The entire way to the hospital, Joey couldn't believe the news about his sister. It all seemed like a cruel, practical joke. Why would something so serious be happening to his sister? He didn't even know the severity of the situation, but he didn't like the news that she was there. She was one of the most innocent people he knew.
Joey was going to break down. He was hoping for the best, but if worst came to worst, he didn't know how he would be able to handle it.
"Joey? Joey?" Seto called.
Joey felt his shoulder shake and he turned to Seto who was looking at him.
"Come on. We're here."
Joey jumped out of the car making his way through the double doors of the hospital, shaking with panic. Nervously, he walked through the double doors, and felt instantly he felt cold. He could barely feel Seto pulling on his arm towards the main desk.
"Yes, how may I help you?" The older woman at the desk asked politely.
"Um…Serenity Wheeler," Joey said. "She was admitted here earlier this morning."
"Yes…" She said looking through a clipboard of papers. "Your relation with the patient?"
"I'm her brother. Can I please just see her? I need to know that she is okay," He said hoping he wouldn't have to sign any papers. He couldn't trust himself to be able to write anything at this point.
"I just need you to sign in, dear."
Taking the pen and clipboard from the woman, he signed his name quickly and sloppy not particularly caring what it looked like.
"Fourth floor in the detoxification suite. Room 418."
The detox wing? Joey wondered what the hell his sister was doing in the detox wing.
After taking the elevator to the right floor, Joey and Seto walked out making their way to the right room. Sitting outside of 418 was Mokuba, who was sitting on the end of seat, gripping the edge of the cushion. He looked up as a doctor walked past and then turned his head towards Seto and Joey's direction, his face lighting up in relief.
"Mokuba-" Was all Seto could say before Mokuba was running at him full speed and wrapping his arms around his older brother in a tight hug. He then pulled away from Seto and wrapped his arm around Joey, his face rubbing into Joey's shirt.
"I'm so sorry Joey! I knew that I should have stop her. I tried to tell her! I don't know what happened! She was mad at me and she walked away and…" He trailed breaking into another fit of sobs. "I'm s-so sorry Joey! I know you h-hate me!"
Joey pulled back and cupped Mokuba's face in his hands. "Mokuba, I could never the you. I don't blame you. Is she okay?" He asked.
"Yeah…" Mokuba had to hold Joey up as he almost fell to his knees in relief.
Seto grabbed Joey's arm, his brother lifting the other and the both of them carried him to a seat. Joey immediately relaxed his body and head against the back of the chair. Mokuba and Seto sat on either side of him.
"Where's the doctor?" Seto asked his brother across Joey.
"He had an emergency in another room. He said that she's in stable condition as of right now. He would come back, check on her and let us know when we would be able to see her." Mokuba wiped a few tears. "I've never been so scared. I didn't know what to do. I could only hold her."
"Mokuba…don't talk about it right now. Just know that she's okay and…and if you hadn't thought quickly enough to get her to the hospital…who knows…" Joey couldn't bring himself to finish the rest. He wrapped his arms around Mokuba and held the teenager in a close embrace. He knew probably seeing what his sister had went through, put Mokuba in an almost state of shock. He probably didn't know what to do with himself. Joey could feel the other shaking in his arms.
Seto's phone vibrated once more and he pulled it from his pocket and looked at the caller I.D.. He answered the phone getting a earful of loud music nearly deafening him.
"Ryou…can you please put someone who is at least semi-sober on the phone, like Taylor so I can understand what the hell you are saying?"
Seto waited a beat and then Tristan was on the phone. "Where the fuck are you?" Tristan asked.
"I'm…" Seto looked at Joey who had silent tears coming down his cheek. "I'm at the hospital."
"What the fuck happened?"
"Serenity had a bad incident. She's in detox," Seto told Tristan.
"What hospital are you at?"
"Taylor, you can't drive to the hospital inebriated and I'm pretty sure everyone is just as drunk as you are. Don't even-"
"Tell me Kaiba!" Tristan demanded.
"Just wait until the morning or something. I'm not going to talk to you while you are like this. I don't have time for this nonsense."
He ended the call and looked at Joey.
"Did you want me to call your parents, Joey? I'm pretty sure that they want to know what happened?" Joey only nodded, his embrace tightening around Seto's younger brother. "I'll be back." Seto said.
It had been about forty minutes after Seto had called Joey's parents that them and the rest of Joey's friends showed up at the room still dressed in their costumes. As soon as Joey shifted, Mokuba, who had been fast asleep, awoke and looked around to find everyone there.
"Ma-ma-"
"Jojo!" She cried out wrapping her arms around her son. "What happened to my little girl?! What happened?!"
"We'll find that out later Ma. Everything is okay. She's fine. Where's Pa?"
Mrs. Wheeler pulled away wiping her face of tears, smearing her make-up. "He's downstairs filling out some papers. The woman stopped us and said that they had to be filled out. Baby, tell me what happened with Serenity?"
"I don't know Ma. Only Mokuba knows, but right now is not the time to ask him about it."
Mrs. Wheeler nodded, walking on unsteady legs to one of the chairs. With the help of Joey, she sat down next to Mokuba.
"Mrs. Wheeler…I'm sorry."
"It's okay, sweetheart," she said to Mokuba. "Come here."
"Kaiba, what the hell was that on the phone?!" Tristan eyes narrowed as he spoke to Seto. He was dressed in a pilot outfit with a pair of aviator glasses around his neck.
"It was me actually giving two shits about you so you wouldn't end up with yourself and everyone driving with you, in a ditch!"
"Next time I fucking ask you something, you better tell me!"
Nobody caught Tristan in time when he shoved Seto back into the wall. It wasn't until Seto went to swing did Joey and Duke try to hold back the two brunets from ripping each other apart.
"Tristan, calm down!" Duke tried to reason, but Tristan refused to listen as he tried to get after Seto who was already tamed. Joey walked over to Tristan, holding him back to distract his attention.
"Would you calm down Tristan?!" Joey yelled. "You're drunk off your ass and being an asshole!"
Tristan yanked away from both Duke and Joey, turned on his heel storming down the hallway angrily, cursing the entire way until no one saw sight of him. Joey looked at Duke who just put his hands up like he wanted nothing to do with going after Tristan and Joey himself would be damned if he tried to go and talk to the hot headed male.
"Let him cool off for a minute, Joey." Yami suggested and Joey nodded knowing he was right. Tristan was just having one of his moments.
"-Is everything okay?" The Wheeler senior had showed up. Joey walked over to him, his arms wrapping his around his father's neck. "Joey? She's okay isn't she?" He asked rubbing his son's back.
"Yeah, Pa. We're just waiting for him to tell us when we can go in a see her."
"That's good to hear." Joseph sighed walking over to where his wife sat and took the seat next to her.
"I'm going to try and get Mokuba something to eat," Seto said to Joey. "Do you want anything?"
"No. I can't eat."
Seto nodded and walked over to his brother who was leaning against Mrs. Wheeler very comfortably.
"Let's go and see if we can find you something edible, Mokuba. Would you like anything Mrs. Wheeler?"
"No thank you, baby." She sniffled. "I'm quite alright."
When Seto and Joey got to the cafeteria, they settled for some lunch meat sandwiches, fruit cups, and small cartons of orange juice. Once they sat down, Seto grimaced at the food.
"I fear this isn't fit for human consumption," Seto observed.
"Sorry it's not lamb, but at least its something. I haven't eaten anything since before that stupid party."
"Mokuba, I understand if you don't want to talk about what happened at the party, but I would really like to know what went on."
"It was the worst party I have ever been to Seto," He started, picking around with his sandwich. "As soon as we entered the door, there were drunk girls and guys everywhere. About an hour into it, I tried to get Serenity to leave, but she didn't want to because of her friend Jess, who we didn't see the whole night. She promised me we would leave in another hour. By that time, she was drunk and dancing around with some people. So then I tried to get her to leave again, but she didn't want to once more. A guy came over, offered her something to drink, which I tried to pull away from her, but she had already finished it. I asked her again to leave and she got upset, stormed out of the door and down the stairs. She had only made it halfway down when I watch fall down the rest of the stairs and land face forward." His face froze as he focused on his plate. "I ran down the stairs and I turned her over and she looked as though she wanted to say something, but she couldn't. Her eyes were rolling in the back of her head and she started to shake really bad. I didn't know what to do Seto." He looked up his brother with tears in his eyes. "I could only think to call the ambulance so that's what I did."
"Mokuba, I don't want you to think that you did anything wrong. You were very brave and I'm proud of you."
"I hope so Seto."
"Joey Wheeler?"
Joey stopped biting on his nails as he heard his name called. A woman with brown curly hair and grey eyes walked over holding out her hand to him.
"I'm sorry," he said wiping his hand on his jeans before shaking her hand.
"It's quite alright. I'm Dr. Browne. Did your parents manage to make it?"
"Yes," Joseph Senior said standing and walking over to the doctor with his wife's hand in his. "Can we see her?"
"We're about to move her to recovery where you'll be able to see her. I do ask that when you're down there, only two visitors in at a time. She's not awake yet due to the medication we had to give her in order to clean out her system."
"What happened to her?" Mrs. Wheeler asked.
"She had a bad reaction with the drug known as Rohypnol, more commonly known as "ruffies" : The date rape drug. Mr. Kaiba tells me that the last thing that happened before Ms. Wheeler was administered to the hospital was she offered a drink from one of the boys at this particular party."
"What?" Mrs. Wheeler was incredulous. She couldn't believe that her daughter would have accepted a drink from a stranger.
"There is a small amount of bruising from the fall she took down the stairs when she was going through her episode, but something that can heal on its own. I would like to keep her for another day if that is alright with you."
"Yes. Anything so she's well," Joseph Senior nodded.
"Ms. Wheeler will be moved to room 303A. If you have any questions for me later, just let any of the nurses at the desk know and they'll page me."
Dr. Browne took her leave.
"You guys go ahead and visit her. I'm going to see if Tristan is okay," Joey said. He kissed his mother's cheek and made his way down the stairs. It had felt good to have the relief of knowing his little sister would be okay. In his heart, Joey couldn't help, but feel a little guilty for his sisters behavior. Did she get it from him? The acting wild and crazy and getting drunk? Had he gave her the impression that the partying lifestyle was somehow glamorous?
If Serenity ever told him that, he would stop his drunken antics in a heartbeat. He wanted her to have a good life without the aid of drugs and alcohol. He knew that she was smart, but her decision could have cost her life. Had Mokuba not called the ambulance in time, would the doctor be telling him and his family that they would need to be making funeral arrangements? All because of a bunch of irresponsible bastard children pulling illegal shit, trying to get his sister in bed. The sound of it disgusted him beyond anything.
The cool wind hit his face once he stepped outside where he found his best friend leaning against a wall, foot propped up, smoking a cigarette.
"What is that like the fifth one?" Joey walked over standing in front of him. Tristan ignored him. "What you did up there wasn't necessary."
"Is she okay?"
"She's fine. They're taking her to recovery."
Tristan nodded, tossing his finished cigarette out onto the sidewalk. "I didn't do it because I was thinking irrationally, Joey. I love your sister and when Seto wouldn't tell me which hospital I got angry. He didn't even let me know if she was okay or anything."
"He knew that you'd be up here the minute if you knew the address. But Tristan you have to realize you were drunk. You still are! In a way he was looking out for you and everybody else." Joey looked dazed and placed a hand to his head. "I can't believe I just said that about Seto Kaiba."
"Makes you think that there's somewhere inside of him that's not so prick-like."
"Something like that."
Tristan stared at Joey for a minute before he straightened his back and held out his hand to Joey. With a shaking hand, Joey took it and allowed Tristan to pull him into his arms.
"I've never been so scared in my life, Tris. What would I do if I lost my sister?"
"Don't of it like that Jo. She's fine now."
Joey pulled back, nodding. He tried to think about it that she was fine, but there was still the "what-if" in the back of his mind.
"Hey, Jo. Everything is okay." Tristan leaned forward pressing his lips against Joey's.
Joey felt arms wrap around his waist as he was pulled closer, Tristan's head tilting to deepen the kiss. He tried to pull away, but Tristan only held him tighter. Had it been anyone else, Joey would have fought harder and punched the guy out so quick, they wouldn't have known what had happened. Considering how close they were, he had never been kissed by Tristan like this and needless to say, it felt weird. The taste of alcohol made it no better and he needed to stop the other.
A throat cleared behind them and Tristan and Joey ended their kiss. They both looked over to Seto who was standing there. Joey was thankful.
"What do you want?" Tristan grumbled.
"To make sure everything was okay and tell Joey his sister is awake."
"First name basis." Tristan grinned. "Somebody gave it up."
"Even at such a time can you still not be able to get that kind of shit out of your mind?" Seto asked.
"You're not denying it."
"Tristan, stop, seriously. Me and him didn't do anything." Joey grabbed Tristan's arm who stumbled a bit behind him.
"Fine, you blew each other."
Seto rolled his eyes as he followed the both of them inside.
How did Taylor know this shit?
When Joey entered the room, his mother was holding Serenity's hand while his father placed a small kiss on his sister's forehead.
Joseph Senior took Mrs. Wheeler hand and they stood up, whispering good bye to Serenity. They left the room leaving Joey to himself with his sleeping sister. To see his sister hooked up to the machine with needles in her arms, her heart being monitored. He walked over slowly, taking a deep breath. A small smile was on her lips and Joey couldn't help, but smile too. His sister was okay. He leaned down pressing a small kiss on her cheek and she began to stir awake.
"Joey?" She asked in a weak voice. Joey eyes filled with tears once more.
"Yeah, Seren. It's me. You look like shit," he said jokingly with a smile trying to say anything so he wouldn't cry.
"I…love you Joey." Serenity frowned. "I'm…sorry," she whispered, sadly
"I know, Seren. You don't have anything to be sorry for." Careful of the wires, he sat on the bed next to her, placing his head on her bosom. "I'm so glad you're okay."
"I…was stupid. All I remember is…Mokuba calling after me."
"Don't talk about it," he whispered.
"I don't…I don't want him to…"
Joey lifted his eyes as he watched Serenity's eyes close and a few tears spilled down her cheek.
"He can't…see me like…this."
"Serenity, everything is okay."
"No…no it's not. I know he thinks…I'm so stupid. Who wants…to be with someone, like me…after that?"
"Hey, don't talk like that. Mokuba likes you and he wants to make sure that you're okay."
"I…I don't deserve him."
Joey sat up wiping the tears from his sister's face. "I want you to stop talking like that right now Serenity. Just stop thinking about it. Those thoughts aren't even in Mokuba's head about you. He couldn't possibly think anything like that about you so don't say he does. Nobody's judging you. We're just all glad you're alive and well."
Serenity didn't say anything and she closed her eyes, her breathing beginning to slow down.
"Serenity?" Joey asked worried.
"Sle…py," She responded, drowsily.
"I love you Serenity.
"
A day later, Serenity was discharged from the hospital. Tests had been taken to make sure that everything was clear from her system before her parents were able to take her home. They made sure that as soon as she got home, she was taken straight upstairs and into bed. This meant while Mrs. Wheeler was taking care of Serenity, there was only Joey and Joseph Senior able to run the café on Saturday and then Sunday, Mrs. Wheeler would switch and Joseph would take care of Serenity.
"Well I'm glad to hear that everything is okay with Serenity, Joey."
"Me too Yug." He sighed. "Fucking Jessica and her good for nothing friends. That's the last time she ever hangs out with them. I swear Yug, I want to go down there and give all of them a piece of my mind."
"And end up in jail for beating up a bunch of children? I think you can hold it Joey."
"I bet you half of them weren't children. There was probably grown men there with their nasty pervish eyes all over my sister. Just thinking about it makes my blood boil."
"Well stop thinking about it."
"You're right Yug. If I continue to think about it, I'm going to wind up breaking something. Pa-pa would have my head." Joey held up the coffee pitcher lazily. "More?"
"Please? I have a hangover like you wouldn't believe. Even after we left the hospital, me and Yami went back home, drank some more and then had sex, and then drank some more-"
"-and then had sex…"
"No! Then we took a shower…and then we had sex."
Joey laughed. Yugi may look innocent, but he was nothing, but another Ryou hiding underneath of a mask. "So I see you're enjoying being back."
"I am." Yugi smiled. "I can feel he missed me, ya know?"
"No, I don't know, but I wish I did."
"Yeah…well, he has to work tonight. Think me and you could hang out?"
"Sure. Maybe me and you could watch a movie or something. I'm pretty sure Tristan and Duke will be heading out tonight. As usual."
"What's really wrong, Joey?" Yugi asked. The concern shined bright in his eyes.
Joey shook his head. He didn't want to talk about it right now.
"If you need to talk to someone Joey, you know you can always talk to me."
"I know Yug. I'm going to find you some medicine for that headache. I'll be right back."
Joey went to the back and went into his father's office who was sitting at his desk over some papers.
"Pa-"
"Joey, I want you to see something."
"Pa-pa, I just need some medicine. Yug has a bitch of a headache."
"You're going to have one after you see this," Joseph said, reaching into the drawer and handing his son a bottle of aspirin.
Joey swallowed as he looked down at his father. The older man picked up a disc and slid it into the DVD. The next thing Joey saw was the image of him and Seto on the screen. Before anything could happen, he reached over his father and pushed the eject button. Joey knew he was red as he held evidence of what happened with Seto in his hands.
"Just use protection, son." Joseph released a loud hearty, dramatic laugh as Joey quickly scrambled out of the room and went to his locker. He opened it and threw the disc inside to destroy later.
Or get off to when the apartment was empty.
When he returned back out to the front, Joey saw Yugi talking to Seto who was sitting down beside him. He took a deep breath running his hands down his shirt to straighten the wrinkles. He walked to the counter.
"Hey," He greeted Seto.
"I was just coming in to talk to you about Serenity. Is she okay?" Seto asked.
"She's fine," Joey said. "Hasn't she talked to Mokuba? Why didn't you ask him?"
"If she had talked to him, do you think that I would be standing here asking you? She hasn't talked to him since the incident happened and he's upset."
"Poor Mokuba…" Yugi said sadly. "Did he try to visit her?"
"Yes, but Joey's mother said that Serenity didn't want to see him."
"I'll try and talk to her," Joey said. "I'm pretty sure I know what it is and she is just being stupid."
"Why, what's wrong?"
Joey sighed. "She thinks that because this whole thing happened, she doesn't deserve Mokuba. She doesn't want him to see her like that. You know; vulnerable."
"Women…" Seto muttered rolling his eyes.
"As narcissistic as your are Kaiba, I'm pretty sure that you would be the same way. 'Oh my reputation, how will I ever face my fans again?'"
"Only if I ended up looking like you," Seto countered.
"What the hell is that supposed to mean, asshole?!"
"Whatever way you want it to mean."
"Grow up you two." Yugi interrupted their bantering. "You're going off topic. We were talking about Serenity. You want me to come with you Joey?"
"No, I'll just meet up with you later."
Joey got to his parent's house and knocked on the door. He didn't understand why his sister was acting this way. It was silly to think that she wasn't good enough for Mokuba.
"Jojo, your father let you leave early today?"
"It was dead today at the shop, Ma. Where's Serenity?" He asked walking into the house.
"She's upstairs in her room. Justin is with her."
"Wait. Who's Justin?" Joey asked, narrowing his eyes.
"The red head that works with us. He just wanted to know make sure everything was okay with her."
"Ma, you'll let him in, but you won't let Mokuba see her?"
Mrs. Wheeler sighed. "Jojo, she said that she didn't want to see him. It broke my heart to tell him that she didn't want to see him, but it is her decision and I have to uphold that."
Joey walked away from her making his way to the stairs.
"Joey!" His mother called. "Do not go up there and make your sister feel bad about that! She's going through a hard time! She really likes Mokuba-"
Joey ignored her as he went up the stairs and knocked on the door. There was the sound of rustling and then Serenity's voice was heard through the door telling him to come in. He opened the door to see his sister on the bed, sitting up, with Justin sitting on the edge next to her.
"Hi Joey." She smiled warmly.
"Aren't you suppose to be sleeping?"
"Justin is here, Joey."
"Justin, can you give me and my sister about five minutes to ourselves?"
"That's fine," Justin said politely and stood up. "I was on my way to leave anyway. I'll see you tomorrow Serenity."
"Okay."
Justin brushed past Joey and left the room. As soon as he left Joey walked into the room, shutting the door behind him. He flopped on the end of the bed looking up at his sister.
"Hi, Joey. What's up?"
"So are you going to continue to ignore Mokuba or is just until he gives up on you?" He watched as Serenity frowned. "The one guy that actually treats you like you're something; the one guy I don't have to chase down and beat the living snot out of and you're just pushing him away."
"What happens with me and Mokuba, is between us two, Joey. Not the three of us."
"I am trying to look out for you because I know where this is going and I don't want you to make a decision that you're going to regret."
"I am almost an adult. I don't need you to keep a watch over me like I'm two."
"Look, I know that you have had something traumatic happen to you, but to push away someone that cares? At least let him know that you're okay."
Serenity snatched her cell phone up from the side table beside her and began to type angrily on the keypad. She threw it down after a few seconds and then looked at Joey.
"Happy? Now, he knows I'm fine." She snatched back the covers and stood up walking to her closet.
Joey knew that she was angry. There would be no talking to her and to tell the truth, he didn't know what to say or do. He had tried to reason with her, but it was evident she was determined to not talk to Mokuba. Maybe he should give her some time to make her own decisions. No point in rushing.
"Are you okay Serenity? And I mean...really okay?"
"I'm okay, Joey. I'm going to take a shower. I'll see you tomorrow at work."
"You can't work tomorrow. Just stay home for a bit and get some rest."
"I want to work! I'm fine. Shit, why do you, Ma, and Pa insist on irritating the fuck out of me? Ma won't even let me the hell out of the bed without being there to help me walk! I can fucking do it on my own…" She snatched some clothes from her drawer.
Joey sat up. His sister had never spoke to him like that. What the hell was going on?
"I'm going to leave you alone. I'll see you later," Joey said leaving the room. He walked downstairs where his mother was waiting for him at the bottom.
"Joey…don't take it to offense. She's just stressed-"
"Leave it alone Ma. I'm gone."
Yugi cancelled with Joey since Yami didn't have to go into work after all. They had got another guy to come in that night in order to train him, which Yami didn't mind at all since it gave him more time with Yugi. It just meant that while Yugi was there, Joey was alone.
He didn't feel like doing anything, especially not to going to down to the club. He just wasn't in the mood. He hadn't heard from his sister since the afternoon when he went to talk to her. He knew deep down it was just frustration that made her say what she did, but he couldn't help, but feel horrible. Did he try to hard to play big brother?
His cell phone buzzed and he reached over the arm of the couch and grabbed it from the side table.
"Tris, Yes?" He answered.
"Yami is not here so that means he's with the munchkin at home getting it in, blowing you off. Get your ass down here!"
"I don't feel like it."
"Excuses, excuses. Get down here or I'm coming to get you and bringing you down here with no choice."
"Tristan…what is that…are you breaking up? I can't hear you."
"Bull shit Joey." There was a pause. "Kaiba asked about you."
Joey could hear the grin in his friend's smile.
"What the hell for?"
"You tell me Jo. Is there something that I should know about you and Kaiba? I mean, first he's calling you by your first name and now he's asking where you are."
If he told Tristan what happened between him and Kaiba that night, Tristan would never let it go. Not only that, while Kaiba was in his vicinity, who wouldn't give a pass to antagonize the other about it. For right now, Joey figured, it should stay between the two of them.
"Whatever Tris. Don't make it a big deal. I'm going to bed and I'll talk to you another time."
He didn't give Tristan time to respond before he ended the call and tossed his phone to the other end of the couch.
One of the main reason of his denying Tristan's invitation was because of his concern for his sister. It wasn't normal behavior, especially coming from her. He had hoped that it had something to do with the incident ad that she would soon get over it. Serenity needed to realize that she shouldn't let this effect her as much. Her behavior would only end up pushing people away that didn't deserve such backlash.
Maybe it was time for bed.
Joey walked into the kitchen early the next morning catching Duke, just as the other male was walking through the front door.
"Hey, babe." He greeted. "What are you doing up?"
"Class." Joey answered roughly. Having just woke up, he still felt asleep. "Good night?"
"Joey, it was amazing. I think I've finally found him."
Joey looked up at Duke who had a smile on his face that lit up the room.
"Is that where you were all night?'
"Yes." Duke sat down on the stool in the kitchen. "I met him that night at the hospital. He's a doctor and it just so happen he was eyeing my godlike physique and couldn't help, but come and approach me."
"It's so amazing how some people have such excellent gaydar."
"That or the amazing costume of Cleopatra I pulled together looked simply amazing."
"Yes…reminded me of my father and his "Queen of the Night" routine down at the drag bar."
"What should I be Joey? Insulted?"
"You take it how you want it. You said he looked good." Joey shook his head seeing Duke slowly turning red. "I'm sorry. Congrats on the doctor, babe. Soon you'll be living that lavish life. He brings home what? Almost a hundred grand salary?"
"Joey."
Joey looked at Duke who looked disappointed.
"I figured most people would take this as a joke, thus one of the reasons I was nervous about telling you and Tris. I'm not going to be with him because of his money. I haven't even had sex with him yet."
Joey raised an eyebrow. This was the first time he had ever heard Duke talk like this.
"Well good luck trying to tell Tristan. You know how he feels about this kind of thing. Relationships. Fairytales. Hocus Pocus. But we're not going to get into it anymore because I really don't feel like a headache this early in the morning about Tristan's hetero-phobic views."
"Don't remind me. Joey, I just want this to be really special."
"And it will be." Joey sighed. He was green as hell with envy trying his hardest not to let that monster loose in front Duke. "So, when do we get to meet him? You know you need me and Tristan's approval before you can continue to see this boy." Joey mocked in a fatherly voice making Duke smile.
"Tonight. I invited him to dinner."
"Okay." Joey smiled. "Sounds like a date. We can double."
"Double? Who would you bring?"
"I would tolerate Tristan for the evening." He laughed.
The sound of the bathroom door opened and Tristan walked down the hall and into the kitchen gracing the other two with his half naked presence, his bottom half wrapped in a green towel.
"Mornin'," He said going into the fridge for his usual protein shake for breakfast.
Joey cleared his throat and looked at Duke signaling to Tristan.
"A little less obvious Joey?" Tristan said. "What do you have to tell me Duke?"
"It's not what I have to tell you. I was just wondering if you have dinner with me, Joey, and a friend of mine."
"Where?"
"Here."
Tristan narrowed his eyes. "Whose the guy this time? This one bringing home a bigger paycheck than the last?" Tristan tossed his empty bottle into the recycling bin. "I'll be eating someone else somewhere else tonight ."
"For once Tristan can you not be an asshole and let go of some of those ridiculous morals for your best friend? I would like it if he met one of the most important people that I know. And why else wouldn't you come?"
"Because like I said. I have a "date" of my own."
Duke rolled his eyes. "I don't even know why I tried," he sighed.
"You should know me by now Duke. Every time you find out something about me, you make it seem like it's a big deal."
"It is a big deal when you won't even do this one thing for me! It's not like I'm asking you to blow me! For goodness sake, you can be such an ass sometimes."
"Come on! Give me a fucking break, Duke."
"Guys, just stop," Joey said shaking his head. "Geez, I'll find somebody else to invite tonight Duke. I don't feel like hearing this."
Joey jumped up from his seat and walked to the bathroom. He could still hear Duke and Tristan arguing in the other room. Why was Duke insisting?
Just let it go.
"Yo, Yug. What's up?"
"Hey, Joey. How's it going?"
"Okay. I need to ask you a favor. What are you doing tonight?"
"Me and Yami were going out for dinner tonight. Why, what's wrong?"
"Duke was having someone over for dinner and I was trying to find someone who would want to sit there with me so I would feel less like the third wheel. Tristan refuses to come because he has a play date tonight and so I was asking you if you wanted to tolerate with me."
"Sorry, Joey."
"It's fine. Maybe Mai would be able to come.
But Mai wasn't able to come and neither could Téa. He refused to ask Serenity, since she was still in her mood and it wasn't that serious enough to ask a stranger. He would just have to bear with it on his own.
The door bell rung to the café and Joey looked towards the door, seeing Seto walking through. He walked over to the counter dropping his briefcase onto the surface.
"Usual?" Joey asked.
Seto nodded. "Why do you look like you lost your best friend?" Seto asked.
"I'm fine. Duke was having on someone he met for dinner and I was just trying to feel less awkward by inviting someone..." Joey trailed off and sat up, his smile widening at Seto.
"Oh, no." Seto shook his head. "I know that look and don't you dare ask me."
"Kaiba, it'll be for one evening and-"
"You'll never bother me again?" Seto scoffed. "Yeah, you've used that one before." He turned on his heel to walk to his table.
"Kaiba, it'll only be for a couple of hours!" Joey called across the café . "I mean, are you busy?"
"Yes, I am!" He waved off Joey.
Joey rolled his eyes.
What was Joey thinking? Of course he was busy. Seto ran his own company. It did seem weird that Seto could find time to party down at the club into the wee hours of the morning, but three hours for dinner would kill him. Maybe he had something important due. Joey didn't know. He just wish he didn't have to sit there watching Duke and this guy make googly eyes at each other all night.
Joey sighed, staring at Seto sitting in his corner. Why was he here? Couldn't he do work at home? Wasn't like anyone was there besides Mokuba who probably was in his room suffering from depression of the shitty break up with Serenity. Seto glanced up at him briefly before the other went back to his work.
He would just have to suffer with Duke by himself.
Tristan left Joey and Duke about an hour before Duke's guest was expected to arrive, smelling delish and dressed to kill. Joey watched Duke purposely ignore Tristan as he left with a goodbye and good luck. This silence was only going to grow between the two and Joey didn't feel like being stuck in the middle. He'd have to make sure he had plans to be out of the house for the rest of the week.
"Joey, I am so excited. I can't wait until you meet him."
"Mm…likewise." Joey said trying to sound enthuse.
"I'm sorry Seto couldn't come."
Joey shrugged. "It's cool. Besides, maybe its for the best. That'd probably be more awkward than a spiteful Tristan sitting next to me."
"Hn." Duke continued to cut up some celery. "Joey, can you just cut the breasts for me? I'm going to make the sauce soon."
Joey did as he was asked. They rarely cooked for themselves, which made this seem only more weird.
There was a knock on the door and Duke stopped prepping and glanced at the clock and shook his head taking the apron off and tossing it on the bar.
"Joey, he's forty-five minutes early! Stall him and finish cooking while I freshen up a bit. I smell horrible."
"Uh…okay."
Duke ran into the bathroom slamming the door shut. Joey turned down the eye on the stove and walked to the door opening it. To his surprise, Seto was standing on the other side with a bottle of wine in hand.
"Hi honey." Seto greeted sarcastically and Joey rolled his eyes.
"What the hell are you doing here?"
"You needed someone tonight, right?"
"I did, but you told me you were busy. You didn't have to make any special arrangements for me. I would have been fine."
"I'm not going home now." He shoved the bottle into Joey's chest and pushed him aside in order to walk into the apartment.
"Don't you have business to take care of?" Joey asked closing the door behind him. "I'd feel like shit if you had something important-"
"Wheeler, please." Seto turned to him sighing. "I'm doing this as a favor. Besides, if I had more important business to take care of, don't you think I'd be there instead of here? Obviously so. Where's Devlin?"
"Freshening up." Joey looked down at the wine bottle and whistled. "Sassicaia. This shit is almost two something a bottle. I don't think tonight-"
"Trust me, I didn't buy that. I receive so much wine by clients it's ridiculous."
"You should start your own winery."
Seto put his hands in his pockets while Joey went into the kitchen to put the wine on some ice.
"Probably could."
Seto walked over to the sofa table and looked at the pictures that were displayed. It was loaded with funny pictures of Joey and his goof ball friends. There were even pictures of Mai and Téa as happy as their couple got and Yami and Yugi together. But the picture that caught his attention was of Joey and a dark blue haired male with his arms wrapped around Joey's neck from behind in a friendly embrace while Joey smiled.
"Thirsty?" Joey asked walking over and disturbing his thoughts.
"Not particularly." Seto cleared his throat, turning his attention to Joey. "Need help with anything?"
Joey narrowed his eyes at Seto in curiosity. "Where is all this coming from and what do I owe you for this kindness?"
"A halfway decent evening. Remember, I'm spending my time away from home for this."
Joey smirked.
"I can't promise you anything, but I promise I'll make this up to you Kaiba. I really appreciate this. You know, you should let other people see this side of you. Gives you character."
"And have people think that I'm nice? I'd loose half my business."
"Yes…we'd all know that'd kill it. As if you don't have half the city already afraid of you…or under you."
"Your balls straining Joey? Need some more release?"
Joey turned red, turning on his heel and walking into the kitchen and finished cooking.
With the help of Seto they managed to finish the meal in time when there was another knock on the door about thirty minutes later.
"Seto, could you get that fo me?" Joey asked, politely and Seto went to answer the door. On the other side was a male who was about his same height. He had a pair of grey eyes with black hair and was dressed in a light blue shirt and black slacks. In his hand was a bottle of wine.
"Dr. Addison?"
"Mr. Kaiba?" The other said. "What are you doing here?"
"I'm an acquaintance." Seto narrowed his eyes. "Since when was Devlin your type?"
"You're still not on about that." The doctor laughed. "That kid lied his whoring ass off. I never touched him." He grinned.
Seto snorted. "That doesn't say anything about the other charge."
"You really should leave bullshit in the past where it belongs…Mr. Kaiba."
Seto could hear how his name dripped from the other man's lips like slime. He knew about the doctor standing in front of him and he would only let Joey know so he could forewarn Devlin before he was really hurt.
Joey appeared beside Seto, a smile plastered on his face to greet the doctor standing before him. He introduced himself and held out his hand taking the wine and mentioned something about another bottle to get wasted on. The doctor laughed, his perfect teeth sparkling and his mannerisms overly dramatic.
"Where is Duke?"
"He's coming in a bit. I'll let him know you're here," Joey said knocking on the bathroom door and letting him know his guest was here. He came back into the living room and pointed to a couch. "Want some wine?" Joey asked taking the bottle from the doctor.
"Yes, just a little though."
Joey nodded and walked into the kitchen with Seto on his heels. Joey could feel the taller one breathing on his neck and he turned to him.
"What's wrong?" He asked.
"Duke can not continue to see that man," Seto whispered so only the two of them could hear. Joey looked at him confused.
"What are you talking about?"
"He's a disgusting pervert and he's probably hiding shit he's done in the past that had Duke known, he would have never considered dating that prick!"
"Seto, if whatever you're talking about, happened-"
"A couple of years ago. I found out after the fact that I sent Mokuba to him. You need to tell Duke, before he ends up getting-"
"-Cale!" Duke greeted excitedly. Cale stood meeting Duke halfway and pressing a chaste against the Duke's lips.
Joey could see Duke blush and he knew that Duke was happy.
What he wouldn't give to get to that point.
Duke turned towards Joey and Seto, who were standing in the kitchen watching the display between the two of them.
"Seto, you came!"
"Yes…I did."
Duke walked over, giving him a hug making Seto cringe at the gesture. He couldn't remember the last time he had a hug that wasn't from Mokuba.
"You don't know how much this means to Joey," Duke whispered in his ear and then he pulled away. "Whose ready to eat?"
Dinner turned out good, though Joey could tell Seto was straining to say something. Seto was silent almost the complete way through dinner except if Duke asked him a question about Mokuba. To Joey, Cale didn't seem like that bad of man. Then again, he didn't know the man that well enough to start passing judgments; good or bad.
"That was an amazing dinner, babe," Cale said leaning over and giving Duke a small kiss on the cheek.
"I'm glad you enjoyed it."
There was a awkward silence at the table as Duke hinted eyebrows at Joey for something.
"Uh…Yeah," Joey began clearing his throat. "I'll clean up-"
Just as he stood, the door burst opened and Tristan stumbled into the door with another man just about a couple of inches shorter than him. Tristan was laughing loud and obnoxiously as he tried to stand on his two feet, grabbing onto the other male who was laughing along with him in the same manner.
Joey couldn't believe this was happening. Why was Tristan doing this now?
"Did I miss the party?!" Tristan yelled walking over to the table.
"Tristan, what the hell do you think you're doing?" Duke snapped.
"I came to see you, baby. I came to see the new boy toy! Is this him?!" Tristan wrapped his arm around Cale manhandling him against him. "Duke has an amazing ass, doesn't he? How often do you fuck the shit out of him?" He looked at Duke who was fuming. "He's hot isn't he? Nice and…loose."
"That's it Tristan!" Joey pulled Tristan away from Cale and grabbed his hand pulling him towards the bedroom.
Tristan had other ideas yanking away from Joey and stumbling over to Seto who caught him. Just as Seto was getting him to stand, Tristan reached his hand forward groping Seto's groin making him jerk and toss him back.
"What the fuck are you doing Taylor?!" Seto shouted.
"So Joey's already gotten to you? Fuck…just when I thought I'd get to fuck you first. We all know you need a good bending over. Maybe sometime me, you and Jojo here," he pulled Joey under his arm, yanking him close. "could have a little threesome."
"Tristan you're being disgusting," Joey hissed.
"Get him out of here, Joey!" Duke screamed.
"This is my fucking house as much it is yours!" Tristan countered, angrily.
"-Let's go to your room Tristan."
Everyone had forgot the presence of guy Tristan had brought home. He walked over to Tristan, looking a lot more sobered up after the unfortunate scenario, and helped him to the right bedroom. Joey could imply he had obviously been there before as one of Tristan's one night stands.
Joey looked at Duke feeling sympathetic for everything that had just taken place. He looked as if he wanted to cry; his eyes shining with unshed tears.
"Cale, I want to apologize for what has happened. I want to ask you if you can take Duke to your place, if that's not to much to ask. Maybe he could explain some things-"
"He doesn't have to explain anything," Cale said taking Duke's hand. "Let's go," he whispered to Duke who nodded his head looking somberly as Cale guided him to the door. Duke grabbed his coat and walked out, Cale in tow.
"Your friend, Joey, needs help," Seto referenced Tristan, as he cleaned up his dishes.
Joey knew that Tristan had fucked up.
Real Bad.
His behavior was inexcusably uncalled for and he really made Duke feel low; lower than low. Duke looked down right pitiful thanks to Tristan's drunkenness and it obvious Duke was due for an apology.
But Joey pitied Tristan. The brunet was jealous. Since he was incapable of love, who was to say that anyone else was able to have what he couldn't? It was selfish thinking on Tristan's part, but it seemed to be truth to Joey's eyes who hated that it had to be fact. He needed to have a serious talk with other before it was destroyed the friendship between the three.
What would he say though? Tristan was hardheaded and it was hard to explain anything to him and for it to penetrate through that thick skull. Getting him to apologize to Duke would be an impossible mission and Tristan would probably give him that sobbed story that it had something to do with his childhood; his abusive past. But did it? Through everything him and Tristan had been through, along with their friends, Tristan should know what love was. Scratch that, the bastard knew what it was, he was just being cruel for what seemed like no apparent reason!
"-Joey."
Joey jumped looking at Seto, who was standing next to him holding the bottle of wine he had brought.
"You've been in another world for a bit." Seto gestured to the balcony. "Let's sit?"
"Sure…"