Chapter 7 (the last one!... if you don't count the sequel… which is to be called "baby don't hurt me"… and should be posted within the next year…he.he…)

Joey tried to push Marik off him but realized his hands were still chained above his head. Kaiba was standing there stunned, unable to move. The other three stepped forward an Joey heard Bakura curse behind him upon seeing Ryou. Yami was the only one not frozen by what they had witnessed. He walked quickly forward.

"Long time no see, Marik." Marik turned around. "And I hope it'll be a long time before I see you again." The millennium puzzle glowed and Marik disappeared into the shadow realm. This act unfroze everyone. Yugi ran forward to comfort Joey and Yami grabbed the cuff keys from Bakura. Joey sat up, rubbing his wrists. Ryou turned and went outside, and Bakura followed him. Kaiba walked over to stand next to the bed. Yami pulled yugi away frim Joey and into the kitchen. Malik was sitting at the table eating his unfinished sundae.

Kaiba sat down next to Joey.

"Are you okay?" He asked.

Joey nodded.

There was an awkward silence, until they both spoke at the same time.

"Does this mean— " Kaiba started.

"I know you— " Joey began.

"you first," Kaiba said.

"No, you,"

"Fine. I love you Joey, with all my heart. I'll never stop loving you, even if you stop loving me."

'Are you serious? You want to love me even after you've seen me like this? Seen what a slut I really am? Damn, you're either the most amazing person in the world or you're really desperate."

"Well, I'm far from the 'most amazing person in the world' but yes, I still love you."

"I love you too," Joey said.

"Why don't we get out of this creepy place and go to my house?"

"Okay."

Kaiba helped Joey into his discarded clothing. Joey stood up wincing.

"My ass hurts like hell." He said.

Kaiba reached out and picked Joey up, strong arms carrying him bridal style. Joey put his arms around the brunet's neck. They went outside followed by Yugi and Yami. There were two figures standing illuminated by a streetlamp, the light reflecting off their white hair. As the four walked closer they saw that Bakura had his arms around Ryou who was sobbing into his chest. Bkura turned when he hear the footsteps. Joey gingerly slid out of Kaiba's grasp. He walked over to the two boys.

'I'm sorry Joey," Bakura said.

"It's okay."

"No, it's not… but I guess you can't change what's already happened. So, are we still friends?" Bakura held out his hand. Joey took it.

"Of course."

Ryou looked up at Joey.

"thank you," he said.

"For what?" Joey asked.

Ryou smiled and planted a soft kiss on Bakura's cheek. Bakura ruffled the smaller boy's hair.

Joey grinned.

A/N: so how'd you like? I realized that my writing in that last chapter kind of sucked, but what can I say? It's over a year old (oops). So eagerly await the sequel!