Chapter 7

A/N: Bit of a massive AN this time, skip if you like, just some messages to some reviewers.

I want to say a special thank you to my lovely Spanish reviewer. I don't mind that your reviews are in Spanish. I can understand a little and then I just google translate the rest and work out what you said :) Thank you so much for leaving reviews, even though you don't leave them in English. I still love seeing them, it's so nice of you to say such good things about my writing.

Autumn, thanks for your review. I understand you're probably just trying to help by pointing out things that could be mistakes and I appreciate that. I honestly did mean 'fuck up'. 'Fuck up' is an actual thing people say to one another that basically means the same as 'shut the fuck up' or 'fuck off'. I was surprised that you hadn't heard it before, because I've heard plenty of people say it, and I can definitely imagine Joey using it. I wouldn't use it in formal writing, but in dialogue, sure.
When reading, you will find writers that may not phrase things how you think they should be phrased, if my phrasing or 'questionable uses of English' bother you, I understand. My writing isn't for everyone.
Thanks for taking the time to point those things out, it's nice to know my reviewers want me to improve and are willing to help out.

Of course, thank you so much to all other reviewers. I always get so happy opening fanfiction and seeing new reviews. You're all really awesome, thank you for the compliments. I'm so happy that you enjoy my fic. :)

"I thought ya said ya weren't gonna help me again..." Joey said, catching his breath.

He leaned up against a tree, looking at his surroundings. They were playing that virtual reality game again...but he wasn't using the same avatar as last time. He looked just like himself now. He couldn't remember Kaiba telling him he'd made Joey a character that looked like him.

"I lied," Kaiba shrugged, leaning forward to kiss Joey.

Feeling the brunet's finger trace a line down his jaw, Joey sighed happily and opened his mouth to kiss Seto. "Ya did?" He asked between kisses.

"Mm," Seto nodded, running his hand through Joey's hair, "I did. I will always help you, I'll always protect you."

Joey was blushing but he didn't mind, "Seto..."

The taller one pulled the blond closer into another kiss, his mouth tasted like sweet vanilla, and Joey gasped slightly as Seto sucked on his bottom lip. Seto was holding him tightly but he could feel himself falling. What was happening?

He was suddenly all too aware of the mattress underneath him, and the feeling of a blanket on top of him. But...how? Kaiba...he was...they were. They'd been...they'd been together, Kaiba was right there...Joey could still feel his skin tingling where he'd been kissed.

"Oh, sorry, man. Yugi was really worried so I figured I'd come around and see if everything was okay..."

Was someone talking to him? Joey's eyes were still shut, he was waiting for Seto to kiss him again, "Seto?"

Tristan, who had walked in uninvited as he often did, laughed casually, "Wake up, dude. It's Tristan, I said I-Wait. Seto? Seto Kaiba?"

"Fuck," A dream? It'd been a dream? Fucking typical. Joey opened his eyes and quickly sat up, tidying his hair and throwing off his blankets. He looked at his friend, "Hey, Tristan," He yawned, getting up.

"Sorry," Tristan laughed, "Yugi was worried, he wanted to know where you were yesterday, but he's working at the shop today so I figured I'd come around. Didn't know you'd still be asleep."

Joey shrugged, "I love sleep."

"Yeah you're a legend at it," Tristan rolled his eyes.

Joey disappeared into the bathroom and came out moment later, toothbrush in his mouth. "So wassup?"

"Not a lot. Sorry about waking you, man. Uh...can I ask something?"

"Sure," Joey shrugged, brushing his teeth. He glanced toward a clock. Midday...not too bad, really.

"Just before when you were asleep...you said Kaiba's name."

Joey froze. Had he said that out loud? Stalling, he went back into the bathroom to rinse his mouth and he walked back into his bedroom, trying to think of a response that didn't end with him confessing how serious his relationship with Seto was. He leaned against his desk, looking over at Tristan who was sitting on his bed. "Yeah well...ya know we're friends. I guess maybe I was talkin' to him in the dream. I dunno...I- dreams can be pretty weird, huh, man? Y'know one time I had this dream about a giant donu-"

"No," Tristan stopped Joey from continuing, "You said his first name. You called him Seto...and it didn't sound like you were just 'talking' to him. Joey...is there something you aren't telling me?"

Joey swallowed. Breath caught in his throat, he managed to say, "Nuh..."

"You can tell me anything...we're friends, dude," Tristan reminded him, frowning and actually looking a little worried.

"I-" Joey exhaled, "Kaiba and I..."

"Oh," Tristan's eyes widened. So Joey had a crush on Kaiba? Kaiba of all people? Tristan had to admit that was a little unbelievable, especially since how much he hated the guy was one of Joey's favourite topics.

"Yeah," Joey felt like he was actually going to cry. Biting down on his lip, he managed to make eye contact with his friend, "I didn't wanna tell anyone...but since you heard me sayin' his name anyway..."

"Wait, what?" Tristan stood up, "It's no big deal, right? You just have a crush on him? I mean, Joey you don't ever have to tell him. I promise I won't say a word!"

A crush? Joey frowned. Tristan just thought that he had a crush on Kaiba? He had to suppress the urge to laugh loudly. Fine. Good. That, he could deal with, "Thanks," he nodded quickly.

"That's cool man. Wow...so I guess he really isn't as much of an asshole as he acts like, huh?" Tristan got up, stretching his arms.

"Nah," Joey shook his head, "He's worse."

"Bro?"

"Yeah, Mokie?" Seto looked up from his book. He was sitting in the lounge chair of his study, he had no work to do right now, well nothing that the people working for his company couldn't do instead.

"Can I hang out with you?" Mokuba asked, picking at the skin around his nails.

"Of course. What do you want to do?" Seto turned the page of his book and then looked back at his little brother.

"Uh, nothing. Just wanted to hang out in here," Mokuba smiled, he took his Nintendo from his pocket and waved it, signally that he was planning to play it.

"Sure," Seto nodded, and he watched as Mokuba sat on the floor and leaned against his chair.

"I...haven't seen you much lately," Mokuba mentioned, turning his DS on and clicking the game icon.

"You should be used to that, Mokie," Seto told him, but reached down to ruffle the boy's dark hair, before going back to his book.

"Well yeah...but even when I do see you, you've been acting kinda weird..."

"Thanks," Kaiba rolled his eyes, but laughed softly, "I've got a lot on my mind, that's all."

"Yeah but..." Mokuba sighed a little, "It's more than that."

"It's Joey," Kaiba said simply.

Mokuba dropped his stylus and looked up at his brother, who was as calm as ever, "Huh? Joey? Joey Wheeler?"

"Mmm," Seto nodded, "Joseph Wheeler. You know him."

Mokuba tried to think of what to say, "Yeah, of course. He hates you. You hate him. Everyone who knows either of you guys knows that! What's the problem, is he being annoying again? Y'know, Seto I never thought he was that bad but you two always fight like crazy..."

"Not anymore," Seto explained, still staying perfectly calm, and continuing to read, "We're sort of...together, you might say."

"What?"

"Joey and I, we're together. That's why I've been acting different. I wasn't going to tell you, but you're not a baby, and it's better that you know."

"I-" Shocked wasn't the word. Mokuba couldn't believe this. Seto was being so casual about this confession!

"Yes."

"Together?" Mokuba narrowed his eyes, "You mean..." He felt sick.

"Yes."

"He's your boyfriend?"

Kaiba froze. Boyfriend? Who'd said anything about boyfriends? Together...sure...but was Joey his boyfriend? Didn't you have to take those things on dates? Buy them dinner? Cuddle and watch movies with them? He didn't know...he'd never had one. "I don't know."

Mokuba shrugged, "If he means so much to you that you actually mentioned him...you must care about him. I think it's kinda cool actually, I didn't think you'd ever want to be with anyone," Mokuba laughed loudly, smiling at his brother, "You're so antisocial, Seto."

The CEO rolled his eyes, "Mhmm."

Finishing the chapter of his book, Seto placed it in his lap and took his phone out. For a moment he wondered if it would be weak to send a text to the puppy...But the thought of Joey made him smile a little. Surely a few messages wouldn't hurt. Not like Wheeler had anything better to do anyway.

PRICK: Mutt.

Joey felt his phone buzz and took it from his pocket, reading the text on the screen and smiling. He'd just got home after being at the game shop. There were new Duel Monsters cards across the coffee table in front of him, nothing amazing but he'd gotten a couple of decent ones.

Puppy: What?

Joey sent his reply, and glanced toward the clock. It was just after six...his dad would be home soon. Some days he worked, most days he drank. Today was one of the drinking days. Usually he would gamble as well, but Joey wasn't taking any bets, pardon the pun, as to whether he was gambling tonight or coming straight home. Through the years, Joey had learnt that the easiest way to deal with his dad was to be avoidant. That meant getting out before his dad was home, and getting in after he was asleep. Thanks to that system he usually only saw him in the morning, when he was sober, and a lot easier to talk to. The blond scooped his cards off the table and put them in his pocket, he grabbed his denim jacket, his wallet, and put his shoes on before taking one last look around the apartment and walking out the door.

It was getting dark, the sun had been pushed into a corner and its orange rays had streaked between purple clouds. Joey turned his collar up against the breeze that was blowing up the street, kind of feeling like grabbing some food from somewhere...but also sort of just wanting to walk around for a few hours. He was contemplating between the two when his phone buzzed again.

PRICK: Oh? Rude. Bad, Dog. I didn't train you to question me.

Joey rolled his eyes, but laughed softly. Kaiba acted so tough, like he actually thought he was Joey's master. Yeah right. Crossing the road, Joey replied to the text.

Puppy: Yeesh. Sooo-rrr-yyyy. How may I be of service to you? Oh GREAT ONE.

Seto tried not to laugh. How adorable. Honestly, that was one of the...things, about Joey, he was just so cute, he was defensive and he fought back, but he always knew when to give in. Seto wondered if anyone in his future would ever give in as well as Joey did...

PRICK: That's more like it. I could mention a few ways...

Puppy: Not what I meant.

PRICK: Get your mind out of the gutter, Mutt, I didn't mean that either.

One hand in his pocket, and the other holding his phone, Joey wandered down the street. Different bars, cafes and restaurants were filling up with customers and they all glowed yellow with lights and warmth beside the pavement. He had money in his wallet, but he didn't know how much, he wasn't sure if it would be worth it paying for food or if he was better off waiting. He didn't know if he cared. He replied to Seto, instead.

Puppy: What did you mean?

PRICK: What are you doing right now?

Joey looked at the message. He breathed slowly, trying to think. What was he doing? Walking down a street...in the cold wind, wondering if he should eat something...He swallowed. Should he tell Kaiba that? He began to type several times, each time deleting the message before he sent it.

PRICK: Mutt? Did you forget how to type?

Joey sighed. He wanted to say something back at Kaiba but was still trying to work out what to say in answer to his question. A couple of minutes passed, Joey kept walking. Kaiba wouldn't care anyway, maybe if he didn't reply at all then he'd forget about it...

PRICK: Joey? Don't you dare ignore me, you moron.

Again, Joey sighed. He crossed another road, turning the corner into another district of food places. They all smelt so good and he was hungry...but the seats were taken and the menu items looked pricey from where Joey stood.

PRICK: Puppy? This isn't funny. Baby, hurry up and reply I don't have all night.

He nearly dropped his phone on the pavement. Joey actually nearly dropped it. It would have smashed. He laughed nervously, staring at the text. Stopping in the middle of the street he silently tapped Seto's contact icon and pressed call.

Kaiba answered instantly; saying, "Joey?" into the phone and waiting for a response.

"Did ya...did ya just call me 'baby'?" Okay...yes, it was cute, and yes he sort of didn't mind it, but more than anything Joey had to stop himself from collapsing with laughter at the idea of Kaiba actually calling anyone 'baby'. Apparently he wasn't doing a very good job at controlling himself, because by the tone of Kaiba's voice he could tell Joey was laughing at him.

Kaiba snapped, "Never mind what I called you, Mutt. Where are you? Are you ok?"

Joey stopped laughing. Trying to think of what to say he twisted his hair around his finger, before sighing, "I...I dunno," He looked to the corner at the street sign and told Kaiba the name of it, "I'm ok...I'm just walking around."

"Stay, Puppy. I'll be right there." Seto hung up.

Joey rolled his eyes, wow, Seto could be ridiculous sometimes.

Sure enough, it was only ten minutes or so before Seto's car pulled up right beside Joey on the street. Joey watched the brunet get out and shut the door behind him. He was in a white buttoned shirt and a dark blue jacket, Joey suspected there had been a tie around his neck earlier but it wasn't there now.

"The Maserati again?" He asked, smirking at Kaiba, "Ya outta cars?"

"I have plenty of cars. But this one is your favourite," Seto said, standing close to Joey and taking his hand, "What are you doing here? You run away from home, Puppy?

Joey shook his head, "Nah. Just walkin' around...I was gonna eat but..."

"But nothing. Of course you're eating," He began walking, still holding Joey's hand, "Let's get something. What do you want?"

"Uh..." Joey began, he wasn't sure. He kind of wanted pizza, but he kind of wanted ramen, but he would have really liked Chinese, but then again what if Kaiba didn't eat Chinese food? He was so slim and toned he probably ate stuff like tuna sashimi salad, and grilled salmon and egg, "I-"

"I feel like Chinese," Seto said, cutting him off, "There's probably a place around here somewhere..." They walked a little further, passing some more cafes until Seto found a Chinese place and pulled Joey inside.

There wasn't a lot of people eating in there. Good. Less chance of Kaiba being recognised and hassled. They sat down on dark wooden chairs at tables decorated in yellow and red. When a waitress asked them what they wanted both boys ordered things from the menu, neither quite sure how they got where they were, but neither complaining. Silence fell over the two of them while they waited for their food, and when it finally came Joey ate quickly. Seto looked at him and rolled his eyes. He chewed slowly on a piece of lemon chicken, checking his phone for messages before realising the only person he ever sent messages to was across the table, currently stuffing his face full of Chow Mein. Seto swallowed the chicken, and laughed a little to himself.

Joey stopped, his brown eyes staring at Seto, he swallowed the noodles and wiped his mouth with a napkin, "Whattaya laughin' at?" He took a drink from his water glass.

"You, idiot," Seto told him, eating another piece of chicken before looking at the blond, who had already finished most of his food. He frowned a little, not sure if Joey had been starving from not eating enough, or if he was just a guts anyway...probably both.

Joey gently kicked Seto under the table.

"Child," Seto scolded him, but his tone of voice was amused. "You're coming back to mine, after we eat, Joey."

Starting to eat again, slower this time, Joey shrugged, "If ya want me around."

"Don't be stupid," The brunet told him.

The two of them continued eating, in silence. Kaiba watched Joey and thought about what Mokuba had said. Was this what you did when you cared about someone? Did he care about Joey? No...not really. He told himself that anyway, he repeated it inside his head as he paid the bill and they got up to leave.

In the car, before he could start the engine, Kaiba felt Joey's arms wrap tightly around him.

"Oi, thanks," Joey nuzzled up against Kaiba's neck and the brunet breathed in gently.

"It's fine," Seto said, a little awkwardly, but enjoying the contact all the same. He looked out at the sky. It was getting darker, there was no sign of the sun left, just white lights dotted in patches across it. He ran a hand down and then back up Joey's back, "Let go, Mutt. I can't drive with you clinging onto me like a leech."

Wordlessly, Joey squeezed his arms tighter around Seto for a moment before quickly kissing the CEO's neck and then sitting back in his seat.

A few moments later, while waiting at the traffic lights, Seto glanced across at Joey. He was asleep. Actually asleep, leaning against the window of Seto Kaiba's very expensive car, probably smudging the glass with his hair. Seto smiled a little at how the starlight washed over the blond's face. He wanted to lean across and kiss the sleeping boy, but the light was green. He had to go.

Those were the rules. You couldn't stop, you couldn't wait. Green meant go.

"Wake up, Mutt," He jabbed Joey in the shoulder, now that the car was parked at the front of his mansion.

"Eh?"

"Stupid dog," Kaiba muttered, "Get up."

"Mm, whatever," Was all Joey managed to say, as he got up and followed Kaiba inside.

He was exhausted, he couldn't remember being that tired earlier...but he hadn't been sleeping very well lately, he was sleeping in late, but sometimes he didn't even get to sleep until daylight anyway.

Joey couldn't remember climbing the stairs but he found himself curled up on the loveseat in Seto's study. He opened his eyes, realising he'd fallen back to sleep. He looked around the room, the wallpaper was pale blue (no surprise there) and it was accented with dark mahogany wood. Seto's desk was against the back wall, a stack of papers and his laptop on top of it. Across from the lounge that Joey was on was an armchair, Seto was currently sitting sideways across it, reading a book.

"Kaiba?"

"Mm?" Seto turned the page.

"How long have I been asleep for?" Joey noticed that his jacket had been taken off him and was folded neatly on the carpet beside the loveseat.

"About an hour..."

"Oh," Joey's eyes widened. He sat up, yawning for a moment before tilting his head at Seto.

"Don't."

"Don't what?"

Seto turned, his cool blue eyes brushing up against Joey, "Don't look at me with your puppy eyes like that, Joey."

Joey ignored the CEO's wishes, instead choosing to blink at Kaiba and frown a little.

Seto gritted his teeth, watching Joey. How dare he. He narrowed his eyes, "Stop it, Mutt. You look ridiculous."

Joey laughed darkly in his own head. Oh, how he loved to torment Kaiba. It was almost too easy. He tilted his head down, looking across at Kaiba, still pouting, trying to get his attention.

"Bad, Puppy," Seto managed, wishing he'd never looked away from his book, "Go back to sleep."

"Seto..." Joey said softly, and then he leaned forward, biting down gently on his bottom lip, not breaking eye contact once.

Kaiba breathed in sharply, "Damn it, Puppy. What do you want?" He put his book down.

Joey grinned at him, and tapped the spot on the loveseat beside him, "Sit with me, ya cold hearted prick."

"Whatever," Seto said, contradicting himself he got up and sat beside Joey, "Happy now, you attention craving mutt?"

"I'm not an attention craving anythin'," Joey told Kaiba, very matter-of-factly, as he was pulled onto the brunet's lap.

"Oh?" Seto raised his eyebrows, running his fingers through Joey's hair before saying, "So what was that? Just then? Blinking your eyes at me like that? Doing that thing with your lip?"

Joey smirked, "That was very successful persuasive behaviour, Kaiba."

"Persuasive? No kidding, you might as well have been undressing."

The blond laughed, he had no idea he had that kind of power over Kaiba. He leaned in, kissing the brunet slowly, "I had a dream about ya, Kaiba..."

"How embarrassing for you," Seto kissed him back, but it was nothing serious, it was just kissing, "Most of us stop having wet dreams when we're thirteen."

"It wasn't like that, ya jerk. We were playin' that video game again."

"Wow, Joey, your brain just replays events and you call those dreams? Boring."

Joey rolled his eyes, "Anyway, Tristan was in my room, and he heard me say ya name so yeah."

Kaiba wasn't sure which point to address first, "You said my name out loud when you were asleep..." He said softly, "Wait what was Tristan doing?"

"He was checking up on me, or somethin', I dunno, but anyway yeah so he worked out for himself that it was you I was talkin' about...and now he thinks I'm in love with ya or somethin'."

"Are you?" Seto asked, resting his hand in the curve of Joey's waist and pulling him in a little.

"Am I what?"

"In love with me or something?" Seto's face remained concrete.

"Nah," Joey shook his head, kissing Kaiba quickly, "It's just sex, that's what ya always tell me. That's all our relationship will ever be, right Kaiba?" He cuddled up against the CEO.

Kaiba sighed, kissing the side of Joey's face, "That and Chinese food apparently. So does he knows about us?"

"Nah, just thinks I'm obsessed with you," Joey laughed at the idea, "Ya know ya didn't have to come get me tonight. I was fine. I hang out alone all the time."

"My possessions are very important to me," Seto said coldly, "Plus, what would I fuck if something happened to you?"

Joey muttered something about not being a possession but instead of speaking up he moved and laid across the loveseat, curling up and resting his head on Kaiba's lap. He sighed happily at the feeling of Seto's fingers running through his hair.

"I do have better things to do other than sit here and be your cushion all night, Mutt."

"Yeah and I bet ya had better stuff to do other than go grab food with me...but ya still picked me anyway."

"I'll pick you every time, stupid dog."

A/N:

Sorry this took so long guys, I've been on a bit of a Deathshipping thing lately.

Also, for reviewers that have questions or say things that require a reply, answering you is a lot easier if you sign in so that I can send you a message. I really don't want to have to write a 200 word A/N that other people have to get through so I can answer you. I appreciate your questions and I do want to answer them. So if you sign in, (if you don't have an account, creating one doesn't take long) it will make it a lot easier for everyone.

Thank you for reading. See ya laaaater.