulling the tipsy blonde into him as a casual hug continuing his gentle rubs.
"And thank you for saying that am not pushing you to anything, but you can leave if and when you want to. Other than that, you quite welcome to stay the night." Softly uttering the words he finished his drink and wrapped the other arm round the thin frame in a warm comforting hug.
"No one should be treated like that, especially nice people like yourself, you poor man." Raising a hand to sweep the fringe out of the duelist's face, running it down to show a caring touch. "Don't worry am here now you can tell me all that you want or ask or do what you want nothing will leave these four walls.
"Don't apologize." Joey stated with a shrug, leaning more into Zane's embrace. The man felt warm, and he enjoyed the feel of the slim, sturdy frame.
"It ain't like it's a secret." He continued, frowning a bit. "Everyone knows da old man and I don't get along." As he spoke, he nuzzled Zane's shoulder a bit, his semi-long locks draping. "And I don't really have any feelin's about it anymore. Half da time, I don't even think I feel it when he takes a swing."
A soft yawn escaped his lips, his breath lightly scented with bourbon. He was beginning to feel the effects the alcohol. His chest was warmed, his mood was lightened, and his heart was fluttering. He hadn't felt this calm in awhile, and for the first time tonight his mind was easing. He was content as well, enjoying the attention that Zane was giving him. It was nice. Not once had Zane made him feel uncomfortable, and it makes him feel guilty for his prior secret thoughts. Honestly, under normal circumstances he never would have willingly crossed paths with the man. But now, he wished that he'd spent more time with him. He was pretty okay, in fact, more than okay.
"I don't have anything ta ask." He murmured sleepily, in reply to Zane's last words. He didn't seem to notice how comfortable he'd become. He was so close to the man now, that his friend's soft, turquoise hair was tickling the bridge of his nose. He smiled. Turquoise hair, hmm…oddly attractive. He didn't even think twice about returning the embrace. He easily slipped his arms around the man's waist, and snuggled into him.
"I'll talk about anything ya want." His stated, a small blush coloring his cheeks, voice was soft. "I'm sure ya don't want ta hear about…"
Before Joey could finish his statement, the ringing of a phone began to echo throughout the home. Bewildered at the sudden interruption, Joey remembered that he was still carrying the phone that Seto had given him for occasions in which he felt he needed some "private time" with the blond. The sudden remembrance sent a slight wave of disgust though Joey's system, but he knew that he had to answer the call. If he didn't, he'd regret it later on down the road. Later when he needed more than just a friend, but some form of love and affection.
"I'm sorry." He said suddenly. "I have to take this call."
Zane smiled feeling Joey wrap his arms around him, he was used to this affection of Aster they had a small thing for long hugs after sex just laying there talking the odd peck and nuzzle just happy and content for about an hour before dozing off or one of them had to depart.
Listening to the mumbled words of the blonde he continued to softly caress the him giving a light sigh and softly rested his head playing with a lock stray blue hair entwining it with the straw like blonde next to it.
Just about the sigh into a soft lull of sleepiness with the man on his chest listening to the subtle raise and fall of his own matched with the low breaths of Joey's, feeling the slight pulse of his heart beat coursing through. Really was a nice slow gentle night, even Zane was feeling mildly happy instead of his brooding self that cold stoic stare had cracked into a small un-Zane like smile.
About to flutter his eyes shut he heard the mild vibrations before a 'brooklyn rage' ringtone start up. Feeling Joey immediately spring up and tense again after all that had just happen his scowl came back.
Seeing Joey distasteful look as he took the phone staring at it for a few seconds. He was just going to ignore the conversation in fact leave into the next room. However when he heard a load of abuse being spoken through the receiver and Joey face go from upset to pain again. He snatched the phone and walked of into another room closing the door behind him.
Speaking down he found out that it was his first suspicion and simple told him to shut up leave Wheeler alone for good unless he has a personality change and a better out look on life. In fact he suggest going to one of Mr Phoenix's twin relationship lectures that sometime he participated in being like the good partner role for the guy.
Being bluntly sworn and blinded at Zane shook his head and made a quite clear and calculated point on how Seto had pretty much lost the so called 'puppy' because the 'rspca'had taken him away from for gross neglect and mistreatment. And that if he wanted him back he would have to work long and hard. Smirking to himself when Seto hung up, he casually turned the phone off walking back into the room unsure if Joey had heard the conversation or not.