Disclaimer: Man, I wish I owned them. But I don't, since Kazuki Takahashi created 'em. So yeah, the YGO Characters are all his to do with what he pleases. Yep.
Warnings: Same as before. Same as before, yes yes. Shounen-ai, and language... mostly due to Kaiba. Yep. The fic has taken a turn. No longer... uhhh, me-ish... I dunno how else to put it. Sorry.
Ryou couldn't help blinking in confusion, as he pushed the trolley through the library's aisles, pausing occasionally to place a book on the shelf. With Tristan following close at his right side. He liked Tristan a lot, he was a good friend. But at the moment, he was a little too confusing to try and understand.
"--And then we followed, we hid in the bushes, while Weevil did his thing. And then after that he looked at me weird, again... and then I got a ride, and caught you here, and now here I am, and here you are, and you're looking at me like I'm nuts, so you're not understanding a word I'm saying, are you?" Tristan finished, with a small groan.
Ryou laughed slightly, "no, sorry."
Tristan sighed, shaking his head, "damnit, how can he..? It makes no sense."
"Tristan, perhaps you can start over?" Ryou asked, holding a book out for Tristan to take.
The brunet grimaced, as he took the book and studied the spine for a second, then he reached up and slid it in the higher shelf without a second thought. "What do you mean start over?" he asked.
Ryou smiled, absently thankful for Tristan's height. Then he turned back to his friend, pushing the trolley along. "Well, it didn't really make any sense--" he began.
"You're telling me," Tristan blurted loudly.
The old lady, who worked as the librarian, glared at Tristan for raising his voice. The brunet blinked at the woman's expression and smiled meekly in apology, and turned back to Ryou.
Ryou bit his lip to keep from laughing. "Um, I mean your whole story, I didn't get any of it," he smiled apologetically.
"Oh," Tristan blinked, then smiled sheepishly. "Uh, put simply, Weevil likes Kaiba, and Weevil assumes Kaiba likes me. Problem is, why?"
"Why what?" Ryou blinked, while putting another book on the shelf.
"Why me?"
Ryou raised an eyebrow, "why are you surprised?"
"Why shouldn't I be?!" Tristan demanded, as loudly as before.
"Shhhhhh!" the old librarian hissed.
Tristan and Ryou sweatdropped; the taller of the two held up his hand in a placating gesture, while Ryou laughed quietly. Then he quickly bit his lip, and continued on his way to stack the shelves. Tristan grimaced, and caught Ryou up again. "Like I said, why me, Ryou? Answer me that, because I don't understand it at all," he stage-whispered.
"Well, you can't really blame him, can you?" Ryou said with a warm smile, placing another book in its place.
Tristan sweatdropped again, then he moved up half a step ahead of Ryou and caught the front of the trolley, halting Ryou's progress. "Wait wait wait, what? What do you mean? What?"
Ryou sighed, and placed his hand on his hip, giving Tristan a weary look, while tapping his hand against the trolley's handle. "Tristan, you can't blame someone for liking you, can you?"
"Sure I can, it's just-- wait, what?" Tristan looked blank.
The silverhair shot him a mysterious smile, as he playfully flicked Tristan's obscuring hand away, and he continued rolling along, into another aisle. Tristan stared after him for a second, and quickly followed again.
Ryou was speaking simply, "if he likes you, he likes you, it shouldn't be a big deal."
Tristan fell into step beside Ryou, "but that's the thing," Tristan said. "How and why? I really don't think I'm his type... well, I'm hardly anyone's type, and--"
Ryou wordlessly handed Tristan another book and pointed at the shelf where it belonged. And the taller boy put it up on the higher shelf, without question, and merely continued talking.
"--he's Seto Kaiba, I'm Tristan Taylor. Damn, see? Even the names are too damn different."
"Maybe because he's not from around here," Ryou smiled faintly.
"Ryou, that's beside the point," Tristan said blandly. "The guy has a crush on me!"
"Shhhhhhh!" the librarian hissed again, glaring her beady eyes at the brunet in agitation.
Ryou laughed again and proceeded ahead, as Tristan covered his mouth quickly. Lowering his hand, the lanky boy offered another uneasy smile of apology to the old woman, and hastily trailed after Ryou again.
"I just need you to tell me how and why, because that's the part I don't understand," Tristan whispered.
Ryou handed Tristan two more books. And same as before, after checking the spines of the books, Tristan placed them in their rightful places on the higher shelves. "Why are you letting it get to you?" asked Ryou.
"Because it's me," Tristan said, gesturing at himself. "People don't like me, Ryou. Ask anyone."
"That's ridiculous, Tristan," Ryou rolled his eyes good-naturedly, continuing down the aisle. "I used to have a crush on you."
Tristan blinked, "you're kidding."
Ryou shook his head, "no, I'm not," he smiled, placing three books on the shelf. "And I don't think you can blame me either; I mean, you're handsome, sweet, polite, generous..." he paused, tapping his lower lip thoughtfully. "Hm, I wonder how I got over you."
Tristan could only gape at the silverhair. Then he shook his head quickly. "Huh. But I just... uh, that's new," he said slowly, then he couldn't help sighing. "But I don't... how many people know how I'm like anyways?"
"Very few," Ryou smiled wryly, patting Tristan's arm. "You're a little too personal. But let's just say that adds to your mystique, ne, Tris-chan?"
Tristan blinked a few more times, then smiled faintly at the affectionate naming. "Nice of you to say, Ryou," he said softly. "It's still a little weird though; people liking me, it's like... some weird forbidden concept or something."
"Hm, I think I know how I got over you," Ryou said, with a small grin.
"How?" asked Tristan, quirking an eyebrow.
Ryou lightly poked his chest, "you, sir, are a little slow on the uptake when people's feelings are involved."
"So, what? You gave up on me, because I was too dense to know you liked me?" asked Tristan, smiling wryly.
"That's probably exactly it, Mr. Taylor," Ryou said, with a mock mournful shake of his head. "But this time, you know someone likes you, but you suffer from low self-esteem to accept it, I'd say."
Tristan sweatdropped, then glanced down at the trolley, at the stack of books, and raised an eyebrow, as he closed the open 'Psychology for Beginners' book, that sat on top of the stacks. "Huh, you were cheating, and reading, while I wasn't looking, weren't you?" he accused playfully.
Ryou laughed, "maybe a bit," he admitted. "Low self-esteem is on the first chapter."
"I do not have low self-esteem," Tristan said, giving Ryou a half-hearted look.
It was soon realized that the guy failed to notice Ryou's eyes widening a fraction, while looking past his arm. Then to Tristan's surprise, Ryou quickly lunged at him, throwing his arms around his neck, hugging him tightly.
"I'd love to, Tris-chan!" said Ryou, happily.
Tristan had quickly lifted his arms, holding onto Ryou, to avoid being knocked back, as he blinked in confusion, "huh?"
"Dinner sounds wonderful. Pick me up at 7, okay?" Ryou said, his arms draped over Tristan's shoulders, one hand clasping the other behind his neck, while staring up at him, almost lovingly.
Tristan blinked several times, as he tried to compute Ryou's bashful smile and adoring gaze. "Uh, wha--?" he started to ask. Slowly, he glanced over his shoulder, and he froze. Kaiba was standing right there, staring at the two of them, with wide blue eyes.
Then with a vicious glare at Ryou, Kaiba tossed some books on a table (all landing with rather loud THUNKs, since it was so quiet), and he turned, storming towards the exit.
Tristan felt like he was rooted in place. Good God, what just happened?
Ryou stepped back, letting out a small sigh. "I hope that was worth it," he murmured. Then he looked back up at Tristan, "what's wrong?"
"..." Tristan turned to Ryou, gaping at him with wide eyes. "What'd you do?" he choked out. "Ryou, what did you just do? Did you see him? Did you see? He's gonna..! He might...! Damnit, Ryou, he looked ready to kill!"
"Shhhhhhhhhhhhh!" hissed the librarian.
Tristan's eye twitched with annoyance, as he turned to glare at the old woman. "Are you stalking me or something?" he demanded. She merely returned the glare, and walked away huffily.
Ryou laughed softly, despite his oncoming nervousness due to his earlier actions; which was emphasized with a semi-nervous gulp. "I know, bad idea, perhaps. But I'm hoping what I just did helps you out," he said, fiddling with his shirt sleeve, attracting Tristan's attention again.
"Huh?" Tristan's frowned, as he turned back to Ryou.
Ryou smiled at him, "sorry, Tristan, but jealousy is really very helpful in these situations."
Tristan dropped his head back, with an exasperated groan, while rubbing his face wearily. "Ryou, I'm not worried about that. I'm worried about you!" he said tiredly, dropping his hand to his side.
"I'll be fine. He just needs you to soothe him," Ryou shrugged.
"What?" Tristan blinked.
"He's jealous, Tristan. And in some crazy way, that usually means their feelings are pretty real," Ryou smiled. "After that sort of reaction, he really seems to like you, ne?"
Tristan blinked a few times. Then finally settled back on his heels, pointing at Ryou slightly. "You're a crazy guy... I ever tell you that?" he said, grinning weakly.
"No," Ryou laughed, "but I heard it enough times."
oooXXXooo
"Lovebug!"
"Beat it, you little parasite, or I swear, I'll break you in half!" Kaiba snarled.
"Oh, I can't stand to see you in such an unhappy state, Lovebug!" Weevil declared, staring at Kaiba with an apologetic gaze. "What's wrong?"
Kaiba growled quietly. "I am not unhappy! And none of your business!"
"You're unhappy, Lovebug!" Weevil said, hugging Kaiba's arm in what was assumed to be a comforting manner. "Tell me all about it! Let me be there for you!"
"There's nothing to share!" Kaiba spat, trying to jerk his arm free. "Now let me go, before I have you shipped to the Himalayas!"
"... Is it about that moose, Taylor?"
Kaiba blinked in confusion. "Moose?" he echoed.
"How dare he! I knew he was bad news!" Weevil said, hopping up and down. "No one disrespects my beloved Lovebug without suffering the consequences! I'll feed him to my termites! My cockroaches! My tarantula!"
Kaiba frowned slightly, "are you paying attention to what you're saying, Parasite?" he asked dryly.
"Yes! I will make Taylor suffer the wrath of Weevil Underwood in Love!" Weevil paused, and looked thoughtful. Then he punched the palm of his hand. "I know! I'll humiliate him for the sake of my Lovebug's dignity!"
Kaiba blinked again, his confusion growing. Thus, unable to come up with a strong insult, the CEO's shoulders drooped slightly, as he stared at Weevil, expressionless. "You're an odd one, Parasite," he muttered.
And because it seemed appropriate, Tristan and Ryou were walking along. Tristan was talking, his hands sweeping and rotating in subtle yet frantic gestures, while Ryou smiled warmly at him, waving his own hand as if to say 'calm down'.
Weevil blinked, noticing that his sweet Lovebug was glaring almost hatefully at the pair. Ah, that had to be it! Tristan was intentionally making his darling Lovebug upset! Well then, despite his dear Lovebug's jealousy, Weevil could not have his Lovebug unhappy! Nosirree. His precious Lovebug needed closure, and soon! So, the noble Weevil would just have to show Lovebug that Tristan was just no-good. For the sake of his Lovebug's honor and dignity! Oh, and as well as closure!
Weevil nodded firmly, as he set his jaw in determination, and stormed towards Tristan and Ryou.
Kaiba blinked several times, as his hands were beginning to twitch. Damnit, it was bad enough he actually made a scene, but to have the little Parasite humiliate him further? He quickly followed to stop from any embarrassing scenarios...
"How dare you upset my sweet Lovebug!" Weevil practically shrieked, while pointing at both Kaiba, his Lovebug, and Tristan, the Cad.
Tristan's eyes widened slightly, as Ryou blinked... rather cutely, in confusion.
Kaiba froze, his hand outstretched, just an inch from dragging Weevil away; or throwing him aside, he hadn't decided which. His eyes widened in something resembling horror. Dear Ra, no... he groaned, and rested his face in his hand, turning to leave.
Until Weevil grabbed onto his sleeve. And actually managed to hold him there.
"Apologize to my Lovebug!" commanded Weevil.
Tristan pursed his lips and rubbed the back of his neck, looking at Ryou helplessly.
Ryou blinked, then he smiled and hugged Tristan's arm. "Tris-chan has nothing to apologize for," he said, in a sugary sweet tone.
Weevil easily caught the annoyed twitch of his Lovebug's right eye, as he glared at Ryou. The Bugboy quickly turned back to Tristan, "you cruel monster!" he all but bellowed.
Tristan groaned softly, as he dropped his head forward. How, oh how, did he get involved in all this?
"My Lovebug is upset because of you!"
Ryou almost looked ready to laugh. "Why is 'Lovebug'--?" he started to ask.
"Only I can refer to him as such!" Weevil snapped, cutting in.
"Shut up with the stupid 'Lovebug'!" Kaiba snarled, raising his fist to punch the Parasite on the head.
"You do seem upset, Kaiba," Ryou commented, subtly snuggling closer to Tristan. "Is something bothering you?"
Intended violence towards Weevil was soon forgotten, as Kaiba glared back at Ryou, growling low in his throat. The willowy silverhair would be lying if he said he didn't feel a hint of nervousness and intimidation from the taller teen. To his relief, Tristan turned slightly to the left, angling to push Ryou back a bit, behind him, everso slightly.
Such an act, that was in all honesty, painfully familiar, didn't go unnoticed for Kaiba. His glare was intensified by about ten-fold.
"Apologize, apologize, apologize!" Weevil was screeching, while hopping up and down in growing irritation.
Tristan furrowed his brow, pondering on whether or not to sypathize with the kid, or just smack him and shut him up. Sighing, he struggled to ignore the rising discomfort that radiated between Kaiba and Ryou, as he tried to choose an option on how to deal with Weevil.
"Our plans for tonight, Kaiba?" Ryou asked quietly. "Is that bothering you?"
"..." Kaiba had to bite his tongue, to prevent from lashing out at Ryou. Deep down, he didn't want Tristan to think he was that big of a bastard. Tristan was known for being protective of his friends, after all. 'Frail little' Ryou was no exception.
"You can come with us," Ryou suggested, closing his eyes, as he smiled cheerfully.
Kaiba's eyes widened, as did Tristan's, and they both gaped at Ryou.
Ryou let Tristan's arm go, as he clapped his hands together, still smiling in that disarmingly warm way. "I'm sure Tristan wouldn't mind extra company," he said brightly. "And if Weevil is right, and you are upset, we certainly can't leave you sitting at home alone tonight, while Tristan and I are out, having fun, ne?"
Ah-ha! A way for Lovebug to have closure, Weevil thought with delight. "Sure! It'll be a double date!" he said enthusiastically. He grinned deviously, as he pushed his glasses up his nose; what better way for his Lovebug to have closure, than to have that moose embarrass himself?
Kaiba and Tristan stared at Weevil doubtfully. Whereas Ryou continued to smile sweetly, as he patted Weevil's shoulder. "Of course, a double date, why not?" he said cheerfully. "It sounds like fun."
"Then we accept," said Weevil, as he latched himself onto Kaiba's arm.
"I never agreed to anything!" Kaiba spat, trying to pull out of Weevil's grasp.
Tristan sighed softly, until Ryou quickly latched onto his arm, as if to counter Weevil. The amazing thing was, Ryou was still smiling in his bright and happy way. "Oh, that's fine, too, it'll just be me and Tris-chan then. Alone," he said, simply. Though, to Tristan's surprise, some smugness had leaked into Ryou's tone.
It had the desired effect: Kaiba's eyes narrowed dangerously, as he glared at the loving gesture. "Fine," he practically growled. "I'm in. What time?"
"Tonight, at 7, is that alright?" Ryou said, smiling innocently.
"Perfect." Kaiba turned, and stormed off. Weevil yelped, since he was still clinging to Kaiba, thus dragged along.
oooXXXooo
"I really hope you know what you're getting into, Ryou," Tristan said slowly. As soon as he felt the feisty redhead's oncoming rage, he had actually began to get ready to try and fend off Kaiba if he needed to.
It was kind of flattering. In a weird kinda way.
Ryou laughed, almost shakily, "just don't leave me alone with him... he's starting to scare me now."
Tristan gave Ryou a small grin, "you are pushing it."
"He just needs to keep up, that's all," Ryou said with a shrug, and wore a tight smile. Then he relaxed slightly. "Remember, 7pm, don't be late."
"How am I going to carry around 2... uh, 3 other people, when all I have is my bike?"
"We'll walk, downtown's not that hard," Ryou waved his hand carelessly. "Dress nicely too," he added, as he patted Tristan's arm, and wandered away.
Tristan blinked, looking down at his slowly drying bluejeans and black buttondown shirt. Something nice? Then he blinked again. What were they going to do as their 'double date', anyways? Dinner seemed to be out...
TBC
A/N: Myeh, the humor's been watered down, not even funny, I didn't grin once... which is weird. It's like some weird... weird, weird, weird thingie of shounen-ai... but then again, when is any of my shounen-ai not weird? Ah well, win some lose some. And goodgosh, Gai/Lee has a nice theme. Sasuke and Naruto get to share it too XD Oi, sorry... shutting up, heh.