The moment that the song had come to an end, Joey and Seto had both agreed that it would be wise to take a short break. After all, neither one of them was used to dancing, especially with one another and they never knew how tiring it really was…until now that is…
"Wow, that was just…wow…" was all Joey managed to say as he looked into the brunette's now tiresome cerulean blue orbs.
Seto simply nodded as he placed his right hand overtop of the blonde's and began caressing it softly. Joey began to blush uncontrollably as he motioned for him to stop; he knew that this was neither the time nor the place to show their affection. After meeting up with Tea, Tristan and Ryou they knew that they both had to control their romantic urges, no matter how difficult it may be. The blue-eyed dragon, now looking rather upset at his lover's action, drew his hand back and folded his arms across his chest, almost as if his mood had changed to that of an irritable one. Even though it was not in Seto Kaiba's nature to show his affection in public or even privately, there was something about Joey that made him change his ways. He didn't know whether to thank the blonde or be annoyed with this fact but one thing was for sure, he strangely seemed to like the new change, whether he showed it or not.
"Joey!" a voice called out from the distance. Upon turning to face the direction in which the unknown voice was coming from, Joey was not the least bit ecstatic to see who it was. He merely gave an empty sigh and put on a fake smile to try and fool his friends into thinking that he was happier than he actually was.
"Hey guys," he greeted in a voice that sounded very much unlike his own; he hoped that the false cheeriness would be enough to convince his friends that everything was fine.
"So, what's up?" Tea asked casually, waiting for the right moment to pop the question that continued to plague her mind for minutes beyond belief.
"Nothing. Seto and I were just talking."
"I see. So you guys have just been sitting here the whole time?" Tea inquired curiously, raising an eyebrow as she spoke.
"Pretty much. We did get up to walk around for a little bit but that's about it." Joey was not looking to tell his friends about his and Seto's relationship. Even though they had known each other for quite some time, he still didn't know how they would take it and he wasn't about to take any chances.
"That's it?" It was at that moment that Joey could no longer hold in the urge to spit out how he really felt; not about the relationship but about the whole conversation in general. He was getting rather annoyed with Tea trying to beat around the bush; what part of, "I don't want to talk about it" didn't she understand? It was starting to drive him to insanity…
"Listen, nothing happened, at least nothing you need to know about so just stop trying to stick your nose into other people's business!" This comment made everyone's eyes widen to the size of saucers. They were all shocked at Joey's sudden outburst, including Seto.
"But Joey I…"
"No Tea, I've heard enough; what goes on in my life is my business, not yours. I thought you had changed since we first met but I guess I was wrong; you're still the girl that loves to butt into other people's lives. Can't you just stick to living your own life for once instead of trying to control the lives of others? Is that really too hard?"
"But I just…"
"Please, just leave. I need to be alone…" Seto looked over to his lover, his eyes now filled with that of compassion and sorrow. Yes, the great Seto Kaiba was feeling sorrowful. It seems impossible but that was how he felt at this very moment. He agreed with Joey one hundred percent; he wished that everyone didn't always have to disrupt the lives of others. Why couldn't he and Joey just have a carefree relationship without people intruding on it? Could they not be happy? Could they not be together?
"Gardener…"
Tea swiftly turned her head to face that of Seto Kaiba, her eyes no longer filled with the happiness that once illuminated them. "What is it Kaiba?"
"I suggest that you and your friends leave."
"But what about…"
"I'll take care of Joey. I think he needs me now more than ever."
"You? But why you?" Now Tea was even more confused that she had been before.
"That's enough questions. Now leave before I have to escort you out myself," Seto practically demanded. The trio then decided that it was best not to argue with the CEO and left without another word. As soon as it was clear that they had vanished from sight, Seto got up from the table and walked around it to where his boyfriend was seated. He pulled up a chair next to the blonde and wrapped his arms around his lover's seemingly cold body; it was not cold on the outside, no, it was more of an emotional thing. Seto could easily tell what was wrong and tried to figure out ways to cheer him up. So far, nothing came to mind. He felt helpless; he felt as though he was not fulfilling his role in their relationship. If one was troubled, it was up to the other to comfort them. According to Seto, he was doing a very poor job of trying to lift the spirits of the blonde-haired puppy. He was putting all of the blame on his shoulders so that his lover would not have to feel like everything was his fault, a kind act but not a wise decision when it came to the brunette's self-esteem. However, that was the least of his worries; the only thing that he cared about at this particular moment was if his boyfriend was going to break away from his current depressive state.
"Joey?" No response. That was when Seto nudged Joey's arm lightly. This gesture got a tiny grunt out of the blonde; it wasn't much but at least it was something. "Joey?"
"Huh?" Upon lifting his head from its current position, which was on the table, resting on his arms, the blonde looked to his lover and yawned. "What is it?"
"Were you sleeping?" Seto flashed a bright smile, hoping to receive one in return.
"No," he stated simply without as much as a tiny smile. "I was just thinking."
"About what?"
"Everything…" Joey sighed.
"Everything meaning?"
"You're starting to sound like Tea," Joey retorted irritably as Seto merely smirked at that comment.
"So that's what is bugging you…"
"Maybe…"
"Maybe?" It seemed as though the conversation was going nowhere, yet in reality the couple was slowly getting down to the core of the problem.
"Just what I said. Now can we get out of here?" Joey asked as he motioned for Seto to let go of him so that he could stand up. Seto did so and stood up from his chair only a mere few seconds after his boyfriend. They both nodded to each other and headed towards the exit/entrance to the club, walking hand-in-hand as they went. They received numerous stares from the many teenagers around them but they both managed to ignore them and continued on their way. Once outside, they looked around for any sign of the limo that had dropped them off earlier. At first glance, nothing could be seen, but then, Joey spotted the vehicle parked not too far from where they were standing. As they continued their light, brisk walk to the limousine, the duo looked at one another and smiled. It seemed as though Joey was no longer depressed…at least it didn't look that way from the outside. Seto knew that he was still feeling rather upset about the whole incident with Tea, Tristan and Ryou. He knew that the blonde didn't want to pick a fight with his friends, it just all kind of…slipped out. He didn't mean for it to happen, it just did. Now he was paying the consequences for his actions…actions that were not meant to be shown…
Upon approaching the limo, Seto opened the door for his lover. Once the blonde-haired puppy had climbed in and across the seat to the other side, the blue-eyed dragon followed suit, closing the door behind him. As soon as Seto ordered the driver to take them back to the mansion, he motioned for Joey to move closer to him so that he could wrap his arms around him, filling him with the warmth that he needed. The blonde felt at ease within his arms…as though he never wanted this heartfelt moment to end… Unfortunately, a few minutes later the limo pulled into the all-too-familiar driveway and came to a sudden halt right in front of the garage. As much as he didn't want to move from his current position, Seto exited the vehicle first, motioning for Joey to follow after him. Once the two had both got out, Seto shut the door and gestured for Joey to take his hand and walk with him up to the door. They didn't need to knock or even ring the doorbell, seeing as how it was Seto's house. Besides, they didn't want to wake up Mokuba and Yugi, knowing full well that they were probably sound asleep.
When they walked in, they made sure to be extra quiet as they removed their coats and shoes. As soon as that task was complete and out of the way, they silently headed up the stairs to their appropriate bedrooms; they definitely needed the sleep, what with everything that had happened that night.
Upon reaching the top of the stairs, both teens leaned in for a goodnight kiss; it was short, yet sweet. When they pulled back, they said goodnight and headed their own separate ways, Joey to his room and Seto to his. It had been a long night and they were both looking forward to tomorrow. They had both agreed, without words, that this night had been the best night of their lives, if you omit the incident that occurred before the duo left the club. However, they were slowly overcoming that issue and before long they had almost forgotten it completely…at least Seto was. Joey, on the other hand, couldn't help but think about it. He regretted talking the way that he did to his friends and wished that there was some way he could make it up to them, yet the more he thought, the less ideas he could come up with. Eventually he decided to figure it all out in the morning; he didn't think well at night and when he did it often led to more problems; at least if he thought about in the morning it would avoid any further trouble. So for now, he would get some sleep and deal with the issue when he was truly ready…ready to tell the truth…
Mysterious Mistress Kura: Well, how was it? Did you all like the little spin I put on this chapter? I know I did. Anyway, please review and tell me what you thought. Luv ya! Ja ne!