Author's notes: thank you all so much for your reviews!!! I didn't expect to get so many!!!!! I appreciate them heaps!!! Okay.. I can't be bothered writing the disclaimer and the warning, so yeah.. you know what they're supposed to say anyway.
To:
passingthrough: Jou works there because he needs the money, so he doesn't have to return to his father, and umm.. yeah this is basically another Seto rescues Jou fic- I'm sorry!!! Lol, I just can't get enough of them!!
!#$%&()
Chapter 2
"Have you ever heard of anywhere the involves fire and ice?" Seto asked his chaffeur casually.
The suit clad man grinned. "I never knew you were into that kind of thing, Mr Kaiba." he spoke with a sense of familiarity with the young CEO- after all, they had known each other ever since Seto had first been taken in by Gozaburo.
"What do you mean?" Seto frowned, and leaned forward, interest written in his ice blue eyes.
"Haven't you ever heard of the bar Fire and Ice, sir?" the chaffeur asked, surprised. "It's the most notorious bar in Domino, sir.
"It's a bar?" so the mutt works in a bar. Now that is interesting, Seto thought, smirking to himself. "Where is it?
"Do you want me to take you there, sir?" he asked.
Seto thought about it. Mokuba had mentioned that Joey worked every day after school and in the weekends, so that meant that the blond would be relatively easy to find... he shook his head, trying to get rid of the thought. No way was he going to go chasing after the mutt!
Mokuba hopped into the limo at that moment, grinning happily. "Hey Seto!
"Hn." Seto grunted.
"What are you frowning about, Ôniisan?" Mokuba asked curiously.
"He wants to know about the Fire and Ice bar.
"Hey, that's where Joey works!" Mokuba cried. He shifted excited in his seat. "Are we going to go visit him? Please, Seto? I can show you around and-
"The mutt allowed you to go into a bar?" Seto demanded, livid with anger.
"I didn't go into the actual bar, Seto, and his friends took good care of me! Please can we go? I think you'll like it there.
"Hn." Seto hesitated.
"And besides," the raven haired boy added quickly "I've got to return Joey's wallet anyway. He gave it to me to look after yesterday evening, and I forgot to give it back.
Seto nodded reluctantly, and gave the order to the chaffeur to head over to Fire and Ice.
Seto's doubts resurfaced when he saw the bar. Fire and Ice looked like a regular hanging out place for people who wanted sex.
"Are you sure this is where Wheeler works?" Seto asked doubtfully.
"Yep, this is the place. Come on, let's go in.
They made their way through the throng of people on the dance floor, and sitting at the bar. Mokuba pushed his way to the bar, and waved the bartender over.
"A bit young for this place aren't you?" the bartender asked, his kind eyes twinkling at Mokuba.
"Is the dog in?" Mokuba asked, raising his voice to be heard over the crowd.
Seto stood close by his younger brother, not wanting for him to get lost in the large crowd. He was amazed at how many people there were- surely there weren't that many people in Domino that were desperate for sex?
The bartender nodded. "He's working at the moment. I saw him go off with someone a while earlier. Do you want Prince?
"Yeah. Do you know where he is?
"Just go through that door over there, and he's in the first room on the right.
Mokuba gave his thanks, and dragged Seto into Prince's room. The dark haired boy looked up at him, surprised.
"Blackie? Hey, little buddy, what are you doing here?" Prince asked, gesturing for him and Seto to sit down on the bed. "This is Seto Kaiba, right?
Seto glared at him. "What's it to you?
"Jeez buddy, just calm down." Prince glared straight back at him. He hadn't liked the rich 17 year old before, but he hated him now.
"Here. Give this to Wheeler." Seto handed the wallet to Prince, who gave it back, his hazel eyes dark with anger.
"You give it to him.
"Where is he?" Seto asked.
Prince stood up and started walking out of the room. He hesitated at the doorway and turned to Mokuba. "Maybe it'll be better if you just stay here, Blackie. Joey might be a bit... busy.
Seto's eyes widened in disbelief.
Is he trying to suggest that Wheeler's a prostitute? he wondered, amazed. Never! Joey would never do that! he didn't realise that he had called the mutt by his first name.
He followed Prince down the corridor, looking around with suspicious blue eyes at the scantily clad people wandering down the corridor. They shot him flirtatious smiles and winks, and some even grabbed at him, but Seto ignored them as if they were annoying bugs, and nothing more.
They stopped outside room 301, and Prince knocked on the door.
"What do you want?" Joey's voice came from inside the room. He sounded breathless, and Seto could hear someone, probably him, fumbling around.
"It's me, Prince. Someone here to see you, dog. Are you busy?
Seto could hear Joey conversing with someone, then the door opened, and Joey stood, leaning against the doorframe, a loose towel draped around his waist, riding dangerously low, causing Seto's breath to hitch in his throat.
"What?" he asked, moving to the side as a hurriedly dressed man pushed past him, giving him a quick, grateful kiss on the mouth.
Seto stared at him wordlessly, then back to Joey again. The blond hadn't noticed him yet, and Seto wasn't sure he wanted Joey to.
I never thought... I never thought that the mutt was this desperate... Seto thought.
Prince stepped aside. "Kaiba's here to see you.
They stared at each other for several tense minutes. Joey swallowed visibly, and took a step back, clutching the towel even tighter around him, feeling extremely small and alone dressed only in a towel.
"K- Kaiba? I w-wasn't expecting to s-see you here." Joey stammered, and glanced meaningfully at Prince.
Prince nodded and quickly walked off, leaving the pair alone.
"Trust you to fuck people for money." Seto growled, and brushed past Joey to enter the room. "Now get something on for god's sake.
Joey went a bright crimson and hurriedly tied the towel around his waist, and started to pull on a t-shirt. Seto laid a hand on one bare shoulder, and pushed him onto the bed.
"You're a goddamn prostitute?" he asked. His mind was running around in circles, and he couldn't accept the fact that the mutt was prostitute.
"I'm not a fucking prostitute!" Joey burst out. "I- I'm a dancer. I... I just get paid extra for sleeping with people." he let out a sharp breath. "Goddamnit Kaiba, you don't know the first thing about now having enough money to support yourself. I need this money. There is no way that I'm going to return to my father!
Tense silence filled the room, and Seto simply glared at him while Joey just looked down at the ground.
"...Do you want something to drink?" Joey asked finally, in a soft voice.
"People who sell their bodies for money don't deserve my attention." Seto said scathingly, his blue eyes flashing. "Don't you dare go anywhere near my brother, ever again. I don't want you to rub off any of your bad habits-" he smirked coldly "-to him.
Joey let out a shuddery breath. "Please, Kaiba, don't tell anyone." he hated begging to his rival, but it had to be done. If Yugi or any of the others found out...
"And why would I tell anyone?" Seto asked, and headed for the door. "Look, mutt, what you do in your own time is your own business." he hesitated, and watched Joey as the blond started rummaging around his room.
Joey pulled on a singlet and dark pants, and stood up, ignoring the fact that Seto was staring at him, and had been doing so while he was getting changed.
"Excuse me." he whispered, standing in front of Seto who was in front of the door, preventing him from leaving the room. "I have business to take care of.
Seto followed Joey with his gaze, taking in the way that the blond walked- his hips swinging from side to side, his shoulders pulled back and his stride confident yet alluring at the same time.
Wheeler's changed. A lot, Seto thought. He returned to Prince's room, and beckoned to Mokuba. "Let's go.
"What about Joey?" Mokuba asked.
"It's his life, and he can take care of himself." Seto muttered cryptically.
Mokuba frowned. What does that have to do with my question? he wondered, but said nothing, and silently followed his brother out of the bar.
#$%
Mai approached Seto, dressed in a tight, midriff bearing singlet, and shorts. Her blonde hair was let loose, and flowing down her back, and her violet eyes shone with mirth.
"Hey, Kaiba!" her voice snapped Seto out of his Joey filled thoughts. "Do you wanna come to my party?
Seto gave an uninterested grunt, and glanced at the invitation she was holding out. Three words caught his attention.
Fire and Ice...
He glanced up at her, shocked. "You're holding it at Fire and Ice?
"You got a problem with that?" she asked, smiling widely. "What, too frigid to have a bit of fun?
Seto scowled at her. "I'll be there." he muttered. Joey would be working there... did he know? He glanced at the blond, but Joey didn't notice him, and was too busy completing his homework.
Seto read the invitation, and saw that it was for Mai's 18th birthday party, and it was that night.
"It's a bit late, seeing as it's tonight." Seto commented. His mind was still on Joey, and how he was going to react.
Mai shrugged, flicking her wavy blonde hair over her shoulder. "Well, you weren't at school yesterday, or the day before, so it had to be today that you got your invitation.
Seto scowled again. "Whatever." he thought of something, and asked "Is the mutt coming?
Mai glared over at Joey. Obviously she hadn't quite forgiven him for rejecting her a few months ago, leaving her Ôbroken hearted' and Ôdistressed' though she had gone out with several people since then.
"No. Besides, he's working. I asked before.
Seto nodded, and continued typing on his laptop, pointedly ignoring the girl in front of him.
"Why so interested?" Mai asked, a sly note in her musical voice.
"No reason." Seto lied. "Just wondering.
Anzu called for Mai at that moment, and the blonde girl left after a last suspicious glance at Seto.
Seto looked over at Joey once again, and this time the blond met his gaze. Their eyes locked for a few minutes, until Joey finally tore his gaze away when Yugi started to talk to him.
Seto ignored the funny feeling in his stomach. It's not as if Wheeler's the cause or anything. I don't even like the mutt. There's nothing between us. Nothing. Nothing at all.
!#$%
Seto sat next to Yami and Honda, suppressing a yawn and wishing that something interesting would happen.
He watched, almost enviously, as Yugi and Yami linked hands underneath the table. How would it feel, he wondered, to have someone that loved you, and just you? Not for your money, or your reputation, but who you were.
It must be great, he thought bitterly. I don't suppose it'll ever happen to me.
Someone must have heard Seto's earlier plea, because a flash of gold caught his gaze, and all his breath left his body as he spotted Joey making his way towards the front of the bar, where their table was situated.
Seto stood up, and immediately everyone's gazes was fixed on him.
"Where are you going?" Otogi asked.
"Bathroom." he lied, then felt a rush of relief as the lights dimmed slightly. "The show's starting.
"Well come back soon." Yugi murmured, leaning into his yami's embrace. "You don't want to miss the show.
Suddenly, to Seto's horror, Honda straightened up, and said "Isn't that Joey?
Everyone immediately craned around, looking for their friend.
"I thought he wasn't coming.
"Maybe he decided to show up after all." Mai suggested. "We could call him over.
"But how can you be sure that it's the mutt?" Seto demanded, his heart hammering furiously in his chest. "There are a lot of blonds in this world.
"You seem pretty adamant that it's not him." Mai observed. "And before, you wanted to know whether Joey wanted to go to this party. Why so curious?
"It's none of your business. Now, if you don't mind, I have to go to the bathroom." Seto walked off, grateful for the darkness of the bar, and searched for the shaggy blond mop of hair.
He saw Joey walking towards the stage, which would cause him to be in full view of everyone.
"Dog!" he hissed loudly enough for people around him to hear.
Joey paused, looking around, then started to walk again. Seto picked up speed, and grabbed the blond by the back of his singlet, and crushed him to his chest.
Joey flinched slightly, then relaxed into his hold.
"Can I help you, sir?" Joey asked, and Seto's breath hitched in his throat at the huskiness of the honey brown eyed boy's voice- it seemed that the mutt was used to this.
"You idiot. What were you thinking?" Seto whispered harshly into Joey's ear, smirking when the blond gasped and twisted around.
"Kaiba? What the hell are you doing here?" Joey whispered back.
"Mai's having a party here. Your bunch of friends are sitting over there, and nearly saw you." he replied, and saw Joey's eyes widen with horror.
"What? Oh Gods what am I going to do? They're going to find me for sure!" Joey moaned, and rested his head on Seto's shoulder.
Seto tensed up immediately. After a few minutes, he tentatively reached out and ran his hand through the silky blond strands.
"Relax, mutt. I'll help you." he muttered, and pulled Joey even closer to him. "Just do what you normally do for your clients.
"But- but-" Joey stammered, not sure what to say. But I sleep with my clients! he wanted to yell. "Kaiba, are you mad?
"No. How else do you think we're going to get out of here, Wheeler?
"I don't know..." Joey trailed off. "Perhaps-" he broke off and gestured at someone.
Immediately the lights flicked off, and everyone was in the dark. Joey grabbed Seto's hand, and led the brunette across the room and to the bar.
He grabbed two drinks from the bartender who grinned heartily at him.
"Thanks Cupid.
"No problemo, Dog." Cupid winked at him, then turned to serve some other customers.
"You know a lot of people here." Seto observed, accepting a drink from Joey. They sat on the bar stools, sipping at their drinks for a while. Seto kept sneaking glances at his puppy, amazed at how much Joey had changed from his usual happy-go-lucky self. He wasn't sure how to act around the new, seductive Joey.
"What's the matter Kaiba?" Joey asked finally, disturbed.
Why does Kaiba keep looking at me? he wondered. Is there something wrong with me?
"Nothing." Seto replied hastily.
"Then why do you keep looking at me?
"You're different." Seto replied bluntly. "When does your shift end?
"Well, it seems that I don't have any customers, so I'm finished now." Joey replied.
Seto winced at the mention of Joey's Ôcustomers' but said nothing aloud. "Then let's go.
"Go? Go where?" Joey asked, bewildered. "What are you talking about?
"Go to the cafe on the corner." Seto replied. "Grab a coffee and bite to eat.
Is Kaiba asking me out on a date? Joey wondered. He immediately started to berate himself. You idiot Joey, he just wants something to eat and is asking you out of politeness. Wait- Kaiba, polite? Not likely.
"Sure." Joey said aloud, and shrugged. "Why not?
They stood up and started to make their way out of the bar. As they moved through the large throng of people, a prostitute grabbed Seto, smiling flirtatiously at him, her hands groping his body shamelessly.
"You fucking whore!" Seto growled. "Get the fuck off me!
Joey looked over, surprised by Seto's outburst. He saw the woman trying to seduce him -and failing miserably- and quickly wrapped his arms around Seto, resting his head on top of the brunette's shoulder.
"Fuck off Olga." he snapped. "He's mine.
Olga's face took on a sour edge, and she walked off, after throwing an angry glare over her shoulder at Joey who glared back.
"...Thanks." Seto whispered. He was pleasantly surprised when Joey didn't let go, and left his arm around Seto's waist as they carried on walking.
"Don't want anyone else to hit on you." Joey said by way of explanation when Seto looked at him, the question clear in his eyes. A smile spread across his face, and he pulled Joey closer to him.
It was Joey's turn to look questioningly at Seto, who shrugged.
"Don't want anyone else to steal you." he whispered huskily into Joey's ear, making the blond shiver.
Was that just me, or was Kaiba actually flirting with me? he wondered, amazed. Miracles of miracles!
To his horror, a dull blush spread across his tanned face, and he looked away hastily, hoping that Seto hadn't noticed.
But Seto had- Joey could tell by the sly grin on his face. Joey could feel Seto's hot breath on his neck, which only increased his blush.
"S- so why did you come?" Joey asked, wanting to talk about anything, hoping that his blush would go away.
Seto shrugged. "I knew that we were coming here. I didn't want them to find you out.
"Awwww... how sweet..." Joey said sarcastically. He smiled. "No, I'm kidding. Thank you though. I... I appreciate it.
They walked down the road in silence, and Seto slowly snaked his lean arm around Joey's waist, holding his puppy even closer.
"Why did you start working there?" Seto asked curiously, as they entered the warmth of the cafe. They ordered some coffee and two slices of strawberry cheesecake and sat down at the back of the shop far away from the other people.
Joey looked down at his coffee as he blew on it to cool the scalding liquid. "My father always used to go there and get really drunk. He took me a couple of times, left me in the back rooms. I was really little, and they always told me that they would take me in when I was older. I started working there two years ago, as a dancer.
"A dancer?" Seto asked incredulously. "You can dance?
Joey let out his breath in a huff, indignation written all over his face. "I can dance! So shut it, Kaiba." he growled.
"Then dance.
"What?" Joey asked, his eyes widening in shock.
Seto leaned across the table, so that he and Joey were a few scant millimetres apart. A mischevious smirk was on his face, and there was an emotion that Joey couldn't identify in Seto's ice blue eyes.
"I said, dance.
"Here, now? Are you crazy, Kaiba?
"No." Seto laughed softly. "Not here, not now. Later.
"Later?" Joey was getting more and more confused. What was Kaiba trying to get at? "Kaiba, talk straight for once!" and lean back a little, Joey thought desperately, Seto's closeness wreaking havoc on his senses. "Besides," he added "I don't think you'll like my style of dancing.
Joey froze as Seto's fingertips grazed his cheek, the brunette's hot breath on his face. "K-Kaiba? What are you doing?
"Dance for me.
"What?
"Dance for me." Seto repeated. "Tonight. Dance for me.
Joey couldn't do anything but stare at his companion for a few long minutes. Did I just miss something, or did Kaiba just ask me to dance for him?
"Are you that desperate to get laid?" Joey blurted out before he could stop himself.
Seto frowned. "What?
"Ah.. never mind. All I'm saying is that my kind of dancing needs the right sort of music, and-
"All of which I have." Seto smiled triumphantly as Joey gave a sigh of defeat.
"Alright then. But why?
"I want to see if you can really dance." they both knew that wasn't why, but neither said anything.
Joey sipped at his drink, and studied the boy sitting across from him. Seto was dressed in his usual white trench coat, with grey slacks and grey turtleneck underneath. His ice blue eyes were slightly weary, as if from staring from too many documents, and his brown hair was mussed up.
"Stop staring at me." Seto snapped. He lifted his eyes to meet Joey's startled honey brown orbs.
Joey immediately diverted his eyes and peered at his sneaker clad feet, embarrassed at having been caught staring.
"You finished?" Seto asked, and Joey suddenly realised that he had finished off his slice of cheesecake and drink.
"Er- yeah." Joey muttered, and stood up.
They exited the shop, and Seto's arm found its way back around his waist. The brunette guided Joey down the road, and into his waiting limo.
"Umm.. are you sure about this?" Joey asked, as they zoomed down the road.
"I'm always sure.
"But-" he broke off, and looked out the limo window.
Seto looked at him curiously, but didn't say anything. They arrived at the Kaiba mansion, and Seto ushered Joey inside, and downstairs.
"I never knew there was another level underground." Joey observed as Seto entered a password into the little device on the wall.
The doors slid open, and Seto entered the room. All Joey could do was stare at the large room in surprise.
"You have a ballroom?" he asked, amazement written all over his voice and face. "I didn't know that you dance!
"I don't." Seto replied hastily. "My step father used to hold functions and secret meetings here.
"That's a shame." Joey remarked. "You'd make a good ballroom dancer.
"I- I would?" Seto asked, uncertain of how to respond. He quickly hid the awkwardness he felt with a self assured smirk, and stepped closer to the blond. "Then teach me." he whispered, almost seductively.
Joey's eyes widened, his muscles tensing as the brunette wrapped an arm around his waist, crushing him to his chest. His ice blue eyes were alight with fire, and the passion burning within their depths captured Joey's complete attention.
He couldn't move, and simply stared at Seto in disbelief.
Is this for real? Joey wondered. Or am I still dreaming?
"I said teach me." Seto commanded.
"I- I learnt a bit of ballroom dancing when I was younger Ôcause my mum made me go with Serenity. I know how to waltz and stuff." Joey said. "But I don't know if I can still remember that stuff.
"Try." Seto whispered into his ear.
"Well -er- okay..." Joey took a step forward, forcing Seto to take a step back. "And you do that again." he whispered, as Seto leaned into him, pressing his body as tightly against Joey's as possible. His face was right against Joey's, and the blond could feel Seto's hot breath against his cheek and neck.
"And again..." Joey's words were getting fainter and fainter as they moved across the dance floor.
And Kaiba said he couldn't dance! Joey thought, outraged. He's a good ballroom dancer.
"I thought you said you couldn't dance." Joey accused, looking up into Seto's eyes.
Seto shrugged, a smile on his face. "I lied.
Joey was surprised at how much a simple smile could change Seto's face entirely. It made his face much more pleasant.
"We learnt ballroom dancing at the orphanage, in our free time." Seto shrugged. "I've taken a few lessons since then.
Joey realised that Seto had switched their positions, and now the brunette was leading. To his surprise, Joey found that he didn't actually mind. It was a nice feeling, to let someone else be in charge for once, to just sit back and be carried along without a care in the world.
Good god, I'm dancing with Kaiba! the thought hit Joey suddenly, and he staggered back. I can't do this- this is all wrong!
Seto frowned Joey suddenly pulled away from his embrace, and ran to the door.
"I- I've got to go." Joey stammered, not meeting Seto's questioning eyes. "We've got school tomorrow, and it's late.
"Wheeler, it's Friday night."
"W- well, I've got work tomorrow." Joey mentally cursed himself at his lame excuses. "And I need sleep.
Seto sighed heavily, and entered his pin code into the door. He watched silently as the blond ran out of the ballroom, and out of his mansion.
He leaned against the wall, and buried his head in his arms.
For a second there, I thought that Wheeler actually cared for me. I guess I was just lying to myself, Seto thought bitterly. I'll always be alone.
Joey came to a sudden halt.
What the fuck am I doing? he wondered. I was having the time of my life with Kaiba, and I was stupid enough to leave!
He turned around and sprinted back to the Kaiba mansion. To his surprise, the door was still open, and he cautiously entered the large building.
"Kaiba? You there?" he called out hesitantly.
I wonder what came over us back in that ballroom. Is it possible that Kaiba loves me? Joey shook his head. No, I'm just dreaming.
Joey's breath hitched in his throat as he saw Seto's lean figure at the end of the corridor. The brunette was sitting on the floor, leaning against the wall, his knees pulled up against his chest, head buried in his arms. Never before had Joey seen the headstrong CEO look so lost and alone.
"Kaiba?" Joey asked softly, kneeling by the older Kaiba.
"Wheeler?" Seto looked up, surprised.
He came back? Seto wondered, amazed. He suddenly realised how pitiful he looked, and hurriedly stood up, regaining his dignity and pride.
"What the fuck do you want, Wheeler?" he demanded roughly.
Maybe I was just imagining things when I thought we could perhaps be friends. I guess we're back to hating each other, Joey thought sadly.
He climbed to his feet. "I just wanted to thank you again.
Seto said nothing, and started to walk down the corridor.
"Kaiba?" Joey gave a groan of frustration. "Where are you going?
"To bed. As you said before, it's late, and I have work in the morning." he smirked.
Joey scowled at him. "Whatever. I just came back to say thanks.
"Good for you. Now piss off." Seto glared at him.
Idiotic, stubborn son of a bitch! Joey thought viciously, and started to exit the mansion once more. I was stupid to come back.
"Wait- Wheeler!" Seto yelled out as he watched Joey start to walk down the street.
Joey stopped walking, and turned around, watching as Seto ran after him. The brunette slowed down to a slow walk, taking his time to reach Joey.
"Well? Do you have something to say or not?" Joey snapped. "It's fucking cold, Kaiba.
Seto shrugged, looking up at the dark sky. "I don't now. It seems like a pretty nice night to me.
Joey glared at him. "What do you want, Kaiba?
Seto hesitated. He bit his lip, a very un-Kaiba like gesture, before swiftly wrapping both of his arms around Joey's lithe form, and pressing his lips against the blond's own rosy lips.
Joey tensed immediately, frozen, unable to do anything. Finally, his senses returned to him, and he returned the kiss with passion, burying his fingers deep into Seto's thick crop of brown hair.
They had to pull apart for air after a few minutes of breathlessness. Joey stared into Seto's eyes in blank disbelief.
"Kaiba? What-?
"Think about it." Seto whispered, slowly tracing the curve of Joey's jaw with a slender finger. "Sweet dreams, my puppy." he pulled away suddenly and disappeared back into his mansion.
Joey stood there for several long minutes, unable to think, or move.
Did Kaiba just kiss me? he wondered, shocked.
Finally he began to walk home, still in a deep state of shock.
Maybe it is possible that Kaiba loves me, he thought, and he felt a deep sense of contentment.
!#$%&()
Author's notes: Ok.. and that's the end of the 2nd chapter!! I apologise if this is moving too fast- tell me what you think and I'll do my best to improve it! Don't ask for anything too drastic though, cuz I've already written out most of the third chapter .
Please review!!!