CM: OMfreakinG! After the last chapter we got so many reviews it was like our birthdays and christmas combined! At last, some feedback! A grand thankyou and many cookies to those of you who so heavily reviewed the past few days. Since you were all so eager for this next chapter, we're hoping to hear back from you on it. Enjoy! :D

Chapter Nineteen: DENIED!...by Joey?

Chapter song:

I think i love you- Less than Jake

"Wake up Joey," Mokuba said, shaking the tired blond from his sleep. "The festival starts today!" Mokuba shook him even harder when the teenager remained unresponsive. Joey slowly opened his eyes, seeing Mokuba beaming with excitement for the day. Slowly getting up, he rubbed the sleep out of his eyes. He noticed Seto with a coffee in hand as usual, but staring at a black computer screen. It was blatantly obvious that the work-a-holic CEO could not find an outlet for his laptop, cursing to himself why he didn't think of asking about something as simple as outlets.

"Morning, Mokuba," Joey said, finally standing up, stretching his muscles awake for the new day.

"Get dressed, Joey. I want to leave as soon as possible," Mokuba urged, anxiously waiting to see the beginning of the festival.

Joey opened up the suite case that Seto had packed for him. It was full of long sleeved shirts in white, black, green, and blue; jeans and kakis, and a few jackets all varying in warmth. "What's up with all this clothing for just two days?" Joey dug through the suite case, not finding anything that he thought really suited him. All of the shirts looked like they'd be too tight fitting and uncomfortable. Not to mention they appeared to all be designer clothes which meant they were probably expensive. He'd already had to wear a designer doggy costume; he didn't want to relive the nightmare of Kaiba dictating what he should wear. "I'll just wear what I wore yesterday." Joey shut the suite case and grabbed his usual white shirt and jeans with his trusty green jacket that made him feel like he stood out in some way. Putting it on, he was ready to go.

"You should wear something warmer than that, Wheeler." Seto said, not really paying attention to him that much. It was obvious that he was less happy than usual, but Joey didn't know if it was from the work recession or his book getting wet because of Joey's attempts to have fun.

"I'll be fine," Joey said back, not really wanting to be forced to wear what Seto had picked out for him. The selection was really not Joey's taste, but then again, it was probably clothing that Seto had wanted to see him in. The mixture of jersey fabrics for the jackets and the under armor like shirts were defiantly closer to Seto's style that Joey's.

"But, Joey, it's freezing outside…" Mokuba started, but knew it would just be best to let Joey do what he wanted.

The moment they stepped outside, Joey immediately wanted to run back inside and jump in the hot spring fully clothed. The air was chilly and the breeze didn't help matters at all. He wasn't about to let Seto or Mokuba in on his discomfort, knowing he would receive an 'I told you so'. He decided instead to just grin and bear it and hope the day would grow warmer. There was plenty of stuff for them to do to keep them busy. Countless vendor were selling souvenirs, food, drinks, and cheap useless things kids would buy, use only for that day, and then shove to the backs of their closets for the rest of eternity. They got to watch some of the street performances, pay a visit to the shrine, and explore many of the shops.

The streets were extremely busy by midday, and soon it was difficult to move around. There was one point where the three of them almost got separated during a crowd rush. Just when Joey thought he'd lost sight of the brothers, a strong hand clamped around his wrist and began dragging him through the crowd. Once he was finally out of the mess of bodies, he saw Seto holding onto his arm.

"Don't get lost, pup," Seto said, releasing his grip.

Joey wished that hand would hold his right about now. Heck, he'd accept a full-body embrace at this point in time. Even though the sun was brighter now, the wind chill seemed to grow worse with the passing hours. His fingers felt like they would break off at the smallest impacted. His toes were the same way. His nose was also numb and runny, and his ears were aching with cold. He ignored his discomfort, not wanting to complain when he brought it on himself. Mokuba, who had been holding onto Seto's other arm, steered them towards the shops that weren't as crowded. Joey was thankful for this as being inside gave him a chance to warm up.

They entered inside a small, used books store; it was warm, despite the frigid temperatures just outside. An elderly man was sitting behind the register drinking his coffee, watching a small television. Seto looked at the mystery section, pulling off old books that looked at least fifty years old. Out of the corner of Joey's eyes, he saw a familiar book cover in the new arrivals section. "It's the book I got wet," Joey noted pulling it off of the shelf. He looked over to Seto who was currently absorbed in the book he was reading. "It's not that expensive either." Joey saw the hand written penciled price on the inside flap of the book.

"Whatch ya got there Joey?" Mokuba said, trying to get a look at what he was holding.

"Just a book," Joey replied, heading over to the register. "I did ruin his. So I should buy a new one." The old man rang up Joey and placed the book in a brown paper bag, handing it back to the teenager. "Thanks," Joey said, taking the bag from the old man. The old man smiled at Joey and immediately went back to his television.

Seto closed the old leather bound book and placed it back on the shelf, and headed out of the store before Mokuba and Joey could catch up with him. As soon as Joey stepped back outside his body was once again engulfed in the cold weather. "What happened to it getting warmer as the day went on?" Joey thought, his body rapidly becoming stiff from the cold once again. Joey saw Seto sitting on a bench waiting for the two to catch up with him.

"I'll get us some warm drinks," Mokuba said, dashing off into the crowds towards the vendors, leaving Joey and Seto alone.

Joey gripped that package and handed it over to Seto. "Here, I bought this for ya."

Seto dubiously took the package but his expression changed when he saw what it was. Joey opened his mouth for an unnecessary explanation, but he faltered when Seto turned his thoughtful gaze onto Joey. Joey's tongue tripped over himself staring into Seto's eyes, not so much because of the eye lock –they'd had their share of staring matches- it was more the unfathomable expression that lay behind them

"I suppose this saves me the trouble of buying another one," Seto said finally, releasing Joey from the captivating stare.

Joey felt at last his body warming up… though not in the way he'd wanted or planned. Why did Seto have to be so annoyingly… charismatic?

"Here, Joey! This should help warm you up," Mokuba chimed, coming back with some drinks and shoving a steaming cup into Joey's hand. Good, something to help get his mind off his weird arousals.

When it started getting dark, streets became aglow with lanterns and fires and electrical lights. Unfortunately, the already cold temperature was quickly dropping even further and Joey was beginning to believe he would never be able to feel again. Seto, being the attentive one, decided it would be best if they all returned back to the onsen.

After cleaning off in the shower room, the three boys headed outside, Seto was reading his book once again in one of the chairs, while Mokuba and Joey sat in the water quietly. Joey didn't want to get scolded again by Seto, so he quietly watched as Mokuba swam around in the warm water, dunking his head under. "Seto, you should get into the water," Mokuba urged, his head rising from the warm water looking at his older brother, who was engrossed by the book that Joey bought for him to pay any attention to them.

"Later, Mokuba," Seto said, turning the page of his book.

Mokuba heaved a sigh but did not argue the point. "I'm going to go check out the rec room then," he said, getting out of the water leaving the two teenagers alone once again.

Joey stayed in the warm water, with his eyes closed, relaxing, and enjoying the silence. He thought he felt the water lightly ripple against his skin, but he didn't bother to open his eyes. After suffering from near frostbite, it was nice to be engulfed in warmth.

Joey felt the water move even more, and slightly opened one of his eyes, seeing the CEO in the water moving towards him. Seto sat down next to Joey in the water, still not saying a word. Joey felt Seto's hand wrap behind him casually, and Joey felt himself get even warmer.

"Are you enjoying your book?" Joey finally asked, trying to make conversation after the two sat there for several minutes in silence. "You were staring at it more than you do your laptop."

"It's intriguing," Seto said, not seeming to want to go in depth about the book. "Maybe you should try reading a book too, mutt."

"I do too read books," Joey said back in defense.

"Manga and comics don't count as reading," Seto drawled, looking at Joey.

The two were in a lockdown, and Joey noticed Seto's head moving closer to his. "What is Seto doing?" Joey thought, but as Seto's face got closer, Joey finally realized what was happening. "Is Seto going to…" As soon as Seto's face as only inches away from his face, Joey stood up all flustered, "I'm going to go check on Mokuba," Joey quickly left the water.

Joey just passed through the shower room without rinsing off and headed out into the hallway. "I never thought Kaiba would try again after what happened last time…I wanted him to try again, but I freaked out…" As soon as this thought crossed his mind he flailed about, unable to accept the fact that he was thinking such thoughts. Then he his shoulders slumped in an exhausted manner. Why did this relationship have to be so confusing?

Seto sat in the water for a few more minutes after Joey left him alone in that water. "What does that mutt want from me?" Seto thought, starting to get out of water. He picked up his book and looked at it for a brief moment. "I try to show him I care in a more 'reasonable' way and he just freaks out and leaves."

Seto tried to think logically through this like he did with everything else. A possibility struck him; could it be that what Seto did several month earlier possibly affected Joey in such a way that now he was panicky towards intimate contact? No, Wheeler shouldn't have been shaken up by something like that. Seto refused to believe that Joey's hesitation was in any way his fault. Why did he even bother?

After showering off, he went to check on Mokuba in case what Joey said was just an excuse and found the two of them in the game room playing ping pong. Just as Seto came in Joey nailed the ball and Mokuba missed it by an inch.

"Oh yeah, game and match," Joey crowed, as if he'd won nationals.

"Amazing, you won a game that requires little to no cognitive skill," Kaiba stated in mock congratulations.

Joey frowned at Seto. "Oh yeah, then it should be a piece of cake for you, rich boy. Whaddya say?"

"You embarrass yourself enough without needing my help, Wheeler," Kaiba retorted.

"Sounds like moneybags is scared," Joey egged. "What's wrong, Kaiba? Scared ta get beaten by a mutt?"

Seto glared at the cocky looking blonde and decided that the only way to appease some of his frustration was to once again put the pup in his place. Seto held his hand out to Mokuba and the little brother relinquished his paddle.

"Now that's more like it," Joey said. "And just to make things interesting, I say we place a bet. If I win you have to take a whole week off of work. And build a pool in your backyard."

"Very well, Wheeler," Seto said, seeing the same determination in the chocolate eyes that he did during a duel. "You can serve first."

"Wait, Kaiba. What do you want if you win?" Joey asked before starting the match.

"I'll tell you after I win," Seto said slightly smirking, "Serve mutt."

Joey threw the ball up and hit the tiny orange ball with all his might, but before he could react, Seto already hit the ball back, scoring the first point. "First point goes to me. Ten more left. Serve again, Wheeler." Joey clutched the tiny plastic ball tight in his fist before serving again. Seto once again hit the tiny plastic ball with an almost professional level speed. Joey more prepared this time, nicked the tiny ball, but it hit the net, causing another point to go to Seto. "You are making this too easy, Wheeler. I could beat you with my left hand and my right tied behind my back."

"Just you wait, rich boy. I'll beat you. I'm just giving ya a handicap. Your serve." Joey tossed the orange ball back over the net to the cocky brunette.

"I'll believe it when you score on me, mutt." Seto smirked, preparing to serve. The air crackled with the intensity of a duel. Picking up on the tension, Mokuba cheered.

"Come on, Joey! You can do it! Good Job, Seto, keep it up!" he would shout as the two finally got into a rally. Joey hit the tiny ball back, finally scoring a point on Seto.

"2-1, Kaiba," Joey taunted as Seto clutched the ball in his hand.

"Please, Wheeler, that was just a fluke. I won't lose to an amateur like you." Seto quickly served before Joey could snap back.

The game went on for a good half an hour. Joey got better at rallying with Seto, but couldn't score as easily against him.

"11-5 Wheeler. I win," Seto said, placing the paddle down on the table. "Now for your end of the bargain." Seto paused for a brief moment, "You will have to clean my pool for two months after it's built in your doggie Halloween Costume."

"We're getting a pool!" Mokuba shouted with excitement. "When are we building, Seto? How big will it be?" Seto was too distracted by Joey's shocked face to even make a comment to all his brother's questions.

"Are…are you serious Kaiba?" Joey stuttered, imagining himself cleaning a pool that that embarrassing outfit and Seto mocking him the entire time.

"I'm always serious, Wheeler," Kaiba said, ready to leave the rec room and go to bed for the night. After all, tomorrow was going to be the busiest day of the festival and he knew the three would need their rest for all the walking they would do.

Joey was upset at Seto's demands, but at the same time confused. Why would he go through the trouble of building a pool just to have Joey dress up? He could've just had Joey do some other demeaning task.

After Seto went to bed, Joey and Mokuba figured they might as well follow after even though Joey really wasn't tired at all. They settled down for bed and in thirty minutes Mokuba was snoozing, but Joey was wide awake.

Joey sat up and glanced over at Seto who was lying still as a rock; the only indication he was still alive was his light, steady breathing. Joey crawled over to sit next to Seto's head. He couldn't fully see the CEO's face in the dark, but he had the outlines and his imagination filled in the rest.

He felt bad for having rejected Seto in such a manner, but he truly had been nervous. Why? Maybe the idea of two men together still bothered him because he wasn't used to the idea. He was even more unused to the fact that HE was in a male-male relationship. He could have sworn before he was straight, but then this kick in the pants happened. It didn't help that back in middle school he had once helped beat up kids specifically because they weren't straight.

How could he make it up to Seto? He definitely wasn't going to kiss him in his sleep, that was just rude and unfair to Seto. Maybe the cheek? Forehead? Those would make good practice to help ease the awkwardness. He bent down, puckering his lips a little, but he was within less than an inch away from the skin before losing heart and straightening up again.

"I'm such a coward," Joey thought with a sigh. He noticed Seto's bangs had fallen at an odd angle and used his fingers to fix them. The chestnut locks were surprisingly silky, making Joey want to run his entire hand through them. As if he had the nerve. After watching Seto sleep for a few more minutes, he crawled back to his own mat and tried to fall asleep.

CM: Aw, poor Joey. Will he be able to make amends with his dragon? Stay tuned to find out!