Disclaimer: Wow where do I start? I don't own the rights to any of the characters in this story. Love you Kazuki Takahashi!!!!

Hey I promised updates, so review and let's keep it alive. I love this story and the excitement you guys give me. Thanks . . . . .

Chapter Twenty: I'm Home

If two worlds collided in the atmosphere would they explode, or would they become one with each other, joined in harmony. Ryou contemplated this thought and imaged it as it would apply to Joey, his partner, his mate, and his world. Joey's very existence was defined by the other world; Kaiba brothers and Pegasus. Five individuals separate by physical distance, yet every action over the past few years would join them together in a struggle of life. These people wove a tapestry of brilliant colors that threaten the very fabric of existence. Right now Joey's heart beat rapidly as the plane started its final descend to the country of Japan. Japan a place filled with color, a place that housed his deepest, fears, desires and past.

"Joey, hey luv . . . you're not alone," Ryou moved to the seat across from his partner. He tilted the blond's chin upward and squeezed his hands gently with his free hand.

"Man . . . I don't think this is the best move to make in my life right now." He turned away from Ryou's direct gaze, but it didn't work, because Ryou followed the boy's evasive action and refused to let go. Joey sighed; every fiber in his heated skin itched and begged him to go somewhere else.

"I have a medical team waiting at the airport; you've used up all the fresh oxygen in the tanks. So I would imagine you've very well ventilated." Ryou winked.

"That not funny . . . I think I'm going to dump it all," Joey whined, "Why did I let you talk me into this?"

"Yeah, you haven't eaten anything since last night," Ryou looked concern, but Joey didn't eat much anyway. Well not since he started working on the art project almost eight months ago. "Look what's the worst that can happen?" Ryou gave him a moment to think about it and fixed the artist fresh lemon water. Joey cradled his head in his hands and tried to keep the nausea feeling in check. He took the lemon water and continued to listen to Ryou.

"Look, it's always been one sided, so what are you really going to do? If you do confess your love and he rejects ya . . . well there's always me." The words were scornful, but the meaning was very clear. Ryou knew there wasn't a chance that would happen so he settled for being Joey's attendant and friend. He'd always be by his side. "This is going to be the greatest adventure in our lives, and you are going to have fun, I promise. Joey you left Domino a broken soul and now you returned a successful. Besides you promise to set me up with a handsome bloke. From what I've seen Japan must be loaded."

Joey tried to laugh, but his legs started to shake and the feelings of dread started to overwhelm him. He felt as though he was being dragged down into darkness. True he'd mature, but his heart was still hollow. Daydreams of demons in the shape of snakes invaded his mind and only a small light at the end of a dark tunnel kept him from going insane. Hell he was pining over a love he'd never had, how pathetic.

A sweet voice in his head spoke of courage. "You're my special big brother, only you can find peace in your heart." Joey felt the light touch of a feather brush his face, I've been touch by an angel, and a smile cracked the tightness he nursed around his month. After all Ryou was a part of his past and he loved him dearly. For a moment the beating in his heart leveled out and he felt calm.

It wasn't Seto's rejection or scornfulness that weight on his mind. It was everything else in his past. You see so much of the boy's pain and suffering was rooted in the small town of Domino. So much he wanted to forget or at least push to the farthest corners of his soul and bury the sadness. He never wanted to see the old apartment he'd shared with his dad, but he had to find out what happen to the damn drunk. He didn't want to relive his last moments of shame and hatred Kaiba felt towards his helplessness in protecting Mokuba, nor did he want the pity his friends would offer. Had he really changed that much because the thought of Tea mothering over him made the man sick; at least Kaiba spoke his spiteful thoughts with sincerity.

It was painful to remember bits and pieces of the quake, but he had to know. There was one question Joey had to have the answer too or he would never rest. Joey had to know who was in that pit of hell with him. Who was the stranger that gave him life when he'd looked death in the eye and wanted to give up. He remembered a warm body pressing against his own, wrapping him in love and then the stranger was gone. Fear and loneness replace his warmth. Who breathe life into his body with a touch so strong it sends shivers up his spine almost two years later. Sometimes these vague feelings mixed in with horrible nightmare left him sweating at night wrapped up tightly in sheets. It wasn't unusual for the young artist to have sleepless nights and Ryou his nurse and companion would always be there to assist and get him through the toughest times. Ryou made Joey face the facts that he'd never find peace until he went home. So this trip was not only professional but personal.

"OK, Ryou I'm fine, but you gotta understand after the program I'm leaving the country for good." Joey's words lacked conviction; it was a speech he repeated before boarding the private jet, a present from his supporters overseas. Actual they wanted to make sure he returned to fill the commissions he'd promised.

"Maybe, and maybe not," Ryou teased and without asking settled his petite body on Joey's lap. Next Ryou unbutton his shirt down to the delicate muscles that defined his chest. Titling his head to one side he finger combed Joey's long bangs to one side and curled the longest strands around his ears.

"Ryou this isn't a fashion show, just meeting some friends at the airport," He gently pushed the boy's hands away, a useless gesture.

"Ump"

"It's been almost two years and I've decided you're going knock them dead; besides you know much I love to dress you." Ryou applied light brown eyebrow pencil, and dark cocoa liner underneath his eyes. The liner only accented his beautiful hazel brown orbs shrouded in sadness.

The pilot interrupted the session with a loud announcement. "We are now entering air space Domino, landing in ten minutes."

Ryou buckled Joey's seat belt, gave him a chaste kiss on the cheek, and settled in a seat near the front of the plane. "You'll be find, I promise you luv."

Ooooooooooooo

The roar of the planes grated on the CEO's nerves, plus the incessant chatter of the friendship gang. Seto wanted to destroy something; you know knock a few heads together, kick some big time lawyer in the ass. He closed his laptop and rose from his seat next to Mokuba.

"'I can't take this," Seto glared at Tea.

"Nii 'sama, where are you going, the plane will be landing soon," Mokuba glowed with excitement he didn't need his generous dose of sweets to jump start his engine.

"Coffee," Seto's only words, but in reality he couldn't breathe. Without waiting for a reply Seto moved swiftly away from the group. He found a quite spot; after handing out a large sum of money to the floor attendant called Goku and waited. Looking out of a large floor to ceiling window Seto's mind wondered back to the early morning hours spent with Mokuba at their home.

******Flashback*****

Impatiently Mokuba paced the downstairs kitchen floor giving Seto sideways glances periodically. "Nii-sama come on . . . hurry up already, I don't wanta' be late.

Seto poured his third cup of coffee; he knew exactly when and where Joey's plane touched down, hell he'd had it monitored. "Mokuba you have almost three hours, settle down. Take it easy on the cereal it's loaded with sugar."

"Brother it's not that, I just want everything to be right. It's been almost two years since I've seen Joey and well I just want everything to be right." Mokuba's lip quivered, his voice faded and he would have fallen apart if Seto didn't comfort the boy.

Seto placed his treasured cup of espresso down and walked over to Mokuba; he stroked his back with strong hands. "Talk,"

"Seto you still don't really understand how I feel. I except Joey will never be mine, but do you think he's forgotten me? Do you think he cares a little, I've hurt him so and I never . . . . I never answered his letter; I couldn't . . . ."

Seto arched his brow and finished his back rubbing. It was clear Mokuba still had a crush on Joey after all this time and needed a little reassurance in dealing with this adult problem. "Don't be a child Mokuba; how could anyone forget you."

Mokuba wiped an invisible tear from his eye and threw a fake punch at Seto. "Brother, I'm serious. He means a lot to me. Back then Joey was my only true friend; never cared about my money and he gave up everything to save me. I hurt you too."

Mokuba's voice trailed away to a whisper. It had been a long time since the brothers talked about Joey. It was taboo and Mokuba for once respected Seto's wishes to communicate through Pegasus. Even now Seto didn't know the extent of Joey's decision to stay away from his home town or Mokuba's involvement in the tangled web of deceit. 'One day I'll have to tell Seto everything but not yet . . . . 'He thought. 'I have to know what Joey is really thinking.'

"Mokuba, feelings don't disappear for someone you love. You can't throw them away, they live eternally in your soul, they receive nourishment from your heart, and they grow in every fiber of your body." Seto suppress a rare smile.

Mokuba gasp as the words that flowed from Seto's mouth. He'd never heard him speak so sincerely. "Come on Kaiba everything will be fine." He ruffled his long raven locks. "I've got a business to run, can't be hanging out with the misfits all day."

"You can't fool me," Mokuba teased the giant he respected among men, his brother; " You've been ready for hours and I saw you change your suit three times, andddddddddddddd I bet you know exactly when Joey's plane touches down anddddddddddddddd……."

"Enough, Mokuba" Seto's cheeks were starting to turn a horrible shade of blue, one of which Mokuba would be the only one to ever witness. Mokuba chuckled and ran out the kitchen door to the limo that would bring him closer to the boy that occupied his thoughts for so long. It was the longest ride in his seventeen years of existence.

******In of Flashback*****

"Kaiba –sama you asked me to tell you if there was any activity concerning flight 369 from England." The attendant spoke hesitantly to Kaiba. It was the same one he'd paid the extra money to for clearing the waiting area.

"Yes speak up," Seto grumbled. He'd didn't like being disturbed from his dreaming.

"Well an ambulance has been ordered to be on standby it's out on the landing strip now." The balding guy backed away, he didn't want to deliver this news.

"Who is it for, I don't need incomplete information," Seto's stomach dropped down to his shinning leather boots. 'According to Pegasus's doctor's reports, Joey was in prefect health,' he though.

Goku adjusted the ear phone and waited for the news, "Ahh . . . it was ordered by a nurse Ryou-sama for his companion Joey Wheeler, oh the famous young artist; my daughter loves his water colors."

"Excuse me, your family is not my concern," Seto needed coffee.

"Ah . . . yes sir." Goku tremble, silently he prey that he wouldn't get fired. "Ryou ordered oxygen tanks which can only be transported by ambulance as a safety measure. But the passenger, Joey Wheeler is fine, the report from the hospital said he has a problem with heights, especially descending, so that is why the extra tanks were ordered, SIR!"

'I don't like this . . . I'll kill that toon master if he's been giving me false reports,' Seto's blood boiled in his veins. He closed his eyes, his breathing stopped for a moment and he dropped his treasured laptop. Heads turned toward the man who appeared to be in distress as he clutched his chest. "He's here," those were the only words Seto could speak, driven by the unshakable desire to be close to his soul mate. He brushed aside the well wishes and followed the planes descend through the window as the wheels hit the ground.

"Mokuba, Tea, and Yugi, were beyond containment as they were forced to wait behind a long rope. Tea waved a WELCOME HOME sign. A large group of fans appeared from buses, much to Mokuba's dismay, he though Joey's flight was secret, but news leaked out.

"Oh, he's so cute," cried a young artist.

"I just love his 'series of life lessons'," another screamed, pushing Yugi to the side.

"Yeah I bet that's not all you love . . . but you can forget it babes, he's not biting," one very gay boy spoke up. Everyone chuckled at that comment and the boys just sighed.

"Oh . . . but have you seen his companion, he's a hottie with a capital 'H', screamed the gay boy.

"No shit," the fans screamed.

"LOOK!!! It's him!!!!!" screamed a chorus. Mokuba, Tea, and Yugi looked towards the plane and watched as a couple walked down the ramp. But Joey wasn't in sight.

"JOEY!!!" The fans screamed again.

Standing at the end of the ramp a small platinum blond cutie waved at the group. His hair was tied back in a ponytail which hung down his back. He wore a simple pink suit with a silk white shirt underneath. White leather penny loafers completed his look of elegance. The man that stood next to him was the complete opposite in looks and attire.

Two guards walked up to the couple and the blond whispered something in Goku's ear, Ryou pointed to the crowd gathered at the gates.

Four other guards appeared from the crowd and moved the fans to the inside theater. Joey promised to give them a proper welcome; but now he needed a little private time with his family.

"Oh, he's so cool," someone whispered and followed the guard to the theater. The only people left standing behind the ropes were Mokuba, Tea, and Yugi.

Joey started to walk towards his friends. His right hand rested on the top of a cane. He hobbled forward one step at a time. Even from a distance the cane appeared to be crafted in sold silver with a white marble top, Tea couldn't take her eyes away from his crippled leg; no one prepared her for that.

"Joey," Tea dropped the welcome sign.

Joey wore the skinniest jeans which were custom made to fit his long and slender swimmers legs. The same legs Seto admired years ago at a pool party. Two belts made of fine black leather and four silver chains hung low on his hips. The outer seams of the jeans were decorated with hand stitches in varies colors of browns, blues, and red for color. The pockets on his small butt cheeks were decorated with similar stitches that grabbed the eye of the viewer. Joey left his shirt open; it was made from soft India cotton. Ruffles adorned his neck which lay on his thin shoulders. The sleeves were wide and tapered to fit tightly around his slender wrist. The ruffles gather in two layers giving him the look of a handsome lord or a mysterious pirate. Joey didn't wear jewelry it restricted his breathing or at least that's what he thought. To complete the outfit he wore tennis shoes. The shoes were his special signature statement. Joey was laid back and relaxed on the outside.

Mokuba's heart jump right out of his chest and he reached out in the air to catch it. He didn't see the cane only the glow that surrounds his friend. Mokuba took off into a run and stopped one foot in front of Joey. Tears were streaming down his cheeks.

"Joey . . . my god Joey," he stammered out. Ryou unprepared for the attack jumped in front of his companion forcing Mokuba to halt. Two guards held the teary eyed boy back and Seto appeared at the door of the terminal.

"Ryou, please it's ok . . ." Joey opened his arms and welcomed Mokuba warmly. Ryou caught the cane before it hit the ground. They both glared at each other suspiciously.

"Joey I swore I wouldn't act like a baby, but I'm so happy to see you," he wiped his eyes and stared lovingly at his crush. Nothing had changed, unless he felt even more desire than before.

"Ah . . . a little air might be helpful," Joey whispered.

"Opps . . ." Mokuba released his hold and allowed Yugi and Tea a chance to view the incredible man Joey had become.

"Hey guys this is Ryou, he's my. . ." Joey didn't complete the sentence.

"I'm his private nurse and companion. Sorry Mokuba I should have known who you were. I worry about Joey, so forgive my rudeness. He bowed low. Joey we need to have you checked out and you have to make an appearance at the theater." Ryou gentle pulled Joey out of the embrace of his friends and led him to the medical attendants. The transport was parked outside if needed.

"Ry, I'm fine . . Really." Joey argued, but he stepped inside. It was useless to fight Ryou.

Ryou turned to the group questions written on their faces. Don't worry. Joey has a problem with heights so we had to give him an exceptional amount of oxygen on the flight, just a precaution.

"So what else do you do for him," Mokuba's tone was not too friendly.

"Mokuba that's really rude," Yugi gasp.

"That's ok, you must be Yugi. He told me you're the master of games. I'd like to learn how to duel if you have time to teach me."

"My brother Seto is the duel master of the world and I don't think he would care for you hanging around Joey." Mokuba couldn't think beyond what he felt.

"Mokuba what in the hell is your problem?" Tea piped out. Everyone turned on Mokuba, not understanding his rude behavior.

"Where is your brother, Seto Kaiba, I believe that's his name?" Ryou evaded Mokuba's original question with skill. This boy was going to be a problem. Right on queue Seto marched out to the party, he couldn't stay hidden after seeing Joey go inside the medical room. It didn't look up to Kaiba's standard. It was too close to ghost of a painful past.

"What the hell is going on, Mokuba?" Seto spoke to Mokuba, but his attention was directed at Ryou.

'Shit, it's the same man who came to see Joey over a year ago at the hospital,' Ryou could hardly think straight. Shaken by Seto's masculinity Ryou stumbled. God's it was easy to imagine all the obscenely pleasant things he wouldn't mind doing with this man. Embarrassed at the lust Seto generated in his body, Ryou tried to get his rough breathing under control.

"I'm sorry but I must check on Master Joey, please excuse me." Ryou left and opened the door to the examination room; he was clearly flushed.

"Mokuba," Seto asked trying to stay cool.

"Something about flying and high places upsetting him, anyway I don't like that guy," Mokuba pouted.

"Mokuba you don't even know him and anyway Joey needed a friend in a strange country. So what's your problem?" Yugi spoke with passion. "The last time I saw Joey he was a mess."

"Mokuba, you didn't tell us about his leg, and anyway I think Ryou is cute. They look good together." Tea continued to piss Mokuba off.

"Shut up Tea," Mokuba wanted to tear up the welcome sign and shove it down her throat.

Ryou walked over to the bed inside the room and stared at Joey; still embarrassed sweat rolled off his neck.

"Hey man you look a little pale," Joey pulled his shirt over his shoulders and button up the front. He adjusted the chains on his hips and realized Ryou hadn't spoken a word.

"Hey man . . . it's him . . ." Joey sucked air. Ryou nodded his head, still under the CEO's manly spell.

"Wow, you never said he was such a man," He looked up with accusing eyes that seemed to demand an answer.

"Mr. Personality, you haven't seen the bastard side, but I love that too. Come on my fans are waiting," Joey forced a smile and walked outside.

Nothing could have prepared Joey for the sight of seeing Seto after two long years of dreams; he was speechless.

"Joey, come on we have a party planned for your homecoming," Mokuba linked arms, but Joey could only stare at Seto. He stumbled backwards his leg giving out. Seto lunched forward and caught Joey in his arms, gently he cradled him close. No one spoke afraid of the Ceo's next move, hell Yugi thought he'd let him fall to the floor and Tea didn't have a though in her head.

Much to their surprise Seto lifted Joey off his feet and carried him to a plush leather seat nearby. Complete absorbed in his well being he whispered. "Puppy are you ok?"

Joey tried to control the throbbing sensation that came from deep inside, being in the arms that felt so familiar. He moaned sweetly, "Please you can put me down, Kaiba." Just his touch and little jets of pleasure escaped from the pours in Joey's skin; every part of his body was sensitive and painful. If he didn't break this spell soon, his physical body would betray him completely.

Reluctantly Seto eased Joey into the soft leather seat, but not before brushing his nipple through the soft cotton shirt. Stimulated by the chaste touch Seto's eyes narrowed and his glaze became hot. "Call me Seto he tickled Joey's ear with the heated words."

"Kaiba . . . Seto . . . I can't do this."Joey mouth went dry.

"Joey," Ryou pushed his way past the CEO and took his hand.

"It's nothing, you know how my leg gets in bad weather . . . hey don't we have some autographs to sign." Joey grew impatient from all the attention he needed a distraction.

"No that's not a problem, I sent pictures instead, they will be very happy. I thought your family was a little more important right now, luv." Ryou used his teasing voice which was a little suggestive of other things. It was his nature to play.

"What the hell kind of nurse are you," Mokuba blurted out.

"Mokuba, remember our talk about control," Seto spoke, relaxing his muscles. He still felt the touch of Joey in his arms and secretly vowed never to let any other have that pleasure.

"Ryou ignore the brat and continued to speak, his words directed at Seto. Kaiba-sama perhaps you can help us. I reserved a suite on the bottom floor for Joey and myself, but it appears they wanted to give him the best so it was switched to the penthouse on the top floor. There are no other openings and I require special conditions. It's impossible for us to stay in the penthouse."

"No I can't Ryou, you got to do something," Joey broke into the conversation, sweat beaded up on his bottom lip, he licked it nervously with the tip of his tongue.

"Hush," Ryou squeezed his hand. The blond trembled. Seto didn't miss the physical changes or the dependency.

"Joey I though you would stay with us at the mansion, why would you stay at a hotel. Seto," Mokuba in shock cried out. "Seto tell Joey he's staying with us."

Joey's eyes drifted around the waiting area, voices echo around his head. 'Is this what I came home for? Watching Kaiba use his money, Mokuba whining, and the madness.'

Weakly the blond rose and pulled away from everyone; he started to harbor regrets and wanted to get away from everyone. It took all his courage to come and fight against the promise he'd made to the toon master and face Seto. 'Damn it shut up,' he thought his brain would explode.

Now Yugi, Tea, Ryou and Mokuba were all fighting over where he'd stay. Joey left them and walked outside to a rock garden and started to draw figures in the sand. He needed to calm his spirit.

After five minutes Joey felt Kaiba's presence t and spoke before the Ceo decided to feel his head with insults or lies. "I'll stay at your mansion, but I'll pay. I'm not looking for favors, just a bed or two. We need a suite of rooms and they should be joining, I require Ryou to be close."

"Fine, so is he your lover," Seto's voice was smooth, a little deeper than Joey remembered, but laced with poison.

The room needs to be on the west side I like to see the sun rise, the dark isn't my friend," Joey continued ignoring Seto. "How's Pegasus, I expect he's happy." Joey rearranged a few stones around the characters written in sand.

"Why wouldn't he be happy, he had everything he wants . . . .? " Joey flinch, he needed to escape. Tears filled his eyelids, but he refused to let Kaiba see the torment those simple words caused.

"So you won't answer my question." Seto insisted, he moved in front of the blond. "I won't be ignored." His aggressive nature only gave Joey the power he'd locked away long ago to fight the CEO.

"And I don't have to answer your questions or is that a part of the house condition? Money bags, I'm here for the presentation and answers. I know how you feel about me, so don't concern yourself with my business, I promise I'll be gone soon." Joey wished he could sink into the sand he felt so miserable. 'The rumors concerning Seto and Pegasus being lovers was true.' He thought. 'How lucky to have everything you want.'

"There's only one thing I want to know Kaiba, and you have the money and power to get the information. I have a debt to pay. I know I didn't do my best to save Mokuba, he could have been killed, but I have to know. Someone else delivered me from death down in the pit of hell. I've searched for a name, but all the records show that I was alone. It's a lie. I've got to know who it was."

Seto turned away.

"Kaiba . . . tell me . . .!"

Seto clinched his fist into tight knots. He couldn't move, the ice froze over his heart.

"Ass . . . I won't stop until I find out the truth." Joey walked back into the terminal and left Seto outside.

Seto read the message in the sand Joey had written. His long legs buckled. "Love grows eternally in your soul."

A small hand reached out and touched Kaiba wet cheek, "don't despair my prince, he's home." Kisara wiped the ice off Seto's face and for once he didn't have a word to say. "Come my prince we have a lot to do."

R/r