Chapter Twelve:

"Yugi!"

Yugi opened his eyes, blinking blearily in the bright sunshine. For a moment, he was disoriented, until he remembered that he was home at the Kame Game Shop, and not the Kaiba Mansion. It was his mother calling up the stairs.

"Yes, Mom?" Yugi called back, pushing himself up on one arm.

"Sweetheart, do you want any breakfast?"

The scents of cooking food were wafting up the stairs and Yugi's stomach growled. After an early dinner the previous night, he'd had nothing to eat, and he saw by his alarm clock that it was after nine. His mother must have held off breakfast to give him more time to sleep.

"Yes, Mom; I'll be right now!"

He climbed out of bed, rubbing his eyes and stretching. As he raised his arms over his head and curved his back, his gaze fell on his reflection in the mirror on his dresser. His bulge was definitely visible now, and soon would be through his clothes, too. He smiled and rubbed his stomach, beginning to hunt for something to wear.

'Are you hungry, baby?' he thought to himself while digging a sweater out of his dresser. The air seemed chilly this morning, and he knew that soon it would be the beginning of fall. His room at the top of the shop, a converted attic, was always cold in the winter and hot in the summer, so he knew he was right about the weather change.

Dressed in some black jeans and a violet pullover sweater, Yugi made a quick trip to the bathroom, then trotted downstairs. He was just in time for his mother laying breakfast out on the table, where his Grandpa was already seated, reading the newspaper.

"Morning, Mom, Grandpa," Yugi said.

"Morning, honey." His mother paused long enough to kiss him on the side of the head before returning to the stove.

Yugi sat down at the table and waited until his mother joined them. He began doling out portions, then tucked in, realizing just how much he missed his mother's cooking. Seto's two chefs and patisserie kitchen staff were world-grade professionals, but there was something about his mother's cooking that outshone them.

He could be such a mama's boy sometimes.

"So, how long were you planning on staying, sweetheart?" his mother asked. "You're welcome, of course!" she hastened to add. "I was just curious."

She didn't fool Yugi—he knew she was fishing for details. She had her reservations about Seto and she didn't want to see Yugi hurt. No doubt she had misconstrued this unannounced visit as being a sign of a fight between the pair.

"Everything's fine with Seto, Mom," Yugi said, getting to the point. "But he's gone away on business and I didn't think I had the right to stay at his house when he wasn't there."

Grandpa shuffled the newspaper and disappeared behind it. Yugi and his mother both ignored him.

"Oh." His mother seemed flustered at having been caught so transparent. "That's good, honey. I just—"

Yugi didn't want to have any sort of conversation like this, but he assured her, "Seto and I get along great, Mom. You don't have to worry."

His mother blushed in embarrassment and turned to her food. Yugi changed the subject for her, asking about a friend of hers whose daughter had had surgery. Relieved to have the opportunity that was presented, Mrs. Moto was quick to begin filling him in on what news there was. The rest of breakfast was passed with such gossip, Grandpa leaving the table to begin getting the shop ready to open before the other two were done.

Yugi got up to help his mother put away the leftovers and clear the table, beginning to start on the dishes before she could do it. She still insisted on drying, and they stood in the kitchen, talking some more while they finished the chore. When it was finished, and everything had been put away, Yugi noticed his mother giving him a particularly assessing look.

"What's the matter, Mom?"

Yugi's mother frowned and shook her head, but then turned back. "Sweetheart… don't take this the wrong way, but… have you gained some weight?"

Yugi felt his heart jump into his throat. As he just stared at his mother, she flushed and looked mortified.

"I'm sorry, Yugi sweetie, I didn't mean to upset you."

"Wha- What makes you say that?" Yugi said finally.

"Honey, I don't want to start a fight-"

"No, I'm not mad. What makes you say that?"

Mrs. Moto sighed, but answered the question. "I haven't seen you in a little while, so maybe I'm over sensitive to it, but… you look like your cheeks are a little rounder, that's all. I suppose it's all that rich food Kaiba would have."

Yugi wasn't sure if that was an insult to Kaiba or not, and he struggled not to snap about it. Reminding himself that his emotions weren't to be trusted, he said carefully, "Maybe I have, a little."

"I shouldn't have said anything," Mrs. Moto fretted.

"It's okay," Yugi said, and realized that it was. At least for now. So his mother had noticed he'd put on the weight- that didn't mean she'd have any assumptions about the pregnancy. Still, he would have to tell her, and Grandpa, sometime. He couldn't bear to cut them out of his life, especially when they wouldn't know the reason, and he couldn't conceal the presence of a child. But what would they think? How he wished he didn't have to worry about things like this! "You didn't mean anything by it."

Mrs. Moto relaxed marginally and smiled. "Still, it's good to see you have a healthy appetite. You always were a little thin, sweetheart."

Yugi's smiled back at the stereotypical mothering.

"How are Joey and Yami?" Mrs. Moto asked. "How rude of me- I never really asked after them."

"They're doing great. Joey's still enjoying his job at the radio station and Yami's… well… Yami." Truth was, Yami never really did much except whatever interested him at the time.

"That's good. I'm glad Joey is enjoying his new job. I never really pictured as something like a radio DJ."

"He's good at it, Mom. The station owner really likes him- he has a huge listener base."

"That's wonderful. Well, he is quite the talker."

Yugi laughed. "Yeah."

"Oh, dear, it's almost ten-thirty. I need to get to my dentist appointment. Can you finish drying and putting away the dishes?"

"Of course. I wanted to do it myself anyway."

"You're so sweet." Mrs. Moto kissed him on the temple. "I'll be back in an hour or so. Try not to let Grandpa pester you about having Yami come look that those dusty old parchments- they're not going anywhere."

"Papyrus."

"Whatever. I swear that old man would leave the shop to rot over staring at those things through a magnifying glass if I didn't get after him." But Mrs. Moto's smile was one of fondness rather than annoyance.

She left soon after that and Yugi finished up the dishes before heading back up to his room. Upstairs, Yugi closed his bedroom door, then leaned against it with a sigh. He reached up and cupped his face, feeling his cheeks. With a frown, he crossed the room to his mirror, peering into it. He supposed his face did look a little fuller and he'd always had round cheeks to begin with. Yugi was not vain, but the revelation still vaguely upset him. Well, there was nothing he could do about it, and he would have to accept it.

Yugi turned to his suitcase and removed the books, curling up in bed and getting back to reading. He was determined he'd know all he could by his appointment with Kuribayahsi.

As he was laying there reading, he realized he'd felt some distress from Yami. Concerned, he threw the book aside and sat up, immediately pushing on the closed link. /Yami? Are you okay?/

/Yes, Aibou,/ Yami responded. But he didn't sound good. His mental voice was weak, hoarse, and sounded stuffy.

/You sound terrible. Are you sick?/

/I believe so. I woke up this morning with a headache and a sore throat and it only got worse. Joey has used a thermometer and my temperature is 102./

/Oh, no! Maybe you should go to the hospital./

/I'll be fine, Aibou. Joey is taking quite good care of me, actually. He has made me soup and kept all the curtains closed and went to the store to get me some medicine so I can sleep./

Yugi smiled. /He's so sweet./

/Yes, he is. But don't worry yourself, Aibou. It is just a head cold. I'll be fine./

/Okay. Let me know if you need anything and try to get some sleep./

/Thank you./

Yami's voice faded out and Yugi shut the link again to help Yami rest without Yugi's thoughts in his head. He sat back against the wall, frowning. Poor Yami, but there really wasn't anything he could do. He'd check on Yami again later and hope he felt better soon.

Yugi spent the next three days with his family. He enjoyed catching up with his mother and grandfather and having family dinners again. He loved Seto dearly, but it could sometimes be a lonely relationship.

His mother said nothing more about his weight gain, though Yugi didn't hold back eating. He wasn't' going to chance his baby's health over the fear of being found out, especially about something he would tell them about eventually, once Seto knew.

The baby books were actually helping to soothe him rather than worry him the more he read. Most stuff seemed just irritating rather than dangerous and at least he could try to expect things instead of being in the dark wondering.

Anna called to check up on him one afternoon. Once he'd made sure of privacy, he asked her about Kuribayashi's progress. The doctor had not called him, but Yugi had forced himself not to call the doctor, insisting on being calm when he could. Now that Anna had called him., however, he was relieved to ask for details.

"Kentaro is busy," Anna said apologetically. "He's been reading and researching anything he cang et his hands on."

Yugi looked at the small stack of baby books. "I know the feeling."

"Good. Kentaro talked to his colleague. I think he gave him some bull about having a conversation with a fellow internal medicine about a hypothetical abdominal ectopic pregnancy and wanted to know whether it was possible, what to do in that situation, how to go about delivering one. Just for curiosity. I'm sure he'll have more information for you the next time you visit."

"Great."

"And how have you been doing? All the details, so I can tell Kentaro."

Yugi told her about the mood swings, about finding a room for the baby and stressing over a name, and even about his mother noticing the weight gain.

"Hm, you won't be able to hide it much longer, so if you're going to tell them, I'd do it sooner rather than later."

"I have to tell Seto first."

"Of course. There's not much I can tell you except grin and bear the mood swings and everything else. It's what I'd tell a female patient, too."

"I know," Yugi sighed. "Um, Anna?"

"Yes?"

Remembering what Joey had said, Yugi asked, "Do you normally home call all of your patients?"

"What do you mean? I care about all my patients, Yugi, but you're different and not just because of the obvious. You're very, very high risk, you know. I can't stress that enough."

"I know." He nodded into the phone. "Thank you, Anna."

"Give us a call if you have any questions or concerns, even if you're not sure it's something to be concerned about. I'll check on you again between now and the appointment. If that's okay."

Maybe she'd read something in Yugi's question. He was quick to say, "No, that would be fine. Thank you."

"Have you been taking your vitamins?"

With a guilty start, Yugi realized he'd forgotten. "No."

"You should start them tonight. Pair them with something you do every day, like brushing your teeth or with lunch, so you don't forget."

"I will."

"Good. Okay, Yugi, I'll talk to you again soon and see you on the twelfth."

Yugi thanked her again and hung up. When he lowered the phone, he saw a missed text message that turned out to be from Mokuba. All it said was, 'Come home.' Encouraged by the use of the word 'home,' he nevertheless was indecisive. More verbal abuse from the irritable teenager was not something he wanted to deal with at that moment. Yugi closed the phone instead.

He got up and went to his bed, climbing up and settling down, then picking up the baby name book from the nightstand. He'd read a bit more, then decide what to do about Mokuba.

After a few minutes, he just set the book aside and covered his face with his hands. He realized he felt sort of… in the mood.

He tired to ignore it, but the feeling remained. And Seto was still two weeks from home.

Yugi rolled onto his side and curled up, but the growing feeling would not go away. At last he rolled onto his back again, feeling hot and itchy, eager. There was no help for it and he arched his back, pushing down his boxers. But there he hesitated. This wasn't a usual situation- he wasn't alone as it were. The baby would never know, but the thought of masturbating still gave him the creeps. It felt wrong somehow, dirty.

His body didn't care. The need was still there, growing the longer he tried to ignore it.

Yugi finally wrapped his fingers around his penis and closed his eyes, beginning to fondle himself gently. He focused on Seto in his mind and drove thoughts of the baby away. He drew his fingertips lightly along his stiffening erection, shivering at the sensations. His bottom lip caught between his teeth as he wrapped his fingers around himself again and began to stroke. The fire in his groin was almost unbearable. Slowly he drew his hand up from the base to the tip, rubbing his thumb over the slit. A soft whimper escaped him and he pushed his head back against the pillow.

A knock came to the door. "Yugi?"

Yugi gasped, eyes flying open. He yanked his hand from his crotch and hastily drew up his boxers. He grabbed the sheets and pulled them over himself, hoping his cheeks weren't too red.

"Yes, Mom?"

His mother opened the door and came in. In her arms was a heavy quilt that Yugi used every winter. "It's going to be chilly tonight, and I thought- Oh, Yugi, I didn't know you were trying to take a nap. You should have said something, sweetheart."

"It's okay," Yugi said, struggling not to let his embarrassment show on his face.

"I'll just leave this here," she said, setting the quilt on the desktop, "and you can put it on later. Are you feeling okay?"

"Fine," Yugi said.

"Okay. I'll make some lunch later if you're hungry."

"Okay."

Mrs. Moto left. Yugi closed his eyes and groaned with shame, putting his other hand over his face. He was so embarrassed as well as frustrated and annoyed about the fact that his need hadn't lessened at all. He was still every bit as horny, but he couldn't, not now.

Yugi rolled onto his side, determined to take a nap for real. He'd wait until Seto got home.

"Hey, Yug'!"

"Hi, Joey."

"How ya feeling, pal?"

"Great."

"Good. Hey, can I come over and watch a movie with you?"

"Where's Yami?"

"In bed."

Yugi glanced at the clock. It was only three in the afternoon. "Is he still not feeling well?"

"Nah, poor guy."

"It's been about four days, hasn't it? Has he gone to the doctor?"

"Yeah. Doc said there wasn't anything he could do except stay in bed, get plenty of fluids, stay warm, the usual stuff. Said it's just a common cold and Yami's just got to hang in there until it's done. Still, Yami's a beast when he's sick. He's driving me bonkers, really, so I really, really want some company. Come on, let me come over and watch a movie or something. We'll have pizza and popcorn."

That sounded like fun. Yugi was enjoying staying with his family again, but he missed socializing with his friends. Hanging out with Joey could be a welcome relief of the boredom that set in when his grandfather was out with his Egyptology buddies and his mother was with her friends. They'd gotten used to Yugi being there only rarely and made more social plans and he hadn't wanted them to cancel anything on his account. So, he happily accepted the offer.

"Okay, I'll be over in a bit. Order a pizza and I'll pick it up on the way over after I check on Yami. Though he's just been sleeping most of the weekend."

Yugi hung up, feeling sorry for his dark half. Still, if it was the common cold, nothing to do except let Yami suffer. Joey was doing all he could to make him feel better, but Yugi didn't blame him for wanting to get out of the house for a while.

He ordered a large pizza with plenty of meat and cheese like Joey liked from their mutually favorite pizza place, then went into the kitchen to see what snacks they had. There actually was popcorn, as well as chips and soda. Yugi hauled it all out and set up the living room for the movie. Joey hadn't mentioned anything specific, so he knelt down in front of the movie cabinet and searched through the titles. His father took movies with him on business trips to watch while he was stuck on planes, on trains, or in hotel rooms, and so had amassed a huge collection of Japanese and American titles. At last Yugi picked out two he'd never heard of that sounded interesting on their back covers and decided Joey could make the final decision when he got there.

Joey arrived a little later, carrying the large pizza box. "Hiya, Yug'."

"Hi, Joey."

Joey set the pizza box down on the coffee table, shucking his windbreaker. Yugi took it from him and hung it up on a hanger in the front closet. When he closed it, Joey was sitting on the couch, cracking open a soda can, the pizza box lid already flipped open. The pie was still steaming, releasing the wonderful scents of grease, meat, and cheese into the living room. Yugi crossed over and sat down on the couch. Joey held out the opened can to him and Yugi took it with a smile.

"Thanks."

"What are we going to watch?" Joey asked, opening a second can for himself and taking a swig.

"I couldn't decide, so I thought you should." He lightly moved one of the two DVDs to draw Joey's attention to them.

The blonde leaned over and studied the cases. "Hm… This one. I heard this one was good." He held up an action movie.

Yugi took it and stood up, moving across to the DVD player. He put the disc in and switched on the TV, returning to the couch and picking up the remote, flipping through the annoying commercials that always seemed attached to DVDs nowadays. At last the movie itself started to play and he set the remote back down, leaning across the table to snag a thick slice of pizza and drag it onto his plate. Joey was already halfway through one himself.

Yugi bit into the pizza, discovering that it was a delicious pie. The movie started and the pair of them started watching, munching on pizza and chips. But into his second slice, Yugi realized that, though the pizza was good, he really wanted something else. But what?

"What's the matter, Yug'?" Joey asked, noticing that Yugi was staring down at his slice while he tried to figure out why the pizza wasn't enough. "Oh, no, you aren't sick again, are you?"

"No, no, that's over with. I just…Hang on." Yugi got up and went into the kitchen with his plate, the half-finished slice and another full slice riding on it. In the kitchen, he looked around, trying to see if anything caught his eye. Not salt, or pepper, or cajun powder. At last his eyes fell on the sugar bowl and he reached out, drawing it to him. He opened it and lifted up the lid, taking up the small scoop and digging some out. He hesitated, then sprinkled some on his pizza. Setting the scoop back into the bowl, he picked up and slice and took a bite.

"Yug'? Wasn't that sugar?"

Joey had followed him into the kitchen in concern. Yugi turned toward him, still munching on the slice of sugar-coated pizza. To his surprise, it was what he wanted. The sugar tasted good on the greasy, meaty pizza somehow.

"Yeah."

"I guess not everyone goes for pickles and ice cream."

Yugi nodded, understanding that that was what it was; a craving. Adding the sugar to the pizza sounded like a bad idea, but it actually tasted really good. "Sorry."

"Hey, don't apologize, pal. What the hell do I care what you want on your pizza? What's so different about sugar than pineapple or caviar?"

Yugi smiled, then grabbed the sugar bowl and went back out into the living room with Joey. The movie was still playing, but neither of them cared to rewind it, just sitting back down and going from where it was. It wasn't as if there was a deep and convoluted plot to lose.

The sugar was what Yugi needed. Another two slices and he felt much better. And sugar-and-salt mixture had satisfied his craving for now and he filed that information in for later- if he felt like he wanted something strange to eat, he'd try some different salt-and-sugar combinations.

The movie really wasn't as good as the ratings had insisted, or at least that's what Yugi thought. He couldn't seem to get into it. It seemed completely two-dimensional and cheesy and didn't hold his interest. And once the sugar-laden pizza was finished, he felt restless.

No, he felt horny.

Yugi closed his eyes, willing his body to cooperate with him. Not now, not again. He'd been feeling horny off and on for the last few days, and this was certainly the last time he'd want to start feeling this way again.

"Yug'?"

Yugi opened his eyes and managed a smile in Joey's direction. "I'm okay, really."

"Are you sure? You're acting kind of funny."

"Fine, really."

Yugi shifted slightly to try and alleviate some of the growing tension. He leaned forward and snagged a handful of chips he didn't want to try and pass off his movement as normal. Joey was still watching him, damn it.

"Do you like the movie?" Yugi asked, trying to distract him.

"Yeah, I do. I think it's pretty good."

Maybe he saw something it that Yugi didn't. Of course, he wasn't sitting there trying to will away the beginnings of an erection. Even as Yugi munched on the chips and tilted backward to draw his legs up against himself, he could still feel the mounting hunger. Why did this have to happen now? He couldn't just throw Joey out. At least Joey had taken his attention off of him and was now engrossed in the movie again. Yugi struggled to follow suit, but he had no idea what any of the characters had said in the last three minutes. He glanced at Joey to see if he really was enjoying the movie.

He was. He was sitting with a can of soda in his hand, absentmindedly sipping from it while he watched. Yugi found himself watching the way Joey's Adam's apple moved when he swallowed and the way his blonde hair fell across his forehead-

Yugi hastily looked away. No way. Think of Seto, picture him.

He wasn't going to be home for eight or nine more days. That was over an entire week yet. How was Yugi going to deal with all this pent up frustration for a week?

He would just have to force down whatever creep factor was involved and take care of the problem in the shower tonight.

If he could hold out that long.

"Yug'?"

Yugi forced himself to look at Joey. "Yeah?"

"Pal, are you sure you're okay? You look kind of flushed. I didn't bring Yami's bug over, did I?"

Yugi shook his head. "No, I'm fine, really. I just..."

Man, Joey looked good right then. Yugi was just so hot. He could hardly think with the lust fogging his brain. He uncurled his legs and sat up straight.

"I just..."

Yugi leaned forward. Joey was watching him worriedly. Yugi's eyes traveled from Joey's deep brown eyes to his lips. He leaned forward further and tilted his head, reaching out to grab Joey's shoulders. He hauled him in and kissed Joey hard on the mouth.

"Mmpf!"

Yugi groaned softly, opening his mouth and kissing Joey harder. The fire in his groin was back at full force.

Joey grabbed his shoulders back and pushed him forcefully away. Yugi gasped in shock and let go, falling back against the armrest. Joey, eyes wide and breathing hard, stared at him like he was crazy. He jumped to his feet. "Yug'! What the hell?"

"I'm sorry!" Yugi pushed himself further away, though he could go no farther, reaching up to touch his mouth with a trembling hand. He was horrified. "I'm sorry!"

"What was that?"

"I don't know!" Yugi cried. "I'm sorry!"

Joey looked like he was struggling to get a hold of himself. He calmed down and sat back down on the couch. He picked up the remote and paused the movie. When he had set the remote back on the coffee table, voice gentle, he said, "Yug', look at me. What happened?"

Yugi shook his head rapidly with his hand over his mouth, then finally lowered it and said miserably, "I don't know." He told him all about how he'd been feeling the past few days, leading up to the kiss. When he was finished, Joey blew out a breath.

"Sounds like some crazy hormones."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Yugi demanded.

Joey held up his hands and gave him a meaningful look. Yugi blinked, then turned away, hiding his face again. "Oh, gods," he moaned.

"Hey. Come on, Yug', it was an accident. You weren't thinking straight."

"What about Yami?" Yugi mumbled behind his hands.

"He doesn't gotta know. It was just an accident, like you were drunk or something. You didn't mean it. You wouldn't hurt Yami for anything and neither would I. You don't gotta tell Kaiba either. Let's just put it behind us, okay, pal?"

Yugi looked up. Joey smiled at him tenderly.

"Okay?" he asked again.

Yugi nodded slowly. Joey grinned, reaching out to pat Yugi on the knee. It was an innocent gesture, but Yugi wished he hadn't done it. He dug his fingernails into his palms.

Joey got up and left to use the restroom. Yugi got to his feet and started cleaning up, hoping it would distract him. Thankfully he didn't have a full erection, at least not yet, but the lust was still pulsing in his belly. Damn Seto for leaving!

'No, no, Yugi, stop it,' he ordered himself, dumping the trash in the trashcan in the kitchen. 'It's not Seto's fault.'

Joey came into the kitchen. "Yug', do you want to keep watching the movie?"

Yugi stood with his back to Joey and didn't respond. Shit, but Joey's voice sent shivers down his spine. He was twisting a grease-spotted napkin in his hands, shredding it. Anything to distract himself.

"Maybe I'd better go."

"No!" Yugi dropped the napkin into the trash and spun around. "No, Joey, don't go. Please. I'm sorry. Let's watch the movie, okay?"

"Okay," Joey said a bit doubtfully. Then he brightened. "Hey, your mom make any of those cookies I like?"

Yugi smiled and opened the cabinet, pulling out the large cookie tin his mother always put her baked goods in. Joey made a triumphant noise as Yugi pulled the lid off and handed the tin to him. Inside were Joey's favorite cookies: chocolate chip with caramel swirls. Joey grabbed one of the large cookies and stuck it in his mouth. It was too big to fit even his mouth and hung half-out in a ridiculous manner while Joey rummaged into the tin for another few to take with him back into the living room. Yugi smiled.

"What?" Joey asked around the cookie, handing the tin back.

"You look silly."

Joey reached up with his now-free hand and bit the cookie in half. Chewing, he said, "Yeah, well, these cookies are great."

Yugi took one cookie for himself and replaced the lid on the tin and the tin in the cabinet. The two of them didn't return to the living room, but stood in the kitchen against respective counters across from each other, eating the cookies.

"Ahh," Joey said with satisfaction once he had swallowed the last of his cookies. "That always hit's the spot. Thank your mom for me."

"I will."

Yugi watched as Joey stuck his fingers in his mouth, sucking off the chocolate and caramel. Before he knew it, he had padded across the kitchen. He reached out, grabbing a handful of Joey's shirt at each bicep. Aware of Joey's eyes widening, Yugi stood on his toes and kissed him again. Closing his eyes, he parted his lips.

Joey didn't move.

Yugi moaned and pushed himself against him, the feel of Joey's hard body against his driving him crazy; the taste of him was in his mouth. His fingers flexed in Joey's shirt and he tilted his head, pressing his tongue into Joey's mouth. Joey stood completely still, not responding, and that finally permeated through Yugi's lust-hazy mind. He broke the kiss, standing back normally. Joey stood back against the cabinet, arms at his sides, hands uncurled, expressionless, looking down at Yugi.

"You let me kiss you," Yugi mumbled.

"I knew you'd get your head straight," Joey said. "You don't want to do this, Yug'."

Yugi felt tears of frustration and shame fill his eyes. He let go of Joey's shirt, turned, and bolted. He raced through the house and pounded up the stairs all the way to his room on the top floor. Dashing into his room, he slammed the door shut and then sank to the floor, beginning to sob. Back against the door, legs under him, face in his hands, he shook back and forth. He felt so ashamed. Could he not control himself?

A few minutes later, Yugi heard Joey knock on the door behind him. He didn't answer, no longer sobbing, but still hiding his face, hiccupping and sniffling. Joey knocked again, then leaned against the door from the sound of it.

"Yug'. Open the door, pal."

"Go away."

"Yugi, it's not your fault. Come on, open up the door."

"No. I'll just attack you again."

"You didn't attack me. Yugi, you're getting all mixed up 'cause of all the hormones. Don't blame yourself."

"I should be able to stop myself from trying to rape you!" Yugi wailed, dropping his hands.

"Stop it. Open the door, pal. Now. Come on."

Yugi shook his head, tears in his eyes again as he looked helplessly around his room. Even now the lust still burned under his skin, pooled in his groin. He shifted back and forth on the floor, pushing his hands against his thighs, but he couldn't get rid of it. He slammed his fist against the door in frustration.

"Yug'?" Joey's voice, worried. "What'd you do?"

"Punched the door," Yugi said miserably.

"Yugi, open the door. Please."

Yugi sighed, sniffled, and got to his feet. He turned around and opened the door, but looked at the carpet, refusing to meet Joey's eyes. Joey stepped into the room, making Yugi step back.

"Look at me." Joey didn't wait for him to do it, but put his hands on his shoulders, bending to look into his face. "You have nothing to be ashamed about. I don't know what it feels like, but I get you're… well… Anyway, it's just part of being pregnant… I guess."

"I feel horrible," Yugi whispered. "If Seto or Yami knew-"

"They ain't gonna know. I'm not going to tell them. I told you, Yug', it's just between us."

Yugi shook his head. Joey sighed, removing his hands from Yugi's shoulders.

"Let me try something."

Yugi looked up. Joey reached down, cupped his face, and tilted his head as he leaned in. He kissed Yugi gently. Yugi gasped, then moaned, closing his eyes as Joey's lips moved over his. Electricity shot up his spine and he reached up, gripping Joey's shirt again. Joey kissed him another few seconds, then pulled back. Yugi opened his eyes dazedly, seeing Joey's were dark, intense.

"Tell me to stop," he said.

He leaned in again and kissed Yugi again, this time opening his mouth and pressing his tongue into Yugi's mouth. Yugi moaned loudly in surprise, then pressed wantonly against him, fingers clutching his shirt. The lust spiked, but at the same time…

He didn't want this. He didn't want to cheat on Seto, or have Joey cheat on Yami.

"Stop…" Yugi demanded muffedly, while at the same time aware he wasn't doing much to stop him at all.

Joey tilted his head the other way, his lips sliding against Yugi's delightfully before he devoured him again, harder and hotter than before. He pushed against Yugi, shoving him back against the dresser, which thudded against the wall with the impact. Yugi whimpered hungrily, pressed between the dresser and Joey. He let go of his shirt and wound his arms around his neck, clutching at him desperately, kissing him back.

No, no. He couldn't do this. He wouldn't.

"Stop!" he gasped, tearing his mouth from Joey's. He unwound his arms and pushed at Joey, shoving him off him.

Joey let go of him easily, stepping back, face serious. Yugi leaned back against the dresser like a drunk, panting and shaking, so hot and hard that he hurt. Joey, looking like he hadn't been affected at all except for a faint redness to his cheeks, nodded.

"See? You don't want to do it, Yug'. You're just all worked up inside 'cause of the hormones. You don't want to cheat on Kaiba anymore than I want to cheat on Yami. You got nothing to be ashamed about. And you just proved it."

Yugi slumped a little further, struggling to catch his breath. He was vibrating with pent-up tension and it didn't help any that Joey was a good kisser. The taste of him was still on his tongue. Yugi bent forward and rested his hands against his thighs like he'd been running track and then let out a shaky laugh.

"Couldn't you have proved it some other way?"

"Not in a way that wouldn't convince you," Joey said. But he sounded slightly doubtful. "Look, Yug', I'm going to go. I'm not helping you any hanging around here. So, I'm going to go home to Yami and let you… er… take care of things."

Yugi looked up. Joey was looking away, his face burning. Yugi felt his own blush wash across his cheeks. Still, part of him wanted Joey to press against him again, kiss him, and do a lot more than kiss. Wanted it badly.

"Maybe you should go," he gasped.

Joey nodded, starting out of the room. At first Yugi wasn't going to follow, but he did, knowing he needed to show Joey out like a proper friend, prove to himself he wasn't about to destroy his relationship with Seto out of some stupid hormonal surge.

Downstairs, Joey dug his jacket out of the closet and put it on. He turned to Yugi at the door, face every bit as serious as before.

"Listen to me, Yug'. That wasn't cheatin', okay? It's like ya got drugged. You have nothing to be ashamed about." He stressed the last sentence.

Yugi nodded. "Thanks, Joey."

Joey nodded and smiled. Then he shook his head and whistled. "Man, I feel sorry for you, Yug'. Sorry, pal, but I'm really fucking glad that statue didn't get me pregnant."

Yugi glared at him. Joey smiled crookedly again, then waved and left. Yugi closed the door behind him, then leaned back against it and blew out a breath. He reached up and pushed his bangs back, then glared down at his abdomen.

'Baby, you are a lot of trouble,' he thought darkly.

His body responded by throbbing. Yugi curled both fists, then thudded them back against the door and pushed away from it. He took the stairs two at a time, burst into his room, and slammed the door shut. Ripping off his clothes even as he crossed the floor, he shoved his blankets out of his way and climbed into bed, grinding himself hopelessly against the mattress. A muffled cry exploded from his mouth as friction raced up his spine. Bracing his upper half against the bed, eyes squeezed shut, he rubbed himself against the sheets, gritting his teeth. His breath came in pants as hot, dry friction sizzled along his nerves.

He flopped over onto his back and grabbed himself. Free hand clutching a handful of sheet, his other hand flew over his erection. His heels dug into the mattress and he thrust up against his hand, teeth still gritted and bared and eyes squeezed shut, stifled whimpers escaping his throat.

"Ahh!"

He was glad he was alone in the apartment. He was crazed, masturbating hard and rough, in a frenzy. He could still feel Joey against him, taste his kiss.

An image of Seto flooded his mind. Him leaning over him, blue eyes bright with lust.

Yugi climaxed with a sharp cry. He slumped back down, panting and trembling, his seed cooling against his overheated skin. Once Yugi had caught his breath, he realized that he felt a lot better. He reached up with his clean hand and pushed his sweaty bangs off his forehead, letting out his breath with a sigh. After a moment he got up, grabbing his shirt off the floor and using it to wipe himself off. Throwing all the dirty clothes into his hamper, he padded over to his door and opened it a crack, listening for any signs of his family.

The house was still deserted but for himself. Yugi paused long enough to dig fresh clothes out of his dresser, then went into his bathroom and got into the shower. As he stood under the spray, he sighed.

Seto had to come home soon.

Tbc…

A/N: Again, as always, sorry about the long time between updates? I bet you're tired of hearing that, right?

Don't flame about the ending, please. I've talked to a few real mothers. I've done my research.

Please read and review. I appreciate it!