Chapter 2: Listening without Noise

Author's note: Sorry I haven't updated! I wasn't able to log in. FF.net went nuts on me, but here's the second chappie, and thanks for all the reviews!

At the diner, Seto watched as Tea and Joey frantically signed to each other.

Sometimes Yugi, Yami, or Tristan would interrupt.

Although he had learned sign language, he didn't really feel like letting Yugi's geek posse know that just yet.

Joey, hurry up and order something, Tea signed angrily, The waiter's already been by twice!

Joey smiled sarcastically and pretended to be undecisive about what he wanted.

C'mon, Joey, we're starving, Yugi signed.

Tristan simply gave him a nice, friendly, whack on the head. Joey winced. He then wiggled all of his fingers with his palms facing up, indicating for them to wait.

Seto looked at Yugi.

"How'd he go deaf?" He asked.

Yugi sighed.

"Well, two years ago we were all skating on this little icey pond," his voice grew quiet, "Joey slipped into the thin ice. He had a terrible case of pneumonia, and lost all of his hearing due to infection."

He glanced as Joey and Tea argued silently.

"Joey had already taken a few years of sign language, so he didn't need to learn a lot of new stuff, "Yami added, "but it became all he communicated in."

Seto looked directly at his blonde puppy.

"So, is he mute too?"

He had been longing to hear his voice, and now, his hope deflated like a balloon.

Yugi shook his head.

"He could talk if he wanted to, but he won't, so the rest of us picked up sign instead. We can teach you if you'd like."

Seto shook his head.

"I know some sign, "he said, "but thanks anyway."

He would make the mutt speak. He had waited too long, and Joey's lack of hearing wasn't going to spoil it.

Joey caught the older boy looking at him and smiled awkwardly.

Seto smiled back and lightly tapped the palm of his right hand against his side and snapped his fingers, the sign for, "Dog."

Joey's smile faded into a frown. He knocked his knuckles against his forehead indicating Seto was stupid. Tea, Yugi, Yami, and Tristan chuckled.

When the waiter finally brought their food, Joey's eyes lit up. He immediately began to gorge.

Goodness, Joey, come up for air, Tea signed sarcastically.

Joey only stuck his tongue out at her, then he looked at Seto.

Did you already know sign, or did Yugi just teach you a little?

Stupid Mutt. I've known sign for years, The older boy replied.

Yugi smiled at Seto.

"It's great that you know sign," he said, "now we don't have to translate everything."

Gross! Joey, don't pour coffee on your fries, Tea made a disgusted face as she signed.

Seto tapped Joey on the shoulder. Joey looked at him.

Why don't you talk?

Because I can sign, and because I can't hear myself.

Seto longed so much to hear his voice. He didn't want to communicate merely by gesturing.

We have some catching up to do, He signed quickly, Why don't you come over to my house tomorrow?

Joey nearly choked on his food.

Come over?! You've never invited me over before. What gives?

Seto smiled.

Maybe I want to be your friend, Mutt.

Joey cocked an eyebrow.

I'll think about it.

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Author's note: Like it? Will Joey go over to Seto's house? R&R please, it's like tips for authors. Suggestions and corrections are welcome too!