Disclaimer: I don't own Yugioh. That's it, I won't say any more for the sake of my sanity. @__@

AnimeFan: I just can't keep updating this way! I need to do one story at a time and get them over with. Hmmm...Dragon's Lover and Behind the Veil are all doing nicely, so I'll update this story today. It's so hard. After these three I swear to only do one story at a time!!!

Chibi Bakura: Uh-huh...and what god do you think will believe you?

AnimeFan: Oh, shut it Baku!! Anywho, we're going back to Jono and Kale here so don't flame my ass anymore peeps!! Here's something sad people, I have the Sims game for the computer and the playstation2 now, and in it it lets you have homosexual relationships. So guess what! I made a Seto Kaiba and a Yami Motou! O.O Lol, guess who they are in love with....yeah, you're right. And the girl I made named Tea Gardner, I keep making her touch the insect repel machine. Then I laugh as she gets her ass shocked off every time. ^-^' Muahahaha!!!!

Chibi Bakura: -____-' On to the story...

Chibi Joey: Die, Tea! DIE!!!!

AnimeFan and Chibi Bakura: Joey!! O_o

Chibi Joey: ^-^

Chibi Bakura: You're such a bad influence on him...you know that.

AnimeFan: SO ARE YOU!!!

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Chapter 9 -- Jealousy and Suspicions



Ow! Shit...

Jono sucked on his finger tenderly, silently cursing the be-damned blade in which he was using at that moment. Why, why did he get stuck making the food for the Rebel meeting tonight? Did they all want to die from food poisoning? The young greek wasn't the best cook in the world and he normally only cooked for himself anyway. Sighing, he grabbed some gauze he kept in the kitchen for just this reason and wrapped his poor finger up with it. Once that was over, he reluctantly returned to chopping up some fruit. A knocking from the door almost became the cause of a decapitated finger. He threw the knife down and left the kitchen to the old wooden door. He opened it and signaled an ok for Rasid, a rebel Moon Envoy. Rasid quickly entered and Jono returned to the kitchen to finish up the food.

Soon the rest of the Rebels arrived and the room was filled with their normal chatting and gossip. It was always this way before the meetings, save he normally didn't do the cooking. The blonde bit back the yell, not wanting the others to know how much trouble he was having. Why, why did he have to brag about being a great cook!? This was the gods punishing him for his lie. But what was he supposed to say? That he burned down the kitchen at his house at least twice a week?

You're not very good at cooking are you? You're putting all the wrong spices on that lamb.

Jono jumped for the second time that night, whirling around to come face to face with the last person he'd expected to or even wanted to see at the moment. Kale ignored his stares and continued to inspect his cooking so far with a displeased frown. The blonde felt his face grow hot at the others reaction to his food. Great, so now the white haired angel knew how bad of a cook he was. K-Kale, what a surprise ta see ya here! I was...a...just cookin tonights...um... He stopped when Kale shoved him aside and took up the food himself, cutting everything faster and with greater skill then he could ever of. You were cooking our poison by the looks of it. You sure can't cook very well, can you?

He was now more embarrassed then he had ever been in his entire life. Watching the younger boy cook the food with such speed and ease didn't help either. For your information, I'm here because I said I wanted to, remember? Or did your hormones take over that part of your brain as well? Kale stated and gave him a wry smirk. Eww...Jono adverted his eyes, embarrassment growing with every second, Ya still remember that...don't ya. Heh, I have a very logical explanation for that! Ya see... Kale stopped him with two fingers and shrugged like the whole thing had been no big deal. I don't want to here excuses. I'm used to being hounded by puppy dogs anyway.

P-Puppy dogs?

Foods done!! The thief exclaimed and quickly set down the knife to race out of the kitchen. Jono was left behind to stare with blinking eyes. What the hell had just happened there? Puppy dog? He wasn't no mutt! Hey! Come back here ya filthy street rat! Wha'd ya call me!? The blonde ran after the filthy street rat' and ungracefully crashed into someone. A deep growl came from the someone's accomplice and he was roughly jerked off the floor only to be faced with yet another person he'd never expected to see at the meeting that night, Prince Ouiji. Ouiji...please put Jono down. I'm sure he didn't mean it, he tends to crash into people a lot. Jono glanced over and relaxed as he spotted Setoek who was starting to get up off the floor. The spiky haired prince let go of him, causing him to fall on his butt, and quickly went to help the mage up.

Jono scowled and got up off the floor, turning his gaze to his friend, Hey Setoek, good ta see ya tonight. Um, why is HE here? Setoek glanced over to Ouiji, gave him a timid smile, then turned back to the greek. Ouiji says he wants to join us rebels! Suddenly, the blonde started to choke and quickly dragged his brunette friend into the kitchen, away from everyone else and the prince. Much to Ouiji's annoyance obviously. Setoek blinked at him, slightly confused at the flaxen-haired boy's action. Jono finished his coughing and stared at him wide eyed, Wha do ya mean, he wants ta join us!? Ya don't really believe that, do ya! I mean, we can't have the son of the pharaoh listenin in ta every one of our plans!!!!! Setoek frowned at him, What plans...so far we have nothing, Jono.



Still, I know he's the pharaoh's son and all, but Ouiji is serious about this Jono! I can tell so, it's in his eyes! He really does want to join and not for bad intentions. I'm begging you to trust him like you've trusted me. Setoek had taken a hold of his hands and was looking up at him with pleading eyes. Jono winced, silently cursing his softness. The mage was right, he had no reason to trust the brunette any more then the prince, but he had and still did. But still, He hurt ya, Setoek! I can't just except that he just up an stopped. He's tryin ta screw us over, all put up all my merchandise an money on it...



Both boys looked up and noticed Ouiji who had just walked in. The prince narrowed his eyes when he saw their hands entwined and turned to glare up at Jono dangerously. Setoek, could you please go in to the other room. I'd like to talk to your friend' privately. Setoek blinked and stared at him curiously before slightly blushing and leaving them. Jono frowned and returned the prince's glare. They stood for a few minutes, eyes locked in a silent battle with the heat dropping within the air between them. Then the amber-eyed youth strolled up and shoved a finger into Jono's chest, practically spitting poison with every word that left his mouth, I'm trying to be nice to my mage, letting him be your friend. But let's get one thing strait, street boy, he's my little love. Mine! If I so much as catch you trying anything on him you can bet you'll be sleeping on dungeon floors for the rest of your measly life. Seemingly proud with himself, the prince pulled back and started out of the room.

Ya think I'm scared of ya! Well, your majesty, Setoek is my friend. I'll make this clear, if I so much as see another bruise on him ya can bet I'll come after ya. Unlike some people, I treat Setoek like he's human, like he has feelin's cause he does. If I had it my way, you'd never see him again! Ya don't deserve such a sweet boy, ya overly spoiled child! He's loyal ta ya and care's for ya deeply, yet ya treat him like he's somethin disposable. One day your gonna wake up and wish ya'd never of been so cruel ta him.

Jono and Ouiji glared at each other for another good five minutes, about to go at each other's throat when Setoek returned with a drink for them all. The meetings about to start you guys. Come on or we'll miss out. Ouiji excepted the drink from Setoek and grabbed him around the waist, dragging the slightly confused mage out of the kitchen. Jono followed, already in a slightly pissed mood that night.

A few minutes later...The nerve of that over-conceited, stuck up, fat assed... Hey, Jono! He snapped out of his thoughts, realizing he had been asked a question.

Wha? Sorry...I was sort of thinkin about somethin...

Good gods, the greek was thinking! I thought he looked rather strained.

Jono scowled over in the direction of the prince, his face growing hot when he noticed his little white haired angel sitting next to the spoiled brat snickering at Ouiji's comment. Great, the ass was hurting his friend and stealing his thief!! That thief!! Er...ok...

Please people, let's continue with the discussion.

What discussion!? We've had at least a million meetings and face it, we have yet to come up with an idea...let alone a plan!

We have to do something! We can't just sit around forever ranting about the unjust laws and unfair treatments! I have a family to protect.

We all do, Nakt, but we can't just jump into action without a plan.

Why don't we ask our two newest members? How about it Kale? Prince Ouiji?

All eyes turned to the two boys. Kale eyed them all back and shrugged, How am I supposed to know? I'm just a thief after all.

Yes, you're a thief...but you also told us you were a mix breed. I know this is sort of off the subject, but what mix are you?

Kale looked up from the prince's questioning eyes and thought about it, tapping his chin as he looked for the right words to put it in. Jono leaned forward, along with many others whose curiosity was getting the better of them. Setoek nearly fell out of his chair, being the most curious of all the rebels. Finally Kale shrugged and smiled at them all charmingly, Why, I believe my mother was a Change of Heart.

A crashing noise was made as Setoek finally fell out of his chair, a slight blush tinting his face as he cracked a crooked smile at everyone. Ouiji shook his head and helped the embarrassed mage back up, surprising everyone as well as Setoek when he pulled the brunette down onto his lap and wrapped his arms possessively around his waist. Jono eyed him warily, starting to think that maybe the prince wasn't as bad as he'd been imagining.

Well, that might explain a few things...but back to our current subject. Does the prince have any ideas?

Everyone was still looking at the prince and mage, so there was no needed movement. Ouiji put on the same thoughtful expression that Kale had worn and snuggled his face into the crook of Setoek's neck. Hn...truthfully I don't know. I know the Shadow Games started through the influence of the god, Set. I also know that the Divine One's tried to stop him using the sennen items. I suppose I could ask my father about the legend and maybe me and Setoek could search through the scrolls for some kind of clue or hint. That's all I can think of to do though.

That's better then anything we've come up with as of yet. Would you mind doing that for us?

Ouiji and Setoek shook their heads without protest.

Good, we also could look at scrolls in the public library. Old text and stuff. Maybe some of you Mons could contact family and have them see what they could find out in the Shadow Realm?

No one protested, silently agreeing with what was said. Jono let out a long sigh, not realizing he'd been holding his breath. Well, now that that's all settled...

Jono is correct in his thinking, the meeting is adjourned for now. If there is any other ideas or meetings, you will all be contacted as to when they will be. May Ra watch over us all.

Murmurs and nods from everyone and the meeting was over. Jono relaxed into his chair and silently watched as everyone either gathered in small groups to continue halted conversations or left to go home to their families. He watched curiously as one Dark Magician stood up and walked over to the prince, starting a slightly excited but short conversation. Jono stood and walked over, craning to listen in.

It's so nice to see you here with us rebels, friend.

Yes, I'm surprised to see you here as well. How's little Staff and Orb?

They're doing fine, Orb's showing off to my daughter as usual. I know he likes her and it's so cute to watch him deny it when you ask. Reminds me of when I was a child and met Staff's mother.

Ah yes, he was a rather indignant one for the few seconds I got to meet him. Your master hasn't done anything to you all, has he.

No, not at all. In fact, he's scared to even scold us for the smallest things. Ha ha, you sure gave him a fright. If only you hadn't left so quickly, Ouiji. Staff wanted you to stay a little longer and play.

I am sorry, I was just struck with a...revolution, I suppose you could say. Do say hi to her for me, will you?

Sure I will, in fact I'm planning to bring them both along when the next meeting comes up. I'm sure Staff will be thrilled to see you again.

Then I will make absolutely sure to not miss the next meeting. Good night, Daiki.

Yes, good night to you.

Jono watched as Daiki turned and left the house with a contented smile brightening his face. He stopped as he got over there to Ouiji and Setoek. The brunette was giving the prince a questioning gaze and Ouiji just shrugged like it was no big deal. Well, I suppose we'll be relying on ya now.

Ouiji glared up at him and the two silently made death threats to each other, furthering Setoek's confusion for the night. Finally, mercy was given to the mage before he went nuts with curiosity. Ouiji turned and scooped the brunette up with amazing strength, slightly surprising Jono.

Come, my sweet mage. You stink.

How very honest of you to inform me, master.

I am to be pharaoh one day, I must be truthful. Besides, I know the cure for your problem...a hot bath and a body scrub.

Oh, and I am to be sure that it is you who will be doing the scrubbing?

But of course, Setoek. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Jono watched dumbfounded as the pharaoh's son carried Setoek out of the house and in the direction of the palace. Well, he wasn't expecting that little show. The blonde crossed his arms stubbornly and scowled at the closed door in silent hate. Stupid spoiled prince...he didn't trust him!

Well, well. Aren't you the mother hen of the bunch.

Jono cocked an eyebrow at Kale who had walked up to stand by him with a teasing smirk on that angelic face. What are ya talking about?

Well, it's obvious. You and the prince look like you're ready to tear each other's throat out. If you ask me, the prince is jealous of you and Setoek's close friendship and thinks that you have a thing for his koi. On the other side, you are just overly protective of your friend and have taken it upon yourself to act like his mother. Because of this, you two have decided that you're rivals to each other and threats to the brunette magician.

Jono pouted stubbornly and stared at the wall, suddenly becoming interested in the designs caused by the dried clay. Ok, so maybe he was acting like an overly protective mother. Was that such a bad thing!? I knew I was right. Heh. Kale smiled up at him with a know-it-all gleam in his emerald eyes. The blonde let out a sigh and let loose his tension. He couldn't argue with the bandit, he was being way to motherly. Jono eyed Kale warily from the corner of his eye, halting when he spotted several fresh cuts on the albino's arm.

What are those?

Kale's eyes widened slightly and he stared down at the cuts as if he'd just now noticed them, They're nothing. Just some cuts, no big deal.

Jono continued his search over the thief's form, no longer caring if the other noticed. He soon spotted several more cuts and some very painful looking bruises on the other. Ya sure have a lot of those cuts' for it ta be nothin. Where'd ya get them from?

Why do you care.

Cause I do. Now, where did ya get those cuts from?

It's none of your business. Go jump off a bridge or something and save us all the agony of forcing you.

Jono ignored this and took the other boy by the hand, dragging him to the kitchen and plopping him down on a chair. Kale jerked away when he started to wash the cuts, eyeing him like he was a poisonous snake. He sighed and grabbed the others arm, forcing the thief to let him clean the cuts. If you're not gonna tell me where ya got them from at least let me medicate them. Kale scowled at him but relaxed, stubbornly turning his head away from the blonde to glare at the wall. Jono forced himself to concentrate on cleaning the wounds and not thinking about how soft the other's skin was or how beautiful he was. Damn, how he wished to have the other for himself. He'd never wanted someone like this before, never, and Kale was a thief! Talk about being in love with someone who practically lives in a different world then his own. There just had to be a law in the book of traders and merchants that said something against falling for a bandit.

"Ok, that's good. I have to get going now before my...boyfriend goes looking for me..."

"Boyfriend?" Jono eyed him warily, a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. Oh...so he has a boyfriend, great. Should of figured that out. Something snapped in his mind and the blonde turned carmel eyes on Kale, "You're boyfriend wouldn happen ta have anythin ta do with these cuts an bruises...would he?" Kale glared at him angrily and pulled his arm way, walking quickly out of the kitchen, "It's none of your business where I got these cuts from! Quit harassing me!" He stood up and watched the other leave, eyes narrowing suspiciously. It might not have been his business before, but he had just made it his...

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AnimeFan: Come, my sweet mage! You stink! =P Haha! I loved that little scene I put in there. Awe, Jono's acting all motherly...he tends to do that a lot in my story. heh. Notice how I sort of switched the roles here? I just now noticed that I made Jono and Setoek best friends, Yami and Jono rivals, and Bakura and Yami sporting promises of a beautiful friendship. ^-^' I told you peeps there'd be OOC-ness in this. After all, they may be the same characters we all know and love, but they are living different lives in this story.

Chibi Bakura: Puppy dog!!! ^_^

Chibi Joey: Shut up!!! 9_9