Kiss the Crossdresser

by Decipher Philosophy

Joey will do anything to meet his favorite actor, Alexir De Gon, even if it means to sneak into Kaiba's charity party as a girl! Yet, Kaiba figures out and kicks him out with the insult that he can't pass for a hottie. Joey takes the insult to heart, and challenges him by continuing to cross dress. Puppyshipping, Chaseshipping, stepshipping, peachshipping, blueshipping, etc.

11. Chapter 11

A/N: I have to listen to disney music to keep in character with Ryou.

._._._.

While Joey was attending school, Jona was walking along the shores of the beach. She could see the bubbling white edges of the waves pass through her feet, and then shred away the sand beneath her. She could not feel anything as a ghost, but it didn't bother her. She still had the gift of sight and sound. She looked at a couple holding hands as they walked in front of her. The couple shared a kiss which made the spirit remember of a certain male.

Pyrrhus, who was as big as a dog, was walking beside her. He growled when he could sense her wistful feelings. The woman told him, "I know I shouldn't make myself sad, but I cannot help the thorn I feel in my heart when I remember my moments of love. I will be with my true love again, but for some reason, I cannot move on. I have a duty here, and I believe it's to help Joey for whatever storm is galloping his way." The woman then softly smiled. "Galloping. Bakura and I always went horse back riding many times. We felt free."

She visited her memories to see Bakura and her on horses and galloping along the sands of Egypt.

"AH HA! C'mon Bakura, you lousy king of thieves! I'm winning!" Jona cried out as the two were racing towards an oasis.

"Shut up you, whore! This horse is just too slow! You were the one who chose them, so you're cheating!" The thief growled.

"Whatever, you sore loser!"

Jona got to the oasis first, and jumped up from her horse into the pleasant lake. Bakura got off his horse, and crossed his arms. The woman had Pyrrhus come out and use his wing to create a wave of water that washed over the Egyptian.

Bakura sat up with an irritated expression. The Grecian woman walked over to him, and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Cheer up! Are you angry because Kisara is going to marry Seth? We should be happy for her."

"That's easy for you to say." The thief faced away with himself lying down sideways and his head on his palm. "You're used to seeing your sister getting hitched, and what's worse, Kisara's marrying the son of the man who massacred my village."

"Not that again! Let it go!" Jona shoved him lightly that Bakura barely moved from his position. Then she pointed out as a matter-of-factly, "I'm not married."

The purple-eyed thief snorted, "Yeah, your my sister: the whore."

Jona had Pyrrhus fired at his butt that had the thief jump into the lake. The woman followed after him, and hugged him. Her head lying against his shoulder. "I love you, Bakura."

Bakura said nothing as he returned the hug, and then the two shared a kiss. Bakura wasn't related to either Kisara or Jona, but he considered them to be his family.

._._._.

Joey groaned during art class. He shared the class with only Ryou, and the two were supposed to do a sketching project of each other.

Ryou asked in concern, "Is something wrong Joey? Am I too difficult to draw for you?"

The blond glared at his paper. "No, I just suck period."

"Oh I doubt-"

Joey showed his pathetic excuse of a drawing. Ryou stared at it, "Oh." He took the sketchpad in his hand, and then for a few seconds later, smiled, "Well if you look at it in a different perspective, you could make for a great abstract artist."

"Abstra- what? You mean like those paintings with those random shapes and lines?"

"Exactly! You surely put a lot of effort and expression into drawing me."

"Yeah, well, it wasn't supposed to be abstract." Joey grimaced childishly placing his hands on his stool.

"Cheer up, Joey." Ryou encouraged. "You cannot be anymore perfect than you already are."

The actor slightly blushed as he tried to stay modest inside. He then grinned, "Yeah, you're right Ryou! I cannot be good in everything I already do!" Then he curiously asked, "So what do you plan to do when you return to England?"

"Well," He grabbed for his own sketch pad, "I plan to be an artist. See." He flipped through some pages, and then showed a sketch of Joey sitting at his desk looking out of the window. The blond was amazed by how beautiful Ryou drew him. It was a black and white drawing, but the older teen drew him neatly and the shading made Joey seem like he was secretly an angel in disguise.

"Wow, Ryou, you're amazing." He looked through the other pages to notice that there was another drawing of him dueling in his guy clothes. Another one in his girl clothes instead twirling. There were other drawings that had him up close or not in different positions with different shadings and environments. "Gawd, I'm in every one of them. Do you keep separate sketch pads to draw each and every one of us in the gang? These are amazing!"

"We-well..." Joey looked over at Ryou to noticed that his cheeks were rosy red.

"What's wrong Ryou? Are you sick?"

"Far from it, Joey. It's just," The ex-hikari looked away to the table without any particular interest.

"What?" Joey closed in on his friend's face which had Ryou back away with a comedic grimace on his face as he kind of moved back. "C'mon man, don't hold out on your friend here."

"Well, y-you see, Joey." Ryou bought a fist to his lips as he cleared his throat. "It's just that you are a beautiful person to draw." He met Joey's eyes shyly. The golden blond was still clueless. "And I just don't mean externally. Skin-deep as well. I understand that you would never notice since my yami took over most of my time that I could spend with you, and there's no way you could see much in me since he-"

"Ryou," Joey spoke seriously that paused the ex-hikari's words. A hand placed on Ryou's shoulder that made the teen shiver. "I don't see you as the person who did all those terrible things. You're you, and I love that about you."

That calmed down Ryou who took a quick breath, and then confessed, "Joey, I will be very blunt with you. I like you romantically.'

Joey stared at him, and then repeated questionably, "Romantically?"

Ryou gave a happy smile. It felt good for him to finally let that out. "Yes, romantically. I understand if you are surprised because I have kept my feelings hidden rather well. But it's nice to finally say them to you."

Joey was deeply surprised. He never knew. He never even assumed. Ryou did propose to marry him, but it was a joke, and it was still a joke between them. But now, the blond was staring at his friend who apparently had feelings for him right now.

He wasn't sure of how to respond to that without making it seem like their friendship was over because he liked Ryou as a friend, and wanted to keep it that way between them. "Damn, I had no idea." He lightly laughed. "Does anyone else know?"

"No. I kept my feelings well hidden, and I am not satisfied with just confessing my feelings with you."

"You're not?" Joey was not sure of what else to expect. His mind seemed to always go blank.

"Yes, I am not. So," He held both of the cross dresser's hands. "Joey, are you free this Saturday?"

Joey answered without a second thought. He was just going with the flow. "Yeah. Kiyoko gave me the day off. Wait, are you asking me out on a date?!" the actor yelled, and the whole room looked over at them. "I mean, of course not since we are just friends!" He glared at their classmates. This was so going on so many gossip blogs. He can already see cameras at the ready. He threatened with a dark voice, "Anyone take a picture, and I'm gonna find you and sue you." Those cameras were immediately put away. The gossip will still flow, but at least he won't be annoyed with pictures.

"So I'm guessing Saturday will be a no." Ryou gave a sad, small smile.

Joey looked to the side with a contemplative expression and then shrugged, "Sure, why not?"

"Excuse me?" It was Ryou's turn to be baffled that Joey stifled his laughter.

"I said sure." Joey gave a bright grin that had his friends heart skip a beat. "Let's hang out this Saturday, but let's not call it a date. Let's consider it as a...day between friends with a kiss that might come at the end." Joey gave a cute wink

Ryou softly chuckled, "That sounds like a definition of a date to me."

Joey made a horse snort, "Fine." He playfully whined, "It's a date."

"A what?" Jona had just came in to check on how her reincarnation sketch was going. She had heard but wasn't sure if she heard correctly.

"I'm going on a date with Ryou...He's not..." Ryou couldn't hear his thoughts so he didn't question what Joey's half thought sentence was.

Jona stared at him for a moment, and then burst out laughing and clutching her sides. Joey and Ryou stared at her strange behavior. She kept her lips closed as she spoke. "Oh my many gods! I will not tell you my dearest Joey."

"What? Why?!"

"Free heart, my Joey. Do as you wish! You are still too young to care about who your true love is! Go be free and love! You don't need me to tell you who you are meant to be."

Joey did not like that answer, but she was right. He wasn't even in his twenties, and he wanted to be hitched already to the right guy! He should enjoy the single life! He won't sleep around, but he'll date guys! He won't date recklessly. He'll date guys who are handsome and interesting and...Joey was going to go on a date with Ryou!

._._._.

Jona truly loved Bakura, so wasn't surprised to see that when Joey and Ryou went on a date, it went amazingly well. The two wanted to spend the whole day together, so Ryou went to Joey's place to eat breakfast, and then the two went off to an art gallery where they shared interesting comments on the pieces of art in front of them.

And then the two went to a park where there was a field dedicated to roses. The two took pictures together, and talked about anything that came to mind. They weren't talking about anything significant. They just enjoyed each other's company.

They went to a restaurant of Joey's choosing for lunch, and then went to an ice skating rink at a mall where the two held hands as they skated and then tried to do some simple moves together. They laughed when the two fell after making a blunder.

After that, the two went into a bookstore where they suggested books to each other for reading. The two ventured the other stores before they moved out to see a play taking place at a forest. The date ended with Ryou going to Joey's place so the two could make dinner together.

"Wow, this is the most fun first date I ever had!" Joey commented when the two sat down on the couch to relax. "I never thought I would ever have fun at an art museum. I thought they were such bores."

"It's interesting when you open yourself up to perspective, and I must say that it was pleasant talking with at the rose garden. I never thought I would laugh so hard."

'I am jumpin' Joey Wheeler, local comedian!" The blond joked. "Man, if I knew having a date with you could be so different but fun at the same time, I would've asked you out a long time ago after your evil side left."

"And I wished I had the courage then to do the same. It was a truly splendid date, but you know what would make it perfect?"

"Hm?" Joey hummed curiously.

Ryou kissed him. The shorter teen kept their lips together for a few seconds and then moved back. Joey didn't know what his heart was doing, but he wanted to kiss Ryou again, so he kissed him. And the two spent the night making out.

They did that until there was a phone alarm. The two teens were still on the couch with Joey on top of Ryou since the blond liked to be dominant, too. The phone that was alarming was Ryou's own. "I'm sorry. Curfew." Joey giggled as the two sat up correctly on the couch. "So are we dating or are we staying friends?"

The blond wasn't sure of how to answer. Kissing Ryou felt amazing! But then...Mokuba. There was also graduation. "I'm sorry, Ryou, but after graduation and everything else afterwards, we won't be able to see each other and distant relationships don't work."

Ryou nodded, and smiled. "I understand. I knew I acted too late, but I don't mind just staying your friend." He held Joey's hand firmly to convince his friend that he was serious.

"Thanks, Ryou." The two shared one final kiss before the teen left.

Joey stared at his door after Ryou left for awhile. It then hit him. "Oh fuck." He lied down on his sofa with a groan.

Jona knew of what was wrong, but still asked, "What's wrong?"

"I think I'm in love with Ryou."

"Oh. So you fall in love easily."

"No! I mean." He groaned. "Maybe. Am I being stupid?"

Jona gave him a thoughtful expression. "I believe that I am not the correct person you should speak to. The night is still young, and you have your convenient device."

Joey took out his phone where he scrolled through his contacts. He didn't want to tell any of his friends since it would make an awkward tension in the gang. He couldn't tell Mokuba since they were dating somewhat. The younger Kaiba rooted for him to be with Seto. And his other contacts weren't close enough to understand the details so that left one person: Seto.

He knew Seto may be busy but it didn't hurt to try. He pressed his green button on his number, and then heard his phone drum.

"What is it, Wheeler?" Seto snapped in a business-like fashion.

Joey immediately regretted calling him, but then he needed this. "Uh, hey, are you too busy?"

"The person I was suppose to meet had food poisoning, so I supposed I do have time. But the real question is, why should I spend my precious time on you?"

"I just need you ta tell me I'm stupid."

"Okay then. You're stupid." Kaiba silently snorted. He could picture Joey's pissed off expression. "As fun as it is to tell you the truth, would you like to enlighten me of why, Wheeler. You usually don't like admitting that you are a stupid fool."

"One more smart ass comment, and I won't tell you, ya bastard!" Joey said furiously, but that only filled Kaiba with glee.

"So?" The blue-eyed duelist easily dismissed the threat to get to the matter at hand.

Joey cringed. "I..."

"You?" Seto had an odd feeling that he didn't want to know.

"I think I'm falling in love with Ryou...Bakura."

Seto froze with his eyes about to pop out. It quickly turned back to icy slits. "Why?" He almost growled. He shouldn't be mad! At least not this mad! Ryou could barely count as competition! Not that Seto was competing for Joey's heart! Fuck himself!

"Why?" Joey was surprised by the question. "We-well..." He couldn't help blushing as he felt like it was a good idea to confess. It may clear his mind. "Ryou confessed his feelings to me, so we went on a date today, and gawd, it was fantastic! (Why?) We went to an art museum, and it was so much fun! (Do I feel like I'm betraying him with every word?) Like seriously! I never thought looking at weird ass pieces of art could be refreshing! And then we did a lot of other fun stuff like go to a rose garden, buy books and ice skate! (I feel like I should stop but I don't see the reason to.) And Ryou was so sweet and romantic. I never noticed he liked me because he hid it, and I guess, I don't know! I've always protected my heart, but now I feel like my walls are breaking down, and I might like him a lot, too. He's kind, fun, creative-"

"A psychopath." Seto grounded out. He can't believe he's letting himself hear this, and each and every word was grating on his nerves.

"Hey! That was before, but he's better now!" Joey defended his friend. Seto was also his friend, but he wasn't going to stand for any insults!

"Tch, whatever. I don't have time listening to your nonsense of being in love with a former psychopath."

"Well, excuse me for wanting to look for some common sense from you, ya bastard! But I should've known betta than to ask a cold hearted asshole like you! I bet you don't even know what love is!"

"I know what love perfectly is! But the love your experiencing is a foolish concept of desiring a person like a lovestruck idiot!"

"Maybe I don't mind being a lovestruck idiot! At least I am actually putting my heart into good use of caring for someone and not just Mokuba and not having meaningless one night stands!"

"Oh! So you plan to sleep with Ryou are you?!"

"No! Not yet at least! But I know for sure I can trust Ryou with me than I would for some bastard who's like you!"

"Great! I would never even dream of fucking a mutt like you!"

Joey gasped. "Well good! I don't want to dream the same thing or even imagine it!"

"Fan-fucking-tastic! I would be disgusted if you did!"

"I'd feel the same way, too! You heartless fuck!"

"I'd feel even worse!"

"Screw you!"

"Screw you, back, Wheeler!"

They both stopped shouting to gasp for air, and then it became silent for a while. None of them hung up. Joey sighed audibly. "Sorry."

Kaiba silently cursed himself for letting Joey apologize first, not that the CEO had a reason to apologize. But just for pleasantries and their friendship, "I'm sorry, too."

"I didn't mean to dump this on you. It's just...You know my parents had a nasty divorce, so my view of romantic love has been kinda...distorted. So I always protected my heart, and I thought I could open it up when Mai came along, but then it turns out I'm gay. And now, I feel my walls crumbling down for Ryou, but I'm kinda freaked out, y'know. If y'know." Joey hated this. He sounded like a whiner. He was imposing on Kaiba's time. "Nevermind. Forget that. I'm sorry for wasting your time with my bullshit."

"Wheeler." Kaiba understood Joey. The need to shield one's heart for the sake of not being hurt. He knew that his puppy was afraid to fall in love. But why did it have to be with Ryou? "Just don't get hurt."

That...actually helped Joey calm down his heart. That simple sentence meant alot to the blond. The way Kaiba said it, it meant that the brunet was telling him to be careful, but in the same time he was not alone on this. If his heart may be broken, although by Ryou seemed impossible, he had someone to vent to about the pain. Joey found himself venting to be an impossible matter to, but to know that Kaiba was there, it sort of made him happy and encouraged.

"Thanks Kaiba." Joey hung up, and then lied back against his couch. His heart was hurting, but not too much. He was at peace but also not at peace. He didn't understand of what he was feeling. He thought of both Ryou and Kaiba and it was conflicting when it shouldn't be.

He needed to sleep this off. Jona left him alone to let him figure this out on his own.

._._._.

Joey found himself off stage in a theater. He was confused as he found himself in front of a mirror for a short moment that showed that he was dressed in a black tutu, his hair dyed black and tied up, and dramatic dark makeup on as his eyes were an auburn color.

He looked to the side to see a ballerina dancing. The ballerina was shimmering below the spotlight as she danced gracefully in her white tutu. Her own platinum hair tied up with her tiara. Her blue eyes are vibrant and her smile captivating.

The actor knew that girl was Kisandra, and then watched as she danced with Kaiba who must be prince Sigfried (Irony) from the ballet Swan Lake. And then it hit Joey of who he was. He was the black swan, Odile. The one who was to trick the prince, and break Odette's/Kisandra's heart.

Joey grimaced at what position he was put in and didn't even know how to dance ballet! However, he was pushed by his friends who happened to be with him to go on stage when it was his turn. The blond suddenly found himself dancing gracefully as if he had been dancing ballet for years to the point of perfection that it scared him as he found himself in Kaiba's arms.

The two of them danced with such precision except there was a freedom and flow to it as well. Joey didn't want to dance with Kaiba because of the way the male was looking at him. The face was blank, but his blue, blue eyes were warm instead of icy. As if love was filling those orbs like a sun to a glacier that threatened to flood the world. In this case, Joey's world.

But the black swan knew that that love was not for him. Kaiba as the prince thought he was Kisandra. The woman he truly loved. Not him, and that hurt for Joey.

But then out of nowhere, he was taken away from Kaiba, and was now in the arms of another prince. "R-Ryou?!" This wasn't in the script! This was weird except Ryou looked fitting. Kaiba was wearing the color blue while Ryou wore red. It was kind of like they made the red eyes black dragon while Kisandra, who came into view to dance with the prince, and Kaiba made the blue eyes white dragon.

The couples danced, and Joey wasn't sad. He had Ryou, and his heart thrummed for him. Ryou was gentle with him, and they were happy together. And Joey doubted they would fight over anything much which is not such a bad thing because they have the rest of the world to fight, and could always find solace in each other.

Perhaps, Ryou was better for him. He wasn't a strong man who could dominate him, but Joey could change his taste, or perhaps the shorter teen had a secret side to him that wasn't evil. They might be able to make distance possible, and Joey could move to England and find work there. He heard from Kiyoko he was rather popular there, too.

So, Joey enjoyed his dance with Ryou, but then out of nowhere, he was somehow in Kaiba's arms again. He pushed back to be in Ryou's, but then he found himself in Kaiba's arms again. At the end of the scene, Joey fell down when he lost his footing after trying to twirl away from Kaiba to be with Ryou.

Both Kaiba and Ryou held out their hands to him. Joey gave Kaiba a glare as he gave Ryou his hand. Kaiba glared back at him, but that glare softened when Kisandra placed her hand on his upper arm.

Joey became jealous by the sight, but then he had Ryou. He took the platinum blond's hand, and had the two walk away from the couple. The spot light was staying on them, and then Joey felt Ryou pull him into a kiss which he reciprocated.

Kaiba balled his hands so tightly that they were trembling. He hated this. He hated that he was envious! He felt Kisandra's soft marshmallow-like hand caress his cheek. His anger somewhat softened.

._._._.

On Monday, Joey saw Ryou at the front of the school. "Hey, Ryou!" He greeted with his female voice. He was scared for a moment that Ryou was going to treat him differently, but then the chocolate eyed sweetie looked at him and smiled kindly without any trace of deceit.

"Good morning, Joey. How was your yesterday?"

"Just busy like usual. Kiyoko got me a cameo for a movie. It's just a small part, but all my fans are ready to see the movie just for me!"

"I believe you should count as one of those fans. You are always a joy to watch." Ryou said that as just a compliment, but it made Joey feel ticklish tingles on his back.

"I-I try my best y'know!" He didn't mean to run his finger across the curve of his ear to move part of his hair back because he felt bashful! No! His hair was just irritating him! And he had his arm wrapped around Ryou's neck to force himself to stay natural! "You really think I'm a joy huh."

The two walked in being just friends, and Kaiba exited his limo to see them being too affectionate for his liking. He wanted to walk up, take Joey away, and then shove Ryou into the middle of the road so he could become roadkill. But then, he held himself back. He shouldn't be thinking these things! He shouldn't feel...envious.

Yet, his anger grew as the school days of April went by. Joey was sitting next to Ryou, and talking to him during the breaks. It didn't look different since they were surrounded with the other goons, but Joey was beaming at Ryou a little too lovingly than the others.

"Is something or someone bothering you Mr. Kaiba?" Kisandra Labelle asked when the two were having a friendly date before the night of the charity gala. The two were having tea in the traditional Japanese fashion. The atmosphere was supposed to be harmonious, but Kaiba was ruining that.

"No." Seto replied sharply.

Kisandra sharply smiled, and gently spoke, "I would believe that if I felt like I was at peace, but frankly, you are ruining that."

The CEO glared at her icily, but she fought back with not a glare but a deadpan stare which meant that she was not having any of his bullshit, so come clean. They weren't entirely offensive. Her blue eyes were warm and bright that there was an obvious hint of concern for her partner. Kaiba huffed. "I am sorry for ruining the atmosphere, but what I have going on is none of your business at the moment."

"Then consider this as a practice for when we will be married. Your mood will effect my business, and it would be good to know whether now or not if I am able to help remedy the situation to the best of my ability."

"I do not need your help." He said with a tone that meant that this was to be the end of this conversation.

But the blond CEO wasn't having any of that. "You are not being professional right now." She softly snapped and took a sip of her tea. Seto's glare became deathly, but she retaliated with a glare of her own. "We both know that this is more of a meeting situation between CEOs than an actual date. So I speak out of concern, as a person with a company on her shoulders, to know of what is wrong with my future business partner because his or her state of mind may effect the results. I know you are a very adept man, Mr. Kaiba, but you would act the same if I were in your state in this situation."

Seto wanted to retort, but then Kisandra was right. He would've persuaded or coerced her into telling him of what is wrong, and he wouldn't drop it since he needed or at least prefered that his married business partner to be always on the right set of mind. He blamed Joey for his actions. The mutt was always holding him down. He should forget him... Just a month and less a half away until then.

"I have this mutt." Seto paused. He wasn't sure of what else to say without giving too much away. He refused to let his future business partner see his weakness.

Kisandra rose a brow to this. "A dog lover?"

Kaiba snorted. "Not at all. I rather have a cat, but sadly, fate has given me a dog."

"Why did you not simply let the dog go?"

"I tried, but he always seemed to always find me."

"He or she sounds intelligent."

The brunet snorted again. "No. The idiot is just lucky." That statement had Kisandra second guess if it was an animal. She listened tentatively. "But it's more due to his friend."

"Your dog has a friend?"

"Yes. He comes from a pack of dogs. He's not the alpha dog, if you were wondering."

"What is his name?"

Kaiba knew Kisandra would meet Joey at some point since they were acquaintances, so he replied, "I do not give names to strays."

"I see. So what is your problem with this dog?"

Seto sipped his tea to think of a way to say his problem. He was currently angry that Joey was in love with Ryou. "The mutt had found himself a new master."

"Then shouldn't you be happy that he had finally left you alone."

"He hasn't left me alone. He still comes to me from time to time, but not the same way he would for his master. Don't be quick to assume that I am jealous. However I do feel annoyed that the mutt still comes to me when he should just stick with his master."

"That's sad." Kisandra commented. Kaiba rose his own brow. The blue eyed beauty clarified, "Perhaps all the dog wished for was your acknowledgement. If you were to give that, then maybe it wouldn't be such a nuisance that he would appear at your feet."

"Acknowledging him would mean defeat."

"Or a beginning of a beautiful friendship between you and this dog. Perhaps that is why it's bothering you. You care for this dog, and that should be nothing to be ashamed of. You are Seto Kaiba. Screw the world, and be at peace. You shouldn't feel ashamed of wanting or being friends with this dog." She smiled brightly, and it wasn't a sign of weakness to the fellow CEO. No. Kaiba saw strength behind that smile.

A strength that was too persuasive for its own good, but then it did put his mind at ease. Perhaps that was the problem. He knew Joey and him were friends, but he hadn't fully acknowledged it. If he did, the sex and fairytale dreams could end, and he wouldn't be angry anymore.

He stayed silent, though he mentally appreciated Kisandra's wise words. He didn't feel inferior since he had plenty of intelligent proposals to make her business rise to be nearly as great as his company was.

._._._.

Joey was sitting on the grass at a park with his friends. He was wearing a white, chiffon, pleated, v-neck dress with simplistic gold additions. His hair was done in a waterfall braid which had him appear sophisticated and somewhat romantic as it was a somewhat cloudy day so the sun was neither to bright or too dull.

It was such a perfect day for Joey to take pictures of himself for his blog by Tea, so the gang including Mokuba went to the park with a picnic blanket and basket. They had Joey running, sitting, lying down, and smiling for the camera. Ryou was the one who had bought the camera, and was the one to take the pictures, so he had to look at the platinum blond.

Everyone was having fun, though Mokuba was slowly sinking into a realization as he watched how Joey was looking at the camera.

"Wow, these pictures are amazing!" Tea commented when she looked at each one that Ryou took. "You should be a professional photographer Ryou!"

"That's the dream along with some drawings, paintings and whatever an art major may get me."

"Maybe I should hire you to draw the next covers for my game?" Duke suggested with a friendly wink.

"Can we eat now?!" Joey whined. "I'm starved from all the girly running you had me do as if I'm some perfume model!"

His friends laughed at him, and prepared the blanket and food for their hardworking friend. Joey munched away the good food that made him look completely out of character with the way he was dressed.

The actor felt a poke to his arm, so looked to Mokuba who was doing the poking. He whispered, "Can I talk to you in private?"

Joey swallowed his food. He didn't know of what Mokuba could want to talk to him about, but it can't be anything terrible. "Sure. Hey guys, Mokuba needs the bathroom, so I'm gonna follow him to make sure he stays safe from any random psycho lurking around these parts."

That was logical so the gang watched them go. When they were out of hearing range and sight, Mokuba pulled Joey behind a tree from public eye. "Okay, what is the deal between you and Ryou?"

"What?!" Joey immediately gave it away with how red he got on the face. "There's nothing between us! C'mon! We're friends!"

Mokuba deadpanned his face that Joey was struck with the arrow of "TOO OBVIOUS".

"I already saw the pictures of you spending time with Ryou at the mall! So out with it Joey! Are you cheating on me?!"

The blond covered his mouth, and got bit for it. "Ow! You bit me!" Mokuba glared at him. Joey gave in, "Okay, Ryou confessed to me that he likes me, and asked me out on a date last Saturday."

"You did cheat on me!"

"It wasn't cheating since we're not actually dating, Mokuba! And we're not dating-dating! We're just friends!" Joey rubbed the nape of his neck.

"No."

"No?"

"No, you will not date Ryou if you change your mind! We both agreed that we won't date anyone unless the other approves, and I do not approve!"

"Okay! Okay! What's wrong Mokuba? Why are you so upset about this?"

Mokuba crossed his arms as he glared down at the ground. "Seto...Seto agreed to marry Kisandra."

"What?" Joey blinked as he felt something shatter inside him. Though his curiousity glossed over it. "They met?"

"Yeah. The public doesn't know about it, and they won't know about it for awhile so that their engagement didn't seem like an arranged business proposal...which it actually is! He shouldn't be with Kisandra! He should be with you!"

"He-Hey!" Joey placed his hands on Mokuba's shoulders. "You shouldn't be so put off about this. I understand that you want me to be with your brother, but you shouldn't think badly of Kisandra for not making that happen. You should give her a chance because she might be able to make your brother happy."

"You already do that Joey." The younger male whined.

The cross dresser was surprised by this. "Really? I think you're having delusions of grandeur about my relationship with your brother there, kiddo."

"I'm not!" Mokuba caught his tone and volume. "I mean...I know Seto better than anyone, and you make him happy, Joey. You distract him from work, and all those times you argue, he's...having fun."

"In a sadistic way." The blond mumbled.

The indigo-eyed pre-teen grimaced. "Besides that, you make him happy!"

"Mokuba, give Kisandra a chance. Wouldn't it be nice if your brother had more people making him happy?"

Mokuba wanted to stay stubborn, but Joey was right. The younger Kaiba shouldn't be so quick to assume that Kisandra was a bad person, or a person incapable of making his brother happy. He grumbled, "Fine, but you still can't date Ryou."

"Whatever, man." The two of them returned to the group.

Mokuba noticed of how Joey quicky sat next to Ryou and leaned in closely to him. Of course, it was to see the pictures, but the way the honey-eyed duelist looked at the ex-hikari, the pre-teen couldn't help but feel like he was failing.

._._._.

The night of the charity gala came. Joey sat in front of his vanity table as Jona was helping him with his hair. The ghost could touch his hair and the hair products so the actor was able to do his own makeup.

"Gawd, I cannot believe what I'm doing. If you had told me last year that I was going to dress up like a girl, become famous, and actually know the difference between shorts and hot pants, I would've called you crazy."

Jona chuckled, "And the fact that you had finally met your past incarnation. I remember when I used to do the hair of my three sisters. I knew how to braid, curl and bun their hair as well as I can work the ropes of a ship during a storm."

"Who was your third sister anyway? I know Mai and Serenity were your sisters, but who was the third?"

"I want to keep my third sister a secret still. I am not hiding anything evil behind my secrets. It's just that I know in my gut that it's not the right time to tell you."

"Why?"

"Destiny, Joey. All things shall be revealed in time." Jona arranged the finished hair. "There! Done!"

"Sweet!" Joey felt his phone vibrate. "Mokuba's here. Let's go."

The two of them walked out of the apartment complex, and saw the sleek, black limo parked outside. Joey got in to see Mokuba in a snazzy suit. His boyfriend had a big grin on his face when he saw how his date was dressed. The blond grinned back as he lightly pushed Mokuba for making him feel really good about the way he dressed.

They were driven to the big fancy hotel that the charity gala was taking place. The moment the blond stepped out, photographers were making him go blind by all that flashes. He almost used his hand purse to shield his eyes.

"Whoa! How do celebrities not go blind by this?!" Joey asked with a practiced smile as Mokuba exited.

The tux wearing young man chuckled, "It's not that bad. Let's go."

The two walked into the building, and Joey found himself at the top of a grand staircase after passing two double doors that were opened for them. The stairs were red carpeted, and there were chandeliers, rich people talking on their tables or not, musicians playing on a stage where the charity auction was to take place, and waiters going around with plates of food and drinks. In front of him was a ballroom dancefloor where couples decided to use.

Joey remembered that he wanted to come to this gala in order to have Kaiba finally admit that he was hot when he cross dressed. Although this time he won't stop cross dressing, but it wouldn't hurt to try.

"You are beautiful." Jona told him. She stood beside him like a queen instead of a princess.

The woman had also changed her own dress into a modern red sexy party dress that hugged all the right curves. She had let down her hair, and was absolutely striking that Joey thought that she would take all the attention in the gala all for herself without trying if she was visible.

Joey smiled at the encouragement. He was wearing a one-shoulder, Grecian, red dress with a bit of gold sparkle, and his hair done wavy. There was a long slit on his skirt that would make him be able to show his amazing legs if he was to sit down and just move a part of his skirt to the side.

His eyes searched the crowd for a certain CEO. Despite being human without crazy hair like Yugi, Kaiba easily stood out with his intense gaze, perfect posture, and the way plenty of people gravitated towards him. Joey saw that the brunet was talking to a group of very important dressed people, so the blond decided to just mingle with anyone who looked interesting while Mokuba did the same.

As he descended from the stairs, Kaiba had immediately noticed him. He found it weird yet fitting to find Joey beautiful. The duelist felt a cool fresh of air was breathed into his lungs. There was stir in his chest that made him want to ignore everyone attending just so he could annoy the blond. His lips tingled when he remembered the hot, searing kiss he felt.

He wanted to stride over to the male, take him by the hand and get him out of the place so they could make out inside of his limo with the partition up. He saw the the dress had a long slit, so he imagined that his hands would push the skirt aside so he could run his hands across those amazing legs.

When Joey got to the bottom of the staircase, he looked to be searching for someone, but no one in particular. However someone caught his puppy's attention. "Joey?"

"Alexir De Gon?" Joey slightly blushed because the man was still amazingly handsome. He knew he felt ill about seeing the man again, but then all those ill feelings went away when he focused on the positive of why he loved his idol. "Oh wow! It's you!"

"Yeah, it's me!" The man looked relieved, and gave a charming smirk. "And must I say that you have...evolved. You are even more beautiful than I remember you."

Joey didn't mean to giggle like a stupid high school girl, but he did. He gave a quick twirl. His skirt rise, and slit slightly opened to reveal his beautiful legs and daring red heels. "I know right! I'm super hot! And famous now! Not famous as you, Alexir, if I can-"

"Yes, you can." The actor immediately accepted to be called by his first name.

Joey felt a pinch of glee. "Alexir, but I am getting there! Just gotta get through the DDDM tournament, and then I'm gonna hit to the movies, and TV shows in no time!" He was still aiming to be a chef, but he wasn't one to stop short on work. He's gotta make his company and Kiyoko famous as well!

His idol seemed to be greatly amused. "If that's true, then maybe I can get you a role."

Joey gasped. "A role in a movie with you?" It was every fangirls dream to be in the same movie as their idol!

"Yeah,"

"Oh, thank you, thank you!" Joey gave the man a grand hug. "I get to act in a movie with my idol! You have no idea how happy you just made me! How can I repay you?"

Alexir chuckled, "You don't need to repay me...Although, you do owe me a kiss. Bu-" The man didn't have to say another word when Joey kissed him right on the lips. He already kissed Yugi, Mokuba and Ryou, so this kiss was the least personal and awkward.

Seto crushed his glass of champagne the moment his eyes saw that kiss. He was making his way to Joey, but then stopped when he saw the blond unhesitantly kiss the well known actor.

What the fuck?! The duelist thought Wheeler had told him that he was in love with Ryou, and was now kissing another man! Was Joey a loose guy?! Was the blond even a virgin now?! Why the fuck did he care so much?!

People quickly asked him questions with concern, but he discarded them, and made his way to the bathroom to wash his hand. There was no blood or glass so he could return without having people annoyingly question him about the bandages. Kisandra was among the crowd. The two had been splitted by their peers, but now they briefly reunited.

"I'm just going to freshen myself." Kaiba told her.

The woman nodded. "Don't take too long. Mr. Kiwashi seemed to want to have an affair, and I would like it if you were close by in order to kick him out if he dared try to lay a hand on me."

"I'll warn my security guards."

"Thank you." She gave him a sweet smile that seemed to be pleasing instead of stupid in the frigid man's eyes.

She was truly beautiful.

The woman was wearing a white, sleeveless trumpet gown with a sweet heart neckline. Her hair was put into a lovely side bun, and lips were kissable and pink like two rose petals. It was like staring at the most beautiful simplistic painting of a pink rose under a beautiful blue sky with those cumulus clouds.

With someone so divine in beauty and has yet to truly be hated by him, why did Kaiba become angry over someone like Wheeler?

Joey saw Kaiba walk away, and saw that Mokuba was still talking with other important people. Alexir had to return to his date, so he was left alone again. He then felt a vibrate in his hand purse. He took out his phone to see that Ryou had texted him.

The blond's heart did flip flops at the sight of his friend's name.

R: How is the gala going?

J: It's going great! I got to talk to Alexir De Gon again! And after the tour, he might get me a part in one of his movies!

R: That's wonderful! You are an amazing person, Joey. You will be absolutely stunning. I can't wait to see how you will look once you step on the red carpet.

J: I'm gonna be absolutely fuckin' gorgeous! I'm gonna put all those broads to shame with my flat chest!

R: I can imagine you being undeniably vibrant and breath-taking. More so than you already are.

J: Aw! Thanks man! You are the best! I hope that when you succeed your dreams, I'll be called up by you to be one of your models.

R: Preferably naked, I hope.

Joey paused as he became a strawberry. As he had been texting, he had taken a seat on a luxurious couch set to the side. He had moved his skirt so his incredibly sexy and beautiful legs were shown. He noticed some stares that made him either uncomfortable and confident. Now he felt bashful.

J: Is this still you, Ryou? If it is, I never took you to also hide a naughty side. It's kinda weird but cool. Oh great, now I'm sounding weird. And I don't think I want people to see a portrait of me naked.

R: It was me who texted, and I would want such an exquisite portrait to be just mine alone. But I don't think that I could ever be able to paint the way your golden hair shimmers under the light. The way your amber eyes lit up like a roaring fire always hungry for something more. The delicious curves of your god-like body. I don't think I could ever paint how soft and rich and warm your lips would feel if they were to be kissed like I have done to them.

Joey felt his heart skipping happily to every compliment. The blond just wanted Ryou to hold him right now to see if what his friend was saying were true.

J: That's nice to know. And I would love to hear more, but a very important looking person, who has the power to ruin my reputation, is talking to me. I'll see you at school.

It was a lie, but then he didn't want to delve in too deep with Ryou with just these text messages. They had to remain friends, so he had to set his boundaries by passing these off as jokes.

"Why not delve in?" Jona asked. "I understand your need to remain friends for the good graces of Mokuba, but you deserve to have some sort of romance in your life."

"I don't want to be the type of person who falls in love easy cuz that'll mean my heart can also break easy, or I might be secretly prone to cheating."

"Nonsense. Loyalty is our strongest virtue. However, you should understand better than an average person of how pain can make a person stronger and wiser."

"Seems a little too soon and too late to do something about it."

"A whirlwind romance it is then."

"Why do you want me to date Ryou? I didn't hear you rooting for me to date Valon. Unless..."

"I will only tell you this. The real Bakura in the past was, believe it or not, the most romantic man who I've ever known. Behind his bad manners, thieving ways, and dark past which makes him into a well-loved, sexy bad boy, when he comes to care about a woman, he'll shower her with respect and love. He makes sure not to smother her, too."

"Seriously?" Joey tried to picture that, but then the traumatic flashbacks of Zorc prevented that. Though Bakura and Ryou had to have some sort of similarity other than having white hair. Yugi and Atem were both strong and compassionate. Seth and Seto were both frigid, bastard, geniuses. Jona and him are practically the epitome of loyalty. So Ryou and Bakura could both be awesome romantics. Why not? It's better than the horrifying thought of them both being evil...

"Mr. Wheeler?" A kind voice spoke to him. Joey looked away from the phone, that he was putting back into his purse, to see Kisandra Labelle speaking to him. The woman was far more beautiful than the picture he had of her in his phone. He felt a pang of uncomfortable pain by the fact that Kaiba was going to marry her.

"Kisandra-" He said in his male voice, but quickly changed it to his female one. "I mean, Ms. Labelle!" He stood up and saw that they were practically the same height. "It's so nice to finally meet you! I'm the one and only Joey Wheeler! You must've heard of me right?"

The enchanting female giggled. Her smile was purely genuine that Joey didn't feel like he was going to be deceived. "How could I not?" She spoke with her kind voice. "You are quite the inspiration for gays, those of misfortune, and eccentric people. It is an honor to finally meet you."

"Same for me. I'm a close friend of the Kaiba corps.' vice president, so I know what's up." He gave a wink, and whispered. "Just gonna tell you good luck. You're really gonna need it if you're gonna spend the rest of your life with Kaiba."

"I believe I know what you mean." She sat down on the sofa. Joey did the same. "Kaiba is a bit difficult to talk with, and I would like to know him as a person. Not only as a business partner, so our marriage could at least be presentable."

Joey stopped himself from snorting because the woman must have no idea of what she's getting herself into. He decided to be helpful since the CEO seemed friendly, and didn't mind if it was a mask since it was better than facing the CEOs he's known (Pegasus, Kaiba, Zigfried, Duke...).

He provided, "Then you got your work cut out for you, Ms. Labelle. Kaiba had a hard upbringing, so you can't expect to be at least friends with him after a few months. It took me years to finally at least have Kaiba see me as more than just any ordinary duelist or in his case, a mutt."

"A mutt?" Kisandra remembered that Kaiba had a problem with a dog.

Joey clarified, "Kaiba has the habit of calling me an idiot, a monkey but the name that really gets on my nerves is when he's calling me a dog. He knows it, so calls me it a lot. I try my best to tolerate them now that I have to behave myself for the media, y'anno."

"Yes, I do. As the CEO of Labelle corporation, every single step and word has to be taken account."

"Tell me about it! A lot of people still want me talkin' about how Duke, the CEO of Dungeon Dice Monsters, got me into a dog suit! I'm tellin' ya, it's gonna haunt me to my grave when people read up on me in the future." Kisandra stifled her giggles, but Joey saw the laughter in her eyes. He didn't mind. He laughed at himself, too. "And don't get me started about my love life! Do you know of how I started cross dressin'?"

"Yes. I am a fan of your blog. It was thrilling to watch your adventure of fighting for your right to dress as a female. And must I say, I am jealous of your legs." She pointed at them.

Joey grinned proudly. "I know right, but you got a great complexion! I swear that if a Swan Lake casting director needed his Odette, you'd be top pick."

That was a creative compliment which Kisandra smirked at. She liked him. "Thank you."

And he liked her. "Your welcome, and what was I gettin' at?"

"Something about your love life." The woman with the better memory replied.

"Oh right! So yeah, just cuz I started cross dressin' for Kaiba, doesn't mean I have feelings for him! You have no idea what his fangirls at school try to do to me! One of them stuffed my locker full of road kill!"

"Oh dear! Did you tell the school office about this?"

"Nah, I'm not one to tattle. One of the many things you learn from the streets. I just cleaned my locker and all's good."

"And you let the girl who did that to you get away with it? I'm sorry, but I would not stand for disrespect!" She said so viciously that even Joey flinched. Now he understood of how she remained at the top of her corporation. It was also sort of scary when she continued kindly smiling.

Joey tried to keep the situation calm. "It wasn't somethin' I wanted to make a scene out of. Besides, if I did, then that fangirl would've known that she got to me, so bein' the cool person I am, I just let it slide. It didn't make the situation any easier, but it meant that I got on their nerves and they knew it." The golden blond grinned mischievously like a child. "And can you imagine of what they went through to get that roadkill? I laugh when I imagine them in gloves, plastic suit and whatever as they picked it off the road going-" He did facial expressions of disgust.

Kisandra chortled. "That is hilarious, Mr. Wheeler."

"Please, call me Joey. Everybody does. Well the ones who don't get a stick up their butt."

Not being one to be considered to have a stick up her butt, she followed suit. "Okay, Joey, if you do not like Kaiba," she remembered the details of Seto's dog story. "then do you have a person you like very much? I swear on my company, I won't tell a soul."

Immediately Ryou passed through his mind. He hesitated to answer.

Jona reasoned, "You should be honest, and Kisandra is the reincarnation of Kisara. I can see it clearly that she is a good woman with a strong and pure heart."

Joey agreed with her, but he still found it hard to speak at the moment when his cheeks reddened. "The-there is someone, but-" He stopped when his nose caught a whiff of something. "Wait, what's that smell?" The both of them took a whiff of the air, and then simultaneously cried out, "Chocolate!" They laughed.

"Let's go get some!" Joey got up and caught her hand. The two quickly went to the buffet table where they saw that the chocolate fountain had been installed. They quickly grabbed a stick and poked at whatever was available to them so they could get a taste of the sweetness of life.

Joey heard Kisandra moan. She apologized, "I'm sorry. I have an undeniable sweet tooth. If I did not have a diet to live by, I would've died happily as a diabetic."

"I hear ya! I love spicy food! But then it kinda makes you gassy, and no one wants to work with someone who's gonna fart every minute."

Kisandra laughed. "You are a charm to be around. No wonder Mr. Kaiba likes having you around." She tries to make a shish kabob.

Joey snorted, "If he had a choice, he'd never see me again, but I Mokuba likes having me around, and I love dueling. Just wait here." He goes over to where the drinks are served, and got too empty plastic cups. He puts different fruits and more in it before having the chocolate fountain fill it up.

Kisandra gasped, "You are a genius." And quickly did hers, too.

"I am aspiring to be a five-star chef who'll own not a fancy-schmancy restuarant, but a restaurant where hard-worker and families can relax with good food. But for now, I gotta make Draco company the top talent agency in Domino."

"Why did you want to become famous, Joey?"

"It's to pay for my Dad's rehab bills, my bills, and my little sister's wedding when she wants to get married. I'm going to pay everything from the venue to the dress, and make sure nothing is out of place. It's all going to be able my sister."

"And the groom, too?"

"Screw him or her. Whoever the person is should make sure the wedding is all about my baby sister, too."

"Dear god, you are making me fall in love with you, Joey. Yet, you're gay and I'm getting married. Curse me for not being born a free man."

"We could leave now and test out if I'm really gay." Joey joked, and they both laughed.

Kisandra joked, too. "I'll call my driver, and you call yours, and we will meet at a motel, okay?"

Joey howled with laughter, but then quickly quieted himself as the two got weird stares. "You're not like other CEOs. You're actually pretty cool. Every CEO I met are either haughty or complete assholes."

"I treat others like I would like them to treat me. However, I will not allow others to use me, and I will use intimidation to make sure that my workers are keeping up with their requirements. However, plenty of people are willing to please a pretty face."

"Wow, you are amazing. Talk about girl power." Joey moved down the buffet table with a plate in hand to get some food. "So are you going to stay in Domino?"

"I have business in this city, but then I will have to return by September. Kaiba plans to make a visit to France after a month or two. We will not be engaged until next year or the year after that depending on how busy we are."

"I could give you a few tips on how to at least be friends with Kaiba, but it's still gonna take you years to accomplish that."

"I would appreciate them definitely." The two sat at a table where they ate their food with finesse. Though Joey was still stuffing his face, and would muffle a squeal every now and then.

"Alright, well, the obvious is that you gotta be friends with Mokuba. Kaiba loves Mokuba. The kid is his world; his last source of light, and if you don't get along with him, then your most likely gettin' the boot to next Tuesday."

Kisandra nodded to this. "Then how do I get into younger Kaiba's good graces?" She had a few ideas, but she wanted to hear what the duelist had to say.

"Well, first you gotta be real with him. He's not happy about you marrying his brother because he doubts you can make him happy. Now, making Kaiba happy? Even that's a mystery to me, but I do got a few ideas. Well, first, do you like dueling?"

"I do. In fact, one of the main reasons that I want to marry him especially is because he holds the blue eyes white dragon cards. I don't want to steal it, but I would love to battle him for it."

"That's good! Go do it! He loves those cards, and if you love them, too, who knows. He might start seeing you in a new light! And don't be afraid to piss him off during a duel. You gotta be competitive. Show that asshole that you are giving it yer all cuz you want those cards."

"But what if he ends up hating me and call of the marriage, not that he can due to our contract, but I prefer that he doesn't hate me."

"He won't, or at least I think he won't. Depends on how good you duel, and if you are pretty good, he'll find you interesting. Yugi and I were nothin' ta him until we started dueling."

Kisandra nodded with an awe struck expression. "Fascinating. So then, number one priority, be in younger Kaiba's good graces. And then number two would be challenging him to a duel. is there anymore you can tell me?"

"Just to be always be real with him. He's already around phonies and slaves all the time, so ya gotta stay fresh and original."

"Like you."

Joey snorted loudly. "Nothin' like me. If I was the one gonna be engaged to Kaiba, he would've ended it right afterwards. We argue like cats and dogs. I'm the bitch, he's the pussy. You get me right."

"Dear lord." Kisandra laughed silently. Joey giggled evilly. Jona was flat out howling with laughter on the floor. "Stop making me fall in love with you more and more, Joey! You are seriously a breath of fresh air."

"If you knew how I smell after eating a spicy burrito, you wouldn't be calling me that." He got a playful slap on his upperarm.

"Having fun ladies?" Kaiba rhetorically questioned. Mokuba stood beside him with a cordial smile.

Joey replied, "Yes before you got here. Kisandra and I were having a lovely time. Right Kisandra? Can I call you Kiki?"

Kaiba glared at him. He was not surprised though, since Joey was a likable person to a point. "You may not."

"I didn't ask you, ya prick. Geeze, not even officially dating, and he's already trying to control you."

"I'm not controlling her. What respectful person would want to be called Kiki?"

"A respectful person who knows how to relax and be fun for once. Right Kiki?"

Kisandra couldn't help smiling mirthfully. "Yes, Joey. Can I call you Jojo?"

"Yes, Kiki. You may." He smirked victoriously at Kaiba who glared even more harshly at him, and dubiously at Kisandra. Joey had his arm wrapped around his to-be fiance and pulled her close. The crossdresser smirking and Kisandra stifling her giggles. "Watch out Kaiba, I'm stealin' yo girl and I'm dressed like a woman. How hot is that?"

"More like a freak of nature, and I chose erroneously."

Kisandra burst out laughing. Kaiba smirked and Joey glared at him with a slight blush. Mokuba was just amused by the whole turn of events.

"C'mon Kaiba, admit it already!" Joey stood up. His hands on his table and his bootilcious bottom stuck out behind him. "Everyone thinks so, so admit that I'm hot already!"

"Hmph. Everyone has their own opinions, Wheeler, and for your information, not everyone thinks your hot or even presentable."

Joey crossed his arms and looked over at Kisandra who seemed to be amused by the conversation. "Y'see why I told ya it would've lasted for a flat second?"

"I would actually give it ten minutes at best since there should be arguing before the initial breakup."

"So sad but true."

"What are you talking about?" Kaiba questioned, not liking that he was left in the shadows.

"None of your business, richboy, and I'm in the mood fer dancin'. Teach me to waltz, Mokuba."

"Love to." The two made their way to the ballroom dance floor. Mokuba gave him the basic instructions. There was some awkward movement, but then they were soon moving smoothly across the dance floor along with the other dancers.

Kaiba took his seat of where Joey was. "What were you talking to Wheeler about?"

"I was talking to your 'dog' about how to be in your good graces."

Kaiba inwardly flinched. He immediately regretted telling her the story, but then he chose to ignore it, and focused on what else she said. "From Wheeler? If it's from him, then we'll never get along."

"Hm. I have nothing to say to that, but I do want to spend time with him. I still haven't gotten a tour of Domino city since I've been barraged with work. He is a very interesting person. I find it no surprise that he had found a new 'master'. He's wonderful, and I'd love to try his cooking. Have you tried it?"

"It's pretty good." Kaiba felt like he didn't give the correct comment, but he wasn't going to compliment the monkey duelist more than he has to.

She smirked. "Coming from a person like you, it must be exquisite to the taste buds." She looked over at Joey who was smiling and talking with Mokuba as they waltzed. "You should take this opportunity to dance with him."

"Why?"

"To finally acknowledge your friendship to ease your irritation. Just one simple dance. No more, not less."

Kaiba was silent as he also looked over at Joey who was enjoying his time with Mokuba. They were talking about something, but it was none of his business to know since it was most likely trivial.

What they were talking about was Kisandra. Joey told Mokuba, "I'm tellin' ya that Kisandra is an awesome person. I can feel it in my gut, and my gut is nevah wrong!"

"Whatever. I still think you and big brother would've made a better couple."

"Let that go, Mokuba. I don't think I like your brother as much as I did before." The younger Kaiba grimaced at that. "But I'll still be there for you Mokuba, and I'll always love you. Isn't that better cuz if I was datin' yer brotha, I wouldn't love you as much as I do now cuz all that love would be goin' to Kaiba?"

"I wouldn't mind. At least Seto will have someone who could love him like you could."

"Like I said before, give Kisandra a chance. She's an amazing person."

"You're an amazing person, Joey."

"You too, Mokuba." What Joey really meant was that there were plenty of amazing people who should be given the chance to be loved. The indigo-eyed vice president caught the message, and just closed in the gap between him and Joey more.

Jona asked to take over. Joey allowed her with the idea that she could convince Mokuba unlike him. The woman took hold and got into the sway of the waltz easily since she's been watching and listening.

Mokuba noticed the change of atmosphere, and the softened, matured expression Joey sported. "Jona?"

"Yes, and you are being difficult, young Mokuba."

"I don't mean to." He pouted.

"And I know you don't, but a closed heart and mind gives you an ache of frustration and irritation like an illness. The cure is to open the doors."

"But don't you think that Joey and Seto would've made a better couple? Didn't you end up with Seto's past incarnation? I just know it that Joey and Seto are meant for each other."

"All you hold is a fantasy, darling. But you must grow up and face the reality. Joey is in love with Ryou, and Kaiba will be married to the beautiful, good-spirited Kisandra. Can you do that for me, Mokuba? Face the reality."

Mokuba didn't want to say yes, but he didn't want to be immature. He was almost a teenager and would soon be an adult, too. Jona was right. He was acting childish and irritating Joey. "You're right. I'm sorry."

Jona softly smirked. "There's nothing to apologized for, and thank you for understanding, Mokuba." She gave the pre-teen a kiss on the cheek as the music ended.

Mokuba blushed. Jona was a really sexy woman in a man's body. Joey took back his body. The atmosphere lightened up. "Thanks Mokuba." He said sincerely and gave the pre-teen his own kiss on the forehead with a loud, "MOO-AH!"

Mokuba hastely wiped his forehead as his blush grew hotter. Joey was seriously too cute in his own body! It just made the kiss embarrassing as it also made the vice president of a global company get really happy, too! But he didn't want to show it!

Seto was irritated and reluctant that he was jealous that his brother got two kisses from the blond. However, he ignored his jealous feelings to remain on task. He faced Joey. The blond was drawing a blank about this despite it being obvious. Seto could see it on his face that he couldn't help smiling. Mokuba was once again doubting that his brother and Joey weren't meant for each other.

Seto cleared his throat, made his face blank, and asked, "May I have this dance?" He rose one hand to the second-rate duelist.

Joey was dumbfounded. "Here? In public? In front of these rich-ass people? The tango at the Halloween party was one thing where we had masks on, but this-"

"Just shut up, and dance with me, Wheeler."

Joey was not liking that attitude. He crossed his arms with a glare. "And why should I dance with an asshole like you, moneybags?"

"I want...to make our friendship public."

"For publicity?"

Kaiba snorted. "Please Wheeler. I can think of other things to do for publicity than to dance with a half-wit like you."

"Not persuading me here, richboy."

"The point is Wheeler is that let's make it clear to every other idiot out there that we're friends. You'll be allowed to talk to me during school."

"Oooh! I get to talk to you during school?!" Joey mocked gasp. "It must be a dream come true! I get to talk to the the esteemed Seto Kaiba at school! All your fangirls are gonna pull their hair out when that happens, and hell's gonna freeze over!"

Kaiba felt a migraine creeping up with him. He was just trying to be civil, but Joey had to act like a child. He did not have time for this. "Fine, if you don't want to, then I'm sorry I asked a pathetic second-rate duelist like you to a dance."

"Whatever richboy." Joey grabbed his hands, and positioned them ready for a waltz. "Let's dance."

Kaiba rose an inquisitive eyebrow. "What changed your mind?"

The blond shrugged. "I like dancing with you."

Kaiba snorted. "Am I supposed to feel happy about that?"

"Shut up, and dance with me, Kaiba." The honey-eyed duelist mocked him.

Kaiba glared at him, and was going to snap back but then the waltz began.

Classical music started playing that made Joey feel like he was in a Cinderella movie. Kaiba took the lead naturally, and they moved among the crowd of dancers, yet they stuck out thanks to their combined charisma and Joey's red dress with his skirt flying up when he twirls.

Mokuba, Jona and Kisandra watched them flowed through the dance floor as if they were dancing in the sky, and could just float above the world. Joey's eyes were smiling as well as his lips while Kaiba's face was blank since he was one for perfection, but there was a glimmer in his blue eyes when it intently stares into the blond's honey pools.

Other people watched them, and whispers or chatters erupted in the room. Yet they were just white noise to the duelists.

"I am still amazed that a pup like you can dance." Kaiba commented. "I'm still waiting for you to step on one of my feet."

Joey sneered at him. "If ya really want, jerkface, I'd gladly step on your feet. And like I told you, I'm a hands on learner. I gotta be in on the action, not behind a desk like you can for hours." Joey let himself be twirled before they moved along the floor.

Kaiba smirked. His eyes dimly twinkling. Joey thought it must've been the lighting fooling his vision, but he let himself close in closer to the brunet with a satisfied smile. He told the CEO that he liked dancing with him, but the truth was that he loved it. Dancing with Kaiba just felt right.

Kaiba felt Joey's cheek against his shoulder. He felt a twinge of excitement when he felt that. His breathing elated, but he, by habit, hastely buried the happiness. Joey was in love with Ryou, and Kaiba was never going to fall in love. He frowned but then Joey drew back, twirled away from his grasp, and looked to him expectantly to take him again. Seto did so without hesitation, and the moment Joey was back in his arms, he felt the corner of his lip twitched.

He carried the actor up and they made circles that the background blurred in their vision to the point that it was just them who they could see. Kaiba then put him down, and had Joey twirl again.

He can remember how Joey's lips feel again on his lips. He wanted a kiss. He wanted his puppy's lips against his right now without a care of who's watching, but then Joey was tapped on the shoulder.

Kaiba looked to the intruder to see Kisandra. "Mind if I cut in?" Seto wanted her not to, but then Joey beamed, and told her, "Yeah! Of course! You are the real date here! Be nice, Seto. No stepping on feet."

The brunet glared at him. "Hmph. Don't make me laugh, mutt."

"If I want a maniac laughing, I'll go watch Batman and Joker movies." Joey teased, and then winked at Kisandra before heading his way off the ballroom dance floor, but out of nowhere, he was caught in the arms of a man. "Whoa!" He looked to who it was and saw that it was a very handsome guy. "Okay."

Kisandra giggled as Kaiba and her started dancing. She saw the kidnapping of Joey on the floor, and how he accepted the capture when he saw the bad man's face. "You and Wheeler danced lovely. It was as if you two were lovebirds by how you had his skirt flew up as you twirled him in and out of your gasp or carry him in your arms."

"It wasn't easy carrying his fat assets." Kaiba pointed out. Though he didn't mind. He had thought that Joey needed some meat on his bones anyway.

"That isn't nice to say. Though he does have an attractive asset." She continued to keep her eyes on Joey. Kaiba gave her a look that she could feel on her. She clarified, "He's a man. I can ogle him."

Kaiba didn't mean to glare a little too darkly than he intended to. He tried to control the intensity of his eyes to not give away anything of his hidden lust. "Don't tell me that you plan to make him a part of your harem?"

"I respect his sexuality, Mr. Kaiba. Though it doesn't mean I can't fantasize."

Kaiba snorted, "And here I thought you were a lady."

"I still am. Just not all the time." She gave a naughty leer to him.

Kaiba couldn't help leering back. The two then gave quite the show on the dance floor that had the other dancers stop to watch them. Joey had finally left the dance floor as they were starting. He went back to his table where Mokuba was sitting. The pre-teen pouted at his older brother and fiance.

Joey let him pout as he took out his phone from his handbag. He saw that Ryou had texted him.

R: I do not want to ruin your night, but I feel like I am back in that dark place. That dark place where I lose my conscience, and have no strength. No control over my whole life. I need you Joey.

Joey's eyes widened when he saw that that text came from more than half an hour ago!

"What's wrong Joey?" Mokuba asked.

"Sorry, Mokuba, but I gotta go. Ryou needs me."

But the rush paste that Joey was using, Mokuba became concerned. "Is he okay?"

"Nothing physical. But he needs me. His house is only four blocks away, so I'll run there." Joey slightly picked up his skirt as he skittered to get out. Kaiba and Labelle had just finished their dance. Seto looked to where Joey was to see him make his way out. The cross dresser accidentally left one of his shoes on the grand staircase as he made his way.

The blond ignored that he was missing one shoe. He took out the other one, and held it in his hand while he made his way through the sidewalk. It was raining, but he didn't care. When a friend sends that kind of text, then they are most likely are going to do something stupid, and that kind of stupid could be permanent.

Joey reached Ryou's apartment complex, and quickly made his way to the sixth floor to the first door. He rang the doorbell. He heard Ryou's voice cry out that he's coming. The blond felt a tiny bit of tension slipped off his shoulders. He needed to see how Ryou's conditions were.

When the door opened, and Joey saw the first trace of white hair, the blond quickly hugged the teen.

"Jo-Joey?!"

"I got your text! Ryou! Are you okay?!" Joey quickly inspected his arms, and raised his shirt to inspect his chest.

The platinum blond blushed as he tried to stop Joey from inspecting him. Before he confessed, it would've been somewhat fine, but now it was embarrassing. Especially since he just had a taught stomach unlike Joey's abs. "I-I'm fine! There's no need to check my body."

"Sorry. Just that I was scared that you might hurt yourself. Sorry I didn't get your text earlier."

"O-Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to sent you that text. I just have periods of depression."

"You shouldn't apologize!" His friend yelled angrily! "I want to know if my friends are sad or not because you're important. You're all important! You, Mai, everyone. If you have these periods of depression, I want you to text me or call me! If I don't answer, just leave a message and don't give up on me! I'll do my best to get to you, but if I can't, I'll call you or text you or skype you! Or whatever I can do to make you know that you mean so much to me, and that there's no need to be depressed!"

Ryou was profound by Joey's caring and kindness. He smiled contentedly. "You're wet. Let me get you a towel." The ex-hikari went to the hallway closet to bring out the drying cloth.

Joey then realized his state and how he was wetting the rug. "Oh, right." He grinned sheepishly. "Sorry. It was raining when I ran here."

Ryou was astonish as he gave the towel. "You ran all the way here?"

The cross dresser wiped his body and then had his towel wrapped his hair. "It was only four blocks from the hotel where the charity gala was taking place."

"You ran half a mile bare feet to see me?" Ryou questioned, and then froze when Joey removed his dress off to reveal that the male was wearing red dance panties. Joey took out wipes from his handbag to take off his makeup. His hair was going to frizz up, but he can fix it when he gets home.

"Yeah. I didn't want to take a limo or taxi because there might have been traffic, and there was. Whew, but it was worth it to see that you're alright."

"I-I see. I'll get you another towel!" Ryou quickly went back to the hallway closet to take out another one. He gave it to Joey with his head down.

Joey became worried and clueless of why his friend was acting shy. Jona explained, "You're naked."

"No, I'm...Oh..." It was the cross dresser's turn to feel embarrassed. He wrapped the towel around his body like a girl. "Sorry, Ryou."

"It's okay." Though the teen refused to look at Joey. He went over to his living room window to see that rain was still pouring. "It looks like the rain won't be letting up for a while, and I don't think any of my clothes could fit you."

"That's okay. I can just put on my dress and make my way out if you want."

"No!" Ryou quieted himself. "I mean, no, you can spend the night here. I'll wash your dress and I think I have a pair of loose pajama pants and an extra large jacket I believe. I just hope I still have them. I'll go looking. Just make yourself comfortable." He went into his bed room with the door closed.

Jona pointed out, "You know, I could possess your body, and have Pyrrhus make himself an umbrella or jacket."

"Then why didn't you say anything?"

"Ryou looked so happy! And I believe you have your deck in your handbag as well. Have fun, you lovebirds! I'll go visit darling Yugi while the two of you become...acquainted." She winked and flew away with Pyrrhus.

Joey glared at her for making him feel even more embarrassed as if he had just been told my his own mother to go ahead and do the hanky panky. Ryou exited his room with jut a large jacket. "Sorry. I must have donated the pajama pants, but I still have the large jacket.

"Thanks." Joey put it on as he carefully took off the towel at the same time. It looked like the jacket only reach above his thighs. The two boys awkwardly stood there. Ryou was trying not to admire those creamy thighs, and Joey was aware the the teen was looking downward.

"Do you want to duel?!" The golden blond spluttered!

"Uh, ye-yes! I'll get my deck!"

This is so not going to be awkward. (Sarcasm)

._._._.

After the rain let up, Seto Kaiba and Kisandra Labelle were making there way to the limo together. Mokuba was going into a separate limo. The two were taken pictures of as they entered the limo.

"That was the most fun that I ever had in a charity gala." Kisandra commented.

"Why is that?" Kaiba bothered to question.

"Because of Jojo." She smirked as she saw that the shoe that Joey left behind was in Kaiba's hands. The male CEO figured that he could give it to Joey at school next week.

"Don't call him that." Seto lightly snapped.

"Irritated that we became friends? On the otherhand, how well did the dance work for you? Has it cleared your mind?"

"No."

"Then will this?" Kisandra kissed Seto.

Kaiba was not shocked, yet he did feel a flutter in his chest when she did it. It was not the same as Joey's, but it did not make Kaiba feel disgusted nor indifferent to this. It felt nice, and he could settle for nice at the moment.

At Ryou's place, Joey and the ex-hikari were playing duel monsters. The golden blond was creeped out by all the pale teen's cards. "Geez, you're givin' me the creeps, Ryou! Why do you have a deck of the undead and creepy-ass dolls!"

Ryou chuckled with a creepy, pleasant smile. "I always did love horror fiction. Watch out Joey, I may play a ghost card that has been rumored to haunt my opponent forever."

Joey felt cold shivers crawl through his skin like a bunch of spiders were poured on him! "Yo-You're kiddin' right?"

"Who knows?" Ryou just smiled at him.

"Okay! That's enough playing!"

"Why?" The platinum blond questioned innocently. "You already have Jona to protect you from this ghost, and isn't she technically a ghost?"

"There's a difference, and she's not here right now!" The cross dresser made an awry expression as he looked down at there cards. He could still win, but he didn't want to see what kind of haunted ghost card Ryou has with him now!

"I was only kidding, Joey." The shorter teen chuckled.

Joey glared at him as he was somewhat relaxed. "Oh really? Ha. Ha." he said dryly. "Dammit Ryou, how am I supposed to sleep now?"

"Maybe I could make you forget or at least distract you."

"Really? How?" Joey was drawing a blank, but it became clear when Ryou kissed him.

Wheeler knew that he had to stop Bakura, but then the kiss made his chest flutter and it was distracting.

Seto and Kisandra made their way into a hotel that was good in keeping their meeting a secret. The older brother had called Mokuba to inform him that he won't be home for the night.

Joey was lying down on the couch with a blanket over him. Ryou wanted him to use his bed instead, and he'll be on the couch, but the actor reassured him that it was okay.

"Are you comfortable?" The ex-hikari questioned.

"Yeah, I am." Joey said.

The two of them looked at each other, and then Ryou excused him, but Joey called for him.

"Ryou..." Joey knew Mokuba didn't want him dating Ryou, but then he thought of what Jona told him. "Do you want a whirlwind romance?"

Ryou was surprised by the offer, but then he broke into a smile. "Yes. I'd like that."

"Okay...Okay, but I'll be really straight with you. No public kissing! I only allow holding hands and maybe a kiss on the cheek! And I promise to stay loyal to you and make you lunch every school day, and I'll make your favorite dessert whenever you want, and I won't care of what the media or anyone thinks of us, and May's not going to be too busy for me, so I'll make sure I spend most of my time with you to let you know that I like you a lot, and that you make me happy, and you don't have to try too hard for me, cuz you're already awesome, and I-"

"Joey! Joey, calm down." Ryou sat down on the edge of the couch. "You don't have to try too hard for me either. But I am happy to know that you truly do care about me."

"I always did. Except this time, kissing you is one of my options to make you feel better. And I really like kissing you."

"Me too."

The two shared a cherishing kiss.

._._._.

A/N: Yeah...Joey's going to date Ryou until after graduation, and Kisandra and Seto are engaged! So yeah...Seto will still want Joey, and Joey will still want Seto, but they are willing to move on from each other.

But how long are they going to ignore their feelings? Read on!

And thank you all for your reviews!