Ay-yi-yi! Busy, busy, busy with Christmas and all that jazz.
Uploading last chapter tomorrow.
Oh so bittersweet!
The Countdown
December 27
"So Téa was thinking about fuschia and gold, but I suggested violet and gold. It's in the same family right, Jojo?" Mai was holding up some color swatches across the counter of bar inside of her kitchen, but Joey seemed to be out of it. "Joey?"
"Yeah...I think green would be perfect." He nodded and Mai raised an eyebrow.
"Joey, what's wrong with you? This doesn't have anything to do with Mako being back in town does it?"
Joey lifted his head. "No, why would you think that?"
"Because Duke already spilled the beans. He's not too happy."
Joey glared. "And we weren't too happy about Cale, but we all swallowed the adult pill and let him take care of himself."
"Duke's just worried. We're all that way. We just don't want you to get your heart broken again." Mai leaned on the bar. "Gods, Joey. You were devastated that day he left."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, we all know the story. But what if it's different this time? What if he's back for a reason and it's meant for us to try again? When I'm around him Mai, everything comes back and I don't know what to do with myself. I realized just how much I missed him and what I've been doing since he was gone."
"Listen to this: no matter what decision you make, you're the one that has to deal with the consequences. Getting back with exes is always an issue and it's not going to be easy. You have to figure out whether you're ready to get over what happened between the two of you and move on from there."
Joey shrugged. "I don't know if I can, but I want to try. I'm tired of being alone Mai. Meaningless sex is pointless to me now."
"Maybe you aren't having meaningless sex. I mean, you and Kaiba have been going at it for a while."
"Yeah and look where that's getting me? Besides, he's always so tired and out of it. Asking for sex is degrading and it makes me feel desperate."
"Don't ask. Just take it. That's how me and Téa got together."
"No offense, but you two are lesbians. It's different with guys."
"No it's not! That's an excuse." Mai lifted from the counter and begin to gather her swatches. "Do something nice for Kaiba. You hook him once and you'll only have a problem trying to get him off the hook."
"What do you mean? Like make him dinner or something? Isn't that what couples do? Not fuck buddies."
"Ask him out somewhere. Maybe a lounge or out in the middle of nowhere. Be spontaneous."
"I don't know if you know this or not, but I'm not one for spontaneity."
"As much as Kaiba likes to admit he doesn't need someone, he needs someone. Everyone needs someone. I'm sure he would like to come home to a cooked meal and appreciate someone being there for him. Someone who would listen to his problems and bullshit."
"That's why he tortures Mokuba."
Mai laughed. "And look where that gets him? Kaiba takes his aggression out on the poor innocent-" Joey gave her a look. "Okay, so not so innocent, but you know what I mean. He just needs one person."
"Should I see Mako tonight?"
"If it was me, I wouldn't go near that bastard with a thirty nine and a half foot pole, but that's just me. Maybe you're right. Maybe things are different." She took his hand. "Just promise me or won't just settle for anything."
Joey nodded and lifted her hand to his lips before pressing a soft kiss to it.
"Good. Now back to wedding colors."
Joey held up his hands. "You have my full attention."
"Word is Kaiba is having a crazy party at his house for New Years!" Ryou said to Joey, Tristan and Duke sliding drinks across the bar. "What is with you guys?"
"I'm sitting in between two of the biggest women in this city!" Tristan shouted.
"Cut it out Tris," Joey said nudging him and turned around to look out to the dancefloor to the sweaty half dressed men dancing around.
"What happened, Blondie?" Bakura pinched him in the back making him jump and almost spill his drink.
"Fuck off," said Joey.
"He's talking to that numb skull Mako again!" Duke shouted.
"I said fuck off Duke!" Joey shouted over Tristan's head. "I don't think my personal business has anything to do to you!"
"Grow a pair, will ya Jo? You know I'm right!"
"Will you two untuck your cocks and get over this?" Tristan asked. "He's not five, Duke. Why are you so worried about it?" Tristan asked. Duke rolled his eyes, picking up his drink and walking away. "What a dick."
"And that's saying something coming from you," Bakura said reaching across the bar to slap Tristan, but Tristan pulled away in time. "You're such a hypocrite."
"Bourbon...straight." Seto sat on Duke's abandoned seat.
"Well look who it is! Haven't seen you in a while. You missed the annual beach time Christmas Eve extravaganza!" Bakura threw a smirk at Seto who flipped him off. "Where were you?"
"Unlike you, I have a real job."
Tristan pulled his lips away from his beer. "Why are you here now?"
"I deserve some down time Taylor."
"Fuck time." Tristan looked between Joey and Seto. "Well look who's both single and ready to mingle! Get at him Seto! He hasn't gotten any out of Mako yet."
Joey and Seto hit Tristan in the back of the head at the same time making him grab at the back of his head, wincing. Ryou burst into a fit of giggles.
"We'll catch you girlies on the next round." Bakura slapped Ryou's behind making him jump. "Ryou has to go and make me some tips."
"That's my queue to go and hand out some tips," Tristan said, grabbing his drink and walking out to the floor.
"How was work?" Joey asked as he still stared out into the crowd and Seto shrugged.
"Wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Things will probably pick up after the New Year. People on vacation," Seto responded.
"Yeah, things at the cafe weren't so bad." Joey sighed. "I talked to Mai about her wedding colors."
"What are they going for?" Seto asked casually.
"You know how chicks are. Pinks and purples. Girly things."
"Ah." Seto downed his shot and turned around to the bar getting Ryou's attention. "What are you doing tonight?" He asked Joey.
"I don't know, Kaiba. You plan on making me miss a date?"
Kaiba snorted. "You aren't going a date Joey. I thought you two were just talking?"
"Yeah...I guess." Joey shrugged. He glanced at Seto. I'm going to kill Mai. "You know, it'd be cheaper for us to get a bottle and waste it between us. Besides, tomorrow is Sunday. You won't be working."
"Am I an excuse to get out of tonight with your boyfriend?"
"Yes."
"Well I enjoy the pleasure of fucking up important plans of other people." Seto pulled out his wallet and tossed some money onto the bar. "Makes me feel so appreciated."
"Don't flatter yourself. I never said I wasn't going to get fucking wasted and still make it in time for dinner."
"So devoted! I love your perseverance Joey!"
"Don't you have any fucking snacks in this house, Seto? You're like a fucking veghead!"
"Well Mokuba's hardly home anymore. Why don't you go peruse his mini fridge in his gaming room?"
"He'd kill me if he came home and saw his stash gone." Joey's pants began to vibrate and he giggled at the sensation, pulling his phone out of his pants pocket and looked at the screen. Mako was calling him and he felt a sense of remorse and guilt eating away at him.
"Your boyfriend keeping tabs?" Seto asked with a slight slur. He stood up and walked towards Joey.
"No one keeps tabs on me." He backed away slightly as Seto came too close. "What are you doing?" Joey asked looking up at him.
"What does it look like?" Seto asked. "You closing our deal now? That was awfully quick. Your ex comes back and now you're kicking me to the curb? You aren't honestly telling me that you're considering Mako for permanent status."
Joey gave a slight pout. "I didn't say that."
Seto grabbed Joey's collar and fixed it. "It's still early," he whispered, looking down into Joey's soft hazel eyes. "You can still get to him in enough time if you leave now." Seto leaned down, his lips pressing against the skin of Joey's neck.
"How do you feel about breakfast in the morning?"
"Sounds good."
December 28
Watching Seto sleeping was something that Joey could get used to. He had seen this before and said the same thing, but he realized he really could get used to this.
And then the sadness began to seep in and he realized that it would never happen. He pushed the covers away from his body and stood up, stretching. The kinks and tenseness in his muscles were bliss, but there was still the bittersweet sadness of knowing this was just a temporary feeling.
He found his jeans and pulled them on and made his way downstairs to the kitchen.
Joey had been midway through breakfast when he heard the entrance door open and he figured that Mokuba must be home.
"Hey, what's up Joey?" Mokuba greeted. "Smells amazing in here."
"Yeah?" Joey turned around with a smile and then he burst into laughter. "Mokuba, what's the deal with the cat?" He asked as he lowered the setting on the stove and threw the hand towel over his shoulder staring at the small cat in Mokuba's arms. It was grey with a white underbelly, and his face was a cute square with a pink nose in the middle of its face.
"It's a kitten, Joey." Mokuba held up the little feline.
"Wait until your brother sees this shit." Joey chuckled. "Want some coffee?"
"Can I have some tea instead? Black tea with a side of lemon and you can get the little guy a cup of milk."
"Hey, little master, I'm not at the cafe. I'm off duty."
"But I thought you liked me more than my older brother; yet here you are making you and him breakfast and the brother can't even get a cup of tea. The English would be furious at what you call 'hospitality'."
"Well it's a good thing i'm not English, yes?"
"How is my brother anyway?"
"He's fine. Besides, he would have to be fine even if he wasn't fine. So...your brother is quite fine, I assure you."
Mokuba sat down at the table looking down into the grey eyes of the kitten in his arms. "I think I should call him Kit."
"That's pretty generic Mokuba."
Joey had began to make his tea as he began to finish up breakfast. Seto walked into the kitchen, shirtless, his hair a wild and crazy, sexy mussed up mess. He raised his eyebrow at the kitten rubbing up against Mokuba's shirt and purring.
"Mokuba, what did I tell you about stray pussy in the house?"
Joey snickered as he began to pour his tea into Mokuba's cup.
"I got him for you because I thought that she would be great company for you. Kit, Seto. Seto, Kit." Mokuba introduced, handing him over to Seto.
Seto held the kitten for a total of a second and then placed him on the ground. The kitten started to take to Seto, rubbing against his leg, his back and tail high up.
"Mokuba, get this thing out of our house."
"Please Seto! She's alone and she's scared and we could give her the best home she could ever imagine," He pleaded with big eyes.
"There are two lesbians getting married and will probably be popping out a child soon. Add it to their family." Seto sat on the stool next to Mokuba and elbowed him in the arm playfully. "She's yours only if you take care of her."
"Ours."
"Yours."
Seto gave him a look and Mokuba nodded, the corner of his mouth curled up in annoyance.
"Fine," Mokuba huffed. "She's mine."
Joey watched as Seto wrapped his arm around his little brother's neck and pulled him into him, ruffling his hair. He remembered when him and his sister used to be the same playful way and then they both grew up and got involved with boys. He pulled out his cell phone from his jeans and bypassed the missed calls and semi-angry texts from Mako and texted his sister asking when she would finish her shift at the cafe.
"So, are you coming to Seto's New Year's party, Joey?" Mokuba asked.
"I didn't know I was invited." Joey responded, turning back to the stove and turning it off and began to plate the food.
"Half of the city is invited. I don't know why you would think you be forgotten."
Joey began to search the cabinets for a bowl. "Since when does your brother throw parties. I thought his birthday was a mistake?"
"Yeah well..." Seto started. "I've gathered some of the hottest men in this city to come to this party so I can get drunk and fucked."
"As much as I love you Seto, I honestly don't want to hear about your sexual escapades." Mokuba said. "I got some figures to calculate and then I'm going out tonight with some friends. Catch you guys later." He grabbed his tea cup. "And Joey, can you bring my food up to my room?"
"Not a chance, kiddo."
Mokuba left, leaving Seto and Joey alone. "You can even invite your boyfriend," Seto said as he took the offered cup of coffee from Joey.
"Gee, you don't have to make it sound so patronizing."
"I was just being..." Seto pursed his lip. "courteous."
"Mmm...a big boy pill," Joey said, sliding the plate across the bar. "Eat up big boy."
"Thank you, honey."
Joey rolled his eyes as he reached for his vibrating phone and read his sister's text message.
"Sunday dinner at the Wheelers." He threw his phone off to the side and ate a spoonful of cereal. "This oughta be great."
"I like your family dinners. Remember when Mokuba and Serenity first got together? That dinner wasn't so bad."
"Until my father started talking about his performance at Cloud and he started that fucking rendition of 'Prima Donna'."
"It was classic. Phantom of the Opera is well known."
"He sung the entire thing as Carlotta."
"Yeah, I didn't think his voice could get that high." Seto laughed into his cup. "Made for a great entertainment. For an old man, he has some pipes."
"Yeah, he prides himself on his voice. He met my mother that way. She was working in a club, that was nothing like Euphoria might I add, and my father was performing and they happened to lock eyes. He asked everyone that evening about the woman with the cute face. She was easy, they fucked and had me."
"Straight people." Seto grimaced. "Ugh..."
"Well, then you wouldn't know me and your life would be oh so miserable." Joey grinned. "You can handle dishes," he said, tossing his empty bowl into the sink. "I'm going to head out."
He walked around the counter behind Seto and kissed the back of his head, before ruffling his hair.
"Watch my hair," said Seto.
"Trust me, you can't tell the difference."
"Thanks for breakfast. I might have to move you in and marry you. Then we would be like your best friends waiting for holy matrimony and the future bun in the oven."
"Good thing I don't have a vagina." Joey made his way out of the room. "See ya."
"Sorry about last night."
Mako ran a hand through his hair staring at Joey in his doorway. Joey knew where this could possibly go only he was hoping that it wouldn't turn to shit. He stared at Mako as he did Christmas evening and waiting for the other to allow him in.
"Something came up," Joey said.
Mako opened the door wider and Joey walked inside as Mako shut the door.
"I brought dinner. Some extras from the cafe," Joey said, sitting the bag on Mako's counter.
"You didn't have to." Mako walked into the kitchen and pulled down some wine glasses. "I'm sure your mother didn't know where you were bringing these to. If she knew you were coming over here to see me, she would have given it to the dogs before allowing you to bring-"
"Look, let's not bring that up. Let's just...start over."
Joey had realized that maybe he should forget about what happened in the past between him and Mako. It was time to forgive and forget and he would start by this night. Things couldn't be exactly like they were before Mako left, but they could at least be friends.
"I don't care about what other people say about what goes on between me and you." Joey told Mako, unpacking the bag. "They can't understand that friends look past the worse, than maybe they aren't good friends themselves."
Mako gave a small smile as he sat the glasses down. "Thank you, Joey. I appreciate this and I appreciate you being a good friend. It's not a lot of that anymore in this world."
"Well, I guess I still really, really like you," he mumbled, opening one of the containers.
Mako reached into one of the drawers and pulled out a fork, digging immediately into the food, and scooping a large amount into his mouth.
"You heathen!" Joey admonished. "You're supposed to wait until it's set!"
"Why don't we just do like we used to and eat it! Since when did you give a shit about plates? You've been hanging around that rich punk for too long while I was away."
"Seto?" Joey asked, looking at Mako underneath of his bangs. "He would appreciate the rich comment, but I don't know about calling him a punk."
"I'm surprised you didn't get with him while I was gone. Seems like your type. Tall, hot-"
"Let's not do this." Joey laughed uncomfortably, but Mako was staring at Joey with a twinkle in his eyes like he knew something beneath the blushing face.
"You and him..."
Mako trailed off waiting for an answer, but Joey only reached for his glass full of wine sipped. Mako got his answer and said nothing as he watched Joey downing his drink. He shook his head with a small laugh.
"I thought we were friends?" Mako asked.
"I just don't know how I feel about discussing my past sex partners with you even though we are friends. There are going to be rules to this fresh start." Joey snatched the fork from Mako's fingers and began to eat.
"Apparently we have a lot to talk about."
December 29
"Rise and shine, monkey pie!"
The wet feeling of the vibrating raspberry against his cheek made Joey jump out of his sleep and turn his head to the person on his back.
"Cooties!" He cried, wiping his cheek against the pillow. "What are you doing here Serenity and what time is it?"
"Time for you to get ready for work. Me and you have to open. Ma-ma is taking Dad to the doctor's."
"Stop playing, seriously? I thought that was next Thursday?" He groaned, looking at his clock. "It's five-thirty in the morning, Serenity!"
"And I'm tired of being the responsible one when you're older," She said smacking Joey's bottom. "Seriously, get up or I'll call Tristan in here and he'll feel you up which is something I'm sure you don't want to happen." She laid on her back beside her brother. "Wanna go to the mall with me after work?"
"Sure." Joey yawned and threw the covers back on the bed.
"I miss you, Joey."
"Yeah, it's been awhile since it was just me and you."
"I guess." She leaned up on her elbows. "Plus, I miss talking about boys with you. I guess that's one good reason to have a gay brother. We at least have that in common."
"Thanks. Glad I could be of use." Joey threw a pillow over head and she giggled.
For it to be a Monday, the mall had been packed with people and Joey figured that it had to be the ton of sales that would be going through until the New Years. Serenity and him found themselves in the small cafeteria after a couple hours of non stop shopping and decided that some food was a necessity.
"So what have you been up to?" Joey asked and Serenity released the straw of her cup.
"I've been looking for the perfect guy in this city full of assholes." Serenity sighed. "I tell you, when they say needle in a haystack..."
"You had one. Mokuba!" Joey coughed and Serenity glared at him.
"Joey, he's too good for me. He's looking for the princess of the royal kingdom and I'm a bitch in heat."
Joey laughed. "Like sister like brother."
"Yeah, but aren't you and Kaiba going at it?"
Joey threw his hands up. "How does everyone know this? Is it that obvious?"
"Yeah, but it's not a bad thing. He's fucking gorgeous and every man wants to bag him, but only a few have done it. And you're lucky enough to have gotten it more than once."
"But Serenity, we're talking about just sex here. I'm tired of it. I feel like you! After a while you get tired of just sex."
"Yeah, but in the meantime..."
"You're such a slut."
Serenity sat across from him with that stupid smile when she nearly dropped her soda and whipped her head away and put her hand up to cover her face.
"Oh gods! Did he see me?"
"What?" Joey looked around wondering who the hell she could possibly be hiding from. "Who is-?"
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Mokuba walking beside a long haired brunette girl. She small in stature, her eyes big and bright and a smile on her face that was bright as the fucking lights in the cafeteria they sat in. Joey chuckled waving at the couple and calling out Mokuba's name.
Mokuba waved in greeting and began to walk towards their table.
"Joey you're such-"
"Hey Joey, what's up?" Mokuba looked at Serenity who began to slowly lower her hand. "Hey Serenity."
"Hey." She greeted shyly.
"What are you guys up to?"
"Shopping," Joey said.
The girl next to Mokuba cleared her throat. "Oh! Joey, Serenity, this is Kay."
"Hi," She said politely, holding out her hand and each of them shook it.
"Where are your bodyguards?" Joey asked.
"They're around." He grinned. "I have to get out somewhere, but it's not so bad around this time during the week." He leaned down and picked up one of Serenity's fries before popping it into his mouth. "Thanks."
"Joey, I'm feeling a little exhausted," Serenity said.`
"Seren, it's only noon." Joey smirked and Serenity narrowed her eyes.
"It's past my nap time Joey." She growled, standing up.
Joey and Serenity said their goodbyes to Mokuba and Kay and made their way out of the mall. He wrapped his arm around Serenity's shoulder and pulled her in close.
"You'll thank me when the two of you get back together."
"You're like...the worst brother ever. And you're lame and fucking embarrassing."
"And yet you still love me," Joey said, kissing her temple.
"You going out again?" Duke asked as Joey just exited the bathroom, his towel wrapped around his waist and his body still slightly wet.
"Yeah. Should I have asked permission?"
"Look," Duke began following him into his bedroom. "I just want to say that I'm sorry and I don't like this whole avoiding the big, underlying issue here and the problem with you dating that...thing again."
"To be more polite Duke, he is a human being and you should be considerate since I actually sat down and had dinner with you and that fucking asshole that beat you. I didn't mention that, did I?"
"You don't have to." Duke leaned in the doorway. "I guess, if you're big enough to give me a chance, then...maybe I should as well."
When Joey turned to him, Duke was looking at him with apologetic eyes. He loved Duke, but the other was making too big of a problem about him seeing his ex-boyfriend again.
"We're all in this world looking for one thing Duke: love. I'm not saying that me and him will get back together and be the way we were before, but if I am making a big mistake talking to him, then it will be my fault getting hurt again."
"You're right," Duke said sadly. "Me and Tris are heading out to Euphoria later."
"Cool."
"If you want to drop by..."
"Nah. I'm heading out to Mako's."
"If you change your mind...let us know."
"No problem."
Duke turned away and left Joey to himself. He was tired of having this conversation and he was at the point that he didn't give a shit about what anyone thought at this point.
Joey was laying his head in Mako's lap as the classical music played softly in the background. He was really more than relaxed on his back, resting and just talking to the other. After the other night, he realized that things were going smoothly and things were going to be fine.
"I miss this." Mako sighed, taking a sip of his wine before placing the glass on the table. He ran a hand through Joey's hair as the other closed his eyes in contentment.
"I bet you do."
"You're so beautiful, Jo."
"Let's not," Joey said looking up at him.
"Why not? You've already fucked up by talking to me. You might as well let me admire."
Joey cleared his throat and began to sit up when Mako pushed him back down.
"Stay."
"You said that after the first night we had sex."
"I like to think we made love that night."
"So romantic," Joey said, rolling his eyes. "You want to come to a party with me for the New Years?"
"Who's throwing it?"
"Seto Kaiba."
"Mmm..." Mako snorted. "This should be an extravaganza of the century. You sure you want me to piss off your friends like that?
"Yeah, that would be awesome."
They both shared a laugh and Joey got up from his seat and stood up stretching.
"I should probably head out."
Mako stood up and grabbed Joey's hand as he was about to leave. Joey was about to pull his hand away, but Mako's hand tighten as he moved in closer. Joey knew this all to well and frankly, it scared the shit out of him. He could see the look in Mako's hungry eyes and he could feel his heart beating against his chest wildly. He swallowed thickly, his palms became sweaty as his stomach churned.
"Stay."
"I...uh...can't."
"Yes you can," Mako whispered, pressing his body against Joey's. Mako leaned down, his lips brushing against Joey's.
"You can't do this to me, Mako." He breathed trying to release his hand. "I'm still...scared."
"Don't be. It will be nothing like before. I can only do better, babe." His hand came up and caressed the side of Joey's cheek who took a hold of it. "You forgive me don't you?"
Joey didn't say anything staring into the deep brown eyes that haunted him just about everyday and nodded slowly. His lips were taken in a deep kiss and he returned it full force, his lips trembling. Mako tilted his head, his tongue searching in need of Joey's to have that taste again and Joey obliged. Joey's hands came up wrapping around his neck, his breath increasing, his grip tightening.
"I missed you so much."
"Me too."
December 29
When Joey walked into the house he shared with Tristan and Duke, both were in the kitchen having morning breakfast.
"Well, well, well," Tristan said shaking up his morning protein drink in a bottle. "Where have you been Cinderella?"
"One guess who." Duke took a sip of his coffee.
"So, how was you guys night?" Joey asked.
"Fucking amazing. I managed to snatch me up a blond as well. Hot body, great face, a mouth perfect for sucking."
Joey sat down and leaned his head into hand, groaning. "Don't make me nauseous yet, Tris. I haven't even eaten yet. Duke, can you make me an egg?"
"Jojo, you'll need a lot more protein if you plan on keeping up the way you do." Duke smirked. "I'll make you two."
"Seto asked about you." Tristan took a swig of his protein drink. "He ended up getting a blond too."
"Seemed all disappointed when we told him you were getting your ass banged out with some hot, bronze adonis. Greedy motherfucker coming back from the dumps and getting into his ex's pants so easily. I do commend you Joey on waiting this long though, but you have Seto on the back burner if your plans don't so easily work out."
"Duke, can you get this guy a filter?" Joey pointed his thumb in Tristan's direction. "You never know what to say out of that big ass mouth. Why don't you put it to some better use?"
"Care to join me in the bathroom?"
Joey gave him a look and Tristan held his hands up in surrender.
"You asked, babe. I was just telling it like it is." Tristan grabbed his jacket and made his way to the door. "I'll catch you guys later. Movie night?"
"Sure."
"Was I wrong?" Joey asked, tossing a small ball up and down in the air catching it in a firm grip. He was sitting in Kaiba's office, laying back on the leather couch as Kaiba sat at his desk looking over some paperwork.
"I don't know, Wheeler. Were you wrong?"
Joey turned to Seto. "That's why I'm asking you. I don't know whether I was or not and it's really driving me crazy."
"Was it good?" Seto asked, looking over his reading glasses.
"Yeah." Joey responded and Seto nodded.
"Then I don't think it was wrong. You really like him and you want him back, I don't think you need me to tell you any differently. I'm not a fucking shrink, Wheeler. You should go to Yugi or the lesbos for that. They're all about friendships and babies and weddings."
"Do you hate Mai and Téa for loving each other that much? You're so cynical."
"I just tell it like it is, Wheeler."
"And will you stop with the Wheeler thing? I thought we were past that."
"Yeah. We are."
"I also invited him to your party to piss off everyone. Hope you don't mind."
Seto pursed his lips. "Not in the slightest." Seto leaned back and took his glasses off and tossed them across his desk running a hand through his hair. "I'm so fucking tired."
"Lay off the partying. You have to be a responsible adult and fucking until the wee hours of the night isn't healthy."
"Helps me sleep at night."
Joey tossed the ball across the room at Seto who ducked away, laughing. "Don't you have somewhere to be Joey instead of bothering me?"
"No." Joey stood up and brushed his clothes off walking over to Seto's desk. "But it's a good thing I'm finished bothering you. I need to head out and get to work. It's movie night with the guys. You should stop by if you're not doing anything."
"But you're taken." Seto pouted mockingly. "How am I to get some needed protein? I'm a growing boy, you know."
"You're also sick. I'm out."
It was quite a surprise when Seto showed up in comfort clothes which shocked Duke when he opened the door.
"Well hello there."
"Devlin," Seto said walking inside and Duke closed the door behind him.
"Who was that?" Joey asked whipping his head around. "Hey!"
"Your guardians decided to let you out?" Tristan asked.
"I really don't like you."
"Hey! Can we get along here?" Joey turned back to the television. "Sit down Seto. You want a drink or something?"
"What do you have?" Seto asked, taking off his coat and throwing it over the back of the chair.
"Thanks to Tristan, we have just about the same selection down at Euphoria."
"Scotch on the rocks."
"Okay, okay!" Tristan said through laughter. "So, let's talk about virgins. Would you ever fuck one?"
"I wouldn't," Duke said. "I am too much of a bottom for that. Plus, virgins tend to get too clingy afterwards."
"No, no. Not all virgins can get like that," Seto said. "I had one once and all you have to do is be upfront with them. Tell them, I'll give you the best night you'll ever have, but after this...there will be no hand holding, candlelight dinners, and that shit that comes with the territory of a relationship."
"They tend to get territorial," Tristan added.
"Well that's discriminatory! We were all virgins at once."
"Joey, you lost your virginity to Mako! You were the virgin type that saves their holy virginity like some sacred rose for the guy who feel like is going to be there forever."
"I would think that most virgins feel that way," Joey said. "It is something that should be saved for that one special person."
"I understand completely, but you're in that fifty percent that come out better than the rest of us. The other half comes out with regrets."
"Nothing wrong with regrets." Seto shrugged. "You learn from them."
"Maybe. I've only taken virginities. There's no way anyone is getting near my ass." Tristan laughed.
"But you'll do the fucking. In case you were wondering, that shit hurts," Duke said
"Well you probably don't need to worry about that problem anymore, now do you?" Tristan joked and Duke tossed a pillow at him.
"I believe in being versatile," Joey stated.
"I never thought I'd say this," Seto began. "But I have to agree with Taylor."
"You're a control freak in general. You're biased."
"Control is a turn on and someone willing to get on their knees for me and beg, I take it as admiration."
"You here that, Jo. You worshipped him and his cock." Tristan winked.
"Fuck off!" Joey shouted.
"Can you grow up!" Duke said. "We're trying to have a mature conversation here, Tristan!"
"We've all had sex with each other in a weird sort of way. What is there like six degrees of separation?" Tristan asked reaching the bowl of chips.
"Something like that only I don't think it entails having sex with each other's partners." Joey corrected.
"It could."
Silence grew around them and Joey looked at Seto who was laid back, with his face towards the ceiling. Joey licked his lips seeing the adam's apple bob as he swallowed and gods did he look so good doing it.
"So uh...Kaiba," Tristan said. "How did you uh...lose you virginity?"
"Now, why would I want to discuss that among you guys?"
"Because we want to know," Duke said looking at him. "I'm pretty sure you would every guy and girl in this city is dying to know how Seto Kaiba lost his virginity."
"The world thinks about that shit? Don't we have more important news to broadcast?" Seto smirked.
"No, so spill!" Duke smiled from ear to ear as he propped himself up on a pillow, ready to listen to the other.
Seto sighed. "Which virginity are we talking about?"
"The only one we care about."
"Uh...it was during high school. You remember Ken who played center back for our soccer team?"
"Eww! That fucking nerd with the bad haircut?" Tristan interjected.
"Nerd? He was a fucking idiot! Sometimes I was shocked he could spell his goddamn name half the time!" Joey added and Seto gave them a look.
"Do you want me to finish?" Seto asked and everyone nodded. "Well, I was tutoring him in class one day and we started talking and I can remember him reaching over and grabbing me. Of course then, I didn't think I was gay so I politely asked him..."
"What the fuck are you doing?"
"I wanted to thank you. For being tutoring me and everything."
Seto stopped the moving hand. "I'm not gay."
"You don't have to be gay for me to blow you." Ken moved his hand further up until it reached Seto's zipper. "But even if you are, you're secret is safe with me."
Seto bit his lip looking at the door of the classroom.
"No one's coming in. It's after school hours and most of the teachers have left or are in the lounge."
"And then you had sex? Right there on the desk?" Joey asked.
"On the professor's desk."
"Kinky. I'm going to be watching a load of porn after this evening," Duke said. "I didn't lose mine until we were out of school."
"Bullshit!" Joey shouted. "No fucking way. You popped that cherry long before that."
"I'm so glad my friends all think I'm a slut."
"Think?" Seto snorted and everyone else laughed.
"Okay, okay. I'll admit, I'm a little wild with no inhibitions."
"Let's just say you weren't born with any."
"Well when you get your heartbroken then maybe you'll understand."
"Duke," Tristan paused as he leaned in to Duke. "You were a slut before a couple of months ago."
"I'm talking about before that asshole. Before I transferred, I was in love with this guy back at home. Me and him fooled around a lot and it was in the beginning stages of just realizing you're gay and you know you have no one to talk to about it. Then everything seems to change and you isolate yourself for the fear that someone will find out and hate you for it. Even your own parents."
Joey looked over at Tristan who looked deep in thought. He knew too much about the other's past and how when his step-father burst into his bedroom and saw him getting a blow job from the next door neighbor's son. Things were never the same for Tristan.
"I think we're straying away from this conversation point."
"Okay, well it's your turn, Taylor."
"There's not much to my story and its nothing that going to have you guys depressed. New neighbors moved in next door about our second year in highschool and I remember coming home and he was mowing the lawn. Average height, cute, nice body...so I fucked him. Easy enough."
"So, it was just on your mind to bang this guy and you did it?" Joey questioned. "There has to be more behind it. Did you just feel gay?"
"No, Joey, I didn't just feel gay. I had been looking at straight porn since I was twelve and I just couldn't get hard anymore."
"And yet nothing seems to stop you now," Seto said and Joey laughed.
December 30
"I'm so bored!" Serenity yawned dramatically and turned to Joey, leaning on the counter. "Did you decide on whether you're going to Seto's party or not."
Joey rolled his eyes. There had been nothing, but talk about Seto's grand New Year's party for two weeks and he was tired of hearing about it. It would be nothing different than Euphoria and Joey was starting to decide to dip out from said party. Maybe him and Mako would ditch for the night and do something romantic. Romanticism. How he thought he would never use that word again, but thinking about Mako now made Joey happy.
"What are you thinking about?" Serenity asked bumping her shoulders with her older brother. "You look happy."
"I can't look happy?"
"Yes, but I haven't seen that type of happy in a while." Serenity grinned. "You got some didn't you?"
"I do not want to hear my sister talking about that kind of stuff."
"Joey, we're closer than probably most brothers and sisters out there. You know you can tell me everything. I told you that I thought I was gay!"
"Shhh!" Joey looked around at the few customers that were still sipping at their coffee lazily and reading the papers or browsing their laptops. "Ma-ma, will start thinking I turned you out or something. And you don't want to know why I'm happy."
"Well it's a good thing I don't need you to tell me. I was just being courteous asking you. You're thinking about that asshole."
"Which one?" Joey said wagging his eyebrows and Serenity rolled her eyes not amused in the slightest.
"You already know who I am talking about. Mako. I don't understand what you see in him. All I see is the son-of-a-bitch who broke my brother's heart. I thought things were going okay with you and Seto?"
Joey shook his head. "Things are going okay with me and Seto, but he doesn't want to hear about a relationship, Serenity."
"I think you're settling because you don't want to be by yourself. I understand what it's like to get tired of being alone, Joey. But you shouldn't just settle for anything and you shouldn't just jump back into a relationship with Mako."
"Geez, Serenity. We're just taking things slow. He understands that I don't want to jump into anything serious yet with him."
"Good," Serenity said looking out of the window and then wolf-whistled. "Speaking of hot men...
Seto walked through the door, looking as though he just stepped out of magazine. Joey nudged his sister, who groaned. He didn't need her going googly eyes over him too. "You should be the last one giving anyone relationship advice."
"I'm the best one. Hey Seto." Serenity smiled, batting her eyelashes at Seto. "What something special today? I'm sure I can whip something up really quick-"
"Don't." Joey interjected. "She's not my mother and anything she "whips up" will make poison taste like a miracle."
Seto laughed, standing in front of Joey. "I'll just take a Cappuccino to go please."
"Coming up." Serenity walked away making sure to switch her hips which made Joey chuckle.
Joey turned to Seto. "Lunch?"
"Uh, no. Quickie."
Joey glanced back at his sister who was dancing about, making Seto's drink. He turned back to the register and quickly rang up the drink, taking the money and then began to undo his apron as his sister made her way over holding the styrofoam labeled cup.
"Careful, hot," She said sitting it down.
"It'll be cool down by the time we get back."
Joey walked around the counter and followed Seto out of the cafe, heading straight for the other's car, where's Seto's driver was standing. Seto ushered him into the back seat and climbed in behind him.
"Where we off to?"
"No where." Seto cleared his throat and the driver stepped out, making his way towards the cafe. "The cappuccino was for him." Seto grabbed Joey by the back of his head, pulling his head against his. Joey pulled away looking around nervously.
"The windows. Someone could-"
"No one is going to see us, Joey." Seto's lips descended down onto Joey's neck, who was staring out of the window, watching the people walk by without a clue. Seto gave a nasty nip to his pulse point and Joey moaned, reaching up to clutch at the back of Seto's neck. The brunet wasted no time, undoing Joey's pants and sliding his hand down inside and moving it beneath Joey's boxers. "Already so hard."
But all Joey could see the disappointment on Mako's face and the little bit of pleasure he had felt about a couple of seconds ago, slowly began to dissipate. His body tensed and he stopped Seto's hand from touching him. Seto pulled away from him, looking into his eyes, his lips glistening before he licked them.
"What's wrong, Joey?" Seto asked, looking concerned. "Am I hurting you?"
"Yes." The words left Joey's mouth before he could stop them and Seto slowly pulled his hand from Joey's pants and sat back in the seat, placing his arm over the back of the chair.
"So I am assuming this is the part where you tell me you and Mako have decided to shack up like the lesbians?"
Joey frowned. "You make it sound like a bad thing. Me and him aren't together, but it's nice to know that things seem that they'll be okay."
"Okay." Seto looked out of the window and Joey could see the reels working behind the dark blue eyes.
"That's it. That's all you have to say?"
"Wheeler," Seto whipped his head to him. "What do you want me to say?" Joey could see the other's jaw tightened. "You set rules and I'm following them. I don't think we have anything else to discuss."
"You're getting defensive."
"Wheeler, I have an important meeting in twenty minutes and my cock needs some kind of release." Seto pulled out his cell phone and Joey glanced over to see him scrolling through a list of contacts.
"When you had your hand down my pants squeezing my cock, I was Joey. Now we're back to last names."
"Joey, you're not the only one I can get what I need from. I was doing you a favor."
"Doing me a favor?" Joey let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. "Seto fucking Kaiba," He hissed reaching for the door handle and then turned back to Seto. "I was trying too hard to get you to notice me. I thought maybe I could change your mind."
"Well you thought wrong and that was just silly on your part. We fucked Wheeler and you're nothing but a friend. And be glad that I consider you that."
"Fuck you." Joey opened the door and slammed it shut making his way around the car and heading back into the cafe. He made his way straight to the locker room and ripped his coat from the hanger and putting it on.
"Wow, that was quick." Serenity appeared in the doorway.
Joey shook his head. "Don't." He bit out and grabbed his shoulder bag.
"What happened?"
"Seto Kaiba is what happened. I'm out early. Tell Ma-ma I was sick or something."
"But-" He didn't let his sister finish as he brushed past her.
"Hey Joey-"
Joey didn't let Mako finish as he jumped onto him, his lips attacking the other's, his hands roaming over the planes of Mako's chest over the well fitted dark blue button up he was wearing. Joey kicked the door shut and ran his fingers through Mako's hair, clutching tightly. He tilted his head, deepening the kiss even more, nipping and biting on Mako's bottom lip.
"Don't say anything. Just fuck me."
December 31
"You seemed pretty upset earlier," Mako said as his arm was wrapped loosely around his shoulder as the blond laid his head on his chest. Joey wasn't much for talking right now. In fact, he wanted to get out of the room as quickly as possible and be on his way to the apartment to sulk and pout about having to go to Kaiba's cockfest bash later that evening. He knew he would feel the tension from everyone from him bringing Mako and seeing Seto would be a stab in the gut. What happened the day before was on his own happening. He shouldn't have let his feelings get in the way, but there was something about being taken in the back of the car like some cheap whore. He wasn't cheap. He was one of the more classy queers he knew, but because him and Seto had a no bars sex pact, didn't mean that he would be taken like an anybody off the streets. He could feel the regret of him ever making that stupid suggestion for their relationship only being about sex because he knew deep down, being together with Seto would be some deep desire that would forever be with him until what was forbidden, was attainable. "What happened?"
Joey wrapped his arm around Mako and squeezed. Even though he wasn't one for cuddling right now, the fact that he had this broad, strong physique to hold onto at the present was comforting. "Nothing," He responded and looked up at Mako. "Are you coming with me to Kaiba's party?" He looked into the deep blue eyes that were surrounded by deep blue locks to match that were in sexy disarray. Even he hated to admit that the guy that had did him so wrong was a cock hardner.
"Only if you want me to, babe. I don't want you to show up there and then be hung and burned at the stake."
Joey laughed. "They won't be burning me. You're the one they want twirling over the fire pit. But I think you should get out. You've been back in town for about a month or so and you haven't probably had a lick of fun since."
"I've been chasing you around."
"Stalking."
"Waiting."
Joey hated to smile, but the action couldn't help, but spread across his face. "You're such an idiot."
"Oh Jojo, I knew you would be back in my arms once again."
"Please." Joey turned on his back. "You're just convenient."
"I'm not going to take offense to that," Mako said pinching him in the side and making him giggle. "What do you really want to do with this Joey. I'm holding my breath here, hoping that I can only make things better and not worse. I want you to know that I still love you-"
"I know you do, Mako." Joey lifted threw his legs over the side of the bed and reached for his pants.
"You're running," Mako stated evenly.
"I'm not Mako. I'm tired-Emotionally. I just want to get tonight over with."
"Is this some kind of ending to you and Kaiba?"
"What is there to be an end to if there was never a beginning?" He placed his hands on his knees and interlocked his fingers. He knew what was coming back and he didn't want to listen to it. "Look Mako, I don't want to get into it about shit I've done while you were off doing whatever the hell you were doing."
"I don't want you upset Joey. I'm just asking."
'You're digging."
"I'm curious."
Saying that he was curious was bullshit and Joey knew it. He grabbed his jeans and yanked them on, tucking himself aggressively yet safely, before he did more damage to himself. He dressed in silence as he glanced at Mako who was leaned back against the headboard staring at the opposite wall.
Just as Joey hit the doorway, Mako called for him making him stop in his tracks.
"Joey, what time do you want me to pick you up tonight?"
"Nine."
And did he left.
"You don't want to hear what I have to say about it, Jojo."
"No, I think I really do, Tristan. I think I need someone to tell me what a fucked up asshole I've been for even thinking that having a sex only vow to Seto would change anything that I felt about him. Damnit! I feel like such an idiot."
Tristan took a spoonful of ice cream and held it up to Joey. Joey sucked it right off the spoon and laid back with his head against the back of the couch. "How the hell am I supposed to show up at his fucking party tonight with Mako like nothing ever happened between him and I? Like I never felt anything for him?"
"You're being a drama queen." Tristan took a scoop of ice cream into his mouth. "If you really want to know what I have to say about the situation Joey, is you need to let both of them go. Seto is never going to settle down and if you settle down with Mako, he's only bound to screw you over again."
"He tried to do the right thing. At least that's what I keep trying to tell myself. I understand why he left and why he did what he did. I don't want to paint him as the bad guy when he was assuming the roles of the responsibilities that he had." He stopped Tristan as soon as he was about to open his mouth interrupt. "And I am not condoning what he did and in no way, shape or form praising him; It's more so accepting and trying to be understanding."
"You're too understanding sometimes. That's why it seems you've always been getting your heart broken all the time. You deserve better than that shit. You deserve someone who's going to care about you and your feelings and realize that you're more than what appears. You've been my best friend for a long time and no one has appreciated your friendship more than I have. I love you man."
"Yeah, but you're biased. And you're probably only saying that to get into my pants."
"That too."
Joey turned his head to Tristan. He always could rely on Tristan to be open and honest with him and he appreciated the other's friendship just as much as the other appreciated his. He shifted on the couch and placed his head on Tristan's shoulder.
"I don't think I can be friends with Seto, Tristan. You know how there's this urge to want something so bad, knowing you can't have it, and instead of trying to wait for it, you move on. That's why I feel like I have to be with Mako. I feel like there's a reason he's here, now."
"Don't do something you're going to regret Joey. You know, I think you're too young to settle down anyway. You're talking like an old man; like you're pushing thirty."
"Almost."
"Exactly. Almost. How about you just take a nap, relax, I'll make us some drinks and then we'll go to Kaiba's party and have a halfway decent time. If his party is anything like his birthday, I'm ready."
Joey chuckled. "I love you Tris."
Joey couldn't have been more pissed. It was almost eleven and Mako still hadn't shown up. Joey had texted him and called him and still hadn't received a text back. He wasn't going to cry. He didn't have time for that shit. He needed a way to Kaiba's party and there was no way in hell he would be able to get a taxi at this hour and on this evening. Traffic would be murdered, filled with half-dressed women and lit men chasing after said half-dressed women. And everyone at Kaiba's party was probably having the time of their life while he was sitting on the couch in his apartment, wondering why the hell Mako had decided to stand him up. Damn, he needed a drink and he needed a stiff one.
Just as he went to the counter to grab the neck of the last bit of Vodka, his phone buzzed and he looked down at his phone to see Kaiba calling him. He could imagine how this would go: Loud music, intense moaning coming from the other end, unnecessary screams for Kaiba to make them come-he wanted to toss up Duke's dinner from earlier. He answered the call with a churning stomach.
"Hello?"
Surprisingly it was quiet on the other end save for a muffled sound of music on the other end.
"Where are you?" Kaiba's voice was deep and demanding as usual. He swirled the contents of the liquor bottle in his hand.
"Home. Sorry Kaiba, but I don't think I'm going to making it this year."
There was silence.
"Is he with you?" Kaiba asked and Joey debated between telling the truth and lying. Should he tell Kaiba that Mako had screwed him over as usual or should he tell him that he was sitting here about to be empty handed on liquor with only his right hand to keep him company this evening?
"You don't have to answer that Joey if he's there. It's so crazy here." He gave a small bitter laugh. "I've been trying to escape for an hour or so and I finally found sanctuary in my room."
"Well that's not good. There's no point in the main attraction missing from the party of the year."
"I uh..." He could hear Kaiba clear his voice on the opposite end of the phone. "I asked Tristan where you were. He said that you would be "coming hand in hand with a dick". His words, not mine."
Yeah, that sounded like Tristan, but what the hell were they having this conversation for?
"Yeah, well, I don't think my dick is coming anywhere tonight. He stood me up."
"I'm on my way."
"Kaiba, why are you doing this?" Joey asked, without hesitation. "Why are you making this harder than it has to be? Maybe there is a reason he stood me up and maybe there's a reason I can't come there. Maybe it's not to see you."
"Joey, I'm a businessman. I don't like to hear no. I'm on my way and there's nothing you can do about it."
"You don't have to come and get me. That's completely-"
"Who said that I was coming to get you? I'm coming over to escape. I can't stay here Joey. I realize that maybe I'm tired of this. I've been this way since I was eighteen and I'm tired Joey. This whole sha-bang was my way of ending this lifestyle. I just want to be with someone who understands me."
"That last time I heard you speak this personally, you had popped some unmentionables and chased them with Jack and cokes."
"Which is all the more reason I'm coming over. Wouldn't want me to do something I would regret?"
Joey smiled to himself hearing the other's smirk on the other end. He knew that arrogant prick was just waiting for him to say the words or maybe not say them. He knew if Kaiba really wanted to show up, he would do whatever the hell he wanted.
"I didn't think so Wheeler. I'm on my way."
The dial tone was harsh in his ear and when he pulled his phone away, his phone glowed for about ten or so text from Duke, Tristan, his sister, Yugi, Yami, Ryou, Bakura, Mokuba...the list could go on. They were trying to figure out where the hell he was and he didn't feel like responding to any of them. Since Mako's name was nowhere to be found, he held the power button of his phone and watched the screen go blank.
At 11:55, there was a knock on his door and he walked over to answer it. There he was, in all his breathtaking beauty, standing in front of his doorway, leaned against the frame with that come hither grin that made his knees weak and his brain synapses go ninety miles per hour with no thoughts of stopping. Seto was dressed simple and casual, a thin black sweater which hugged his body like it belonged there and a pair of dark blue jeans.
"You know," Seto started, pointing a finger at Joey. "Nothing gets pass your friends. They should have all been detectives."
"They're concerned."
"They're nosy little buggers." He released the frame and walked into the apartment as Joey closed the door behind him. The scent of spice trailed behind the brunet and made him want to float like some strung cartoon character and trail behind the other. How could Kaiba have this kind of affect on him? Even in high school he would tossed him the finger and go on about his business, but now...Kaiba had him trapped and he knew as the other stood in the middle of his floor looking poised and regal, he would never be able to pull away. This was such a bad idea. So bad...
As he sidled up beside the taller one, their eyes watched the countdown on the television screen until an explosion of fireworks was sounded throughout the speakers and the outside.
"Happy New Year Kaiba."
"Happy New Year Wheeler."
Joey awoke the next morning, eyelids heavy. Seto and him hadn't laid down until about two and his body was now feeling it. He was more than grateful that his mother and father would be handling everything at the shop so he would be able to get some much needed rest. He looked down at Seto who was staring at him and Joey chuckled.
"Don't you know it's too early in the morning to be admiring me?" Joey said. "I'm really not prepared."
"I think you look beautiful."
"Yeah, yeah, save it for the tweaks." He lifted his wrist and looked at the watch that so happened to be the one that Seto brought for him for Christmas. Seto reached for his wrist and looked at the time.
"Damn, do I have great taste. Should have saved it for me."
Joey laughed laying his head back down on Seto's chest. "Well since it's only ten, what do you want to do?"
"Not a damn thing." Seto yawned. "I don't know the last time my body was able to lay horizontal and not have to move."
"Wait," Joey said leaning back up. "You don't do any other night? I'm sure everyone you've been with does all the work."
"You're awfully comedic this morning considering you were stood up. How do you feel about that one?"
Joey had been thinking about it all night even though him and Seto had a halfway decent time talking and drinking. Mako had stood him up and he was sure the other would be full of excuses; something he just didn't have time for.
"I don't know. I was awfully hopeful to show him off at your party, but I guess that didn't happen. Not like you would have noticed." Joey glanced at him. "Why didn't you stay at your own party?"
"Is it hard to believe that I didn't want to be there? After I had made up something so grand and really wanted it to happen, I just realize that it wouldn't be the same without someone I really wanted there."
"Why? so you could rub it in my face?"
"So I could tell you what a big mistake it was getting back with Mako."
Well slap him and call him Yugi! If he didn't hear any better, he would have sworn that Seto had just said the unthinkable. He couldn't believe it. His heart had stopped for just a beat before he took a deep inhale and tried to get his body to act normal again. What the hell was he getting at?
"Seto, what the hell are you talking about?"
"Joey, you're one of the good guys and there is no need for Mako who is only going to slow you down and disappoint you. You need more."
"Thanks for telling me that, but you're only the eighth person to do so. Besides, I don't need you to tell me that!"
"I'm not wrong!"
Joey sat up and pushed Seto's feet off the couch so he could stand up. "You're not wrong, but you're also not doing anything to help the situation. You already know if I could have who I wanted, there would be no reason to look elsewhere."
"Then say it."
"What? So you can break my heart?"
Seto sat up and turned his face to him with his fingertip. "Say it."
Those two words sent shivers down his spine and made him want to be all over Seto like white on rice. But he knew better. He knew the other one was playing some sick joke and he wouldn't be apart of it. He refused to let Seto drag him through the mud without the courtesy of cleaning him off after he was finished with him.
"Why are you doing this?" Joey asked. "Why are you playing with my emotions like this Seto?" He brushed Seto's hand away. "You wouldn't be able to settle down with one guy if we all nailed you down to the seat."
"What if I was done with all that?"
Joey looked at him in his eyes and tried to see a glimmer of hope. A sparkle of some sort that would make him believe that the other one would really be in this for the long haul.
Joey saw nothing.
Seto wouldn't be able to take this seriously. He'd never want to be around Joey for too long a day before the other one would tire of him and want something else. He wouldn't be able to hold Joey's hand in public or go on a date or just spend time with him because he would be too ashamed or too busy. What was the point of any of it? Why would Seto want this now?
"Are you just saying that because I look at you right now and I see nothing. Besides, it wouldn't be you if you dropped everything and started to be one man kind of person. As much as I appreciate your "enthusiasm", I'll pass." Joey turned and looked at the television. "Now what logical thing do you want to do today?"
"Go home and clean my house." Seto stood up and reached for his coat on the arm of the chair.
Joey laughed. "Seto, you have like five people who clean your house for you. Sit back down."
"No because apparently, I can't be taken seriously." Seto yanked on his coat. "You know Joey, I thought for a second you'd want to save me or help me out here, but I don't think you want anybody else except for Mako and you're going to piss everyone off to be with him. I want you just as much as you want me, but I see now that it's hopeless. Goodbye Wheeler."
The slam of the door made Joey jump in his seat and he sat staring at the television screen. Was he in the fucking twilight zone? Had he just fallen into another dimension without someone giving him a heads up?