Update!
Amme: you know it's not the writing that slows down the updates, it's the replies to the reviews! But keep them coming!
Joey: *in coma*
Yugi: How could you do this to him?!
Amme: Oh give me a break! Kaiba's giving me enough bother for this, I'm so getting stomped on for that stunt ... ah well: I REGRET NOTHING!
Ryou: You should, Joey might not sign up to Yugioh Mulan 2 if you don't start being nicer to him.
Amme: ... I'll give him a bone, that'll cheer him up.
Ryou & Yugi: *facepalm*
Amme: REVIEWING NOW!
cheshirekitten909 - Put that sword away! Right now!
Leviathan of the sea - sorry about the cliffie ... this make it up to you? Glad you thought that the chapter was worth waiting for.
Animegirl426 - Thank you!
Animesaki - beware the puppy look, it's a weapon of mass destruction in it's own right. Glad you thought it was "Epic" (Whos' Alemda?) sorry about the cliffie, but don't worry about Joey, he'll be in one piece ... eventually. Feel free to take Ushio out, it's fine now. I think Seto's going to dance on his grave. And glad you loved Red Eyes' evolution!
Anei - ... that's all of it. Glad you loved our little dragon and I'm glad you saw the irony of Ushio actually saving Joey's life (in your face Ushio!), and don't worry, I'm going to make it up to Joey now ;) He was a rock and a half for standing his ground and now he'll get all the praise and love for it!
Sakural7865 - Hey ho the witch it dead! BURN THE WITCH! and I'm sorry about the cliffie. Glad you liked the fighting, and the monsters, and Joey'll be getting better soon ... ish.
PhoenixHeart25 - Thanks for answering all the questions! It's a big help to me! I'm glad you thought Seto's crying was not Occ, I try not to do that (and sometimes fail). I'm glad you liked our baby dragon's growing up scene and all the fights, don't worry about the spoiler, I already read the wiki plot (hee hee hee).
SoWhatever - Glad you felt sad for Eagle Eye, and felt proud for Red Eyes :) Sorry for not putting enough into the monster fight, but I had enough trouble with the human one. I'm making Joey better as we speak, let's just read shall we?
SilverMage Nova - Thanks, but it's not finished yet ...
Smouse - Thank you!
Karou Yuki - he does end up a little ruffled in the episodes doesn't he? Glad you liked all the monster effects and the yamis all praying for his life. Glad I livened up a bus journey and that you liked the battles overall (took me forever ...) and sorry for hurting Joey, but I blame my imagination!
Killer-Fangirl - thanks for answering all the Q's and for liking so much of it. I'll make sure Joey recovers well enough, and don't worry about not reviewing, I forget sometimes too!
winged sapphire wolf - hey sis! Don't be too sad, Joey's tougher than that! Glad you liked the monsters fighting and sorry for the cliffy. I'll make it up to you!
RAINY-RAIN - Joey is waaaay to stubborn for that to be it, you know it! I've never seen the Vow ... (I know I haven't lived!) but I'm interested, I'm going to PM you, just after exams ... is that cool? that's the end of May okay? If that's too long then tell me.
BlackAndrey -Sorry! I'm not killing Joey! I'd never do ... okay maybe I might, but not before the puppyshipping really gets going! sorry about the cliffie too. Jono will be in the next chapter :)
Zeladious - Thank you very much!
dancing elf - Thank you.
Magi Magi Magician Girl - thanks for answering the questions, it's so nice to know that someone can actually read and do what's useful for us readers who need/want feedback, so thank you very much for that to start with. I'm glad you liked Ushio's death and that you think I kept people in character, you go to Alice in Wonderland? *picks up bag* when do we leave?!
Guest - Could you leave a name next time like ... 009Yugiohfan or something like that, so I know who I'm thanking?
Gus Kinney The Prodigal Son - don't worry he is.
ajj7sunhawk - Thanks for the review! Very appreciated.
Misuri Hitchako - Thank you very much, your character makes an appearance now.
5500jess - 0500 miss madness is here! Glad you likes the fighting and Red Eyes and Ushio's death, sorry about the cliffie, I couldn't resist. I love you're impression of Red Eyes' reaction! It made me laugh! Don't worry, if I need madness I'll invite you to the mad hatter's tea party that Magi-Magician-Gal and I are going to. Come along and join the randomness! you too Liz!
Amme: Is done!
Ryou: Disclaimers as standard, but the original sections are Amme's. Let's all see if Joey makes it now!
Yugi: Wake up Joey!
Amme: ... Joey! In a few hours the sun is going to rise! (I give a cookie for whoever names this reference!)
Breathe in.
…
Breathe out.
…
Breathe in.
…
Breathe out.
…
The slow and steady rhythm … was comforting. Yet sombre.
Seto was sat at the bedside, his face solemn, his hand resting lightly over the sleeper's.
The room was quite grand. There was a large comfortable bed, large windows, personal study and bathroom, both ornately decorated and filled with impressive decorations. The bed was a high one, the mattress was deep, there were plenty of blankets and pillows, all to make the sleeper comfortable.
Seto was dressed casually for once, blue shirt, black-blue trousers, solid boots with hidden daggers in each one –once a soldier always a soldier- and a sword tucked into his belt. His cape was hanging over the chair, keeping his back warm.
Seto looked at his hand covering the sleeper's. In a dull and silent wonder at how he was so easily moved by this person.
From his lap a little face popped up.
Red Eyes croaked something, a language only the sleeper could understand, followed by a small bleat from his other companion; the scapegoat. Seto raised his free hand to rub the Dragon's horns and tiny ears gently, he guessed that the spirit had figured out that he couldn't understand him.
The dragon leaned into his touch with a cat like rumbling purr.
Seto's lips twitched in an almost smile, the little spirit had grown on him. And had started a semi-annoying habit of following him around. Its wing had healed well, and all in all seemed to have recovered rather well from its battle with Beast of Talwar.
The same could not be said for his master.
Seto glanced at Joey again. Through their hands a steady tingle flowed, like every nerve in Seto's hand was hyperly aware of him, Seto was so accustomed to feeling it that it was barely unusual anymore.
Footsteps were heard in the hallway, Seto reluctantly let Joey's hand go, he wasn't quite ready to show open affection for him. Red Eyes snapped open an eyelid and Seto felt a low vibration as the small dragon growled too quiet to hear.
The door opened and four people piled in. Atem, Marik, Bakura and Emperor Solomon. The dragon at once calmed and pretended to sleep again. Solomon nodded to Seto, who bowed his head in respect, but couldn't properly bow due to the spirit napping on his lap.
Atem looked at Joey and all three soldiers suppressed a shiver. He was aware … but not awake.
The blond lay in bed limply, the sheets all neat as he hadn't even twitched in his time in bed. His arms lay on top of the sheets, his head and shoulders propped up, maybe left like that from feeding. They were forced to feed the blond by a tube into his stomach, it wasn't very pleasant and most present normally stepped out when that happened, it was the only way to keep his strength up. But the thing that got them most unsettled was how his eyes would open and blankly stare ahead of him in mock wakefulness.
The eyes were dull and flat, barely blinked, all fire gone. It was like his eyes were glass, or that everything he was behind them was gone. Hidden, deep, away and healing.
He'd been like this for weeks, just over a month. His fall and battle had taken everything out of him, literally.
Solomon sighed as he saw Joey the same as always "Nothing's changed?" he asked gently.
Seto shook his head "No sir."
The entire Palace could see that Seto was under stress and strain from this ordeal. No one knew why, and none but the foolish dared to ask for fear of his glare or increasingly short temper.
Alister had patched Joey up again, he'd rambled off his injuries and kept returning to check on him along with the Palace doctors, since he knew the most about his back wound. Joey's back was healing nicely, it was tightly sewn up again and starting to scab on the surface, but Alister was concerned about a few muscles, which was why he kept coming back. Joey's hip was healing cleanly, the stab deep yet thin, so healed quickly. His bruises were starting to fade, the worst were still a little purple-red. Doctors had feared a cracked skull, definitely some kind of deep head wound; which was why Joey had fallen into a coma when he fell from the roof.
It was inconclusive if it was Ushio's punch or Joey's head on the stone floor which had caused the coma, either or, both would have contributed.
Joey suddenly sighed, a deeper breath than normal.
Seto at once looked to see if it meant a change. The Trio also looked, but also sighed in disappointment as Joey stayed lifeless. Bakura pulled up a chair and sat on it backwards "Deep sleeper isn't he?" he mumbled.
Marik squatted on the floor and pouted "Yeah … he's gotta wake up soon, he'll miss the celebrations," he gloomed.
Since Ushio was defeated the rest of the surviving Huns -Seto ordered men back to double check the avalanche site, if some got out there could be others- had been arrested and tried for crimes. Solomon had sent a small army to go to Ushio's capital and inform the country of his defeat. As tradition, once a leader had been defeated their Kingdom was at the winner's command.
Solomon had been very careful in his take over. He had suggested a compromise, a treaty in which a few spots of land along the border of their kingdoms became his own. It was rather generous really, as the old Emperor could have easily taken the entire Kingdom and merged it with his own. But he was wise and knew that the Hun people wouldn't stand for it. So took pieces of land which held value, and gave those already living there the option to leave before a certain date, otherwise they became part of his people.
People were unsure of whether the treaty would hold, yet things had definitely calmed since Ushio had fallen.
Red Eyes poked his head up and crooned slightly, jumping out of Seto's lap smoothly and landing on Joey's chest, the dragon let out a few little roars and croaks, his tail wagging a little before he curled up and slept.
Atem smiled at the spirit, and extended a hand, as one would to a cat. The dragon eyed him suspiciously and a little bit of smoke trailed from his nose, he wasn't amazingly friendly with others. But Atem just stopped and smiled again "I'm a friend," he promised, talking as if to another person rather than an animal. He knew that spirits understood people, it was just the other way around that was difficult.
Red Eyes relaxed and let Atem touch him, he began to purr a little when Atem expertly scratched the creature's chin. Bakura snorted, finding Atem's affection for the thing a little funny.
Atem rolled his eyes "Well at least I can get close to him," he pointed out.
Bakura sniggered again as Marik rubbed his bottom, thinking of the lake; now so obviously a baby dragon protecting his master rather than a snake.
Solomon shook his head a little and said "Tomorrow the ambassadors and guests from each part of my county will arrive to hear the official ending of the war. I need you to be there Seto, and you three as well since you were part of the group who saved my life," he smiled gratefully.
The Trio had been given medals of honour, but they were to be officially presented tomorrow before everyone, witnesses, official protocol and all the jazz.
Bakura held up his with a smirk, he'd nicked it again. He found it amusing to steal things, he always returned them, that way he said he couldn't be fully blamed. Solomon frowned disapprovingly and took it back. "I know the skill you have as a thief, but I can't guarantee you won't be prosecuted if you keep this up."
Bakura nodded and then pointed out "But that'll only happen if I get caught."
Marik laughed "Ah if Joey could hear this …"
Seto nodded slightly and glanced at Joey again, somewhere between the Trio entering and now he'd fallen asleep again. His eyes shut.
There was a knock at the door, a young girl stepped in, she bowed and said "My Emperor and guests, we have to tend to the patient now. Could you please step outside?" she asked politely. A few other nurses filed in after her, they were the ones who normally fed and washed Joey to keep him healthy.
The group around Joey's bed stood up and prepared to leave. Seto barely jumped as Red Eyes jumped up onto his shoulder and settled there, his scapegoat friend on his scaly head.
Solomon patted the young girl's arm "Take care of him Masuki," he said before moving on to tend to his royal duties.
Seto moved out of the room and up to his own, merely a floor and two doors along from Joey's. He moved to the window and stared out of it blankly, on the table was a scroll, three in fact. Each a letter. One to his younger brother, telling him Seth had died in action, but that he was alright, and that he was coming home soon.
The second was going to his home as well, to the chief of staff, telling him to get a few things in order for Seth's funeral. True his body had been burnt and a large monument was currently being placed there, but Seth needed a shrine at home, for Mokuba and others to pay respects to.
The final one was still half finished. It was to the Wheeler family. Seto had sent one before, when it was clear that Joey wasn't going to wake up anytime soon, he knew that if it was his brother that he'd want to find out properly, not through gossip. It had been the hardest thing he'd ever done; and he'd sent letters to many a fallen man's family. It was different somehow, maybe because Joey was a hikari, maybe because he couldn't think rationally about him, or maybe because he felt guilty.
Yet he'd received a reply from the Lady Wheeler, with a few side notes from friends and family members. It was a grateful reply, and he could tell just from the look of the water droplets on it that it was as hard for them as it was for him.
Seto looked at the reply. He'd not received many, mostly because they were too official for many to imagine replying too, again this one was different.
Red Eyes watched him like a hawk, he flew out of the window and came back half an hour later with a large rat in his jaws. Seto was still lost in his thoughts. Red Eyes ate his meal silently and looked at tiny scapegoat "Will he ever wake up?"
The fluffy spirit bleated out reassuring words, but gave no answer.
Red Eyes jumped as Seto moved, finally getting ready for bed. Red Eyes watched with sad eyes "He misses him too, doesn't he?" tiny scapegoat chuckled and went bouncing back to Joey's room to check on him. Red Eyes flew up and sat on Seto's headboard.
Seto glared at the dragon "Why are you here? Go be with Joey," he half ordered. The dragon gave him a flat look and firmly sat it's bottom on the bedstead. Seto glared at it. "Just as annoying as its master," he realised through a mutter.
Red Eyes made a snort-like-laugh, then was snoozing with his head tucked under his wing.
Seto rolled his eyes and got into bed. Exactly like him …
There's a ceiling there.
Blink.
The first thing he noticed.
Next noticed was the uncomfortable covers, like someone had just thrown them on him and not realised that they weren't keeping him warm properly.
Ugh … Marik could do better … maybe Marik did this … after a few squirms the covers were in a more comfortable position.
The eyes closed again, the feeling of being drained was still there. The eyes opened again when a low roar was heard. Like the roar of a stadium in the distance … like the Huns charging down to get him …
With a gasp the sleeper sat up.
Joey glanced around in mild panic. Nothing looked familiar, everything was new, and strange, and scary, and-
Joey yelped as he fell out of bed. Not noticing through his hyperventilating that he'd over leaned a little … a lot.
Joey groaned as his head stopped spinning on the floor. He sat up and leaned on the bed frame "Gods and spirits," he muttered, rubbing the, still slightly tender, bump marring his skull. From the feel of the lump it was a mighty hit that caused it.
Joey smirked slightly, I guess I'm a pretty steadfast guy. He concluded before trying to remember why he was here.
His head throbbed slightly and he felt weak. Let's see … Joey thought slowly, the panic still trying to win over his self-forced reasoning. I buried the Huns … nearly fell off a cliff, saved Seto. Joey winced as Ushio's yell rang in his head. His hand curiously reached back to touch his wound.
It felt slightly titchy … like a scab, it felt healed. Joey sighed and continued down his memory path.
Mai took me to the city, to warn them about Ushio … the Emperor was in trouble! Joey blinked and then relaxed, he knew where he was. "Wait till Serenity hears that I've slept in a Palace," he muttered, feeling lots better now he wasn't panicking.
Then … Seto was hurt, Red Eyes was sick, I was running … flashes of the roof and his fall came back to him and he realised how hurt he was. Joey pulled his shirt up and saw the stab wound, it was sewn tightly and stank of ointments. Little completely healed cuts and scrapes were also found all over him, his arms, legs and probably everywhere his clothes weren't protecting him during the fight.
But these big scars … "That's attractive," he muttered sarcastically. He wasn't vain, but these scars did look rather ugly on his skin. Back wound, head wound, hip wound, what else? Joey did a quick exportation and found no more damage, lasting damage, than what he's already seen.
The low rumble came again. Joey looked at the door and hauled himself up, leaning on his bedside. He took a few steps towards the door … only to fall flat on his face. He's over estimated his strength, he was still weak. Joey huffed, glad no one was there to see this, and got on his knees again.
After a few trips and stumbles Joey got to the door, he looked around and spotted a crutch, most likely for him. Joey walked, leaning on the wall, to it and tried it out. It really helped, two would be nice, but this was better than nothing.
Joey opened the door and began a slow walk down to the noise, maybe he could find someone who could fill in the blanks. Red Eyes … he looked around, but couldn't see him. I wonder where he is … he thought. "I grew up Joey". Joey smiled at the memory, one of few with hope in them, it was clear from the bits and pieces in his mind that he had been beaten pretty badly.
The low rumble was getting louder, and he could make out voices now.
"My people! Ushio has been defeated, our lands are at peace again!"
The rumble increased to a roar of approval. Joey smiled too "Booya," he mumbled as he approached the doorway.
"As for this occasion I would like to award these fine men medals of arms for service to my country," there was a loud applause before the man continued, Joey's brain kicked in and he remembered that this voice was the Emperor's. "And to this small group, I give you the highest medals of honour I could bestow, for personally saving my life. Atem Sennen, Akefia Bakura, Marik Ishtar, and Seto Kaiba," the applause upped again.
Joey finally made it to a doorway and looked through it, he saw the Emperor himself give the guys the medals, each kneeling humbly whilst they were given their rewards. Atem, Marik and Bakura looked very happy, Seto looked like he always did; that there was something better he could be doing.
Joey smiled and clapped along with the rest. "Well done guys," he mumbled with a large smile.
Solomon then looked at his feet, a little black dragon was sitting there. Joey blinked in shock. Solomon bowed to it "For helping defeat the enemy I can offer to have your carving added to the walls of our Palace," he declared.
Red Eyes looked proud as punch and nodded happily. Joey felt a small tear in his eye, you're a real guardian now, he thought. The people all cheered for the little spirit and Joey threw in a few whoops of his own.
Red Eyes stiffened at the applause, Seto noticed and said "What's wrong?"
The little dragon looked around, like he couldn't believe that he was hearing. Then it froze, looking left. After a second it squealed in joy and ran, as fast as he could, towards a certain individual cheering.
Seto stared in disbelief as the tiny dragon jumped up onto the shoulder of none other than the hikari, awake at last.
Joey laughed as Red Eyes jumped up onto his shoulder, "Joey! Joey! You're awake! You're awake!" the dragon cheered, nuzzling him and constantly flapping his wings in joy.
Joey reached up and rubbed the little guy's head fondly "Hey buddy, what'd I miss?" he asked, tiny scapegoat also jumped up at him nuzzled into his neck. "Nice to see you too," Joey smiled.
"Joey!" Marik shouted, waving.
Joey smiled and moved forwards awkwardly on his crutch. Marik jogged over and lightly punched his shoulder "Good to have you back with the living!" he grinned.
Bakura and Atem also came over, Atem held his fist as he lightly hugged him "Welcome back," he greeted.
Joey nodded "Good to be back," he jabbed at Atem's medal "Nice," he commented.
Bakura laughed "I already had mine about six times, and gave it back."
Joey shook his head "Same old same old."
Red Eyes nipped his ear "I thought I'd never see you wake again," he admitted, rubbing against his neck and head like a cat or friendly bird.
Joey smiled at him "Hey I'm here now, and there's no way a hit on the head could keep me down, you know that," he teased, ticking his chin.
"So you do understand him."
Everyone glanced behind them and saw Seto standing there with a triumphant smirk on his face.
Joey nodded "Never said I couldn't, and how's he meant to get me out of danger if I can't hear him saying dodge or whatever," he pointed out with his own smirk, the fire back in his eyes.
Seto nodded without comment and clapped him lightly on the shoulder "I'm glad you're back," he admitted, making everyone's eyes widen. Joey supressed a shiver at the contact, the tingle … Seto then nodded towards the Emperor "And you have got to improve your timing, the Emperor wants to talk to you."
Joey paled a little "Er … right now?"
Seto nodded "Right now," he confirmed "Do you need help?" he asked, seeing that Joey was moving with a crutch.
Joey glared a little "I have legs," he said, determinedly walking by "And I'm gonna use them!" he declared.
Bakura laughed "Same old Joey." Seto tried not to smile at his old attitude.
Joey made it to the stairs then cursed softly "Stairs … why not a slope?" he complained and began to struggle up them. The watching lords and representatives were impressed with his stubbornness, the story went that he had been knocked into a coma, and yet here he was walking about and trying to act like nothing had happened.
Just as Joey reached the top someone sneered at him "I've made sure to tell the Emperor about your attempt on my life."
Joey glanced left and saw someone with a notepad watching him with a glare. Joey returned the look "Oh it's you. What have I done now?" he muttered, pausing to save a little energy.
Duke got in his face at once, way more confident now that Joey was injured and out of breath from just a few stairs. "That stunt you pulled with the dragon was a deliberate attempt on my life, I've made sure to tell the Emperor about you and all you've done-"
Joey gasped as someone pulled him away, and shoved Duke back. Seto stood glaring angrily at Duke, his arm dropping from Joey's back once the blond was steadied. "Is there a problem?" Seto asked in a dangerously blank voice.
Duke straightened his robes smartly then glared "Stand aside, that creature's not worth protecting."
Joey stiffened at the insult but someone else got there before he could retort. "He's a hero!" Seto growled, Joey looked up at him in shock, his heart leaping in his chest. Seto …
Duke snorted "He's a hikari. He'll never be worth anything," he taunted.
Joey closed his eyes in an attempt not to flinch from the old insults from a new voice. Worthless, useless, pathetic. Just for being a hikari.
Seto saw his flinch and snapped, he snatched the man's robes and pulled him off the floor, eyes like burning ice "Listen you pompas-"
"Enough!"
Everyone jumped at the commanding voice, even more authority than Seto!
Joey's heart jumped into his mouth when Solomon walked down from his throne to meet him. Seto reluctantly dropped Duke and took a step in front of Joey, like he was shieling him. "Your Majesty let me-"
Solomon held up a hand for quiet and gestured for him to move aside. Joey shot Seto a grateful look before awkwardly bowing before the Emperor. Bakura, Marik and Atem all silently joined Seto as he watched, Duke smirking widely and looking at his knuckles like a vain winner.
Red Eyes sat at Seto's feet warbling slightly in worry.
Solomon looked at Joey quite sternly "I've heard a great deal about you, Joseph Wheeler," he began.
Joey winced a little, that doesn't sound good … Trust Duke to spill the beans on me.
Joey glanced up at the ruler as he began to read off his 'crimes' "You stole your Brother's armour, ran away from home. Impersonated a soldier," the crowds began to whisper at the mounting accusations. Joey closed his eyes and simply let the blame soak in. Seto and the trio winced as the Emperor continued, each one worse than the last "Deceived your commanding officer, dishonoured the Japanese Army, destroyed part of my Palace, and!" Joey visibly cringed along with most who knew him. But the final voice was gentle "You have saved us all."
Joey blinked and slowly straightened up to see Solomon smiling in mirth, as if he'd laugh at any moment for the stress he put him through. But before anything else happened Solomon bowed, very low to the shocked hikari.
Duke saw what the Emperor was doing and squeaked in surprise before getting onto his knees in a bow of his own. If the leader bowed to another, he was admitting that he was superior to him in some way. Seto straightened up a little before also getting onto a knee in an army type bow, the trio and other men following suite. Red Eyes bounced a little then put his snout to the ground, tiny scapegoat also bowed.
Joey looked around at all his friends and official people in shock, as his eyes travelled more people bowed. Lords and Ladies, mayors, landlords, representatives from all over Japan bowing to him!
Joey shakily brought a hand to his forehead "Gods and spirits …" he murmured in awe. The blond turned back to the smiling Emperor and ran a hand through his locks self-consciously. "You … you couldn't have given me five minutes to freshen up could ya?" he mumbled, a blush staining his cheeks as the room returned to normal, only with his status changed.
Solomon chuckled at the complaint and turned to the side "Duke?"
Duke at once suckered up "You're excellency!"
Solomon gestured to Joey proudly "See to it that this young man is made a member of my counsel," he ordered.
Joey jumped in shock again and Duke spluttered in horror "A member of- er-What?" Solomon looked at him expectantly. There weren't many hikari's allowed in counsels and it was no secret Duke had some prejudice towards hikaris; perceiving them as weaker. Duke fumbled for a better excuse "B-but there are no counsel positions open, your Majesty," he lied, moving away and looking smug.
Joey raised an eyebrow at him and muttered "He really doesn't like me," with a mildly disappointed shake of the head. He found it a little amusing.
Solomon winked at him and then chuckled "Very well, Joseph can have your job."
Duke paled and turned in horror "Wha- m-my … oh!" and he collapsed in pathetic shock.
Joey at once laughed, Red Eyes and tiny scapegoat rolled on the floor in giggles. Seto and the trio smirked in triumph as the bully was put down properly. Joey wiped at his eye as the humour passed "Well that made my day," he admitted, causing a few more chuckles from those closest. Joey finally cleared his throat and said "Um, with all respects and everything you Majesty, I don't think I can take you up on that offer," he admitted.
Duke looked up hopefully as the room murmured in shock; turn down the royal counsel? But why?
Solomon looked a little surprised but he was good at hiding emotions "Really?" he asked kindly.
Joey rubbed at the back of his head sheepishly "Well … I-I just feel that I've been away from home long enough, my family and life is back there," he explained.
Solomon smiled at once "I completely understand. But please accept these," he gestured to a serving maid and picked up a golden crest. He walked forwards and pinned it on Joey's clothes himself.
Joey stared in a bit of shock; an individual crest! Only nobles or high ranking people had those! The common folk just had a family crest they all shared. It was solid gold, with a carving of Red Eyes on the front, guarding his name, and a little scapegoat on the back with the Emperor's seal of approval. Joey touched it feeling light headed.
Solomon smiled "A crest so all can recognise you as our hero, and this," another servant handed him a sword. Solomon pulled it from its sheath, revealing a red blade like a ruby. "A blade made only for those who prove their worth, so the world will know what you have done to be who you are," he declared handing Joey the sword after sliding it home again.
Joey took it in a daze before dropping the crutch and hugging the Emperor.
Solomon blinked in shock before chuckling and holding him back in a Fatherly way.
Bakura looked at the others "Is he allowed to do that?"
Shrugs from those near him answered his question.
Joey took a step back and smiled widely "Wow …" he looked at his gifts again and felt the same overwhelming sensation again. "Gods, er, I think I'm going to need to sit down for a while," he said, his legs feeling a little wobbly.
Solomon nodded and called for a doctor to see to him. "I want him able to attend the feast tonight, please do what you can."
"Food?" Joey asked, his eyes lighting up, "Now that's a beautiful word."
Bakura and Marik each took one of Joey's arms to support him back to his room, Atem carried his sword and crutch. Seto watched with a slight twinge of jealously as the yamis lead the hikari away, though Joey acted like 'one of the yamis' he was still a hikari and so Seto felt jealous.
The assembly was dismissed, but just as Seto was about to leave a voice stopped him "A flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all." Seto turned and saw the Emperor watching him with knowing eyes.
"Sir?" Seto asked, confused.
Solomon sighed and put a hand on his back and lead him towards his room "A flower will bloom with perfect conditions, if everything is perfect for it, is easy, and common. But a flower that can grow in bad conditions, or adversity, is special because by all rights it shouldn't have bloomed, which makes it rare and beautiful," the old man explained. He left Seto in his thoughts "You don't meet a man like that every dynasty."
Seto stayed in his thoughts until he was called to attend the feast. Seto was wearing a black top with a white cape that was a wine red on the underside, black pants, sturdy boots and armour on his forearms, his sword handy on his belt. The servant got a little flustered as he lead Seto to the hall.
Seto glanced at his arm. Hikari. The normal typical ones.
Orthodox: Meek, dignified, obedient, behaved, neat and resigned. As Seto looked into the hall Joey walked in, head held high, loudly talking with the Trio, making a fool out of himself when he saw the food, not listening to Atem who was trying to steer him into his proper seat. Completely unorthodox.
What slowly caught up to Seto's thought clouded brain was that Joey appeared to have made another miraculous recovery.
Second one since hard riding down a mountain on a stallion!
Seto eventually took a seat next to him. Joey glanced at him and smiled a little "I could get used to this," he laughed, looking at all the food and wine. "So when do we eat?" he asked.
Seto rolled his eyes as he steadied his sword next to his chair, "When the Emperor arrives … how did you manage to heal over the course of three hours?" he asked.
Joey blinked "Oh the crutch," he realised, yelping slightly as Red Eyes jumped up onto his lap. "Mind those claws!" he snapped at him. Red Eyes just made a growling giggle and sat like a cat waiting to eat.
Joey pouted at him "You're not eating off my plate, I'm starving."
Red Eyes whined "But Joey! Look at the stake!" the dragon pointed out, his eyes shining in delight at the sight of it. Joey just rolled his eyes and picked him up to drop him over the side of his seat. Red Eyes glared at Joey and sat on the stool prepared for him. "He's still waiting for your answer," he huffed stroppily.
Joey jumped and saw Seto watching him half amused, half impatient. Joey blushed and little and rubbed the back of his head nervously "Er … sorry about that."
Seto nodded "So how did you recover so quickly?" he pressed.
Joey pulled a face at once "Bakura and Marik put me through my paces, Atem force fed me painkiller plants, and then all the maids got me pretty," he wrinkled his nose at the last word, making Seto supress laughter. But Joey was dressed for the occasion, red gold threaded shirt, dark brown trousers, green cape, sword at his side, tattoos displayed for all to see, lips subtly glossed and his hair neatly brushed. Joey saw him try not to laugh and shook his head "They forced me to get back up again, I seem to be glutton for their punishments. I still hurt trust me, but if I let them know they'll just shove me up again. Call this the brave face."
Seto nodded and then sat up as the Emperor came into the room, Joey looked at him and muttered "What's up your ass?"
Atem poked him on the other side and Joey at once stopped slouching when he saw the Emperor come in. Solomon nodded at them all and said "Let's not waste time on speeches, but I do ask we all honour our hero of the hour, Joseph Wheeler." He gestured to where Joey was sitting, further along the table, and soon a welcoming round of applause was made.
Seto elbowed him discreetly "Stand up and say something," he hissed, knowing royal etiquette demanded such.
Joey stiffened, he got up slowly and hissed back "What do I say?"
Seto shrugged "Something, they're not here to judge you at your own feast of honour," he pointed out reassuringly.
Joey nodded and then felt the nerves as about twenty tables of guests looked at him expectantly, expressions ranging from reassuring to sceptical. Joey saw Atem nod at him and Seto by him then just said the only thing he could think of. "H-hey everyone, glad to be here … er … I'm bad with speeches, we're all starving, let's eat," the room chuckled at his rough charms and applauded appreciatively.
Joey sat down with a small blush.
Red Eyes at once jumped on the stake "Joey, mine!" he whined, still hanging onto babyish ways though he was an adolescent now.
Joey rolled his eyes and pulled the meat onto Red Eye's plate "There you go, next time just ask," he pointed out.
Seto was smirking as he gathered his meal, trying not to laugh; Joey saw the smirk as he picked his own meal from the extensive variety, "What's so funny?" he asked.
Seto looked at him and chuckled to himself "When I said say something … I don't know, I never imagined you'd say something so …" he trailed off as he thought of the word.
Joey raised an eyebrow "Dumb? Stupid? Short?" he offered, crossing his arms over his chest.
Seto blinked and shook his head "So you."
Joey blinked as well, then smirked "Well, I'm not going to act all proper when I'm not," he said, reaching for the wine. Seto nodded and then ate in mostly silence, Joey chatting to Atem and the occasional curious guest or servant.
About halfway through the night the party was taken into a second room meant for dancing and polite conversations; there were a few seats, and a few servants always offering to refill drinks … unfortunately for the group Joey wasn't used to wine, as he had pointed out to Seto before, his village seldom saw the stuff. Now he was acting as if he had taken an entire bottle when it was only two large glasses: tipsy.
Bakura and Marik steadied him as he staggered into them for the third time since leaving. Marik laughed as Joey began to grumble about an unstable floor, "It is you who is unstable, let's find you a seat," he offered, Bakura turning his back and Marik stepping away for only a moment, to turn back and find that Joey had been whisked away … again.
Marik frowned while Bakura sighed "Not again …"
After a short glance around they spotted Joey dancing, surprisingly well for a tipsy guy, with a young yami lord, who looked like the 'collecting' sort.
Bakura poked Atem in the back of the head and said "They're at it again, bloody wolves," he muttered, drowning his saké in one. Atem nodded "Just because he's a hikari … it's like normals with a rich, powerful, beautiful woman," he put his glass down angrily. "He's not an object," he glared.
Bakura and Marik nodded, all three finally having learnt the lesson about hikari's having personality instead of just looks or kinks. Marik threw his glass at the inspecting yami who was trying to hit on their friend and laughed as it shattered on his head.
Joey looked really confused, looking up as if it was water from the sky. Atem shook his head in a moment of humour and walked over to tow Joey away "Joey, he's not in the mood to dance anymore," he said, slightly patronisingly with a pat to his back.
Joey glanced over his shoulder "He having me on?" he asked.
Atem tried not to laugh. "Yep."
Joey glared "Bastard!" he grumbled at him "And tell Marik to stop throwing things at people I'm talking to," he finished, breaking away from Atem who was gaping in shock.
Atem laughed disbelievingly "Joey …" he shook his head with a chuckle "You're the world's greatest actor," he said with a dramatic bow. Joey just winked and stumbled again, still tipsy, but well aware of what he was doing, and having lots of fun while he was at it. Atem walked off still amused that the guy had the nerve and the pluck to try these ploys, but then again, after the army a simple party trick was … well a party trick.
Seto sipped his drink as he conversed with a few lords he recognised but didn't remember, his eyes very often returning to Joey. One of the cocky yami's tapped his arm and said "So … tell us, how does that hikari like it?"
Seto paused mid sip and glared at the man "Meaning?" he asked curtly.
The yami shrugged, his two idiot, rich and spoilt friends playing up to him. "I'm just wondering, you spent a lot of time with him, how do you tame a guy like that? How do you get close to him? What do I say to get him on my leash?"
Seto looked more angry with each question, "You don't. You appeal to him. Let him roam free or risk being thrown over his head. In order," he concluded.
The yami looked a bit stumped, then just laughed "Oh come on, a hikari like him, yami like me, we're a good match," he stared at the blond across the room, who was talking with a few other hikari's, mostly those who were dragged along with their husbands and wives to this end of war declaration. The yami hummed deeply as if he was imagining something satisfying. "Looks good as a husband, no?"
Seto saw red.
It wasn't surprising really. Joey was now a celebrity of sorts, a hikari and therefore a potential husband for some yamis who wanted power and good looks, the stuff that now came with Joey's status. But the yamis didn't know him, he wasn't the average hikari, they just wanted a pretty one, or a rich and or powerful one to show around, like a flashy new toy to have on your arm. Just the thought of Joey being put in his place like that after all he'd been through wasn't fair, he couldn't be the average, and he didn't want to be. It would crush him if he was forced to.
Seto grabbed the guy's arm, and twisted it behind his back, putting extra pressure on the wrist joint to stop the guy from running away. The man yelped loudly, causing a few stares, but Seto didn't care. "Listen carefully. He's not an object, and you're not worth his or my time," and he dropped him.
The yami lord got up, nursing his wrist and feeling very embarrassed. "If he was yours you only had to say," he protested as he went off to get some ice.
Seto glared, a slight flush trying to appear.
"Hey what's up?"
Seto jumped a little as none other than Joey appeared at his side, hand on his arm and causing the strange connection again. He knew Joey felt it too, by the way his eyes widened and his hand hesitated … before staying.
"You nearly twisted that guy's arm off, what he do?" Joey asked, the tingle in his hand feeling nice, and in his tipsy state it made him a little more impulsive.
Seto looked at him then away "He was just being an idiot."
Joey chuckled a little, dropping his hand once he'd gotten a response "So you twisted some sense into him?" he offered.
Seto smirked a little "You could say that," he agreed.
Joey smiled and picked up another drink "I could get used to all this drinks you know, and the parties" he said, taking a large swallow of it.
Seto smiled though he tried not too "But you cause scenes wherever you go, so it'll take us a while to get used to you."
Joey paused at Seto's words "You … you plan on staying around?" he asked. Seto had said 'us' … did that mean him too? Joey tried not to feel too hopeful, and having spent a good lifetime of supressing that feeling … he found his hopes sky high, his efforts useless.
He saw Seto stiffen at his blunder. He turned away from Joey and muttered "I'm normally forced to these events, if not for the party I'm head of security." Joey lowered his head a little, feeling disappointed.
"I see …" he drowned his drink quickly. "So what you gonna do now?"
Seto looked up and shrugged "I've got a brother to look after, I've got to get used to commanding all of our armies now," Joey winced a little as he unintentionally brought up bad memories for him, about his brother.
"Sorry," he apologised quickly. Then said "I'm just going to go home until I figure out a few things … I'm getting another," he said, feeling the stupid urge to hug him, which would probably end up with a punch to the face … and he wasn't sure who'd be hit. He only made a few steps when-
"Hey beautiful," a drunken voice said.
Joey let out an uncharacteristic squeak as a yami noble pulled him into his side. "Oi! What's the big idea?" Joey demanded, prying the man's hand off his waist.
The yami dropped his drink and put both arms around Joey's neck "A screamer I like that, let's take this to my room," he slurred. Joey struggled and shoved at the guy, but he was stubborn. He leaned in for a kiss, but then just keeled over.
Joey took a few steps back in shock, tripping a little and being caught by the same guy who just knocked out the drunken idiot. Joey's eyes flew up to Seto's in shock. Seto still had his hand in position, he had hit the lord on a neck pressure point from behind and the guy had just dropped he was so drunk.
As their eyes met the room stilled for a fraction of a second that lasted hours …
Then they jumped and looked away, both blushing in denial. Joey tried to step away, but Seto's grip on his arm was still strong, the flow of electricity stronger now.
"Seto?"
"What?" Seto growled, glaring at him.
Joey pointed to the hand on his arm.
Seto started in surprise and quickly pulled his hand away, blushing as much as Joey was, though he'd never admit he was.
"Hey, you can't do that to my pal!" one of the idiot's idiot friends came over, clearly looking for a fight, with Seto. Seto could handle himself, but he knew Joey would be insulted that no one thought he could fend for himself.
One idiot grabbed Seto's shirt, and the other grabbed Joey. Joey at once hit him in the stomach, his feet shifting to a sturdier stance automatically, before anyone could blink Joey had thrown the guy over his head and onto the floor "What's your problem!?" he shouted at the guy on the floor "Do I have a 'molest me' sign on my back or something? You're the seventh guy tonight!" he ranted.
Seto laughed slightly, the yamis in the room looking shocked and the hikari's a mixture of shocked-delighted-impressed at Joey's no-nonsense attitude.
Seto put his hands on top of the guy who was holding his shirt "If you don't want to end up like him, back off."
The guy ran out of the room.
Joey laughed and turned to the crowds "Anyone else want a piece? Come at me!" he growled playfully.
Seto pinched his nose at the blond's antics, he was embarrassing himself and him. He reached around and decided to put him out for tonight. Joey sniggered at the yamis suddenly worried faces but then yelped as someone grabbed his ear and twisted.
Atem and the other two laughed as they saw Seto leading Joey out by pulling on his ear.
"Seto! Ow ow ow! Ear ear!" Joey yelped.
Seto pushed him through a door and turned to the crowds "He's had one too many, let's just call it a night," he shut the door. He turned and glared at the blond who was nursing his abused ear. "Are you trying to get thrown out?" he growled, stepping up to Joey so close they could smell each other's scents.
Joey gulped and glared back "I told you I ain't been to these parties before! How was I meant to act?" he demanded.
Seto growled "With some dignity at least," he sighed, pinching his nose again. Gods Joey was so … frustratingly laid back he couldn't even pull it together for a big event!
Joey turned and began to wander back to his room, Seto tagging along. Joey looked up out of the corner of his eye "Are you meant to be my bodyguard?" he asked.
Seto shot him a flat look.
Joey glared back "You've been staring at me all day, don't think I haven't noticed," he muttered, poking the man in the chest.
Seto stiffened "I was not!"
"Were to."
Seto slammed him into a wall, eyes like iced lightning "I was not, anyway what's so special about you that I'd be staring?" he growled.
Joey glared back, fire burning so fiercely the ice had no effect, "You tell me rich-boy, cause as far as I know I am nothing special," he snapped, shoving at Seto's chest more to express irritation than hurt or force back.
Seto's glare lightened a little "People were staring at you, yamis …" he sneered suddenly "Apparently they find you interesting, some even asked me how to try and snag you as a husband."
Joey paled a little "Jeeze … they sure chose the wrong guy to ask."
Seto mentally face palmed "That's all you have to say?" he leaned in closer with a face like thunder. "These stuck up lords are not used to being told 'no', they don't think anything's out of their reach, the more you refuse and step out of line the more they'll try and put you in what they think is your place," he explained darkly.
Joey pouted at once "Give a guy a break, before all this happened no one cared what I did or how I acted …" his eyes suddenly lit up with a bit of mischief. "Yamis huh? All of them?" he drawled suggestively, just to get a rise out of him.
Seto raised an eyebrow, Joey's voice sounded off "Are you drunk?"
Joey glared "No! I'm tipsy."
Seto snorted and took a step back, returning to walking down the corridor like nothing had happened. The blond sniggered once then walked next to him. "You find me funny?"
"I find you hilarious, so funny it's embarrassing," Seto replied honestly.
Joey rolled his eyes "And here I thought you were lacking a sense of humour," he glanced at Seto only to focus on something else. Through a window was the tower he'd fallen from, flashes he thought he'd forgotten appeared in the front of his mind. Flashes of pain, desperation, hopelessness, fear, falling and-
"Joey!"
Joey jumped as a hand shook his shoulder. He turned and saw Seto watching him with a, dare he say it, worried expression. Joey glanced back outside and gulped "Th-that's the tower isn't it … where I …" was it jumped or fell?
Seto saw conflict in his eyes "Yes," he nodded. "That's the one, what's got you all scared?" he teased.
Joey glared, looking hurt and angry "Newsflash rich-boy! I don't remember much but I do remember knowing I was going to die," he shouted.
Seto blinked "You knew?" he questioned.
Joey turned his back on the tower "I knew … can you imagine what that's like?" he shivered suddenly, shaken by whatever he had relived "No hope, and all you want to do is see another day, say something you wish you could have said, take back whatever things you wish you'd never done … so scared you can't even breathe …"
Seto nodded slowly, not being able to properly imagine the terror of that moment, he put his hand on Joey's shoulder "You only thought that, you're alive," he assured him.
Joey shook his head in frustration "That's not it! I knew I was going to Seto, I mean" he turned away and started to rant "Sure I ended up pulling through, and gods and spirits I could kiss whatever fate let me live, but at the time … I was so convinced, I gave up Seto …" Joey choked on his words, tears he refused to acknowledge blurring his vision. The one thing he could never do he had done at that moment. "That's why I jumped …"
Seto's breathing froze for a moment. Jumped? "You jumped?" he repeated blankly. He always thought Joey had fallen and the big oaf had lost his balance.
Joey nodded "He was gonna drop me, there wasn't a way out for me, and even if there was I'd have to shake him and stop bleeding. So I grabbed him and pulled him over with me …" he closed his eyes, shuddering as he relived he impact … both of them.
Fear … no hope … falling … knowing … fist … ground … alone … dying … want to live … then nothing …
Cool fingertips brushed over his eyes.
Joey opened them and saw Seto watching with a slightly sad expression, clearing away his tears.
Joey blushed at once.
Seto didn't mind, he just kept brushing at the wetness until it was gone. He felt touched that Joey could let his guard down around him, with the trio he wasn't exactly unguarded, but he wasn't as open. With strangers he was closed off or guard up or both. Admitting you were scared was a big thing, Seto wondered how and why Joey felt fine opening himself up to him that way … but then again, even why he was 'Jono' they had been open.
Seto never talked about his home, never felt grateful for support no matter how little, and certainly never gave compliments for no immediate reason. Yet one starry night all three had happened just because of something about Joey's personality made him open too.
Joey sighed and caught Seto's hand at last "Thanks," he murmured, giving all the signs that he wanted it to stop now. The electric flow between them was messing with his head.
Seto pulled back and waited for Joey to move, when he did he walked beside him at his pace. Joey found himself hyper aware of the man next to him, to the extent he wasn't looking where he was going. So walked right into a wall.
Seto laughed, a shot bark of laughter that never meant to come out "How much have you had to drink?" he asked, sounding irritated, but smiling away at Joey's expense.
Joey rubbed his head and muttered "Clearly not enough, ow."
Seto shook his head "Stupid Mutt."
Joey jumped in insult and then turned to glare at the icy brunette walking away, "Oi! You said you weren't going to call me that! I'm not a Mutt!" he raged.
Seto glared too, but smirked just to irk Joey further. "Whatever you say, puppy," he shot back.
Joey growled "Bastard!"
"Idiot."
"Rich-prat."
"Pathetic."
"Who's pathetic? You were the one staring at me all night," Joey snapped.
Seto grabbed Joey's shirt "I. Was. Not. Staring."
Joey rolled his eyes "Try that again, but be convincing."
Seto marched Joey back to the wall, but Joey was still smiling smug. Seto decided to try and turn the tables "So what if I was staring?"
"So you're admitting?"
"Joey…" Seto growled dangerously.
Joey felt slightly scared, but then just shrugged "Well that depends," Joey threw out.
Seto raised an eyebrow "On what?"
"On why," Joey said as if commenting on the weather.
Seto tapped his chin thoughtfully "Mmm … maybe you were such a bumbling fool I felt compelled as your superior officer to keep an eye on you," he laughed at the end at Joey's outraged expression.
Joey fumed, smoke nearly coming out of his ears "I was kicked out of your army, remember? You have no power over me," he finished smugly.
Seto lowered his eyes to glare at him "Wanna bet?" he growled.
Joey ignored him "So why were you staring?" he poked his shoulder "Truth now ice-man," he insisted.
Seto suddenly looked serious, the electricity had been flowing and crackling around them all the while they'd stood here, it was getting harder to ignore. It was getting harder to not touch, or hold the other …
"The truth?"
"Yes please."
"So you do have manners."
"Bastard."
"Idiot."
"Prat."
"Puppy."
And lips crashed together.
Joey's hands wound into Seto's hair, pulling and stroking, feeling. Seto's arms pulled Joey's body forwards and steadied his head as the savage kiss continued.
It was like a battle. Half way between loving and competing, a sharp pull of one's hair, a pinch on the other's body, gentle caress over one's back, sweet massage on the other's shoulders. Tongues battled for dominance, neither willing to give up. Then Joey did, Seto explored his mouth, made shivers of pleasure tickle his senses … but Joey fought back, sucking on the organ in his mouth, nipping at it teasingly … Seto growled. The electricity caused sparks, the fire and ice caused steam, it was melting, hearts raced, blood heated, nerves always so hyperly aware were exploding like fireworks!
So intense.
Their lips softened as their kiss came to an end; no longer crashing, but caressing … like lovers. Arms holding softly, naturally. Their foreheads leaned against each other's as they tried to catch their breaths, their lips finally parting.
They met each other's eyes, fire and ice. Fire tamed, ice warmed, so right … and their situation came back to them.
Seto stepped away looking shocked at himself, though that was the best kiss he had ever had, why had he just … done it? No warnings or hints?
Joey stayed against the wall, looking blown away but also a little shaken.
They'd never felt so alive, so connected, but … What came over me? Why with him? each thought at once! They could barely stand each other, their got on each other's nerves, insulted daily, glared and hit … how did this happen?!
Seto looked away, blushing, as did Joey.
Joey saw his door and said "Er, I'm going to …"
Seto spoke over him "Yeah me too, so-"
"Yeah, bed, er … " Joey edged to the door and Seto walked back a little, but neither could quite turn away or look at each other. "See ya," the door slammed.
"Bye."
Joey leaned against the door, still panting and blushing, a hand over his mouth in shock. His first proper kiss, better than he ever could of imagined, fireworks and passion way better than anyone telling you about it, or even reading about it.
But Seto? Why him? Joey breathed a little then tried to think it through. The guy was attractive, challenging, protective, had a hidden nice side, but was an ice hard bastard who Joey could barely go five minutes without insulting! And I'm a farm boy, he's a general … Joey sighed and shook off his butterfly stomach and pounding-aching heart. Or tried to.
"What's up with you?"
Joey jumped as Red Eyes' sleepy voice sounded from his bed. He relaxed as soon as he realised who was talking. "Oh it's you … nothing's up," Joey said, getting ready for bed.
Red Eyes had come back to the room early, he had eaten his stake so quickly that he'd given himself a stomach ache, so Joey asked a servant to take him back to bed. Tiny scapegoat was bouncing around on the pillows. "You look like you're having fun," Joey chuckled at the playful spirit.
Red Eyes nodded "Not as much as you had just now."
Joey stiffened "What?" he asked suspiciously.
Red Eyes shrugged "The party, I never got to stay," he whined "Dumb stake, why did it taste so good?" he wailed, burring his nose under the pillows in mock distress.
Joey sighed in relief "Just make sure that you don't throw up on me in your sleep," he joked, wiping off the little make up he wore.
"Got it!" there was a pause "Did something happen Joey? You're cheeks are red," the dragon pointed out.
Joey touched his still burning cheeks and shook his head quickly "No, nothing at all …" gods why am I so worked up?
Red Eyes tilted his head "Tell me Joey," he pleaded. Tiny scapegoat just laughed and suggested his own theory. Red Eyes snorted "As if. Joey? Scapegoat thinks you've kissed Seto."
Joey jumped.
Red Eyes' jaw fell open "Wow … wait a go Joey! I knew you had it in ya!" he cheered.
Joey blushed "He kissed me … I think."
Red Eyes jumped up onto Joey's shoulder "Did you kiss back?" Joey nodded with his face flaming red. Red Eyes smiled happily, he knew Seto was a good man, and after the time he'd been with him while Joey slept he knew that this man was just right for his master. "So what's going to happen now?" he asked, maybe they'll finally admit that they like each other! He bounced in anticipation,
Joey washed his face in cool water and said "We're leaving. First thing tomorrow."
Red Eyes squawked in surprise "What? Why?" he demanded.
Joey closed his eyes "Just because. Now go to sleep." Joey got under the covers quickly and curled up, a hand pressed to his lips as he remembered the kiss, and more importantly who gave it to him … I have to leave. I have to go before I do something stupid. He pulled the cover over his head and closed his eyes.
Seto stared out of his window from his bed, also thinking about a certain blond and moment. Joey … Seto closed his eyes and sighed we're going to have to talk in the morning.
Amme: Joey woke up! YAY!
Joey: What I miss? *going back to the feast*
Yugi: I'll go watch him.
Ryou: the normal questions now!
1) Fav
2) Least Fav
3) How was the puppyshipping?
4) How was the original parts?
5) Who can name the two references? (1 by the disclaimer, 1 during the party) and where they are from?
6) What do you think should happen next?
7) How good was the kiss?
8) Do you think that Joey's recovering well enough?
9) Any questions?