Companionship
The Bonds of Brotherhood.
Some of the strongest relationships of humans can be between friends. Sometimes friends can be family in place of immediate relatives who are too fucked up to understand and/or tolerate. You find your friends as escape.
A chance for freedom.
A chance to avoid headaches.
A chance to live.
As Beyonce's "Single Ladies" came over the vibrating speakers in the tripped out dance club and Joey turned to one of his best friend, Tristan, who was sitting next to him at the bar.
"I hate this fucking song," he said.
Well…they couldn't help you with all your problems.
"Bitter." Tristan snorted as he sucked on his lemon from his recently taken shot of Vodka.
"I'm not bitter. She has a fucking man. I'd rather she'd been broke down, poor, divorced and hungry rallying for single women."
"Well, you're not a woman so you don't have to worry about that, now do you Jo?" Tristan turned from Joey to the bartender who was a small guy with tri-colored hair. He had on a red tank with some tight black leather pants which Joey noticed, gave his ass a lot of attention from the other patrons. "Yami, give me two lemon drops when you finish."
Joey leaned his elbow on the bar, slouching over looking pathetic.
"Let's have a dance after this, Joey."
"No. I want to sit and sulk."
"Well why'd you come out with me and Duke if you were going to be depressed, Debbie Downer?"
"Tired of being in house," Joey said robotically.
Tristan released a loud theatrical sigh before giving a small pout to Yami who had finally wandered over to him and Joey with three shots of vodka and lemons.
"What's wrong, Tris?" Yami asked. "And Joey, sit up…you're melting my bar with you negativity aura."
"Fuck you Yami," Joey snapped.
"Gee…your worse than a woman. Let's take these shots, baby and then you can get with the guy by the lounge whose been staring at you since you came in," Yami said glancing into the direction he was talking about.
Joey sat up and turned his head to the male who was standing exactly where Yami said. The male had his eye fixated on Joey. He was short, with brown unruly hair and was about medium build. Joey could hardly tell what he had on since the lights didn't help in the least, but from afar he was an attractive male nonetheless.
"Worth a shot, buddy," Tristan added.
Joey jerked from his trance to his friend who had their shot glasses raised high waiting for him. Picking up his own glass, clinked the others, hit the bar and threw back their shots before sucking on the lemon.
Joey looked back to find the guy who was looking at him, but he was gone.
"Still want that dance?" Tristan asked, jumping from his stool holding his hand out to Joey who excepted it with a sad smile. "See you later, Yami."
When Joey got out on the floor he felt slightly uncomfortable. It wasn't because his best friend was slowly starting grind against him or the fact that everyone around him would have made him feel claustrophobic. He wanted to know who the guy was at the lounge. The way the guy stared at him with a coy little grin, leaning in the doorway looking sexy as ever had Joey's mind stuck.
"Jo, you're daydreaming," Tristan said stopping his dance and staring at Joey. "You're messing up my groove."
"Tris—"
Before Joey could finish, he felt a hot body press against him from behind and watched his best friend eyebrow raise.
"I'm here, honey," A voice whispered into his ear and Joey turned to the stranger.
It was him.
As he stood at height with the man, he noticed the gorgeous brown eyes that captivated Joey and made him feel like nothing else in the world mattered. The smooth baby like skin, that smirk that was plastered to full lips, brown hair, muscles…
"Dance?" The male asked and Joey nodded at him like a fish out of water when he heard the thick Australian accent. As he was pulled deeper onto the floor he looked back at Tristan with wink and smile before following behind the man.
It was a matter of seconds before another song was initiating and he felt the body once more behind him as before. Joey felt his hips moving along with the other in a sultry dance that Joey was used to, but it felt so much better with the male behind him. He felt the strong hands run up his chest as lips descended to his neck with small peppered kisses to his skin making him bite his lip, feeling so good.
"What's the name?" Joey heard said lowly in his ear.
"Joey. Yours?"
"Valon."
Joey turned around wrapping his arms around the others neck so he could get a good look into those eyes. They say by looking into a person's eyes you could see everything.
Who cared about that?!
The blond just wanted the man on looks alone and whatever was in the eyes could wait until after sex.
Valon hissed as Joey dipped, coming up slowly and running his hands along his sides. He looked into light brown eyes that gave him a sexy look giving him permission for whatever. He cupped the face below him, leaning down and pressing his lips against the other.
"Slut!" Someone said loudly behind Joey which made him laugh, breaking the kiss. He knew who it was spinning around seeing his other best friend who was standing there with his hands on his leather clad hips.
"Between you and Yami, I don't know who wears them better…" Joey commented.
"I guess you're not coming home," Duke said indicating Valon behind his friend. He didn't need it to be a question. He knew Joey too well.
"Of course not. Honey is coming with me."
"Jojo bear, you caught an exotic!" Duke said looking proud as he heard the accent. "Good job. I've taught you well, baby."
Joey rolled his eyes as he turned to Valon who took his hand.
"Ready?" Valon asked.
"Be careful Jojo Bear," Duke told him
"Will do." Joey reassured and made his way out with Valon.
Valon was like tricked out dictionary. Sexy on the outside, boring on the inside. A candy coated piece of delicacy with a horrifying surprise on the center. After he had brought Joey back to his apartment for a two minute quickie, he proceeded to get up from the bed and grab the first photo album which unfortunately, was the first of many. Here Joey sat with the hottest man he had seen and instead of knocking down the neighbor's wall with insane sex, he was looking at photos of Valon's motorcycle, Vanna.
"Here's my baby after I finished waxing. Look at that sparkle in her eye." Valon smiled. "You know, me and Vanna have yet to be in an accident. Knock on wood," He said reaching over and knocking on the side table. "Wouldn't want to jinx my baby girl into anything!"
"Mm Hm," Joey mumbled beyond bored with his head propped on his elbow as stared at his nails.
"Oh and look! This is after I brought her home after her first paint job!" He said as a proud mother.
"Mm Hm," Joey repeated. He didn't even think Valon actually took notice that Joey just didn't care.
"Oh!" Valon hooted making Joey almost jump out of his skin as he wondered what the hell happened. "My baby is smoking! This is her fiftieth ride around the block. I take her around about once every—"
"Can you take me home?!" Joey asked throwing the sheets off his body, grabbing for his clothes.
"Honey Jo, you have seen her first oil spill. Vanna's first orgasm," Valon said with a wink and Joey's eyes widened as he turned, paused and looked at the crazy individual. Was Valon seriously implying that he had sex with a—
"Home. Now."
"Early night Jojo Bear?" Duke asked from the couch when Joey entered the house, shutting the door behind himself. Tristan was sitting with his head in the dark haired male's lap, laughing at Duke.
"He is one of the creepiest guys I have ever met in my life. I swear he's had sex with his motorcycle."
"What the hell?"
"Those were my thoughts," Joey said throwing himself into the chair leaning his head back and looked at the ceiling above him. "After we had the worse sex I've ever had in my life, he pulled his baby photos of his motorcycle Vanna. I think I sat through two hundred plus photos of his bike that's probably had more orgasms than I ever will in my entire life."
Tristan sat up, propped on his elbows, looking confused. "Motorcycle orgasm?"
"Oil Spills. I don't fucking know. I have a headache and I'm going to bed and hopefully be up in enough time for my classes." He stood walking over to his friends, giving them each quick kisses before making his way to his bed.
What a day.
What a damn day.
Joey was dying of boredom in his family owned cafe. He was always bored. Not that it never got busy...
It was just boring.
He worked at his family owned cafe as a waiter while he went to school full time. Right now was the calm before the storm. Usually after four was when all the business people would get off of their jobs, flock to the cafe, sit, eat, drink coffee before going home to kiss their wives before heading out to the strip club.
As Joey leaned on his elbow on the cherry colored bar he felt a hand smack his bottom, making him jump five feet off the ground. He turned to see who the culprit was.
"Ow, bitch," He said rubbing at his stinging bottom.
"Good afternoon to you beanie bear!" Serenity said hugging her older brother from behind.
"Eh," He said nonchalantly going back to his previous position, glancing back at his sister. "What's with the top?"
"What?" She asked looking down at her semi exposed breasts. "Oh, I figured if I don't get a date tonight, at least I'll get a shit load of tips," She said and then loudly popped her gum, grinning at her brother.
His little sister tried too hard.
"Slut," he said.
"Dick," she countered.
"Hey! Serenity and Joey! You know better than to use that language!" Said a female's voice from the back kitchens and then they heard a spew of curses from the older woman's lips.
"Alright, Ma-ma!" Serenity said rolling her eyes. "Geez, you'd think she'd know us by now."
"Yes, I'm getting sick and tired of being called a little bastard. I know I am."
"You're going to see Pa-pa at the club tonight?" Serenity asked Joey as she began to wipe the bar with a rag.
"Was trying not to."
"Aw, but Joey! I really wanted you to go. Especially if I didn't have anyone to go with."
"Well your screwed either way. As soon as they see Pa-pa, they're going to turn around and leave right back out the door. You can forget even a one night stand."
His whole family was weird. It was a wonder that they even had customers. The slurs that flew back and forth though the shop, it was amazing that anyone ever came back after visiting.
"Okay, then me and you will go together. Duke can come too."
"I don't know about Duke. He has a date tonight. As usual..."
"Joey, don't worry. Tonight we'll get you someone."
"Serenity, please do not try and hook me up with any of those dusty queens down at 'Euphoria' . I've had enough of the men at 'Haven' . Especially the motor heads," Joey said wincing as he remembered just the night before.
"Tried speed dating?"
"Never will in my life."
"Never know Joey, you might be resulted to. Especially if we all have to deal with your storm cloud bringing the rest of us down. You're young and you could be partying and having a good time with as many men as possible. Not waiting and wondering why Mr. Right hasn't shown up on your doorstep yet."
A woman came into the cafe wearing a black pencil skirt and a black and white pen striped blouse with it slightly open, exposing black lace. She sat down on the stool in front of Joey, leaning forward on the bar.
"Hey handsome. How about a caramel latte?"
"How about another button Mai? Geez, you women," He said moving from his position and started to prepare her drink.
"What's wrong honey?" She asked. "If I make you feel uncomfortable there's need to. I'm banging your best friend," She grinned.
"I do not want to hear about the disgusting lesbian intimacies of you and Téa."
"Hi baby," Mai said talking to Serenity. "How have you been?"
"I've been great. I've been meaning to talk you."
Joey could hear the nervousness in his baby sister's voice and wondered what could be so nerve wrecking about talking to Mai. Especially after the two of them had known each other for so long.
"Sure. I'll come in next time when your brother isn't. Especially since the sight of me disgusts him," She said with a smirk and he sat her latte down in front of her.
"He's not disgusted Mai. Just bitter." Serenity pinched her brother's side making him giggle.
"Stop, I'm not supposed to laugh." He smiled.
"Hi Mrs. Wheeler." Mai greeted as the woman came from the back. She was a short slender woman with Serenity's red hair and petite face.
"Hi sweetheart." She smiled at Mai before switching to a stern look at her daughter. Before Serenity could say anything, her mother started racing off at the mouth about something.
"But Ma-ma, Joey was supposed to do it! It's his turn."
"I don't want to hear it Serenity. Go into the kitchen and clean them. Go, go go," She said smacking Serenity's little bottom making her hurry into the kitchen. "Joey, stop looking like a sad monkey, sweetheart. You're scaring the customers away, baby." She leaned over giving him a kiss on the cheek.
"Ma-ma! Ew," He said wiping his cheek.
"Please tell me why your sister insist on dressing like that? That's the only reason I put her in the back. Her tits are all over the place."
"Ma-ma! Please?"
His mother walked to the back mumbling something and he rolled his eyes.
"Don't worry, Joey. You have us," Mai said putting a comforting hand over his.
Maybe Mai was right. As long as he had his friends, everything should be okay, right?
Joey sunk very low into his seat as his father performed on stage. He had never thought that he would ever see his father on stage in drag lip synching to Gloria Gaynor's "I will survive".
It seemed like every drag's anthem.
His sister was on her feet, clapping and dancing drawing way more attention to their table than he would have liked, but then again, everyone else was enjoying the show.
Joey wanted to disappear. He would have been fine had it been Duke or someone, but it was his father.
What was the queer world coming too?
"Oh no not I! I will survive!" Serenity sang loudly as she shook her hips to the music in her short blue dress. His mother was in the same position on his other side, finding another drag queen beside her and they danced together.
As the song wrapped up, Joey thanked the heaven's above him it was finally over. He gave a small clap before finally sitting up in seat.
"Oh! Can I just say thank you! Thank you all! Now, ladies…do not forget to donate, donate, donate! Raise awareness for individuality! We want leaders, no followers!"
Everyone in the audience clapped.
"Next we will have the wonderful Miss Kiss come and perform that glorious hit by the legendary Donna Summer: Hot stuff!"
The crowd clapped once more and his father exited the stage walked down the stairs and over to his family's table.
"Pa-pa, you did amazing!" Serenity greeted happily wrapping her arms around his neck.
"Oh thank you sweetheart." He turned to his wife who smiled leaning over giving him a small kiss on the corner of his mouth.
"Its a wonderful thing you're doing honey."
"It is Pa-pa," Joey said.
His father turned his face which was dramatized with dark penciled eyes, exaggerated lip liner and eye shadows that had every color from the rainbow.
"Oh, Jojo, you don't know how much that means to me to hear you say that. I'm so glad you came. Come give your old man a hug." He sniffled and Joey stood up hugging his father. Even though it was weird that his father was dressed in drag singing disco hits of the 70's, it was still for a great cause: To help finance youth groups in the community
"Pa-pa, stop crying. You're makeup will run."
"I know. And it took Faith forever and a day to put it on. After I talk to your mother, I have someone I want you to meet. He saw a picture of you on my vanity and has been wanting to see ever since. It's just the memory of an old man, I haven't had the chance to tell you."
"Oh no. I am not going to let my father pick out any dates for me. I'd be scared to see what they look like."
"I'm not going to pull you a drag, sweetie. He's a nice guy. At least, I haven't had a problem with him."
"Pa-pa, what about me?" Serenity whined with a pout, wrapping her arm around his waist, opposite Joey.
"Sorry Serenity. I don't know gay men here desperate."
Joey laughed and Serenity reached over smacking him in the shoulder.
"And where are your clothes young lady? Stop dressing like a slut," Joey's father said to her.
"See why I put you in the back to wash dishes, Serenity?" His mother said. "Joseph, I'm going to get something to drink, would you like anything?"
"No thanks dear," His father said. "I'm going in the back and go and put on something more fabulous," Joseph said dancing to the back room.
Tristan spotted Joey and Serenity in the middle of crowd talking. He walked over with a beer in hand with a smile.
"Tristan I'm glad you could come on such last minute notice. I know Duke had a date." Joey hugged his best friend.
"Mm...he's on his way." Tristan pulled away.
"That's a day early for Duke."
"Bad date."
Tristan turned to Serenity nodding in greeting. She turned on her heel storming away from them.
"Is she ever going to get over it?"
"Probably not. Who cares? You're gay."
"To her I'm the asshole who broke her heart. Every time I look at her I already feel like shit."
"To her, you were the one she was to marry. Its fine Tristan. Don't let it ruin your night. Let's dance."
Tristan and Joey had been about thirty minutes into dancing when arms wrapped around their neck pulling them close to a warm body.
"Can we please take some shots? If I don't get some alcohol inside of me, I'm going to kill someone," Duke said guiding them to the bar. They each took a seat on the stools and waited for the bar tender to serve them.
"So how did it go tonight?"
"Okay, so I meet him at the restaurant..." Duke started.
"Wow! I can't believe you came!"
Duke paused in his steps as he looked down at the green haired, bug eyed, human being?
"Yes...I did...you are...?"
"William Underwood...though my friend calls me weevil."
Duke's jaw dropped as he looked at the man standing before him. Was the world playing a cruel trick on him? Where was his tall and handsome prince? Where was his knight in shining armor? Where was his muscled down perfect tan, gorgeous hair, cute ass top to his bottom. The sun to his sky?
"Um…" Duke started, but couldn't seem to figure out how to finish.
"You look just like your profile said!"
Duke wiped his hand as he some spit landed target. "And um...you don't."
"Who ever puts there real photo on there anyway?" He said bumping arms with the taller male and winking.
Was this kid serious?
"Hungry?"
Duke nodded quickly as he lead the way into the restaurant and stopped as the host approached.
"How many this evening."
"Two...though I wish it was one." A hand crept its way around his slender waist making him cringe from disgust.
"Let's go babe," Weevil said guiding Duke behind the host.
"Wine while you wait?" Asked a tall, upstanding gentleman. He stood beside the table with a cart with a bucket full of ice, and a bottle of wine sitting in it.
"Three glasses please," Duke said smiling innocently at the waiter.
With a smile, the waiter was about to pour one until Weevil stood snatching it from him.
"Ill do that. And stop eyeballing my date before I shoved this bottle up your ass until you cry wine."
"What the hell?" Duke narrowed his eyes. "He's the waiter and he's doing his job. Why are you talking to him that way?"
"I'm possessive."
"Um...okay..." Duke throwing down his napkin onto the table. "I'm sorry, but this date—"
"Wine you said?" Weevil said completely ignoring him and began to pour the wine into the glass. Only to miss the glass completely and pour it right into Duke's lap.
Duke jumped up from the table, backing away holding his hands up.
"I'm sorry!" Weevil apologized. "Here let me get that for you!" He snatched up the table cloth thinking it was a napkin and yanked all the dishes up and shattered them to the floor.
Everyone in the restaurant had their eyes trained on the both of them and Duke shook his head in embarrassment. He had never in his life have a date go so downhill? Was this a nightmare? Why was he living this?
Who was this cruel?
"Let me—"
" . ." Duke gritted through his teeth. "Now I am going home to change. Don't ever call me, message me, and if you see me in the streets, don't talk to me, wave to me, or even realize that I exist. Thank you."
"Poor guy," Joey said looking Duke. "You probably broke his heart." He pouted playfully.
"Fuck you Joey. He ruined my favorite pair of pants. My dick is going to smell like Chardonnay for the rest of the night."
"You know...That might not be a bad idea," Tristan said grinning and Duke flipped him off.
"Now that's not nice." Said a light British accent. They all looked in front of them to see who spoke.
"Whoa!" They said in unison.
"Bakura?" Duke asked, raising an eyebrow at the at least foot shorter male in front of him. "You've changed."
"I'm filling in for him. That's my... brother."
"Your brother? We didn't know he had a brother.."
"Estranged?" Ryou laughed nervously. "What can I get you?"
"Three shots of Tequila please," Tristan said, eying the little youth.
"I'll be right back." Ryou smiled before leaving.
Duke tapped Joey in the arm pointing to Tristan who was in a daze, still staring at the spot where Ryou was once standing.
"Tristan?" Joey snapped his fingers in front of his face. "He's not there anymore."
"Hm?" Tristan finally focused on his friends.
"Wow Tris, didn't know you have a thing for Brits." Duke grinned.
"Get outta here. I don't like the kid. You guys take a little stare for an invitation. Like I want to kidnap him and…have my way with him…" Tristan said in a kind of trance.
"Uh…no. We could have meant date. Where is your mind perv?"
After Ryou had brought their drinks over, he sat them in front of the trio before walking off. As they swallowed the burning alcohol, Joey realized that despite his little drama show he put on earlier, he had really loved and appreciated his friends. When he had no one else to go to, Duke and Tristan (even Mai) were there for him.
"You ladies started the party without me?"
Joey turned his head hearing his father's voice and choked on his drink at he man standing in front of him. His father was wearing a platinum white wig of crazy spiraling curls, complimenting a ridiculously bedazzled dress that made him stand out more than the disco ball in rotation above them.
"Mr. Wheeler, you look hot!" Duke whistled.
"Oh my God, I think I just threw up in my mouth. Did my best friend just call my father hot? Tristan, please tell me Duke did not just cross that line."
"Duke, you know better than to call me that." Joseph Senior said with a smirk. "I'm all Kitty Celeste. Come now, Joseph," His father said taking his son's hand. "I want to introduce you to Keith."
Joey couldn't believe he was allowing his father to guide him across this club by hand to meet someone that he knew was probably going to be a nut case. Why was he allowing himself to go through this? All the negative thoughts clouding his mind as he made his way over. Suddenly his father stopped in front of a door where a tall male with shoulder length blond hair, was standing. His muscles were well defined through the hugging black shirt and his long legs were clad in medium blue distressed jeans.
Not everything that looked good was good for you.
Take Valon for instance.
Delectable, but dull as a damn doorknob.
If Joey were to have another incident like that, he swore, he would never have sex again.
Maybe.
"Mr. Wheeler. You're looking fabulous to night. As always," Keith complimented.
"Keith, you know I love it when you flatter me, but right now, I would rather you flatter my son. This is Joseph, the one I talk about all the time."
"It is a pleasure to finally meet you Joseph."
"Call me Joey," Joey said holding his hand out and Keith.
"I'll leave you two alone." Joseph's father began to back away to his table where his daughter and wife sat.
"That picture does you no justice, Joey." Keith smirked.
"Yeah, I'm sure. I hate taking pictures."
There was a silence.
"I guess this is the part where I'm supposed to ask you out on a date." Keith stated more than questioned.
"Or we could just come back to my place and have sex?"
Joey and Keith lay in a sweaty naked mess side by side, staring at the ceiling. That was some of the best sex Joey had in a long time. Keith was a beast when it came to sex and he knew how to work, what was already "packing".
"So, I'm picking you up tomorrow at eight, right?"
"What?" Joey turned his head to Keith. "What are you talking about?"
"I want to take you out tomorrow."
"To...?"
"A butchery house Joey. Out to dinner, babe." Keith turned to him.
"I just thought that after this...we would never see each other again."
"You would really think that?" Keith asked looking into the amber eyes across from him.
"Oh...with my luck with men, tis possible."
"Well let me change that Joey." Keith whispered.
Joey couldn't help but stare back and swallow that heavy sentence that had just left the opposite blond's lips. It was true that Joey had never been on a decent date. Maybe because it wasn't a boatload of men getting off trying to talk to him. The few that he had though, were crap and he figured that it was pointless to think that maybe, there was a decent guy who knew how to properly court.
Strike one for Keith, since he took the invitation of jumping into Joey's pants without candlelit romance, intellectual conversation, complete with steak and potatoes and maybe an addition of a cheap bottle of wine.
"I feel horrible Joey."
Joey raised an eyebrow. "Why?"
"We shouldn't have slept together. We should pretend like we never met each other."
"Uh...Keith its a little bit to late for that. Are you saying that you regret having sex with me?" Joey asked leaning back on his elbows and looking over at Keith. "It wasn't bad."
"That's not what I'm talking about. I'm talking about the fact that we don't even know each other. If I didn't know your father, you wouldn't have given me the time or day, would you?"
Okay, so maybe Joey had dwelled on this point not even seconds before Keith brought them up, but did he really want to have this conversation after his best night yet?
"Keith, don't say another word please. Go home, think about it and we'll talk about it tomorrow. Okay?"
"I need you to know that I'm not a guy looking out for ass only."
"Okay! I'm realizing that you think you fucked up, but Keith get a hold of yourself. I asked you about coming here tonight, not the other way around. Its okay that you took my virginity."
Keith paled and Joey laughed.
"That was a joke. I haven't been a virgin since I was in elementary school."
Keith raised his eyebrow.
"Another joke. It was middle."
Keith laughed considering that it may have been another joke. With Joey it was hard to tell, but the older man did feel comfortable. He lifted himself from the soft mattress and stood, beginning to put on his clothes.
"Tomorrow night it is then," He said sliding on his cherry leather jacket.
Joey slid on his black boxers as he walked Keith to the door. Duke and Tristan stumbled in as soon as Joey went to grab the knob, laughing loudly. When they saw Keith, they both straightened up looking at him, trying keep straight faces.
"Sorry, Joe," Tristan said.
"Guys, this is Keith. Keith...Tristan and-"
"Duke," Duke said holding out his hand. "Nice to meet you."
"Same." Keith turned to Joey. "Ill see you tomorrow?" He said and Joey nodded. Keith leaned in pressing his lips softly to Joey's lips before turning and leaving.
"Did you guys have fun?" Joey asked the two standing before him.
"It would seem that way wouldn't it?" Duke laughed. "Yeah, it was a good night, despite everything that happened with me. Tristan makes an awesome drinking buddy when you're not around."
"Oh you flatter me too much Dukey boy," Tristan teased.
"Stop Tristan. You sound like a guy I whored myself to once. Pegasus I think?"
"Not the rich guy with the one eye…"
"Yeah...that's him."
"I am not even going to ask."
After looking back and forth at his friends, Joey decided that rather than getting a headache trying to play catch up, he would go to bed and get some rest.
"Night, you guys."
They bid their good nights to Joey before making their way into the living room where they both collapsed side by side on the sofa.
"I'm going to be so hungover in the morning."
"It'll be worth it though." Duke laughed.
"Maybe." Tristan looked at him.
"You got that kid's phone number behind the bar. Just don't go mistaken him for Bakura. That asshole is not your type."
"And you would know my type?" Tristan asked with a slight smirk.
"I know you like them smaller than you. Someone you easily top and have your way with."
"You really think that?" Tristan raised an eyebrow.
Duke's mind looked at Tristan's lips instead of answering and threw himself at the taller brunet. Tristan didn't seem to mind and Duke loved the way the strong arms wrapped around his waist and pulled them against the muscled body. Duke straddled the waist wrapping his arms around Tristan's neck, tilting his head and deepening the kiss. Did he really want Tristan of was it the alcohol talking?
Tristan tossed Duke back onto the other side of the couch before pouncing onto the smaller male. While under the influence he wasn't the greatest at aim and clumsily he missed Duke, instead pulling him onto the floor on top of him.
Clothes were stripped as kisses were exchanged. Neither one could keep their hands off the other and before they knew it, they realized they were going to have a lot to explain to Joey in the morning.
Joey ran his fingers through his hair, swinging his feet over the edge of the bed. Tiredly walking into the kitchen, he reached into the fridge grabbing a chocolate milk and turned to the balcony window where the sunlight was shining brightly lighting the living room.
And bringing the light to the morning sight of his two best friends' entangled naked bodies.
Really? Did this really have to happen?
Joey walked around the edge of the island in the kitchen and crossed his arms over his chest, eyes focused on the stirring body of the now shaggy brunet.
Tristan's eyes slowly opened as he squinted them on the dark hair above him.
"Duke… Jesus!" Tristan shouted, scrambling to his feet, rolling Duke into the floor in the inevitable process.
"Nope, Tristan. I don't think that's him," Joey said.
Tristan looked up, running his fingers through his unruly hair, feeling sick all of a sudden.
"Would you two like breakfast in bed? Oh wait, pardon my mistake…I meant breakfast on the living room floor." Joey joked, but Tristan wasn't laughing.
"Would you please stop Joey?" He asked frustrated. "I need a damn shower," Tristan said before storming out of the living room.
Joey looked down at Duke who laying on his side, propped on his elbow staring at the empty space in front of him. "You tend to always have that effect on guys in the morning, Duke?"
"Nope…" He shrugged. "I like to always think I look good freshly fucked the next morning."
Joey snickered taking a swig of his milk before going back to the fridge to began making breakfast. Duke slowly got up in the process, slightly limping to the pull on his jeans and then made his way to the stool in the kitchen.
"So I hope you know you made Tristan's morning," Joey said sarcastically.
"At least I made his night." Duke's cocky grin donned his lips and Joey shook his head disapprovingly with a sigh. "Okay look, we were both drunk and one thing led to another."
"Oh, the "Hadn't intended to do it, but I was drunk" speech. What's done is done Duke, but I like to think you had a little more to do with what happened last night, than the alcohol."
"Yeah, cause I've always wanted to drug my friend and bang him. Tell me how you really feel Joey." Duke rolled his eyes, hanging his head in his hands. "I just…" He trailed off rubbing his eyes.
Joey turned to Duke with pursed lips thinking about what to say. What could he say? 'Bad kitty! Tristy is off limits!' But why should he say that? Because Tristan was their best friend? Because you're not supposed to date your best friend.
Right?
At your own risk.
Sometimes friendships should be left at exactly what they are. Friends. Pushing it any further could cause major drowning with no life preserve. Joey didn't want his friends destroyed by some fling they thought could have work.
Or could it?
Either way…Duke would end up the more broken one. Joey knew he liked Tristan, more than he probably should, but who was he to tell Duke his feelings were wrong? Every now and then, people develop crushes on friends. Some act, some don't act. All Joey wanted was the best for his friends. And if that meant heartbreak to realize their friendship is stronger than anything else…
Then so be it.
"No more drinking like that for me ever again." Duke winced as he looked at Joey's back who was making up some quick omelets. He watched the blond pull out a drawer and snatch a bottle of pills up before tossing them over his shoulder. Duke caught them staring down at the small bottle of aspirin.
"Tea or coffee?" Joey asked over his shoulder.
"Tea," Duke answered quietly.
Tristan emerged out of the bathroom in nothing, but a towel around his waist. He was running another towel through his damp hair as he made his way into the kitchen.
"Good morning, sunshine," Joey said turning to him, holding out a plate with a freshly cooked omelet.
"Not hungry, Joe. I'm going to the gym before going to work. Can we do lunch?"
Joey already knew what that meant. He was going to talk about what happened between him and Duke.
"Sure," Joey said giving Duke the plate who took it. "You sure you don't want to eat?" He asked looking concerned. Tristan nodded reassuringly.
"I'll grab a shake and I'm out." He glanced briefly at Duke before turning on his heel and going to his bedroom.
"What am I going to do with you two?" Joey asked as he turned back to Duke who perked his head up, sadly shrugging.
Joey walked into the mechanic shop finding Tristan greased down and oily behind the counter helping a customer. Tristan looked up briefly noticing his presence before turning back to the young woman.
Only a few minutes of him waiting went by before Tristan walked over.
"You know, you really could have handled your morning situation, a little bit better Tris."
"Mm…about that…let's go for a walk."
Tristan's idea of a walk was to an abandoned tire warehouse enjoying what Tris brought from his street pharmacist (aka Bakura). Of course Joey had refused at first, but with a little peer pressure and begging from the other male, he had thrown his hands up in surrender and now they were sitting against the ragged tires, relaxed.
"Valon was that bad, huh?" Tristan chuckled.
"I probably would have gotten a better lay from his motorcycle." Joey sputtered a laugh as he handed the joint back to Tristan who took it laughing just as hard as him.
Once Joey had calmed, he laid his head back looking up at the rusted ceiling.
"So…about Duke last night…"
"Jo…" Tristan exhaled. "I honestly don't know what to do. I don't even remember how that shit started," He said, handing it back to Joey who took a hit.
"How do you feel about him?"
"Like me and him need to do the 180 more often." he chuckled and Joey joined in.
"That's not funny…" he said despite his continuing laughs. It was nice to find some humor in the situation rather than him feeling torn between two best friends. "If I tell you something Tris, can it please stay between me, you, and this joint?"
"Sure…" Tristan said turning to him with that glazed over look in his eyes.
"Duke likes you."
"I know. I think that's why we've been best friends for like…ever."
"No, I mean…really likes you. If you don't feel the same way, he needs to know ASAP."
Tristan sighed. "It'd be weird, wouldn't it?" Tristan said.
"As hell." Joey agreed, butting the joint out. He snickered thinking about Tristan and Duke going out to fancy restaurants sharing each other's lobster and crab sauce or Tristan putting down his coat over rain puddles for Duke to walk over or seeing them with kids. A little girl, greased up in oil and knows more about cars than he ever would in his life. "Scary weird. Why were you mad at him?"
"I wasn't mad at him. I was mad at myself. Hadn't meant it to go that far. We've been friends for years now and to mess that up with us having sex…I guess I was scared. I don't want him to think that I want to have a relationship with him so I guess I'll have to tell him, Jo. Last thing I need is that awkwardness."
"Shit, Tris. You're a little too late there. You guys already fucked."
"Mm…I guess you're right…" Tristan pondered. "He gives good head though."
"Ew Tris. As much as I love you guys, I don't want to hear about Duke's sexual talents." They both laughed before Joey sat up looking at Tristan. "I have date tonight."
"Another one so soon?"
"The one my father introduced me too. The one I introduced to you two before he left last night that you probably don't remember because you two were smashed."
"Putting out before the candlelight dinner? Didn't Duke teach you anything?"
Joey's eyes widened. "Who said I put out?!"
"Oh please Joey. I can see in your eyes you don't even feel like going on a date with the guy. What's his name?"
"Keith."
"The bouncer at the club? Your father hooked you up with him?"
"What's that suppose to mean? Do you know him?"
"I've heard he's some type of psycho or some shit. I can't remember, but even if it was that, you can't trust rumors though, Jo."
Joey raised his eyebrow. "You think I should go out with him?"
"I don't know the guy, but you can tell us all about him when you get home that night…or the next morning." Tristan nudge Joey in the arm with a suggestive eyebrow.
"What if he like…kidnaps me and holds me hostage in his basement bringing me only upstairs to see sunlight for bread and water and using me for sexual pleasure in his secret dungeon room located behind a secret spinning bookcase?"
"Whoa…Jo, I think I just came all over myself."
They both let out loud laughs with Joey falling over against Tristan. He wrapped an arm around Tristan's shoulder, pulling him into him, pressing his lips to his best friend's temple.
"I love you Tris."
"Love you too Jo."