Ok the next chapter is up! Yay! Hope you like it! R&R.
Summary: Joey and Serenity are madly in love with each other and everything is going great for them, til Joey's former love returns and makes him rethink what he's doing. And while Joey is wrestling with his feelings, a certain someone is trying to sweep Serenity off her feet. Will their love triumph or will they be torn apart by those they think are their friends?
Also: italics-Joey's thoughts
Bold-Serenity's thoughts
Disclaimer: Nope I still don't own Yu-gi-oh or its characters.
Chapter 10Damn it all. It's halfway through the week and I still haven't made my decision! This is way harder than I thought. And I guess maybe Serenity decided to keep her distance from me because she hasn't kissed me at all. We are still together and I was hoping we could still act like a couple til we decide.
"Joey I'm home!" Serenity called, shutting the door. She placed her bags on the table and walked into her bedroom. "Could you put those groceries away please?"
"Yeah sure," Joey called back. He carried the bags to the kitchen and started putting everything away. "So, how's your day been going?"
"Fine," Serenity said, walking back in. "Nothing really important happened."
"See anyone you know?" Joey asked.
"Tristan and Tea," she replied. "They're all excited about their engagement. Tea was showing off her ring again," she added bitterly.
"Something wrong with that?" he asked.
Yes! Well…no. Actually kinda. I can't tell him about it though because he'll freak out. I'm really jealous of Tea. I just can't stop thinking that it could've been me wearing that ring instead of her. Tristan wanted to go out with me but I turned him down for Joey. I love Joey but I just can't help thinking about how things would be different if I hadn't done that. I wonder…if I hadn't been with Joey, would Tristan have proposed to me instead? I can't ever really know that because if we had been together he might not have proposed anyway. We could've broken up or had problems. Or maybe Tea is more his type than me. I guess I'll never know.
"Of course there's nothing wrong with that," she said with a forced smile.
"Oh ok."
I don't know why but I have a feeling she might be lying to me. I know she never lies to me but there's always a possibility that she might one day. This decision thing is too hard. I've been trying to figure out who she chose but she isn't showing any signs. Maybe she just doesn't know yet.
"So, do you have any plans for the afternoon?"
"Why? Do you wanna do something together?"
"No. I was just wondering."
"Well I was probably gonna go to Yugi's place."
So is she admitting that she doesn't wanna do something together? I don't get it. If she was just wondering then she could've waited to see if I said anything. I'm tired of her shit. I can't tell if she wants to be together or not and I don't even know anymore. I just need some time to think things through. But I've had lots of time already and I still don't know.
"I'm gonna go now. I'll be home for dinner," he said, kissing her on the cheek.
"Bye."
I think he's mad at me now. It's not that I don't wanna do anything with him. It's just that I think I shouldn't. I don't want to lead him on. I don't wanna get any deeper into our relationship if it's gonna be over by the end of the week. I hope he understands. It's hard for me too. I don't think he gets that though. He's acting like he's the only person who has to make a tough decision. I don't know if I will be able to choose. Duke is great and so is Joey. But I'm also starting to regret not going with Tristan. I'm afraid to tell him because of Tea. I want to keep a friendship with her, since last time we weren't friends she went and acted like a bitch. I don't wanna steal Tristan from her, but I don't know if I can live with never knowing what it would be like to be with him. I wish my life wasn't so difficult.
"So things are going bad with Serenity?" Yugi asked Joey, who was slouched on his couch.
"Yeah pretty much," Joey replied. "Ok, things aren't that bad. But ever since we talked about the problems we have to face, she's been really distant with me. She doesn't ask me to go places with her anymore. Every time I start talking to her, she either says she's too busy or she tries to speak as little as possible. She won't even kiss me anymore! And today, when I asked how her day was, she told me that she saw Tristan and Tea and she sounded pissed when she said that Tea was showing off that ring again." He sighed. "I just don't know what to do."
"Well, women are complicated," Yugi said. "It's one of the reasons why I'm happy I like guys."
"Thanks for the help," Joey said sarcastically.
"Well what do you want me to say? That everything will work out in the end? Because it doesn't always work like that," Yugi said. "You need to make your choice and fix your life so you can be happy. Getting all depressed because you're having relationship problems won't make those problems go away. You and Serenity have already had your talk about everything. It's time to just let her think things through while you do the same. It's the only way to see what will become of the two of you."
"But the wait is killing me!" Joey exclaimed. "I need to know who she's picking before I make my choice!"
"What would that accomplish?" Yami asked. "If she chose Duke, then you'd just choose Mai because you have no choice. If she chose you, then you'd be in an even bigger dilemma because you'd have to choose between breaking her heart or staying with her whether you wanted to or not. You're better off not knowing til it's time."
"I just don't want to mess up," Joey said. "If I choose Mai but Serenity chooses me then Serenity will be heartbroken." He sighed. "I just can't help thinking that if we break up, things will never be the same again."
"Well, that's the risk you take when you get involved with someone you're related to," Yugi said. "Look, we'll do whatever we can to make it easier for you. If you ever need to talk to someone, Yami and I will always be there for you."
"Thanks," Joey said. He looked at the clock. "Do you guys mind if I take a nap right now? I always sleep at this time if I can."
"Sure go right ahead," Yugi replied. "Yami has to go clean the bedroom anyway."
"Aw. I thought it was your turn to clean," Yami said grumpily.
"Nope. This week it's you clean the bedroom and I wash all the laundry," Yugi said. "And since most of our clothes have to be hand washed and hung dry, I'd say I've got more work than you."
Wow. They fight just like a married couple. I feel a lot better now that I've been able to tell someone what's wrong. I don't know what I'll have to do to make my decision. I'm actually kinda hoping that maybe she'll forget about the whole thing and I'll be able to just live in peace for a while. Mai hasn't been pushing the issue lately. I doubt she forgot, but it's nice to know she's giving me some time to think. Serenity doesn't actually say she's expecting anything but I know she is. She wants my answer soon. I guess it's a thing with her, but I always know when she's expecting something because of the way she acts. I wish I could fall asleep, wake up, and realize that this whole thing was just a dream, and that me and Serenity can live happily ever after without trying to decide who we love more.
"So, what brings you to our place?" Tea asked. Serenity shrugged.
"I just felt like visiting. Is that a problem?" Serenity asked.
"Oh no not at all! Come in!" Tea exclaimed, making sure her ring was noticeable.
Oh why the hell does she find it necessary to show that thing off every chance she gets? And it's not just to me! Yugi said she was driving him insane because she was waving it in his face. It's not that Yugi cares, it's just that it gets on his nerves when someone tries to be annoying.
"So, would you like some tea?" Tea asked. "I just made some."
"Uh no thanks," Serenity replied. "Actually, I was hoping I could talk to Tristan. Is he here?"
"Oh yeah. He's in his room reading. I'll go get him." She got up and hurried out of the room.
Sometimes I wonder how anyone can stand her.
She returned a minute later without Tristan. "He doesn't wanna leave his room," she said. "But he said if you really need to talk to him you can just go in there."
"Ok I'll do that," Serenity said. "That is, if you don't mind."
"Oh of course not!" Tea exclaimed. "I trust him enough to let him be alone with someone."
"Hey Serenity," Tristan said when she walked in and shut the door. "Come sit on the bed and make yourself at home."
Well, this isn't going all that bad. Though I didn't expect Tea to let me talk to him without her, especially in his bedroom. I guess people trust each other more than I thought they would. It's nice to know that she is perfectly ok with me being in here with him, with the door shut.
"So, what did you wanna talk to me about?" Tristan asked.
Better get this over with.
"Well, I was just wondering something," Serenity replied. "If things had been different, if I had gone out with you instead of Joey, would you have proposed to me?"
"Why do you want to know?"
"Curious."
"Well, yes. And it would've been a lot sooner," he said. "I've loved you longer than I could ever love Tea. She's great and all, but she's not you. And if you had gone out with me, you would've gotten the best ring money can buy, even if I did spend the rest of my life paying it off, then having my great grandchildren finish for me."
Oh great. He said yes. This makes things so hard for me!
"Oh ok."
"Serenity, are you regretting your decision to stay with Joey?"
Oh shit.
"I'm…not sure anymore," she said with a sigh. "I'm not sure if it's jealousy or realization. But the second I saw that ring on Tea's finger, I was pissed. I haven't been able to stop thinking about what my life would be like if I was with you."
"Does Joey know about this?"
"Of course not! It would devastate him if he found out!"
There was a knock on the door.
"Tristan, I'm going to work now. Make yourself some dinner and I'll be home tonight," Tea said.
"Ok. See ya later!"
"Oh and Serenity, you can stay for dinner if you'd like."
"Ok thanks Tea."
"So anyway, have you decided between Duke and Joey?" he asked, trying to keep the conversation off him til he could figure out what to say.
"No not yet," she said. "It's just really hard to choose."
"Well, do you need any help with deciding?" he asked. "Because I could try if you wanted me to."
Oh god. It's really tempting. I shouldn't. I know I shouldn't. But I won't be able to live with myself if I don't try!
She leaned in and kissed him. His eyes widened in surprise, and he didn't do anything. She pulled away after a few seconds and reddened quickly.
"Um…what was that for?" Tristan asked slowly, not sure about what just happened.
"I just wanted to see what it was like," Serenity replied, reddening deeper.
"And…how was it?" he asked, trying to sound casual.
"Well, it was nice," she said. "It would've been nicer if you had actually done something though."
"But what about Joey?"
"Well, I still don't know who I want to be with. But earlier today I started to realize that maybe you might be part of my decision too. But then again, you're with Tea."
"Well, even though we're engaged, things aren't perfect. She's pretty demanding. And I'm not sure how much I really love her, if I even love her at all."
"Then why did you propose to her?"
"I don't know. I felt it was the right thing to do."
Well now I don't know if I should feel bad about what I did or not.
"So, are you mad at me for what I did?"
"Not at all. To be honest, it was kinda nice. From that few seconds of kissing I could tell that it was…better than Tea." He paused for a minute. "Maybe it will be nicer next time."
"Next time?"
He leaned in and kissed her. She kissed back and wrapped her arms around his neck. He slowly pushed her down onto the bed and deepened the kiss. After a minute, he pulled away from her, his face flushed.
Well…I can't even begin to describe that.
"Was that any better?" he asked.
"Definitely," she said. She paused. "Don't you think this is unfair to Joey and Tea?"
"Well, you and Joey are still trying to decide who you want to be with. And Tea isn't always the greatest person ever. And she still loves Yami. I know this for a fact. So, to be honest, I don't feel bad about it."
"For some reason, neither do I."
They kissed again. This time, her hands were around his waist and she was rubbing his back with one of them. One of his hands was on the bed and the other one was rubbing her leg. They tried tonguing, but found that it was just too sloppy, so they went back to regular kissing. She slowly slid her hands down and grabbed his ass. He jumped slightly and she smiled a little. His hand slid all the way up her leg and rested on her thigh. They broke apart for a minute.
"Serenity, are you sure about this?"
"Sure about what?"
"Uh…going any further?"
"You mean sex?"
"Well…yeah."
I certainly wasn't expecting this when I came over. I feel like I'm cheating on Joey. I feel like I'm "the other woman" with Tristan. But for some strange reason, I just don't care.
"I wouldn't still be here if I wasn't sure." She paused for a minute. "Uh, Tristan? I think I should tell you something."
"What?"
"I'm a virgin."
"So am I. Hopefully it won't be too awkward."
God I hope not. That would just suck.
"Should we wake him up?" Yugi whispered. "Or should we just let him sleep?"
"Wake him up," Yami said.
Joey felt someone shaking him and woke with a start.
"What the hell? What's going on?" he asked sleepily. He looked at the clock. "Oh shit! I'm late!"
"Late for what?" Yugi asked.
"I told Serenity I would be home for dinner! I gotta go!" Joey exclaimed.
He ran home at top speed, hoping she wouldn't be mad at him. He ran into the house and forgot to shut the door in his haste. He walked into the kitchen and stopped. It was empty. There was a note on the fridge.
I'm going to Tristan and Tea's place for a while. If I'm not back in time for dinner, come get me so we can eat together.
Love,
Serenity
"Oh well I guess I should get down there then. I'm starving!"
He ran out the still open door and shut it on his way out. He hurried as fast as he could to Tristan's house, then knocked on the door. No one answered. He listened for a minute, but couldn't hear anything.
Maybe they all fell asleep. Tristan's stupid so he probably left the door unlocked.
He twisted the door knob and smiled when it opened. He walked in and shut the door quietly, hoping to scare them. He tip-toed into the deserted living room, then into the kitchen. It looked like they hadn't eaten yet, but it also looked like they didn't plan on eating any time soon.
What the hell? Are they not hungry? I see a car out front so I figured they'd be here. Unless they decided to go out or something. If they did then that sucks because I'm craving food so bad right now. I've got half a mind to go home and eat without her. The house isn't that big so there's not many places they could be.
He peered into the empty bathroom, then into Tea's room. There was still no sign of them. He noticed that Tea's shoes were gone, which meant she wasn't there. He didn't know if he should finish checking the house, since it appeared that they had all left for dinner. He walked to Tristan's room and saw that the door was closed. He didn't know if he should open it or not, simply because Tristan might have wanted to be alone. He put his ear against the door and didn't hear anything for a while. After listening for a minute, he heard heavy breathing and a mattress creaking.
Oh he's taking a nap! That makes sense. Tristan always did have a weird sleeping pattern. I better not bother him. If I open the door, he might wake up. And then he'd wonder how I got in the house. Serenity probably already left to go back home. Either that or she's with Tea. Whatever. I'm gonna go home and eat.
He slowly snuck back out of the house and closed the door quietly. He started to walk down the sidewalk, but then he stopped.
I wanna see how he sleeps. I haven't seen it in a while. Plus it would be fun to stare at him through the window, especially if he wakes up. This should be fun.
He looked around to see if anyone was coming, then hurried as quietly as he could to the back of the house, where Tristan's bedroom was. The curtains were drawn, and he couldn't see through them.
Damn. This sucks. Maybe the window is unlocked.
He tried to lift up the window but it wouldn't go up. After looking at it for a minute, he realized that it was one of the ones that went down from the top. He stretched to the top and slowly slid it down. He was hoping he didn't wake him up yet. He could still hear heavy breathing, so he smiled. He slowly climbed onto the window ledge and balanced himself. He reached inside and pulled the curtains apart just a little bit. He saw Tristan's bed and his mouth fell down in surprise.
No…it can't be! I must be seeing things!
He stared a bit more and nearly fell when he started hearing faint moaning sounds, and it was definitely a girl. His heart dropped into his stomach and he shut the curtains and the window, then took off running home.
End Chapter 10
Review please! Sorry if it wasn't as good as anyone hoped! I've had a terrible case of writer's block for a few weeks and I've been trying to cure it. This was the best I could do with writer's block. And I also noticed that this was my longest update ever! This chapter is the longest chapter I've ever written! Yay me! Hope the implications didn't make anyone sick! Well don't forget to review! Chapter 11 coming soon!