Black out
Chapter 11
"Mokuba," Tristan said, as surprised as everyone else was to see Mokuba standing in front of them. They hadn't seen him since he had gone over seas. "What are you doing here?"
"I'm surprising you and later my brother," Mokuba said and walked inside to sit next to Serenity, who was the only one still in her seat.
"Hey Moki," Serenity said, giving him a hug and a quick kiss on the lips.
"Hold your horses," Joey suddenly said. "What was that?"
"That was a kiss," Serenity answered and a dark blush spread over her. "And considering that you're married you should know that."
"You're dating Mokuba?" Joey asked. "You're really dating a Kaiba?"
"You are one," Serenity pointed out.
Mokuba just chuckled and added, "She's right…big brother."
Joey took a deep breath, "At least ya got the nicer Kaiba." Joey glared over to Mokuba, certain that it was pointless since Mokuba had grown up with Kaiba's deathly glare of doom, and added with a somehow dangerous looking smile, "Fine date her, but if ya hurt her, I'll kill ya."
"Got it," Mokuba answered calmly with a happy smile. He had nothing to worry about since he had no intention of ever hurting her. "But hey Joey, since you're my bother-in-law, shouldn't you tell her not to hurt me too?"
"Very funny," Joey grumbled. "I never agreed to marry your brother so it doesn't count."
"I bet he'll have a different opinion on that matter," Mokuba answered and would make damn sure to talk to his brother later on. But for now he looked towards Serenity and asked, "So, are you going to stay with me at the mansion?"
"She's staying with me," Joey answered for her.
"Doesn't that mean the mansion?" Mokuba asked with a cheeky grin. "After all you're married to Seto and Tristan said that he's dropping you off at work in the mornings."
"I never moved in," Joey answered.
"But you must have stayed there at least six out of eight nights," Tristan said recalling how often Joey had been dropped of by Kaiba and how rarely he had walked back home with him during the last couple of days.
"I rest my case," Mokuba laughed. "So are we all going to the mansion tonight or what?"
"I wouldn't mind, Joey," Serenity offered. "I don't want to interfere in the newly wedded couple's private time."
"Just forget about it!" Joey nearly growled. "If it was just Mokuba I might consider it, and I hope you're hearing the strong emphasis on might here, but I'm sure as hell not letting my sweet little innocent sister stay anywhere near Kaiba."
"So I'm going to be alone at your place?" Serenity asked chuckling. "After all I could call you Kaiba now."
"Quit making fun of me," Joey glared at her. "You know perfectly well what I mean."
"Sorry Joey," Serenity apologized and hugged her older brother while looking up at him innocently. "I just wanted to lighten the mood because I really, really would like to stay at least one night of my life in such a great looking mansion and at least I would have you with me for protection."
"Nice try," Joey answered, "but ya doggy eyes ain't working on me."
"Oh come one Joey," Serenity said. "I just want to stay there once in my life and I would have you there for protection right? Seto Kaiba can't do a thing while my big, strong brother is around."
Mokuba stood up and seated himself again on Joey's other side, cuddling to him just like Serenity did and looked up in the same way, "Please just let Serenity stay at the mansion. Please Joey, I promise to be a good boy even when we're back home in our apartment."
"Hold on!" Joey shouted outraged. "What did ya mean with 'our apartment'?"
"Well," Serenity blushed a little but smiled happily when she answered, "that's why we both wanted to come over. I've been living with Mokuba for a few months now and he asked me to marry him, finally."
Joey stared at the little silver ring on Serenity's finger, which she held up for him to see.
"Please don't be mad big bro," Mokuba said sheepishly. "I promise to be really good to her."
"Why didn't you two tell me that you're dating before?" Joey asked.
"Well at least I told you that I'm getting married before I actually do get married," Serenity pointed out with a pout.
"I would have told ya, if my boyfriend had actually asked me!" Joey reminded her and then gave a sigh. "But I guess ya two win, but I ain't letting ya go to Kaiba's place without me around."
"Why not?" Mokuba asked. "Don't you trust your own husband?"
"Oh I trust him alright," Joey clarified. "I trust him about as far as I can throw the guy."
"Considering that it's you that would be more then I think it's safe to trust Kaiba," Téa said with a worried look on her face while Serenity just chuckled, remembering how her brother always throws her around when playing with each other in the water and had to imagine him doing the same with his brand new husband now.
"Considering that it's my bother I doubt Joey can even hold onto him to throw him at all," Mokuba assumed.
Joey just grinned a wicked smile, "Normally I'd go with you Mokuba, but since I've been dating that jerk I bet I could get him if I distract him enough first. We could give it a try once we're at his place tonight."
"Oh yes!" Mokuba nearly screamed. "I can't wait to see his face if you really do that. But please don't tell him I said that or I'm so dead."
"He would never hurt you," Joey insisted with a smile towards the younger boy. "But he would be more than pissed so I won't tell him. No reason to start a fight right?"
"Like you'll even think of throwing him around when he's in front of you," Tristan butted in with a grin. "You're way to busy letting him kiss you silly."
"Tristan please," Téa whined, "I just ate a little while ago."
"You're happy though aren't you?" Yugi asked, slightly worried. He was happy about their relationship for Kaiba's sake but still worried about his best friend, who never got along with the powerful CEO. And after finding out how they had gotten together he started to worry that the relationship mightn't be the healthiest.
"I'm fine," Joey smiled towards his shorter friend. "Like I told Mokuba, even though it's strange, I really do like him now and enjoy my time with him, mostly at least, but I'm not sure if there is even a chance for it to actually work out."
"Why shouldn't it?" Serenity asked. "If you two love each other I'm sure it will work out somehow."
"And now we don't have to worry about our brothers killing each other during our wedding," Mokuba added cheerfully.
"But you still should keep an eye on them," Tristan warned with a grin. "Or they'll disappear into some bushes or somewhere else to make out."
"And again," Mokuba grumbled with a slight blush, "I really don't want to hear anything about THAT."
Serenity's blush was even darker than Mokuba's while everyone else started to laugh.
Joey's phone vibrated in his pocked, signaling that he got a text massage. He got it out and glanced at it while everyone else was still laughing.
"Hey Mokuba," Joey asked after reading the text message from Seto, "how did ya get here from the airport?"
"With a cab, why?" Mokuba asked. He had arrived with a later flight than Serenity had because of an urgent meeting at work.
"Then I'll tell ya bro to pick us up. He just asked," Joey answered. "I bet he just wants it to talk me into staying with my little sister over at his place so he can…well ya don't want to know."
Téa shivered a little while Serenity replied, "I guess he'll have it easy then."
"And we'll have some fun," Tristan said and when everyone else looked at him questioningly he added, "Did you guys forget already? Joey wanted to throw him around and can do that where we can see now!"
Even Joey had to laugh now and just wrote to Seto, 'Fine, I'll let ya know when we're done here, might get late though.' "He'll be on his way as soon as I tell him to," Joey told them. "And if ya really want to be around for his wrath I can try once he's there."
"Hell yes," Tristan replied immediately.
"I want to see it too," Duke agreed.
"I'll kick your ass if I don't get to see it now Joey," Téa threatened with an exited look on her face.
"I'm not sure if you should do it at all," Yugi cautioned. "You might hurt his pride."
"That's the whole point," Joey said with a grin.
"His pride needs to be brought down a notch or two," Téa agreed and even Mokuba didn't complain against it. He knew that Seto wasn't as proud as they all assumed and had a lot of insecurities too but Joey and Seto needed to figure that out between themselves.
"If you're sure," Yugi mumbled, still looking a little worried while Tristan quickly changed the topic towards the younger couple in the room-their fresh engagement and when the wedding would be. Of course all of them were immediately invited by Mokuba but the date wasn't set yet. He had just asked her that morning and they wanted to tell their brothers before setting a date, just in case they would need two parties-one with each of their brothers to prevent them from killing each other.
Joey was relived about the change in topic since he didn't only want to stop the talk about Kaiba but also wanted to know more about his kid sister's relationship.
They talked for hours and at midnight they where still all in Yugi's living room, drinking a couple of light beverages, eating some snacks and most importantly, talking and laughing without a break.
Joey enjoyed his time greatly until the door bell rang again. "Are you expecting anyone else?" Yugi asked Serenity with a smile.
"I bet it isn't for her," Joey grumbled. "Kaiba ain't known for his patience."
And he was right a little while later no one else but Seto Kaiba appeared in the doorway towards the hall. The second Seto entered the room and looked towards Joey the blond knew that he was annoyed. He probably was sick of waiting for Joey to be ready for pick up, but before he could complain his eyes moved towards Mokuba who was still next to Joey from where he had begged earlier.
"Mokuba?" Seto asked with one raised eyebrow. "I wasn't expecting to see you here."
Tristan stared at Joey with a begging look and Joey had to chuckle. He stood up and walked over towards Seto with the words. "I didn't know he would show up either but that ain't the only surprise," he said and moved his arms around Seto before he gave him a short kiss, immediately feeling Seto tense a little. "But before we get to talk about that I need to find something out."
"And what would that be?" Seto asked, slightly weary. It was normal for Joey to cuddle with him or even flirt with him by now, but it wasn't normal that he was the one starting it.
"I want to know how far I can trust you," Joey said innocently, and Tristan couldn't stop himself from chuckling slightly.
"And how do you think you can find that out?" Seto asked, still obviously weary.
"Easy," Joey said and gave him another chaste kiss, feeling Seto's hands move towards his own waist, holding him gently. But not for long since Joey really did try to lift and throw him carefully. But unfortunately for him, Seto had been too weary to be caught off guard and instead of him, it was Joey who sat on the floor so fast that no one knew exactly how Seto had managed it.
"What was that about?" Seto asked, clearly upset.
"I guess that means he trusts you negative by, I'd say, half a meter," Téa chuckled.
"Told you he wouldn't be able to throw him," Mokuba added.
"It was worth a try though," Joey said. "I really thought I could get him now if I distracted him enough. How come that ya expected me to be up to something."
"Because you're stupid," Seto answered "First you tell me that you want to find something out and then you kiss me more gently than ever. It wasn't like you at all. Of course I'd figure out that you're up to no good. And now what was the other surprise you talked about?"
"That ain't my thing to tell ya," Joey said while getting up again and sitting down between Mokuba and Serenity with a glare towards the younger Kaiba."
"Mokuba?" Seto asked and eyed his younger brother with one raised eyebrow. "Is there something you'd like to tell me."
"Yes," Mokuba answered calmly. "But I'm not so sure if I will tell you right now. But tell me big brother, isn't there something you want to tell me?"
"I assume that's not necessary anymore," Seto replied and at least blushed a little bit. He had intended to let Mokuba know as soon as Joey was a little more comfortable about this arrangement and maybe arrange a renewal of their marriage to orchestrate a party where Mokuba could be present. But it seemed the news had already reached his ears.
"Obviously," Mokuba pouted for a moment but then added. "But fortunately for you I'm actually nice enough to tell you that I'm going to get married too. Joey's invited but I'm not to sure about you."
"He didn't tell you about his wedding either," Seto pointed out.
"Sure he didn't," Mokuba answered, "but since he wasn't even asked to marry you, I can't blame him."
"I did ask him," Seto insisted. "I even paid him with food."
"I was wasted!" Joey pointed out. "I told you it doesn't count to ask someone who's too wasted to get the freaking question!"
"And what is your excuse?" Mokuba asked.
"I married a stubborn mutt," Seto answered. "I had a lot to deal with and didn't need you at my back complaining that it was wrong to bully Joey when I'm left with no other option."
"You really are impossible, you know that right?" Mokuba asked but grinned at his older brother anyway. "You really shouldn't bully him though. Why don't you just try to be nice for once?"
"Because I would have him committed," Joey told Mokuba with a grin. "He can't be nice so I would definitely start thinking about some sort of mental issue if he was nice all of a sudden."
Everyone started to laugh while Téa mumbled, "If he's that bad, why not quit dating him," earning herself a death glare from Kaiba.
"Ya wouldn't have to ask if ya ever seen him in his tight pants without the freaking coat ruining the view," Joey answered her, causing the blush on Kaiba's cheeks to darken slightly.
"Whatever," Seto just grumbled. "Are you coming now or what?"
"I told ya I'd text ya if I'm ready to be picked up," Joey answered. "And I didn't text ya again, so does that answer ya question?"
"Yugi," Seto said, sounding dangerously friendly. "How would you like it if your shop would be the first to sell my new gaming system? I'm planning a promotional test run only selling a limited special edition in one shop. The later version will be slightly improved according to the reviews. But if you want your shop to be that shop, I want to see you in 4 hours in my office. Joey I think you should let your pal sleep."
"He won't need to go," Yugi replied harshly. "I'm not kicking out my friend just for you."
"Oh don't worry Yugi," Joey stated charmingly. "I don't mind giving you some rest my friend and I'm sure Seto will need his so I'm going home to my place. I'm just sorry for Serenity since I already promised her that we'll be staying at the mansion and I don't trust Seto enough to let her stay there without me being around."
Seto stared at Joey shocked until Joey added sounding a little more threatening, "Unless of course Seto changes his mind about the time of your meeting."
Seto glared at Joey for another moment before he told him. "Fine, he can come some time during the afternoon. Happy now? Great then. Get your sexy little ass into my car."
"Oh yeah sure," came the sarcastic words from the blond. "After all I always do what ya say, don't I?" After that he stood up, took Seto's hand into his own and dragged him to the couch where he had been sitting. He pushed the taller man down and sat on his lap, "Now, do ya think ya can occupy yourself in this position in a decent way long enough for us to finish the conversation and then take me and our siblings to your place, or do I need to kick your sorry ass out and go with my little sister to my apartment."
"Don't say the wrong thing Seto," Mokuba threatened, as intent on getting the siblings to stay at the mansion as his older brother was.
Seto raised one eyebrow, looking at his younger brother questioningly before eying Serenity for a moment. "Then it's safe to assume that it's Serenity to whom you proposed?"
"Correct," Mokuba confirmed, "and stop bullying her older brother when it interferes with my relationship as well as yours."
"He'll deal with it," Seto just stated before turning his questioning eyes towards Joey. "And you're fine with their relationship?"
"Why shouldn't I be?" Joey asked, surprised. "Mokuba's a good kid, and Serenity clearly had more luck than I had. And what's it going to be now, staying or leaving?"
"How much longer do you think I will need to wait?" Seto asked, clearly upset that Joey once again had him in his hand.
"Don't know," Joey answered. He actually had just thought about sending Seto a text to be picked up and he was getting tired, but he didn't want to tell him that now.
Seto looked really pissed but all he did was move his arms around Joey and said, "Fine, but don't take too long-it's getting late."
Joey smiled and after talking with his friends for about 10 more minutes he asked Mokuba, "By the way, kiddo, when's the last time your big brother waited for someone when he didn't want to wait?"
"I don't know," Mokuba answered honestly. "If he ever did it must have been before I was born."
"Yes!" Joey cheered, jumped up and started to dance around. "I won! He did something he wouldn't usually do, and that means he adapted to something! He waited! I won, I won, I won!"
Seto glared at him for a moment before he nearly shouted, "That's it!" He stood up and glared at the shorter boy, who looked at him in surprise after hearing those words. Seto walked up to him and simply grabbed Joey to throw him over his shoulder. "You're leaving, now." And with that he walked out carrying a struggling Joey with him.
Mokuba eyed Serenity worriedly, hoping that she wouldn't let it out on him that his brother bullied her brother, but to his surprise she just chuckled and said, "Joey really should have seen that one coming."
"I guess you're right," Mokuba agreed, relieved. "But I guess we should hurry if we want to go along with them."
"To be honest," Serenity admitted shyly. "I'd rather not be in the same car as our brothers right now. I guess they'll be fighting some more until they make up again."
"Then tell me when you want to go and I call us a cab," Mokuba offered with a smile.
In the meantime Seto had dragged Joey into the car and eyed the way back towards the shop. After a short moment he said, "I guess Mokuba and Serenity will be taking a cab."
"I bet ya terrified my poor little sister," Joey chided but didn't really sound all that angry.
"You really like it when I get mad don't you?" Seto stated with a smile. "I never thought you'd provoke me like that."
"Well, I was getting tired anyway and Serenity and Mokuba still seemed to be having so much fun. And they haven't seen the rest of the gang in ages, especially Mokuba," Joey replied with a blush.
Seto grinned and asked, "Are you really stupid enough to announce that you're planning something before actually trying to surprise me? Or could it be that you simply didn't want to be spoiling your friends' fun but also not stepping on my pride?"
"You're pride needs to be brought down a little," Joey insisted, growling, but added a little more shyly and with a tiny blush on his cheeks, "But maybe not quite that harshly."
"I thought as much," Seto grinned towards his little puppy and held him in his arms while telling his driver to head home. "Does that mean you'll stay with me?"
"I still want to take it slow," Joey insisted, "but I guess we've got more of a chance to make it last than I thought."
"It will last," Seto told Joey, sounding very certain of it, "because I want you, and I always get what I want."
Joey gave a sigh and murmured, "Seems like I've got to deal with the fact that I'm married to a blasted jerk."
"Does that mean you finally accept being married to me?" Seto asked, surprised.
"Do I have a choice?" Joey asked, annoyed. "Even if I have a total black out of that night, I am married to a jerk and starting to like it. I'm even starting to see the uses when I want to escape."
"And why did you want to escape?" Seto asked. "I thought your friends were more important than anything else."
"Just nearly," Joey admitted. "My sister is one of the two persons that are more important."
"And the second one?" Seto asked, feeling a hope rise inside of him.
"My jerk of a husband," Joey answered and gave him a long and hungry kiss before he added, "And I love and missed ya too."
Authors Note: Thanks to lolcari, LovelyRose5001, Eternal-Shinigami27, Latina shewolf, dancing elf and Sasu-Sama' Sarukiji-Sempai for the reviews as well as everyone who faved the story put it on their alert list or just read it all the way to the end. I hope you all liked it.