Disclaimer: I don't own any of the rights to the characters of Yugioh. But I will respectfully borrow them to use in my stories; hands to Kazuki Takahashi.

A/N: Thanks guys for the reviews, hits, and favorite stories, you all rock. Hey I just returned from an expo in Calif. The co splay was awesome. If you haven't gone then try and if you like Death Note be sure to see all the movies. They are so good. Ok. . . . Mokuba is being a bad boy, but he's so good at it; funny that some of the fans want him to win. Keep reviewing and we will see . . . .

Chapter Sixteen: My Heart bleeds for you

Almost six weeks passed since Joey started living at Pegasus's castle, or should I call it the freaky little toon world with a mix of gothic on a cosmic level only the eccentric toon master could devise. All the rooms in his castle were over sized and bazaar.

One of those rooms, a manmade garden on the third floor that grew not flowers but unfinished dueling cards happen to be a favorite of Joeys. It fit his artistic personally and made him laugh. The flowering cards would eventually become starter decks filled with limitless power. It was odd looking at the strange cards attached to green steams. On the walls surrounding the garden varies panels were hidden with controls. The user had the power to create day, evening, or night atmospheres with the flick of a button on the wall; currently Joey preferred the afternoon sun with a gentle breeze blowing. Pegasus even installed a water fall to the left which cascaded down a twelve foot wall in the oversized room.

Joey had a little spare time before his meeting with Pegasus and thought about the events with Mokuba just a few hours ago. It disturbed him somewhat, yet he had to admit Mokuba's actions really weren't that much of a surprise. Pegasus seldom visited Joey, but he spied on him often and Mokuba had become somewhat of a little pest, always hovering around. Joey shook his head in disgust as he remembered Mokuba's actions earlier that morning.

Ooooooo

It was time for Joey's therapy and Mokuba followed the therapist into the room where Joey waited.

"Hey man what's up," Joey spoke while he watched Mokuba in the shadows. "Its workout time for me, but it shouldn't take too long." Joey smiled comfortably at his friend, completely unaware of the young Kaiba's true intention. He had removed all his clothes except for the blue eyes dragon bikini briefs underneath the body wrap around his waist. Lying on a low table with his legs exposed, one leg in a heavy caste, Joey raised his head up and waited. Mokuba eyes feasted on the delights laid out before him with lust.

"Oh, that's why I'm here to help," Mokuba spoke in a deepen voice, lust clouding his vision as he glazed at the artists exposed body.

The raven haired boy wanted to assist in massaging Joey's legs? The sensations caused by Mokuba's actions caused Joey to feel uncomfortable; especially when Mokuba's fingers started to wonder a little too close to his goin, he spoke, somewhat startled. "This is all wrong," Joey whispered under his breath, he only wanted Seto Kaiba to touch him in that way and that was an impossible dream.

Seto hadn't visited Joey once. 'Could there be that much hate in the world?' Joey's frustration clouded his mind and his physical body almost gave into the firm hands on his legs. It took a moment to come to his senses before he realized Mokuba's hands were everywhere.

"Mokuba, ah . . . I think that's enough." Joey sat up and wrapped the towel around his body tightly. 'What in the hell was wrong with the young Kaiba,' he thought.

"Joey aren't I doing a great job, just relax," Mokuba reached out to help Joey lay back down, but the bewildered artist pushed him away.

"Stop Mokuba, I don't want this from you. I only want Seto to touch me like that . . . ." His voice faded to a whisper, but Mokuba heard every word. "I need to be alone," Joey spoke firmly for the first time to Mokuba and made it clear that his behavior was unacceptable.

'Damn Seto,' Mokuba hissed through a fake smile. 'He's still thinking about my brother,' a storm of hatred flooded his heart. Mokuba stole one last glance at Joey and left the room. Still thinking about his little friend Joey hobbled down the hall to his secret room.

Ooooooooooo

Joey retreated to the garden; it was the perfect place to think, plus he had to admit Mokuba didn't know of its existence or the secret door that led to his true pleasure. It was a secret he shared with Pegasus; guilt dwelled in his heart at the deception. You see Joey was painting. Let's face it Mokuba was his benefiter and supported his work when no one else was aware he had talent, yet he wasn't ready to let Mokuba know he had picked up a brush. It was the relationship he shared with Mokuba in the past that made him fear his future. Pain seems to follow the two where ever they went.

A year ago he painted in secret and Mokuba's found out through his obsession to be Joey's boyfriend. Mokuba knew at the time Joey secretly loved Seto, but he was so determined that it didn't matter. Shortly after their relationship changed to a partnership of shared interest, Mokuba thought he had a chance at love. Yet the biggest disaster happened which changed his life, the quake. Joey descended into a private hell, where he confronted his secret desires. He almost died, but a love stronger that death brought him back. Now that fragile bond was all but lost.

Flashback….

So in this very garden he discovered a room behind a panel on the wall, his secret. Quietly the wall slid to the side after he pushed a few buttons to change the flow of air. Joey dropped his crutches and fell to the floor. To freighted to move he crawled to the center of the room and remembered a time long ago when someone else led him to a studio. 'It's a joke a cruel joke,' he choked on his words.

Slowly he pulled his weaken body up to a small stool placed in front of an easel. He picked up a paint brush for the first time in months and dipped it into a puddle of pooled paint. The first stroke never hit the canvas; the shaking in his hand caused him to drop the brush, shortly afterwards a voice caressed his ears and cool air caused the hairs to stand up on the back of his neck.

"Pick it up, princess, unless you've given up completely." Pegasus stepped out of the shadows swiftly and stood in front of the shaken boy. Joey's eyes were glued to the paint and the tips of the Toon Masters shoes.

"Perhaps you want to live in this void forever . . . . Always relying on others," Pegasus continued to push the boy forward.

"It's you, you left these paints here, just to torment me," he looked at the brush in the pool of paints as it soaked up the oils. Tears welled in Joey's eyes as he watched a patch of paint that had spattered onto the white canvass; his artistic heart kicked into overdrive and images floated over the canvass causing his hand to move and his fingers to twitch.

He forgot Pegasus was in the room, his chest constricted but he reached again for the brush. Bending down to the floor Joey stared at the canvass and picked up the brush, without looking he dipped the brush into a light blue color and mixed it with a little oil and white paint. It was a specialty of his to add just a drop of oil at the start of his work. Biting his lower lip Joey brought the brush to touch the small splash of color, his fingers cried out in pain, yet he moved the brush with passion. Pegasus quietly slipped out of the room smiling.

'Good, I want this brat out of my life and out of this city. No damn art school was nearly far enough away.' Pegasus picked up his cell phone and called the University; he'd call in a favor, if necessary and send the boy to the other side of the world if it would give him a chance with Seto.

End of Flashback . . . .

Joey continued to think about that first moment he shared his passion for paints with Mokuba and repeating the same thing with Pegasus. So why did Mokuba act so strange and why was Pegasus so dame nice? Joey was not afraid to admit the Toon Master made his skin crawl; it didn't help to know he was also Seto's business partner. Yet he couldn't fault the fact here in this castle his heart beat with passion again.

'Well I might as well get going' he thought. Joey hobbled into the small secret room and waited for Pegasus to appear.

"Well my little princess, you're looking well, you've been to our garden or painted as only a young master of the arts can.

"Can it Pegasus."

"Oh my . . . such vigor, I just love to hear you speak. How does it feel to enter the world of deception, to be a little selfish?" Pegasus crossed his long legs, while he smiled at Joey. He took a package from his desk and tossed it at the boy.

Pain moved up Joey's leg but he managed to set down in the comfortable love seat Pegasus provided. Joey ignored the package. "Hey, my name is Katsuya, try and remember that. You took my paintings, I want them back. " Joey eyed the package suspiciously.

"But I found them in the trash, golden boy. I believe that changes ownership. So I took the liberty of sending copies to a few schools, art critics, and galleries.

"You have no right," Joey screamed out. He was simply tired of all the helping hands manipulating his life. "Don't piss me off, I want my work."

"Now, now, don't get excited."Pegasus moved from his high perch and smoothly eased his frame next to the distraught boy. Joey could feel his breath on his cheek, warm yet it burned. "Don't you want to move as far away from the Kaiba's, especially the big one? I believe he hasn't come to see you. Why I would imagine you would have grown to hate him."

"I could never hate him, he means everything to me." Joey spoke the words carelessly and Pegasus heard every word.

"Really, have you spoken to him?" Pegasus brushed his leg against the confused boy.

"No, but he's . . . ." renewed pain wrapped around his heart; it was just too hard to talk about Seto.

Pegasus leaned in for the kill. "You must understand he hasn't forgiven you for putting Mokuba in harm's way. That is unforgivable to that stubborn CEO."

"Butt . . . I would never hurt Mokuba," Joey's guilt almost crushed his spirit.

"But you did endanger his life."

"Shut up," Joey pushed Pegasus, pain shooting up his arms.

"Calm down," Even Pegasus knew he'd have hell to pay if anything happen to the CEO's pup.

"But Seto couldn't be so heartless," yet the thought clouded his mind with darkness. Waves of despair pooled behind his hooded eyes. Tears threaten to break free but he held them back.

Pegasus saw this and slowly drove the knife in. "Joey let's face it Kaiba is a busy man who cares only for Mokuba and his business." His hot breath burned Joey's cheek; it burned the flesh on his face.

"I, on the other hand can give you anything you'll ever need or want. You can paint freely and never have to return to the bleak existent of your former life." Pegasus was stopped before he could finish.

"Stop it; you take me for a fool. What is it you want!?"

"Ah it's simple I have all I need, besides do you really believe Seto-chan and I are just business associates." Pegasus laughed.

"Seto-chan," Joey's hand flew up to cover his ears; he tried to stand but fell down in the love seat, off balance and landed in the big man's nasty lap. Tears flow down his cheeks.

"So little pup, it appears this love you have is truly impossible. I only want to help your pain. Does Seto know how you feel?" Pegasus drew lazy circles of comfort down his back.

"I don't think so." Joey sniffed and leaned into Pegasus arms.

"You could never satisfy his needs . . . . Not anymore." Pegasus stroked the plastered leg. "So don't make this anymore difficult than it is. He doesn't need a cripple in his life."

"You're wrong, Kaiba isn't like you, he's kind and gentle," Joey emotions spilled over he felt so sick.

"Wake up; I could see you on his arms at a business meeting a man of no importance." Pegasus laughed out loud.

"Listen, those paintings have turned the hearts of a few very important partisans that want to support your work, especially sense you won't accept my help. You could study abroad."

"Aboard!"

"Just think about it; you will never owe the Kaiba's anything and this will be on your own strength. Take it!" Pegasus whispered.

Sobbing and broken Joey looked into the one hypnotic eye and fell under his spell. He had problems processing the images of Seto and Pegasus together, but it all made sense. His thoughts wondered, 'Business partners, both rich, talented, handsome . . . . Damn it.' Yet in his dreams he could still feel Seto's warmth enveloping his body, soothing his weary soul, some rare smiles; but mostly his breath, he wanted to breathe his air and stay by his side.

"Well boy, what will it be? To waste away in the shadows of the great Kaiba, but you could have the young raven haired beauty; I witnessed his display earlier."

Joey flinched at the cruel words and squeezed the last tears back. "I'll go, but first I must explain all this to Mokuba."

"Why, he'll only convince you to stay. Read the letter in the envelope. It's an acceptance to one of the best art schools in the world and a very rich supporter who fell in love with your work wants to send you there. Of course he wants to remain in the background; the Kaiba's will continue to pay for your medical bills." Pegasus almost jumped for joy.

"I don't care what you say, he's confused but he needs to know," this time Joey pushed back. "Let me go, I can't breathe with you underneath, back up."

Pegasus walked over to a small window; he'd won.

"I'll go, but I have a few conditions of my own," Joey gathered his wits together and faced Pegasus.

"First, I want my paintings back. I'll leave this town; but understand when I return it will be you who pays the piper. You'll be the rat led to the river and I will watch as you drown in your own fifthly lies."

"Ahh . . . such spirit deserves a reward," Pegasus opened a wall safe and revealed four large paintings. The dragons that Mokuba fell in love with and submitted to the contest and the second set seen only by Pegasus. The paintings appeared to be sunsets shot from different angles. Deep shadows that suggested a man appeared to be facing the evening sun or leaving. The display of colors excited the senses and lured you inside wondering the mystery behind the artist and the man in the shadow.

"Send them to my new home," Sadden Joey took up his crutches and walked away, he took the letter to read later. "When do I leave?"

"Now, I'll have your belongings sent right away. Trust me I will let Mokuba know, I'm sure he'll understand," Pegasus purred and Joey wanted to wake up from this continuing nightmare.

Oooooooo

Three Months later

"Ahh . . . . Sunny England," Joey laughed for the first time in months. Ever since he'd arrived only clouds, and heavy mist lined with fog dotted the skies.

Ryou joined in his laughter, "Well mate, still haven't adjusted to the weather, it takes a little getting used to." England would become Joey's home for the next three years. The Japanese University of Art opened up a new branch in England. Only those students with the most promise were selected to go.

Ryou, Joey's housemate studied the two paintings after mounting them in the tiny foyer which led into a tiny common room. Joey refused the luxurious apartment his benefactor gave and chose to live as a normal student, with common friends.

"Those paintings are bloody awesome . . . . Man, are you really a first year student." Ryou punched him in the rib.

"Ouch!"

"Oh . . . I forgot, you alright . . . I didn't hurt you." Ryou was aware of Joey's conditions and helped him get around when his legs gave him pain. Last week he'd had surgery on his arm. The cute guy was pretty handy around the house and loved Joey dearly.

"Yeah those are my works," Joey didn't tell Ryou just three months ago he couldn't hold a brush without pain. Walking was difficult but with the aid of a cane he managed. "Hey I'm fine, that baby punch was nothin'"

"Yeah, it's sorta sad . . . the painting . . . that man is he looking for someone? I bet he's your lover?" Ryou realize the implication behind his words; but it was too late.

"Opps I'm sorry I didn't really mean anything, mate." Ryou had turned bright pink. Ryou was openly gay, but Joey never spoke a word.

"Ah . . . . It's alright," now Joey blushed; no need to hide the truth. "How'd you know anyway?"

"Well . . . . You don't bring girls to the house and they're always flirting with you, but you don't even notice. Guys give you looks all the time and you don't really brush them away; actually you're very comfortable around them. Anyway I heard you call out Seto in your sleep."

"What!!!" Joey tossed a pillow at cute boy, before he settled down with sadness in his eyes.

"He's important to you, a past lover . . . . Ah," Ryou moved next to Joey on the floor. "He dumped you to, or worst he doesn't know you love him? Oh my god, mate is he straight? Hey it gets better, mate. Trust me; I've been dumped a lot. I always fall for the violent type, so now I go for the one night stands, don't get hurt that way."

"Ryou lets make a pack. If I start dreaming, well wake me up and no more one night stands for you."

Joey smiled and playfully took the blond's pinky to seal the deal. Ryou hesitated, "what about sex?"

"Ahh . . . well!!"

"Buggers . . . you're a virgin? I don't believe you've lived this long with that face and you haven't been poked . . . wow" Ryou laughed. "Saving it for wedding bells? My high school art teacher used me for his nude model and after school activities. He was my first, his name was Malik. Hell I was stupid and believe everything he said. Yeah, you really got it bad."

"Yeah, and it hurts like hell, sometimes I can't breathe," Joey sighed and lay back on the floor with the pillow hugged tightly to his chest. "My doc says it's because of the earthquake and all . . . something called post shock, or some shit."

"That's when you call his name." Ryou sighed and joined Joey on the floor. Both boys were lost in thoughts of the past. "OK I'll stay away from the bars and sex, but you gotta help me out too."

"Ugh. . . "Joey eyes tripled in size.

"That's not what I meant; I can keep my pants up. But help me find true love, Ok!"

"Ok, it's a deal. To hell with those big handsome . . . . . "Ryou piped out and Joey continued.

"Sexy,"

"Gorgeous,"

"Strong,"

"Evil," Ryou shuttered, "Men out there. We will become great artist instead and they can kiss my ass."

"Ah . . . .kiss my ass . . . Oh shit I'm getting hottttttttttttttt." Ryou screamed out loud.

"But seriously man, forget that doctor . . . post shock. You need to get laid and fast." Ryou winked and moved out of pillow range.

Both boys continued to laugh and would have fallen asleep, if not for the shrill noise of the phone ringing.

Quietly Ryou walked over to a small stand and looked at the caller I D. "Hey mate it's from Japan. I think it's that chap that's been calling you…"

The phone continued to ring as Ryou watched all the color drain from Joey's face.

Oooooooo

R/r

I'm back . . . . . so tell me who's calling Mokuba, Seto, or Pegasus. Looks like our little guy is b...u…s…y!!

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