In My Arms

Chapter 20

Kaiba pulled the trays onto the small two-person table that resided to the left of the 'living area'. He pushed the cart to the side so it'd be easier to get drinks and whatever condiments they may use. Still, he kept it a distance to where it wouldn't be too close and he'd have an easy time flirting with his breakfast companion. He was sure Yami wouldn't tell Mokuba to hightail it back anytime soon, probably wouldn't even mention coming by - besides no way his little brother would willingly be up this early anyway.

He checked his watch and as if on cue, there was a knock on the door. With a smile and an unusual excitement bubbling through him, he walked over and answered the door. The sight that greeted his vision was enough to leave him speechless for a moment. Joey was blushing mad while trying to look casual, a failed attempt. His eyes traveled downward, noting the loose swim trunks that were low around the waist and went down to just below his knee. His legs down were smooth and looked strong, no kidding since he was one of the fastest runners at school. Even his feet looked perfectly well-taken care of which he did not expect from Joey as he showed them off by wearing dark blue flip flops to match his trunks. The shirt he wore left a sizzle, as it was a gray button-up that the blond had left unbuttoned. Joey was well toned and it was obvious that gym had positive effects on him.

The blond coughed to break the uncomfortable silence, nevermind that the brunet was still gawking. 'I think I'm starting to believe Marik even more now. Is he seriously checking me out?' Joey just wanted to exclaim his complete happiness at that moment in time.

Kaiba had to admit it, "You clean up pretty well." Joey was glad for the light clothes because he was burning up. "Tell me you got dressed up just for me." He whispered letting the other inside. The brunet restrained himself from shivering – that feeling was there again. Was he doomed with that sensual chill forever? It was his own fault for letting his emotions meltdown the way he did.

Joey smirked. "Well wouldn't you like to know." The two made their way to the table and began eating. He spared the brunet a glance before forcing his gaze to his plate – he didn't need to get caught in those beautiful eyes.

Kaiba poured syrup on his pancakes and cut a piece with his fork. "Hn. So tell me what's with the 'surfer' getup?" He questioned with an amused smirk. The other swallowed the food in his mouth and hesitated. "Did you have plans after this?"

"Well, I was sort of hoping that," His eyes traveled the entire room before landing onto his companion. He scratched the back of his head in nervous habit; it was too much to even try to erase the perfect pink shade from his face. "Did you mean what you said about the two of us spending some time during this trip?" He asked.

The brunet's mind began to replay the different plans he had for the two of them. "Of course I did. Like I said you aren't as bad as I thought you were. And if possible I would like to try and be… friends… with you." He purposely hesitated on that word. "I think you and I could really get along if we tried." He added.

"Really?"

"Yes. I do." He took another bite, "Now then why did you ask? If I recall I asked you a question first."

Joey nodded. He grabbed the salt and sprinkled some on his hash browns. "I was thinking after this we could go for a walk. Seriously the breeze looks nice and who knows maybe go swimming or something." His eyes fell back to that very fascinating plate of his.

Kaiba nodded. "I see." He took a crescent roll and slid some butter on it.

Joey looked up and stared uncertain, "So what do you think?"

"About what?"

'Is he doing this to me on purpose?' "About the two of us heading out after breakfast."

"Oh. Right." He inwardly chuckled. It was fun getting the other worked up all the time, even more enjoyable than arguing with him. "That sounds great actually. But won't the little dream-team disapprove of you being seen with a vulgar, despicable demon-blooded CEO?" He asked with mock disgust. "I don't think it'd sit too well with them."

Joey frowned. It was true wasn't it? 'If they see us together they'll definitely beg me to hang out with them and stay away… Especially Yami…' He put down his fork and glanced again at his affection; A sudden surge of determination rising inside. 'What happened to me? I didn't used to be such a pathetic little… It doesn't help matters getting worked up over nothing. It's always been like that but why? They're my friends right? That means that they should accept the decisions I make, after all, I've done my share of sucking it up for the sake of the team… What would it hurt them to just accept the fact that I'm attracted to-'His eyes caught intruding yet beautiful dark hues that seem to be reading his inner thoughts. He froze. 'He's so hot. Every time he catches my eyes I can't breathe, I love the ability to... to...

Kaiba smirked inwardly and showed a smile of lax understanding. "It was a nice idea though." He finished the buttered crescent and took a drink of orange juice.

The blond's eyes blinked and widened in disbelief. Could he honestly hear him? Either way it hurt to think the other would really say something like that with such a quiet, lonely tone. He really did think he'd say no… Why would he say no? 'Because my friends would tell me to- And my friends are the only people in the world I trust…' He outwardly frowned.

"You shouldn't wear such a worried expression Joey." 'I must be better then I thought – to evoke such a reaction with a simple statement. I wonder why it's left him so torn. Perhaps it's because it's true. They've been such a constant in his life –something for him to depend on.' The blond was staring at him with confusion clouding his mind, he was still sulking it seemed. 'I guess I did push it a little too far.' "Such deep concern and fear doesn't look well on you. I like it better when you're being a loud-mouthed idiot." He smirked.

Joey laughed if but a little forced. "Do you really?"

He shrugged. "More or less. It is a lot better than how you are looking right now."

"Kaiba." His voice was delicate; quiet. The two met gazes and the blond smiled sincerely. "I know we perceive ourselves as dependants, always sticking together and being there for each other… To guide us and keep one another from making stupid and foolish mistakes but," He bit his lip and ran an unsteady hand through his hair. "I'm not going to throw my plans out the window because they don't think I can act and think on my own. Despite what my reputation has led one to believe, I am very capable of taking care of myself."

'Is he seriously turning his back on the conscience they've created inside of him? I must say I'm impressed. This is so unexpected; I really thought he'd be so beaten up about this and remain sulking over their unspoken disapproval. Well this only means something more to royally piss Yami Mutoh with.' He mused. "If you're sure it won't be too much a problem for you." 'It's like his bravery increases each passing hour... Joey, you're starting to completely change the way I think of you.'

"As long as you're cool with it, how could it be a problem?" He replied with a smile. And with an honest nod Kaiba smiled. Things were getting interesting – why wouldn't he be happy?

Yami paced back and forth, unable to calm down. He knew Kaiba had something to do with the way Joey left last night. The blond made a big deal about feeling tired and having a headache – needing to go home and sleep it off. There was no way. But he couldn't just force his way into the brunet's room because that would be downright stupid as it was his hotel and unfortunately they were non-paying guests in it.

The others were still fast asleep and he was getting quite annoyed with the way they were so oblivious to the fact Kaiba was up to no good. He had to figure out a way to open Joey's eyes about Kaiba. 'But how am I going to do that – it's not like I can just use my powers on him…' He rubbed his temples, 'I mean I could try but his inherited priest powers would just block me from trying unless I strained and that would be too much of a hassle. I can't think of another way to him except of course…' He sat down on the edge of the sofa, careful not to sit on Mokuba's feet. He shook his head. 'I hate to use Mokuba that way but considering the dangers being presented on both him and Joey I have no choice but show him the truth about you Seto Kaiba. Everyone has to understand you are no longer the devoted priest of long ago Egypt.' There was a knock on the door and the first thought that came to him was of Joey. 'Maybe that's him. It better be, we have a lot scheduled for today.' He went over to answer the door before the intrusion woke anyone.

Anzu yawned and sat up. "Even when I'm supposed to be taking it easy and relaxing I still get up pretty early." He mumbled and got out of bed. Yes of course she got the room – she was the only girl after all. She went to wash her face and teeth before heading out to see if any of her male companions were up and about yet. As she walked out she heard the front door close. With her blue eyes taking in a bit of confusion and curiosity, she crept passed the guys on the floor and looked through the peephole. Her eyes widened as she caught glimpse of who was currently arguing with Yami. "Ryou- what are you?" Her eyes saddened.

Outside the door… "I know what you did to Marik." The other scoffed. "Yami that is completely unacceptable." The soft-spoken Ryou was more than just a little upset.

Yami shook his head. "You seriously haven't come to bother me with something so pathetically miniscule as that. Ryou please, he's lucky I let him leave with barely a scratch on his mentality. That bone-headed bastard deserved a punishment far worse than one bad night." He replied.

He clenched his fists. "What makes you think you can just mess with people's minds in the first place? I don't care what you consider 'letting him off easy' it's still a sick trick you pulled with consequences not even you are aware of. Just because you're familiar with the power doesn't mean it can't have bad effects. I'm warning you Yami not to be doing that sort of stuff to my friends." He warned with a low growl.

Yami glared and stepped closer, "That sounds like an awfully big threat Ryou. It's a good thing you aren't much of one to begin with otherwise I'd have to teach you why not to mess with me or my friends." The tri-colored deviant looked him up and down. "And I assume by 'your' friends you are referring to the lowlife Marik and the snake-bitten Kaiba trying to seduce Joey."

Ryou narrowed his eyes at the so-called leader-of-the-group. "I'd believe it if it weren't coming from you. How can you possibly expect me to trust anything that comes from someone who despises them to begin with?"

Yami smirked folding his arms across his chest. "Because weren't you the one scolding Marik about it?" He questioned with sheer amusement twinkling in his crimson eyes. "In fact it was you from what I remember when I used a little Millennium magic on him and he blurted it out to me… Of course I made sure he was too messed up to remember that I got that out of him." He shrugged and put his hand on the knob. Ryou was speechless. "You talk a good game Ryou, too bad you just don't have the stones to pull it off. How do you expect to protect anyone when you doubt them so readily?" He thought on that for a moment, "Not that I'm saying you were wrong to doubt them. No. The funny part is, you're wrong about defending them to begin with." He pulled the key-card out and slid it through the card reader. "Good day to you."

Ryou stood there stunned. What could he possibly say to that? He wanted to trust in Kaiba and Marik but this whole thing with Yami was blinding them and making them crazy with vengeance. Was it really Marik's fault the group never accepted them? Not to mention Kaiba and Yami's bitter feud which saw no end whatsoever… "Yami's right. How can I defend them when I'm the first one to think they're up to no good?" 'What's worse is they're never up to any good.' "But,"

"Ryou!" He turned around and with surprise caught sight of an out of breath Egyptian rushing up to him. 'Marik?' "What the hell are you doing over here? So close to the lion's den…" Marik mumbled and began pulling him in the opposite direction.

"You're up so early Marik. How are you feeling?"

"Me?" He snorted, still half-dragging the other down the hall. "I'm more worried about you. What were you doing over here anyway?"

'No matter how much I bicker… They always take me back. As if I really mattered at all.' "I was a little upset with what Yami did to you so I-"

"Ryou you're so foolish. After what happened to me you think you'd have enough sense to stay away from that freak." He laughed out while pushing the button for the elevator. "And you're supposed to be the smart one." Ryou pretended to be upset but he couldn't help but smile inwardly.

Yami stepped in and sauntered over to the living area of the room, he stared over and noticed that the bedroom where Anzu slept was shut. "She must be awake now. Good someone to talk to finally." He looked around and nodded. It was about time for everyone to start planning the day. He picked up the phone to call room service.

Anzu leaned against the door with widened eyes and a trickle of sweat falling down her face. "That really wasn't Yami talking to Ryou like that." She whispered nervously. 'I know he hates Kaiba and even Marik but to treat Ryou like that… I've never seen him so cruel and ruthless. Poor Ryou. Even if he treasures them as friends doesn't give Yami the right to mess with him and what was he talking about when he said he'd 'messed Marik up' last night? Millennium Magic? He wouldn't really do something like that, that's-'

There was a knock on her door. She stiffened. "Anzu."

She turned around and swallowed hard. "Yes? What is it Yami?"

"I'm ordering some breakfast for everyone – it'll be up in about forty minutes."

"Okay. Thanks." She replied back and sighed as she heard his footsteps slowly move away. "After Ryou left… Yami went into the room and 'spoke' with Marik…" Her heart was beating rapidly, "And then Marik walked out." 'He… He… tortured him, didn't he?' A chill ran through her body.

"You leaving a note for Mokuba?" Joey asked leaning against the doorframe. The brunet nodded and for a moment more scribbled the rest. He put the paper and pen down on the counter and turned his attention back to the blond.

"Ready to go?"

"Yeah." Joey smiled softly. It bothered him the way the two closest couldn't get along. It was like they were so close they seemed to cause each other the most heartache. He never fought with his sister but then again, they never saw each other. He wondered if it were natural, of course with someone as complex as Yami around, he was sure it wasn't too close to 'natural'. Yami did say a lot of negative things about Kaiba. It could get a bit overwhelming to hear someone repeatedly bash your one and only brother. He'd have to bring this up the next time he saw Yami. Right now though, "So you, uh, clean up pretty well." He retorted.

Kaiba rolled his eyes. He was just wearing a white tee that clung to his body like skin and light blue trunks with sandals – you know, in case they happened to find the beach on their 'walk'. "Of course, you any doubt?"

"None whatsoever." Joey answered quickly. 'How could I ever doubt this opportunity – I may never get a shot like this. Maybe it's a sign that I finally tell him how I feel. I don't want to be simply friends, I don't want our relationship to revolve around petty name-callin, I want…' He looked over the other and swallowed deeply. 'You.'

Kaiba nodded. "You know Joey," The two locked gazes once more, "Something tells me today is going to be a very exciting day."

"Yeah. Me too, Kaiba, Me too."