A/N: I know I said I was going be updating sooner, but I just couldn't find the motivation. I was working with domestic abuse victims, and you just honestly don't realize how draining it is to hear those stories all day until you get home, and all you want to do is curl up in a ball and not think too much about the world. That and the sex scene, it's the second one I write, and I kept second guessing myself. Anyway on with the show!

X-X-X

As Joey walked from one end of the hall to the next, muttering to himself, Kaiba was leaning on the wall where mere moments ago, the two had let their passions flare, a growing unease beginning to fill him. Why was Joey so upset that the princess had caught a commoner and a person she had just met in an intimate embrace? In fact Joey's reaction was almost irrational…unless she was more than just Princess Serenity to him.

Kaiba could no longer lie to himself, something was definitely not right. Although the Prince had been absent because of stomach flu, he was sure that if he were to stay a week, there would be a waiting excuse for his lack of appearance.

"What is Princess Serenity to you?"

Joey stopped mid pace. "Huh? Why would she be more than ma princess?"

"you seem to be irrationally upset that she would have caught us making out. Why else if she is not more than just your monarch?

"It's embarrassing for anyone to catch you in an intimate moment…

"What are you hiding?"

"Nothing! Ya don't even know me, so why ya care?!"

"Ok" Kaiba hadn't yelled, but the way he straightened from the wall and just walked away, left Joey's ears ringing. Guilt coursed through Joey. If only he could be honest with Kaiba, then things wouldn't have turned from great to bad.

Kaiba was angry. Not with Joey, but with himself. He was angry that he actually wanted to trust Joey, angry that Joey was keeping things from him, but worst of all angry that he knew he had no right to be angry. He was lying to the blond. His own lie was perhaps worse than Joey's.

These darkening thoughts filled his mind as he angrily walked the castle halls towards his room. He got to his room opened and let the door satisfyingly slam closed.

x-x-x-x-x

Dinner that night was more than awkward. No inquiries about where the Prince was were made, and Serenity didn't give any explanations. There was a truth that was slowly forming in the back of Kaiba's mind, but it was elusive and to be completely honesty Kaiba truly did not want to know. The table wasn't large, it fit six people comfortably, but with the silence between them, the table could have stretched from one side of the room to the other.

This silence pursued, for the next two days, the castle had always been never ending, but had become far too small when Joey was trying to avoid someone. When Joey wasn't running into him, the maids where commenting on the brunet's handsomeness, or his stoic personality. It seemed that there was no way to avoid the man. Joey was wondering what would be the best way to mend the situation when he turned into a hall, said man was entering it on the opposite direction.

Joey panicked. He had been thinking of talking with Kaiba, but not now! Before Kaiba could see him, Joey opened the nearest door and went in. He would hide in there until the brunette left, and he had time to concentrate on what he was going to tell the brunet. He wasn't being a coward he was just being logical; no point in getting Kaiba more upset with him.

Looking around the room, Joey realized it was one of the many guest rooms of the castle. They had once each been themed, but with his father's addiction, the artifacts had been sold to pay back debts. Judging for the lingering swords on the walls this used to be the battle room. Basically it had swords their great grandfather's had used in wars. He remembered when he was younger, he would fantasize taking a sword and running it through his father, but when he would arrive to the room he would always become filled with guilt.

The door suddenly swung open. Joey's eyes bulged as they met fierce blue eyes. Kaiba's face was devoid of emotion, as always, but there was a coldness in those blue eyes that hadn't been there before.

"What are you doing in my room?"

"Your room? Oh. You see. The swords. I mean. Your room?"

"Yes, this is my room. At least the one, I'm staying in before I leave."

Slight panic rose in Joey. Kaiba was leaving?! Why didn't he know about this? It felt like a giant hole was forming in his stomach, and all his insides were being sucked in. "Oh, I …You're leaving?"

"Yes, I've been here almost a week, I need to get back home. Aren't you planning on leaving home too?"

"Oh, yeah I guess you're right…" It's not like Joey could simply explain that he was already home. "…Look Kaiba, I'm sorry for what I said a few days ago. For yelling at you."

"Does this mean you're going to tell me what your relation to the princess is?"

"I can't-"

"Then you can leave my room, and stop wasting my time." Kaiba immediately dismissed him, going about the room as if he was truly busy.

Joey did nothing but stay in the middle of the room watching Kaiba, the hole in his stomach sinking to his feet. He knew he was going to end up telling Kaiba exactly who he was. He just hoped…well he just hoped.

Kaiba didn't know why Joey was in his room a part of him had been pleasantly surprised to find him there, but that probably wasn't his brain talking. He knew he was making a big deal about Joey not answering his inquiries, but he couldn't help the large clump of jealousy that surfaced when thinking of Joey and Serenity. He didn't want Joey to leave, but he also wanted Joey to trust him. He didn't want to leave Joey, so he was rummaging around his room appearing to be busy.

Joey sighed, one way or another this was going to come out, he at least could be the one to tell him. It hurt Joey to say this, because he didn't want things to end with Kaiba, but not saying anything didn't help if anything it made things worse. "Kaiba."

This made Kaiba stop in his tracks. He didn't move for fear that this would make Joey stop, but still turned his body to meet Joey's eyes. Joey's eyes showed apprehension, sorrow, and small traces of hope. "Please don't hate me." Kaiba didn't know if he needed to answer this. Kaiba was suddenly filled with dread. He almost wanted to tell Joey to not tell him, that he never needs to tell him, so much as he didn't have that look on his face. His thoughts were jumping from one conclusion to the next, so Kaiba chose to not answer.

Joey couldn't read Kaiba's expression, and almost wanted Kaiba to tell him that he didn't need to say anything, that he would still share this thing they had. Joey moved to stand closer to Kaiba, he wanted to be closer to Kaiba. He wanted to share body heat, stilled breathes…for as long as it took Kaiba to understand that they would never be more…ever. He then squared his shoulders for what was going to happen.

As Joey walked closer to Kaiba, Joey seemed to be lost in his thoughts. Once Joey stopped in front of him, Joey squared his shoulders and seemed more determined than before. Joey's attempt to seem confident, had Kaiba's hands itching to drag him closer, to kiss him breathless and forget the built up secrets between them, but as usual his calm face belied his raging emotions. That particular lesson had been the one most drilled into him by Gozaburo. At the thought of his father, Kaiba grabbed Joey and hugged him. As Kaiba wrapped his arms around him, Joey sagged onto Kaiba's chest.

Kaiba's cold expression and facade scared Joey a bit, but as he righted himself to come out with the truth, Kaiba's arms shot out and embraced him. It happened so fast, Joey didn't have time to flinch, but before he knew it Kaiba's now familiar sent and warmth surrounded Joey. He couldn't stop himself from leaning into Kaiba, and absorbing the warmth and affection of the gesture. Taking one last breathe of Kaiba, Joey stepped back; a determined look in his eyes.

"I don't know what you want from me, and I don't know why I feel the need to tell you this, but I I'm going to tell you how Serenity and I know each other."

It was at that moment, when Joey looked at Kaiba with such determination, that Kaiba realized that he didn't want to know anything. He didn't need to know who Joey was, didn't want to know why Joey no longer had an accent. A part of him already knew the truth, but a darker part of himself. The part that was twisted with vengeful hatred hoped that Joey had been a past lover of the princess, or at least the prince. That would perhaps be much easier to swallow.

Joey sighed, rightened himself, and made eye contact. "I am Prince Joseph, of the Wheeler Kingdom. Princess Serenity is my sister." Had Joey not been looking at Kaiba directly he would have missed the slight widening of Kaiba's eyes, and the way his eyes slightly narrowed after. Joey knew what was going through Kaiba's mind, and he didn't blame Kaiba. "I am the betrothed Prince to your King. I would apologize for my behavior, but I do not think I did anything wrong."

Here was Joey, giving Kaiba exactly what he had set out to do, find a reason to cut ties with the Wheeler Kingdom, but even as those thoughts filtered through his mind, other thoughts of being with Joey came to mind. Kaiba didn't have to compete with a faceless person. All Kaiba had to do was tell Joey who he too was. Yes, Joey would probably get angry, but he would also easily forgive, but what about the future of his people? Kaiba had to think of his people, not of himself and the truth of the matter was that the Wheeler kingdom was a rock in Kaiba Kingdom's shoe; a rock that needed to be taken out. Seto needed more time to think about this.

The silence in the room was suffocating. Kaiba's expression didn't change. Joey was getting anxious staring at the man's face. It had been more than five minutes since confessing, and still he had gathered no reaction from the blue-eyed soldier. Just when Joey thought he was going to get an answer from Kaiba, Kaiba turned away from him. Joey lost his temper. "Tell me something, dang it! Ya think it's easy for me ta have told ya? If ya don't like it, say it ta ma face!"

Without looking at Joey, Kaiba opened the door and said "I don't want your servants to come in and find you in my chambers Prince. It would be bad for your image."

Never had Joey despised the word 'prince' so much, and never had it cut him so deep. He knew that there was a chance of Kaiba reacting this way to the truth, but a large part of him had hoped that his status didn't matter. But that's all he ever was and would be. A Prince. Joey turned, hoping that Kaiba would change his mind. Kaiba's face was blank as he closed his door on Joey's face.

At that moment his insides dropped to his stomach, and sucked into the dark hole that had formed within him. Joey's breathing became harsh, and he couldn't quite get his blood stop pumping. Joey turned away from the door, and on shaky legs headed towards his room, trying to convince himself that it was just a bad dream.

Shutting the door on Joey's dismayed face was one of the hardest things Kaiba had ever done. And he had killed men in battle before. Kaiba had just convinced himself to tell Joey exactly who he was, when he found himself opening the door and telling Joey to leave. Kaiba couldn't have Joey. Joey wanted Soldier Kaiba of Kaiba Kingdom, not the cold-hearted king. This was the best for both of them.

X_X_X_X_X_X_

Two days. That was all Kaiba was able to stand before he went and sought Joey himself. He needed to make the prince understand why, that is what he told himself when he marched into Joey's bedroom that night. Joey was lying on his bed. Kaiba saw Joey's arm twitch, but that was the only indication that he gave of being awake.

"Reni, I thought I told you that nothing is wro-" Joey stopped midway from turning over when he caught sight of Kaiba. "Oh"

Without preamble, Seto began to try and explain himself. "It has been a while since I've been allowed to show emotions, and it is still difficult for me to explain myself. This is better for you, you would grow to hate me."

Joey sat up in his bed. "Are ya kidding me? Can't I decide that for myself?"

"You should make a living with someone who can provide for you, go with what makes you happy."

"And you would be ok with that? Me getting married to someone else?"

"If it is what makes you happy."

"While my heart belongs to someone else?" Joey got off his bed and slowly walked over to Kaiba, giving him time to back away from him

Kaiba's chest tightened with emotion. Feelings surged within him. He wanted to smile, thank every deity there was, that Joey felt so strongly for him, but Joey was an innocent. Joey could still find love with someone else, someone who could laugh with him.

Joey stopped millimeters from Kaiba and whispered, "I'm only going to say this one more time, and after that I will leave you alone if that is what you wish. You are the person my heart beats strongest for." Joey tilted his head so that his breath ghosted on Kaiba's cheek.

Kaiba stood in awe, as he breathlessly watched Joey's emotions flitter in his eyes. "We shouldn't."

Joey ignored Kaiba and leaned in to lick at the seams of Kaiba's mouth.

Kaiba was powerless to resist such temptation. Growling Kaiba grabbed hold of Joey's hip and head, surging forward to claim his mouth.

Joey's gasp of pleasure fueled Kaiba's ardor. He nipped Joey's parted lips, his hands moving of their own accord, touching and finding Joey's weakest points.

Kaiba kissed his way down to Joey's neck. Joey eagerly bared his throat to him. Kaiba whispered encouragements into Joey's ear, and he shivered in Joey's arms.

Kaiba grabbed at Joey's shirt, pulling it over his head and exposing Joey'd chest to Kaiba. Kaiba felt his need building and could see Joey's visibly through his pants, but Kaiba did nothing to speed his process.

Kaiba leaned down and took one of Joey's nipples to his mouth. Joey moaned, clutched at Kaiba's head, and whispered 'yes, oh god yes.' One of Joey's hands wandered down to palm at Kaiba's erection. Kaiba hissed at the contact, but didn't stop his ministrations, holding Joey closer to himself then lifting a hand to pinch at the neglected nipple.

Tired of being man handled, Joey extricated himself from Kaiba's hold. Both were out of breath and glassy eyed. Joey then sank to his knees in front of Kaiba and began to mouth at Kaiba's erection through his pants. Kaiba moaned and encouraged Joey to continue. Joey pulled Kaiba's pants down, exposing him. Kaiba was large, slightly larger than himself, and a thrill of excitement shot through him. Joey wanted Kaiba inside of him.

Joey grabbed hold of Kaiba's length, hesitantly licking the head. Kaiba moaned and his legs buckled. Just at Joey was working the courage to engulf Kaiba in his mouth, Kaiba grabbed Joey's arm and pulled him up. He knew he wasn't going to last if Joey took his him into his mouth, and Kaiba wanted to be within Joey when he released.

Kaiba kicked his pants off, took off his shirt, and walked Joey backwards towards him bed. There he laid Joey, and took off Joey's pants.

"Do you have any oils?"

"Oils? For what?" Kaiba shot Joey an exasperated look then raised his eyebrow. Joey's thought process caught up, and he could have sworn his whole body flushed pink. Joey motioned towards the scented bath oils Joey had on his desk.

Kaiba grabbed the first one his fingers met and opened it. A scent of Jasmine fills the room. Kaiba liberally coats his fingers. He opens Joey's legs farther apart. Watching as Joey's entrance winks at him in anticipation.

Kaiba at first only ghosts fingers over it, letting the oil slick the surrounding muscle, before partially letting the tip of his thumb slide in and out. Joey strangles a "Kaiba" before Kaiba inserts his index finger within Joey. Making sure to slide it in and out until it goes in knuckle deep.

Joey slightly tenses up. Kaiba strokes his erection to distract Joey from the new intrusion. Kaiba does this, distracting Joey, until Joey can take three fingers in.

Sometime around the pain and newness of the experience, Joey begins to crave the slight pain of being stretched. As Joey begins to ride Kaiba's fingers, Kaiba's fingers touch a spot in him that has him arching up. Moaning "there. Right there," Joey beings to earnestly ride Kaiba's fingers. Paying more attention to the fingers in him that those around his erection.

Kaiba slips his fingers out of Joey, causing Joey to moan and feel slightly empty. Kaiba quickly dribbles some oil on his hand and uses it to coat his erection. Already feeling at the end of his limits, Kaiba strokes once, twice, then deems himself ready.

Kaiba climbs onto the bed, and holds Joey's legs open with his hands. Slowly, he pushes the tip of his erection into Joey. They both hiss. Joey likes the slight pain of being stretched, but still hisses for discomfort, while Kaiba has to reign himself from shoving himself into Joey.

Little by aching little, Kaiba pushes himself in. Once he's fully sheathed within Joey, Kaiba leans in to kiss him. Kaiba wraps Joey's arms around his waist, causing Kaiba to brush against Joey's prostate. Joey moans and clamps down Kaiba. Kaiba moans and pushes out to push in. They find an angle that works for both of them, both silently calling out to each other.

They both have been fighting their orgasm for a while, and it is not long before they both find completion. Joey comes on their chests, and Kaiba deep within Joey. They both stay tangled together for a while, as the catch their breaths before separating.

"I never want to leave this bed again."

Kaiba couldn't help the chuckle that left him. "Joey, if we never leave, how would you survive? With that appetite of yours, I'm sure your stomach would eat you whole within a day."

"Ha. Ha. I bet you think you're so funny. I could just have you to sneak out and get me food, then come back and feed it to me."

Kaiba balked at that idea, but when he saw the dazzling smile on Joey's face, he knew that if it would make him truly happy, Kaiba would do just about anything for that smile. "I'm not a servant, let alone your personal maid."

"You could be. Imagine how great that would be, you at my beck and call. I like the sound of that."

Kaiba grabbed Joey, and adjusted him until Joey was being spooned by Kaiba. "Go to sleep, you're talking nonsense."

This was Joey's first time, and he knew he was going to be in slight pain tomorrow, but as far as first times go. He would change a detail. Joey fell to sleep with a smile on his face.

Kaiba went to sleep shortly afterwards, he didn't have a smile on his face, but never had he felt as content as he was then, skin to skin with Joey.

X-X-X

Joey woke up slightly panicked. He didn't regret what Kaiba and him had done, but he was no longer a virgin. If Kaiba's King found out, the contract would no longer be valid, if Joey's father found out he'd be dead. Despite the slight panicky feeling that began rising within, Joey couldn't find it within him to regret what happened. He turned over and looked at Kaiba, who was sleeping on his back right arm across his face to block out the morning sun. His mouth was slightly open and a thin sheen of drool was evident. Kaiba was not a pretty sleeper, but the sight of him had all of Joey's insides fluttering.

Joey got up to use the bathroom. As he began walking he felt something trickle down his legs. For a second Joey stood still, had he really needed to go that bad? Joey hadn't realized he made a noise, until Kaiba was jumping off the bed and asking him if he was ok.

Joey looked down to see that it was seaman running down his thighs. "Give me a towel, or shit, or something. Ya damn fluids are leaking out of me."

Kaiba had woken up in a flurry of panic, thinking that Joey was in grave pain from yesterday, but waking up to see him panicking over a little seamen had him holding back laughter. Wordlessly Kaiba handed Joey a cloth, and watched as Joey bent down to clean himself.

"Oh man this cant be happen'ng ta me." When Joey bent over his lower back ached. Joey couldn't reach behind to clean himself. Joey began cursing everything, and mostly Kaiba.

Not wanting to further anger Joey, Kaiba wordlessly took the cloth from Joey. Kaiba maneuvered Joey to lean over the bed and began cleaning Joey. Kaiba was slightly fascinated at the sight of his fluids coming out of Joey. He couldn't explain it, but a possessive part of him was pleased with the sight. He wanted to further spread Joey's cheeks and lap at what was left with his tongue, but didn't want to scare Joey, so continued to use the cloth until Joey was clean.

Once clean, Joey stood up, with Kaiba's help, and ran, or at least tried to, to the bathroom.

The next few days were spent more or less in the same routine, the two spent their days getting to better know each other. Joey found out that Kaiba was very well read, greatly enjoyed chess, and was fascinated by the myths of dragons. Kaiba's favorite was the legendary Blue Eyes White Dragons. Joey practically leaped off the bed, he explained to Kaiba that his favorite was the dark scaled dragon with red eyes, then continued to chat abut Reni, Tristan, and his love of food. And at night, the two would lose themselves in each others body.

X-X-X-X

A/N: Like always R&R!