Right, a Little Note from me to all of you.
First of all hugs to the 300+ people who have read this so far! It means a lot to me I promise. But extra special hugs to Growing pain, Girlo and Crystal-Nimrodel. Those of you who are not these three especially prized people know who you are! Review me or suffer the wrath I have no ability to throw at you!
Ooh, the tension is building! You're going to hate me! But hopefully also love me.
Chapter 7 – Hometime
Joey collapsed out of the classroom, laughing hysterically. Yugi and the others pretended to ignore him, but had to admit that it was becoming rather annoying by the time they reached the school gates.
"For crying out loud Joey will you just shut up!" Tristan snapped angrily, "It wasn't that funny."
Joey leant against the wall, breathing heavily as he tried to calm down.
"Did you see her face?" He squeaked, panting for oxygen.
Teà rolled her eyes.
"Yes Joey we all saw it. Now for goodness' sake just…Oh I don't know." She waved her hand in a futile way and walked off in the opposite direction with Tristan close on her heels.
Yugi and Joey began to walk in their common homeward direction. After a while Joey spoke again.
"That really was amazing though. She didn't even bother to ask for my work! That was, without question, the best Maths class ever!"
He walked along with his hands on top of his head, fingers interlaced and tangled in a golden web. His face was flushed from laughing so much. His little friend looked up into his eyes with the slightest hint of a frown.
"Kaiba didn't have to be so mean though, she seemed really upset."
"Yeah I know, but she's just the kind of bitch that needs a slap in the face like that once in a while, know what I mean?"
"Did she really deserve it though? And anyway I thought you hated it when Kaiba threw his weight around."
"Yeah I do, but she was really just trying to bother him for no reason, just picking a fight for the sake of it."
The shorter boy hummed, "I guess…Hey look Joey I know it's Thursday, but do you want to come over to mine for a bit? I got a new video game I just know you'll love."
Joey grinned but shook his head. "Nah sorry Yug, I just can't do it tonight. Tomorrow on the other hand…"
"Ok…" The boy sounded unhappy, "Just what is it you do on Thursday afternoons that's so important anyway."
"I told you, nothing major, I just got stuff. See you tomorrow Yugi."
"Yeah see you."
They headed off down different streets. Joey walked for a little while in the direction of his house, but once he knew the younger boy would be out of sight he doubled back and made his way down the side-street towards the community centre.
Three hours later and Joey was cursing his luck as he tried to change into his trousers with one hand and his shirt with the other. Why the hell had no-one bothered to tell him that the Gym was staying open late because the dance classes were cancelled? His Dad would already have been sat at home alone for half an hour.
"Aaaah shit!" He cursed, pulling on his socks and shoes at the same time.
He got his things together and literally hared his way to the door of the changing room, flinging it open and running straight into…
"Mokuba?" He said confusedly, picking the little Kaiba off the floor and setting him on his feet again. "What are you doing here?"
Something seemed to hit Joey hard in the chest as he looked into the large eyes. They were wide and slightly watery, they needed someone. He was obviously very upset.
"My friend and I came for a swim her. Seto said he'd come get me himself, but he's not here." He sniffed. "He's late. Seto's not supposed to be late."
Joey sighed. Just what he needed. "Alright kiddo I'll wait with you."
Time ticked on. Once he had some company Mokuba chattered away happily as if nothing was bothering him, whilst Joey stood, feeling the steady build of utter dread in the pit of his stomach. It was now ten past seven, and his Dad had been home alone for the past…well it was nearly an hour. Finally after what seemed like an age, the limo drew up and the door opened.
"Seto!" Mokuba flung himself at his brother, who placed him gently in the seat next to him. "What took you so long?"
Joey tried to sidle away without breaking into a run, as Kaiba muttered something to Mokuba that was inaudible, but then…
"Can we give Joey a ride home?"
"Whatever."
Joey felt his arm grabbed by a small hand and with a remarkable display of strength from one so small was dragged forcibly into the vehicle, where he found himself sitting opposite the piercing azure gaze of the C.E.O.. He looked out of the window as the car pulled away.
Kaiba apologised to Mokuba, explaining about the idiotic airheads from such and such a company demanding a meeting as he was trying to leave. However, his eyes were on Joey. The amber-eyed boy was obviously agitated, and perspiring quite heavily. Was he afraid? He kept pushing his hand back through his hair in a way that made it stick up in odd ways. His shirt was stuck to his chest with sweat, revealing his perfect physique.
When the car stopped, Joey hurriedly gave his thanks to the brothers and charged off towards his front door. The car crept out of the cappark in front of the apartment.
They were driving away from the Kaiba mansion. The route through the town centre was not even worth attempting at this time of day, and the scenic route was prettier as well as quicker. Seto just couldn't seem to rid himself of the image of Wheeler imprinted on his consciousness. The way his hand had gripped his thighs, or the way he had bitten his lower lip. They were driving past a small park when he pushed the intercom button.
"Stop the car please driver."
"Very good Mr Kaiba.
They pulled into a siding, in front of a sort of park. Kaiba leapt out onto the pavement.
"What's wrong Seto?"
"Sorry Mokie." The boy smiled at the use of his pet name. "I need to go for a run right now."
He went round to the boot and pulled out a pair of trainers. "I'll be home in half an hour or so. So get on with your homework and I let you stay up till half nine."
Mokuba grinned as his brother pulled off his shirt leaving the white t-shirt underneath. "Ok then, I'll tell cook."
Seto leant over and ruffled his brother's hair with one hand as he slipped on the second trainer.
The car and the teenager went off in their separate directions. The distance they had covered meant it would be a good few minutes before he got back past Joey's apartment building. He stretched out against a picnic bench in the park, and set off.
Nothing like a run to clear the head. His head was filled with air, like cold clear water flushing it through. His feet pounded the pavement in time with his heartbeat. He tried to be more logical about things. Joey hated him, but then again that was 'puppy mode' Joey, ad not necessarily the same Joey he had seen in the Gymnasium. They hated each other surely? But then, how could he explain this feeling he had in his chest? Couldn't it all be a masquerade? Maybe the reason they irritated each other so much was that they were simply too blind to look for the real person inside? Maybe it was that little brat Yugi's fault. Maybe he had been given a chance to see a glimpse the real Joey?
Then again, what was so wrong with puppy mode? Honest, loyal and occasionally even amusing, supposedly. People always talked about what a great guy Joey Wheeler was. The only thing standing between them being friends was this rivalry with Yugi.
And then there was the thought of a relationship. Seto understood himself well enough. Girls were alien and weak and men were just, well, hot. Those few girls he had met who were strong were so ugly that it made him cringe to remember. If he ever met a girl who could match him he might be interested, but until then he was quite happy with the fact that he was openly gay. Well, open to himself at least. The relationship would cause a stir, but he would just deal with that as and when it arose. Not that he liked personal exposure.
Would? When? What was he thinking? Point fundamental – Joey hated him, and probably always would.
And….speaking of Joey….
A few minutes earlier, Joey had stood at his front door with his hand on the handle. He barely heard the car pull away, all he was aware of was the sound of his blood rushing in his ears and the terror he felt of what might await him. The urge to bolt was incredible, almost overpowering.
He opened the door. He entered.
Don't kill or maim me. Review me instead!
If owned Yugioh I'd have bought my degree, instead of being sat here studying for it.
