Disclaimer: I do not own any of the rights to the characters of YUGiOH. But I will respectfully borrow them to use in my stories, thanks to fan fiction and Kazuki Takahashi.
I'm going full steam ahead into the New Year and finishing my stories, I hope my fans enjoy the endings and welcome the new fandom's to come, so let's get the show on the road.
After an earthquake in which Joey almost dies; Seto feelings surface, yet he doesn't want to cause pain for his brother who loves Joey. Mokuba never had a problem expressing his love for the older teen and dreams of the day it will be a reality. After a short recovery Joey leaves Domino to study and meets a special friend. His life continues to be a roller coaster, which will slide him back to Domino.
He brings all the demons of his past with him. He's always had feelings for Seto, yet they were buried under denial and self doubt. Pegasus threatens to destroy the relationship before it has a chance to bloom at a party Mokuba is giving in Joey's honor. So on to the party . . . .
Ooooooo
Chapter 21: Party Time
Tonight Mokuba pulled out all the stops at the mansion; this party welcomed Joey home after two years and he wanted to impress his idol/love interest. Yugi and the gang were already busy in the upstairs game room playing with Kaiba's experiential high tech gaming system. The new system would be release after the New Year and featured at the opening of the third Kaiba land in an undisclosed location. The theme park was designed for the super rich and talented. Kaiba was looking for young protégés to maximize every aspect of his growing empire.
"Hey Mokuba you sure Kaiba is ok with this," Yugi asked for the mullioned time. "Don't want to piss him off."
"Look it's my party and you guys are my guest; besides I did the graphics on this game. I'm a Kaiba too," he spoke with youthful pride, hot air filled his chest. Mokuba had love on his mind; tonight would be the night he expressed his desires to Joey.
"Spoken like a Kaiba," Yami called out. "Hey where's the golden boy, he disappeared at the airport."
"Well, Joey should be waking up soon," Yugi volunteer. He placed his controller down on the floor and focused his attention on Yami who was scoring points shamelessly on the new game without even trying. "Ryou said Joey was a little tried, so he's resting. But he had a tray of cookies and cherry soda in his hand. If I know Joey he's eating not resting. "
'Some things never change,' Yugi thought, 'Joey and junk food.'
"Who is that guy anyway?" Yami glaze intently at Yugi.
"Mmm . . . he's cool . . . sorta takes care of Joey; they're going into business together . . . sounds cool," Yugi moved closer to Yami, he loved it when Yami glaze at him so wantonly.
"Yeah he's a jerk," Mokuba blurred out. "I don't really trust him . . . . Too pretty and those eyes look deceitful to me . . . ." Mokuba pulled out a comb and admired his hair in a wall mirror. 'I hope Joey likes my new shampoo?' He thought.
"Mokuba you're jealous!!" Yami joked, "You're not still crushing on Joey. It's been two years."
"Like hell!! I'd be jealous of that freak . . . he doesn't understand Joey at all . . . business partner . . . over my dead body!"
"I saw you looking at him earlier; he's kinda cute." Yugi continued to chat idly. "You know a hottie; especially with that cool accent." The little duelist wiggles in his seat dreaming of . . . .
"Yugi!"
"Well he is!" Yugi whispered, lowering his eyes; Yami wasn't so happy with his comments or actions.
"Perhaps I should dye my hair, so your eyes will stay focus," Yami's voice deepen, Yugi had a lot of explaining to do tonight after the party.
"Ump . . . whatever," Yugi punched Yami's side even though Yami pretended to ignore him.
"I think you should give him a chance. Good ones are hard to find. He looked your way too," Yami spoke to Mokuba but his eyes pierce Yugi.
"Joey is the only one I want," Mokuba shouted out, 'when will this freaking' world understand how he felt. I'm not a baby and this is not a crush.' At first he thought about stepping aside, but after seeing Joey at the airport, Mokuba forgot all about his brother and the truth he'd read in Joey's letter, he'd become insane again. His thoughts and delusions concerning Joey stole his senses.
"I thought Joey liked Kaiba," Yugi whispered to Yami.
Everyone turned to the raven haired Kaiba, surprised at his declaration, but their eyes continued to drift at the two figures standing in the doorway, just out of Mokuba's vision.
"Hey what's up," Joey mumbled between stuffing the last bit of cookie in his mouth. His smile warmed everyone's heart.
Ryou glared at Mokuba he'd heard the outburst.
"Ahh . . . Joey that's a cool outfit, but how'd you get in it, man." Yugi appraised his friend, dressed in black leather, he was simply elegant and gorgeous, but at the same time he was just Joey. The black leather complimented his golden hair and faint tan.
Casting an affectionate glance at Ryou he laughed, "Lots of help." He pushed Ryou inside the gaming room and followed from behind. "Hey guys this is Ryou and I want him to feel at home. I wouldn't be here today without his help."
"Joey that's not really true, you've got buckets of talent. I'm happy to be your guy and to meet your friends. He's always talking about you guys." Ryou smiled at Mokuba and winked at Tea.
Ryou turned around and faced Joey, "I'll make myself at home. I know you have lots of catching up to do."
"Yeah, come on Joey; I have your favorite foods; chips, hotdogs, and chili. We're going to roast marshmallows, in the downstairs recreation room and watch movies. " Mokuba hooked arms with Joey feeling good. He drifted off to his dream world again. He wanted to convince Joey to stay in Japan and finish school, by his side.
"I gotta watch my waistline, but the movie sounds cool." It felt good to laugh among friends again.
"Oh my there's nothing wrong with your waist line or any part of that gorgeous body," Heads turned only to come face to face with Pegasus.
"Damn it," Mokuba and Ryou sighed, although they were on different sides of the room, it could have been choreographed.
Instead of the outrageous ruffles and loud silk suits he usually wore the Toon Master looked very sophisticated, yet a bit scary. Pegasus changed his look to black designer denims and a simple Polo sweater. The sweater a soft teal complimented thigh length boots studded with rhinestones in glowing shades of red and gold. If it wasn't for the glittering eye patch, Pegasus almost had an air of sophistication, but he was always a step away.
"Who invited you?" Mokuba spoke without thinking releasing Joey's arm in his frustration.
"Ah . . . little Kaiba-kitten . . . why I'm a part of the family," Pegasus winked.
Joey flinched at the comment and moved further down the hall away from everyone.
"Never!!"
"Hey Mokuba, now's not the time," Ryou whispered.
"Who asked you," the corned Kaiba lashed out at everyone.
Pegasus clearly enjoyed the volley of words and continued as if this was normal. "Why Mokuba, Seto sent a message; he running late, last minute business. Just to think he canceled our plans to be here."
Pegasus turned to Ryou, "Oh, you must be Joey's attendant, Ryou. I thought your message said the plane would arrive tomorrow, in and out so to speak. Joey you must be excited about your trip; off to the states, new adventures for the young inspiring artist."
"What the hell are you talking about?" Mokuba moved to face Pegasus then decided to confront Joey.
Joey's cheeks heated up, he turned beet red.
"Mokuba, it's for the best," Ryou volunteered, protecting his friend, it was apparent the young Kaiba had been left in the dark.
"Shut up!!!! Joey you're leaving the country, but didn't bother to mention that fact in your letter. I don't understand, yet that Toon freak knows everything." Mokuba's jovial mood disappeared replaced with betrayal and anger.
Joey at a loss for words didn't know how to face Mokuba's anger. He'd planned on explaining to Mokuba later in private after he spoke to the other Kaiba. 'Damn that Pegasus, he's a snake,' Joey thought.
"Well say something . . . . What are you waiting for?" Mokuba's lip trembled as the words left his month.
"I don't have anything else to say, I'm tired of all the games too, Mokuba!!" Joey stormed down the stairs and he felt his leg twist as his body left the step near the bottom and in the next moment he was air born.
"Ahhh . . . it's over now," he cried out, but instead of hitting a hard wooden floor, Joey slammed into the chest of Seto Kaiba.
"Hmp . . . . ." immediately a sense of calm floated over his body and he closed his eyes drawn into another plane of existence, he felt protected. Moans escaped from Joey's month and he heated up inside.
Seto pulled the blond closer to his chest and wrapped his arms tightly around his slender frame. Joey fit naturally in his embrace and he wanted to never let him go.
"Seto what are you doing?" Mokuba screamed from the balcony and followed Joey's trail down the stairs. Everyone held their breath; thankful Joey was ok and not splattered over the hardwood floor. Joey was in his arms for the second time in one day. Mokuba's voice hit him like cold water. He took in one long sigh and released the startled youth.
Frustrated Joey brushed off imaginary lent from his pants and steadied his legs.
"Well, well Kaiba-boy, you look marvelous, and you must be proud of the neighborhood boy makes it big. I'm sure Mokuba is, throwing this wonderful party." Pegasus eased his way in between the two men and continued to chatter. "I believe Kaiba-kitten said the refreshments are this way."
Pegasus linked arms with the CEO and Joey watched in terror as they left the hallway, all the warmth left his body. Ryou moved in closer and offer support before Joey lost his balance again. Ryou touch his cheek gently with his hand. "It's going to be ok."
"But Ryou . . . the rumors . . . Ah Seto is it really true," Joey whispered. Joey's composure slipped, but he held his tears in place.
"Come on Joey, we have almost two years of gossip to catch up on and we know how much you like to talk," the gang shouted in unison.
Joey took a deep breath and followed Yami and Yugi to the party room. A voice whispered inside his head that disaster waited ahead. 'I just have to get through this night then I can leave.'
Ryou turned to Mokuba and he grabbed Mokuba before he did something foolish. "Mokuba we've got to talk. I know you don't like me, but we have a common interest." Ryou whispered. "You've made a pack with the devil I can tell. We can't let him win."
"I don't know what you mean." Mokuba pouted. But Ryou pulled his arm and led him in the opposite direction away from the retreating gang.
"Maybe this will help you. I'll tell you a story . . . boy meets boy . . . it's one sided, but he doesn't care. Joey is the prize in a game you're playing with your brother and Pegasus. It sucks. I also know you want the golden boy, but he loves another. "
Ryou squeezed Mokuba's hand and with the other lifted his chin upward with a gentle touch of his fingers. "I won't play his tune anymore, even if it means Joey hates me forever. His happiness is all that matters to me." Their eyes melted together each curious about the other.
Mokuba pulled away from the soft caress, it wasn't intrusive like the gestures he received from Pegasus. 'Dare I trust this boy,' he opened his eyes and peaked at Ryou.
Ryou continued, "Isn't Joey's happiness what is most important."
This time when their eyes met Mokuba didn't resist . . . . . he saw despair; the same look he stared at every morning for almost a year. It was disgusting. Mokuba was really too hurt to talk so he led Ryou to a room near the downstairs playroom. They both waited in silence for the other to continue.
Ryou spoke first, "First I'm not Joey's lover I was being a bitch to let you think that. I'm so sorry" Ryou boldly touched Mokuba's chin again . . . . "I'm going to make this right. I'm used to digging my own grave, confessing my sins and praying for an angel to save my sorry ass. Joey befriended me and never asked any questions about my past. He never judged my life style or choices, guest I fell in love."
Mokuba laughed for the first time in months. He knew the feeling all too well.
"Yeah he's like that gentle, except with my brother. They're always fighting but Seto would never hit him not once."
"You see I just ended a sorry ass relationship and I ended up in the hospital cut up. Joey arranged for my hospital care and I never questioned how, but later I found out he'd given me his chance at a full recovery, it was a deal he'd made with the white hair devil for me."
"You mean blackmail," Mokuba rose and closed the door; he pushed a few buttons on the wall which made the room sound proof. They were now enclosed in secret. Ryou continued, he found Mokuba's smooth ways intriguing.
"Well I couldn't let him do it, so I call Maximum and he promised to give Joey the surgery, if I kept him away from your brother. . . . Far, far away. It seemed like a good idea, since I wanted Joey for myself, but I always felt his heart was somewhere else. He loves your brother. I'm so sorry for the pain I caused."
"Yeah, I know man . . ."
"Joey is so talented and extremely smart, so when local contracts came from dealers I never shared them with him, especially if they were in Japan. I pointed out the benefits of foreign deals and every clipping of Pegasus and Kaiba I made sure Joey saw them. Sometimes he'd have nightmares and I'd help him through, but he only saw the friendship. . . ." Ryou held back his tears.
"Don't man, you love him too." Mokuba understood. He's like a sharp pain that won't go away. "I've lied to my brother, brought shame to the Kaiba's honor with some of the things I've done. I'm so pathetic." Mokuba coughed trying to mass the sorrow in his heart. Neither spoke for fear of revealing too much.
"We're both fools, but I ain't going turn Joey over to that fool, and I don't want him to suffer any more. He loves Kaiba I understand that now and I think your brother loves him too." Ryou spoke between sobs.
"Yeah he carries his picture on a special web page . . . . Thinks I don't know but he's got lots of pictures." Mokuba moved closer to his new friend.
"So what are we going to do?" Mokuba asked. "Seto never has time for romance."
"Don't make excuses, we can't change faith." Ryou held his ground.
"But Pegasus is a devil," Mokuba continued, his connection fragile to the devious Toon Master.
"I lived with one, besides I think your brother is pretty hot…… I saw a look in his eyes once," Ryou smiled, "He's a bit of a devil too."
"Nii-sama isn't afraid of anything he's always protected me. . . . I'm his only weakness and I used it to keep him away from Joey."
"Well check this; I happen to know Joey wants to confess to Kaiba his true feelings. I think we should clear the path and help him out."
"First I'm getting that toon bitch out of my house!!! "Mokuba hollowed out loud.
"Ahh . . . let's do it." Ryou slapped Mokuba's palm in a high five. "Super mate . . . . Let's go!" But it was already too late Pegasus cruel plan was set in motion.
Everyone settled down comfortably on lounge pillows with marshmallows roasted in the fire place next to the big screen, the gang waited for the movie to roll, a western, one of Joey's favorite, a surprise.
"Should we wait for Mokuba?" Yami asked no one in particular. He continued to munch on a toasty mashmellow.
Yugi crushed his white puff ball between chocolate and gram crackers. "Where's Ryou," Yugi looked toward the door, just as Mokuba entered first.
Pegasus spoke up first. "There you are, Mokuba so did you and the new hottie have a nice chat." Pegasus winked at Mokuba. "Mmmm I wonder what it was about. Never mind, have a marshmallow stick, my lovely. It's he the cutest, Seto."
Seto grumbled under his breath, he ignored the couple and continued to worry over Joey. Clearly something was bothering his love interest.
Ryou swatted Pegasus's hand away, causing the marshmallow stick to fall and stood behind Joey. "Hey man you ok?"
"No . . . I just want this night to end," Joey voiced and settled near the door against a wall. 'Maybe I'll just disappear,' he thought.
Yugi left his comfortable seat next to Yami and worked the controls. The room darkens and the projection started to displace on the screen.
Two men were kissing quite passionately and it was easy to see they were inside a spacious bedroom. You couldn't see the faces but the insatiable white signature vest covered half of the screen. Not a single person alive wore that vest except for Seto Kaiba. Flowing on a blue satin pillow platinum blond hair practically covered both faces. The bodies swayed in suggestive motions yet there faces remained hidden behind a mass of platinum and chestnut hair. The man on the bottom appeared to be nude. It was easy to make out long pale legs wrapped around the vest.
Everyone froze and continued to watch. Three minutes passed before disaster struck the small group. The movie faded to black and Yugi let out a scream, he buried his face in Yami's chest.
Ryou broke the silence, "Where's Joey!!" Frantically Ryou screamed and headed out the room, flowed by Mokuba and Seto.
. . . Outside the mansion . . .
Joey escaped his living nightmare almost two minutes after the movie started; terror prevented him from moving sooner. He didn't know how much time elapse but he found comfort sitting in Kaiba's car. His scent was so powerful it filled his nostrils with pleasure. It was comforting even in his torment.
Images flashed again and again, 'Deep breaths, calm yourself,' words his therapist had taught him to recite in times of stress, times when the nightmares returned, usually in the dark or high places. But every nerve in his body warned him an attack was coming on.
"Seto having sex ... kisses . . . . No making love to . . . . ." He whispered the dreaded name threw pierced lips. "I knew it . . . . The rumors . . . everything was true." He continued to block out the images, by covering his ears and eyes, but the darkness only disturbed him more.
He started up the car's engine, it purred softly and with great care he pushed his foot on the gas pedal and racing forward. Joey drove about one quarter of a mile before his body betrayed him. A brick the size of a football pressed against his chest, preventing all air from entering his lungs. Pain circled his heart and the old snake that held him captive long ago in the earthquake returned. A heart wrenching sob grabbed his chest and exploded in his lungs; his head hit the stirring wheel and he rolled right into the wall of a huge gazebo. Stars glittered in front of his face but the darkness won. Peacefully the air stopped flowing somewhere deep in his lungs and the artist slipped quietly into unconscious, the pain had disappeared.
……… Back at the mansion ………
"Nii-sama look, the back door is open!!" frantically everyone followed Mokuba's lead as he raced outside the mansion towards the servant's quarters.
"No, he's not there," Kaiba thought, "He wants to run . . . . car. . . . the garage Mokuba."
"Oh my God," Ryou thought, "he can't handle a car. . . . Please God let Joey be alright."
It was easy to spot the shinning blue sports car once you moved inside the huge garage and looked outside the back window. Seto saw it first and jumped on a motor bike he took off, as if demons from hell nipped at his heels.
Without stopping Seto jumped off the bike and rushed to the car its motor still humming. In the distance you could hear the bike as it thumbed over the lawn. He walked around the small vehicle, and opened the door and with loving care pulled Joey's limp body out of the car.
"Puppy" he whispered laying him on the cool ground that surrounded the gazebo. Soft Florence lights illuminated Joey's pale face and his breathing was faint. "Not again," Seto whispered. "No, this time it's different, I know what to do, he needs me!"
Ryou being the first to arrive kneed down next to Joey's still body; he checked his breathing. "He needs oxygen . . . . Damn it, his tank is at the mansion."
Seto's voice filled with emotion spoke calmly to the boy, "Send for his tank, but he needs me." Seto open Joey's leather jacket and felt his heart beat against his moist skin. Automatically he tipped Joey's head back and took a deep breath filling his lungs with life giving air. He lowered his head, eyelids closed revealing long lashes that lay on his proud cheek bones, and gently he allowed the life giving air to flow through his soul mates body.
Joey's chest rose and fell at first violently then his movements relaxed and linked with Seto's. The boy's arms fell to the side and Seto eased his fingers down Joey chest circling his taut nipples until they harden. Every muscle relaxed in his body included his legs which he opened as if waiting for a lover and his hips moved in slight agitation.
Ryou blushed at Joey's reaction to Kaiba's administrations. His reaction to the man was that of a lover. Seto gentled and calmed the boy's body and spirit. Anyone could see they were mated on every level.
Then it struck Ryou, 'this had to be the guy Joey was looking for . . . . The guy in the dark . . . the guy who saved his life in the earthquake. . . How blind they both were. Of course it was Kaiba who else in Domino had that kind of power to erase all existence of being. The Kaiba boys were truly amazing; especial this black knight. 'Ryou just continued to watch as Joey started to cough and cry out in the night. . . .
"Seto help me. . . ." he reached out with both arms to the only man he'd ever loved, sensing his presence.
"I'm here baby," Seto whispered and Ryou watched as a tear tricked down Joy's cheek.
"Wow FIRST Chapter of the New Year, enjoy and review . . . . Cheers!!!