Chapter 4: The "L" Word

Weeks passed that were the happiest of Yami and Joey's lives. Joey recovered and they were intimate every night after. But there was one thing they were hesitant to say to each other. The "l" word. Both felt it, but they were unsure the other felt the same way.

One night, Yami lay snuggled against Joey, playing with his messy hair. "This is the happiest I have ever been." Yami said softly.

Joey's head turned toward him, chocolate eyes meeting his. "Me too. I have never been happier than when I have been with you. I can be myself."

Yami chuckled. "That wasn't you before?" he teased, remembering their first meeting.

"I don't usually get along with guys. That's why I haven't found the right guy yet." Joey said softly.

Yami kissed him tenderly at first, then more urgently as his body responded.

Yami could feel Joey's smile against his mouth. "Again?" he murmured.

Yami grinned a sexy grin. "I can't get enough of you."

In a quick move, Yami found himself on his back with Joey hovering over him. "I can't get enough of you either." He murmured. He leaned down and kissed Yami's jaw.

Yami's eyes closed as Joey continued to kiss the teen's jaw.

In the afterglow, Yami kept his eyes closed, mouth open, and breathing shallowly. Joey watched as he composed himself. "Was that good?" he smirked.

"Give me a moment." Yami panted. His face finally relaxed in a satisfied smile. "Next time is your turn."

Joey grinned. "We'll see about that."

Yami ran his hands through the teen's blond hair, loving the silky feel of it. "I love you." He murmured.

"What? I didn't quite catch that." Joey cupped a hand behind his ear, pretending to be deaf.

"I love you!" Yami cried, his voice ringing off the walls.

Joey kissed him. "I love you, too."

"You tired yet?" Yami raised an eyebrow.

"Again?" Joey grinned, draping an arm over his face. "Not now, Yami. Give me time to recover."

Yami laughed. "Not that. I was thinking we could go get something to eat. I'm starving, especially after our…adventures."

Joey sat up and got out bed. "We'll have to get dressed, then."

Yami got out of bed and grabbed Joey's clothes. "You'll have to get them from me first."

Joey shook his head, and chuckled. "You don't think I'll chase you down?"

"You can try, but I'm fast." Yami dodged out of the way as Joey chased him.

Joey captured him against the wall, both panting. "Gotcha." He grinned.

"What are you going to do with me?" Yami asked, his voice husky.

"How about this? We go to a restaurant and sit side by side? That way we can kiss whenever we want." Joey suggested, kissing him.

Yami considered it. "Okay. Can I have my clothes on?"

Joey grinned. "You're lucky they usually have a 'No shirt, no shoes' policy." He handed over a pair of jeans and a T-shirt.

Yami held up the T-shirt and put it on. He slipped into the jeans, which fit snugly.

"Nice. Now spin so I can see the back view." Joey stood back to give a critical look.

Yami raised an eyebrow. "Are you gawking?"

"No, just admiring." Joey answered. "Take a spin."

Yami rolled his eyes and did a slow spin. "Do I look better with our without clothes?" he asked, facing him again.

"If I had a choice, I wouldn't let you put anything on ever again. But sadly that's not possible." Joey sighed. "On the other hand, you do look sexy in those jeans."

Yami grinned. "I do?"

"Oh yeah. But I would lie to see you in a suit." Joey nodded. "You would look debonair."

"Debonair?" Yami raised an eyebrow, amused.

"I know things." Joey laughed. "I better get dressed."

Joey headed over to where his clothes were piled and quickly dressed.

They headed out of the dorm and Yami hailed a taxi. They took it to an Italian restaurant.

The hostess seated them and they sat at the booth side by side. Things were normal until the waitress came by to get their drink orders. When she got to Yami's order, Yami felt Joey's hand on his thigh, feather light. He started, surprised. "You okay?" the waitress asked, concerned.

"Yeah, you okay?" Joey asked, glancing at him in mock concerned, giving him a wink she couldn't see.

Yami gave her a smile. "Everything's fine." He nodded. "I want a Coke."

"I'll put them in." the waitress nodded and left.

"Nothing." Joey's hand told another story as it inched northward.

Yami closed his eyes and thought anything nonsexual. It wasn't working as Joey's hand continued to tease him.

"Here you go." The waitress returned a few minutes later with the drinks and Yami breathed a sigh of relief as Joey removed his hand. She set the glasses on the table and left.

"You okay there, Yami?" Joey asked, innocently.

"You know I'm not." Yami growled through gritted teeth.

Joey laughed. "Do you want me to move to the other side of the table?" he asked, pretending to get up.

"No!" Yami cried, too quickly and too loudly. The other patrons stared. He gripped Joey's arm and in a quieter voice, he said, "You're staying right here."

Joey grinned. "You want me to continue touching you?" he asked, his hand hovering over Yami's thigh close enough he could feel it.

"Yes." Yami whispered.

"Good." Joey's hand moved northward and Yami wished the food would get there so they could head home. Finally they finished their dinner though for Yami, it was the longest meal of his life. They returned home and Joey stretched. "Well, I better head off to bed."

Anger boiled inside Yami as Joey dressed for bed and pretended to sleep. How could he leave him like that? Then a thought occurred to him and went over to the bed. He slipped under the coves and kissed Joey. The kiss heated up until eventually the boys gave into their desires.

Afterward Joey said, "You play dirty."

"Me play dirty? You started it in a restaurant." Yami panted, laughing.

Joey laughed. "Good point. But you weren't exactly fighting me off with both hands."

"True. But save that for our dorm or a future place, please." Yami looked over at him.

"Deal." Joey kissed him.