Present
Chapter two'Kaiba had to be lying or under the influence or something! If it happens again I have to leave, but... I don't want to leave. I can't just abandon Serenity the way our parents did, but if Kaiba leaves her it'll break her heart. The way Mai broke mine. I'll just make sure it doesn't happen again, then I won't have to leave. I just have to make sure I'm never in a room with Kaiba alone. Then we'll be fine. Me Serenity and Kaiba, we'll be fine.'
Joey sat on his bed, starring out to the garden. The cherry tree held few blossoms. The dew on the grass had frozen, leaving icy patterns on the blades. The deep purple sky had a velvet texture. Joey clutched his knees to his chest, his cream duvet followed the contours of his legs. The events of early that evening played in Joey's mind. Slowly he lowered his head to the flimsy pillow.
"I think, I... like you, Seto Kaiba." Joey muttered as he fell into an uneasy sleep.
The early morning sun filtered through the almost bare branches of the cherry tree. The light streamed into Joey's room, revealing the empty bed. The duvet was crumpled at the end of the bed with Joey's light blue pyjamas thrown carelessly towards the centre of the mattress.
'Another day. Another set of problems. Lunch with Serenity. Like that'll solve anything. Well at least I don't have any other plans for today. I can stay in the house and avoid Kaiba, unless Serenity invites him over. I hope she doesn't. Serenity want's to talk and that's what we'll do. I'll say I'm fine with her marrying Kaiba then she'll be happy.'
"But I can't tell her..." Joey's voice was carried by the wind over the calm waters of Domino Bay. His sleep filled eyes squinted against the reflection of the sun.
"Joey?" the sound of Yugi's voice startled Joey.
"Morning Yugi." Joey smiled sleepily.
"What are you doing out here?" Yugi asked. His purple eyes as awake as ever.
"Thinking... wanna back to mine for breakfast? We can talk more" this idea sprang into Joey's head. He'd have a friend to talk to and he didn't have to leave the house.
"Sure," Yugi agreed, "didn't see you at the party last night." Yugi and Joey started to walk along the cliff side path that led to Joey's house.
"I left early, I was tired." Joey replied without looking at Yugi.
"Yet you're out here at seven o'clock in the morning." Yugi contradicted.
'I can't tell you either. I can't tell anyone. Suppose I have to deal with this one myself, don't I?'
Joey remained silent, staring forwards. They carried on, not uttering a word. Joey's subconscious guided him along the winding paths, his mind doubting everything and everyone.
"Here we are, your house." Yugi broke the silence.
"Yeah." Joey sighed and led the way up the garden path.
"Here you go." Joey placed a bowl of rice on the low table in front of Yugi, then moved to the other side of the table and kneeled down.
"You're not eating?" Yugi observed, concern in his voice and eyes.
"I'm not hungry." Joey answered truthfully. A neutral look on his face.
'I going to be late! I'm letting Serenity down. If I can't be on time for lunch, how can I be on time for her wedding!'
Joey ran down the street towards Domino City health centre. The crowds parted round him as he pushed his way through. Yugi had kept him talking and now he was late.
"Serenity?" Joey gasped for breath as he fell the door.
'Were can she be? She can't have gone! I'm only five minutes late and Serenity always accounts for five minutes. I can't see her anywhere! ...No... it can't be!... Kaiba? It is Kaiba... I've gotta get outta here before he.'
"Hey Joey! Over here!" Seto called. The table he was seated at was at the far corner of the small open plan canteen. A handful of the twenty or so tables were taken up by cheerful people. The buzz of their chatter filled the place with warmth.
'Notices me... well I guess it's to late now, and still no Serenity in sight.'
Joey made his way through the tables. With every step closer the feeling of dread in his stomach increased and was joined by an ever-tightening knot.
"Sit down, Mutt." Seto indicated the chair next to him.
Joey smiled awkwardly feeling that if he spoke it would be with a slight stutter.
"Serenity wants us to be friends, so she's paying for lunch." Seto explained.
'This is what I was dreading but I feel... happy... and guilty. I want to stay but I should go, and how did he know I was gonna ask him about this anyway? Is it that obvious? If it is, how am I gonna hide it? What am I gonna do? This is NOT what I wanted!'
"Oh and she took the liberty of ordering for us." Seto informed Joey a look of longing flashed into his eyes for a second.
Joey smiled showing his discomfort. He looked down at his corner of the table, wringing his hands. Seto leaned across the table making Joey rock back instinctively.
"You're being very quiet." Seto sat back in his chair, his arms folded across his chest.
"I'm just tired..." Joey muttered.
"Well you'd better wake up. Serenity's organised a game of badminton for after lunch." A competitive glint appeared in Seto's eyes.
Sorry bout the lack of action but I am working on chapter three as we speak! Hope you liked it and will review.