:God. My week has been horrible, family problems, schools problems. Ugh. Anyway, I tried my best on this chapter, seeing how this is a sort of solace from it all. I hope you enjoy it!:

Seto stood in the royal's dorm library, bookshelves scattered amongst the area, towering over him as if they were skyscrapers. Tables and resting chairs were around, waiting to be used if a person needed to sit or to stack books.

He looked down at the book in his hands, turning a delicate page gently and narrowing his eyes at what he was reading. He allowed his mind to wander, his eyes scanning quickly over the page. Yesterday had gone quite well, to tell the truth.

After announcing Atemu as the understudy, he and Joey had left to go to the nurses office, as they had told the others. But instead all they had done was go to the very top of the theater and sit near the others. From what he could tell, the plan was going well. Atemu seemed to be doing fine and so did Yugi. Although even from a side point of view, he could tell from the atmosphere that something was hanging between the two.

When they thought the other wasn't looking, they would cast side glances at one another. Atemu's seemed to linger longer than Yugi's, but Yugi's seemed to have more longing in his stare, as if he was uncertain of something. What could be on his mind?

Seto never used to really come to care for the small teen, but after being around everyone for such a long while, he had grown to like him. He had grown to like everybody, it was a nice feeling to have a lot of friends. And he felt comfortable now. He felt as if he could be himself, although it was still strange to him, but he could be as informal as he pleased.

Although even if he did try to be formal, Joey would tell him to re-correct himself. Seto stopped himself, his hand frozen as it was about to turn a page. Joey...

He felt his cheeks heat up at the thought of him and what Mana had said. Malik would most likely go through with what she had said, due to him and Bakura being so close. Ra, he was surprised that they hadn't gotten together yet. But could he go through with it? He was never the best with romance or asking these sort of questions.

He had done fine with the dates and such, and the flirtations he did seemed to be quite effective, why was he so worried about this? Well, it could be the sheer fact that this wasn't asking for a date, it was asking for a relationship. He turned the page, finally continuing his gesture and read through it quickly. He shook his head, shutting the book quickly. He couldn't get his mind off of this just by reading.

Seto placed it on the bookshelf, walking to a different section and glancing amongst the titles. Perhaps there was...Ah! He reached for a dark red book, taking it into his hands and opening to the first page. He flipped the thin papers, finding the first chapter before he began to read through the words carefully.

"Whatcha reading?" Seto's eyes widened, jumping to the side and slamming the book close before he turned his line of sight to the voice next to him. Mana stood there, a friendly smile on her face with her hands behind her back. On her body rested a dark green dress that matched her eyes, behind her back her wrists were adjourned with jade bracelets, and on her shoes laid normal brown sandals.

"Mana..." Seto released a breath. "Would you please refrain from scaring me?" She giggled, waiting as he stood up straight and moved his eyes over her outfit. "Is there a reason you are so dressed up for today?" He rose an eyebrow as her smile became brighter and her cheeks took on a faded shade of blossom.

"Anzu and I are going on a walk today." Mana breathed out happily. "I wanted to look pretty because I know she will." Seto rolled his eyes, moving them back to his book and turning a page boringly.

"Doesn't she look pretty everyday?"

"Oh? You think she's pretty?"

"I do." Seto admitted. "She is a very attractive young lady."

Mana smiled, thinking of something before she stepped an inch closer the adviser, her hands still behind her back innocently.

"What about Bakura?" She asked. "Do you think he's attractive?"

"Yes." Seto responded, turning another page. "I am vaguely surprised he does not have a lover."

"Probably because of the scary glare he usually gives people." Mana giggled. "Although, he drops it around Malik and the rest of us."

"I could only imagine why." Seto chuckled.

"How about Yugi?" Mana questioned, moving her hand to take hold of a strand of her hair.

"What about him?"

"Do you think he's good looking?"

"If I say yes or no I fear Atemu will hear and come and chase me down to the ends of the Earth."

"But Atemu is at practice right now."

"I still believe he would hear it."

"Come on, just answer." Seto let out a sigh, rolling his eyes and turning another page.

"Yes, Yugi is a very pretty boy."

"Pretty? Do you think he's a girl too?"

"That was a long time ago, and that was Atemu, not me."

"Okay, Okay. So he is pretty." She giggled, twirling her hair. "And Joey?"

Seto stopped, turning his head in her direction quickly. She was now looking at him, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes as they narrowed, a smirk now accompanying her face.

"E-Excuse me?" Seto stuttered out, hating himself immediately for it.

"Joey." She repeated. "How's he look?"

"I-I..." Seto turned his eyes back to his book quickly. "I refuse to answer that question."

"Oh really?" Mana rose an eyebrow and looked to the cover of his book, her smirk becoming wider. "Is he the reason why you're reading a book based around Romance?"

Seto shut the book quickly, almost throwing it back onto the shelf before turning fully to face Mana.

"Is there a reason you came to see me?" He breathed out, his cheeks flaring from embarrassment.

"Yes, there is actually." She met his gaze, a taunting look blazing in the pine forest of her eyes. "I came to inform you that Joey right now is in his Animal Care class for the rest of the day, due to his injury."

"And I am being told this why?"

"Because I want you to also know that Serenity is not there today and that she is watching the practice of The Red Nile." Seto narrowed his eyes at her.

"How do you know about Serenity?"

"My darling Anzu tells me about a lot of things." Mana informed him. "Now you are going to take advantage of this, aren't you?"

"Advantage?"

"Yes!" She groaned, her smirk fading. "This is the chance you have to ask him out!" Seto's face couldn't have turned darker at this. What?!

"Why would I-!"

"Because I know it's been on your mind!" Mana explained. "That's the reason you were reading the book! And besides if you don't do it then Malik won't do it!"

"Huh?" Seto uttered out. "Malik will do it no matter what happens."

"Malik is too shy, and I'm thinking that maybe, just maybe..." She looked around, checking to make sure only him and her were in the library. "That if he sees you and Joey together, he'll ask."

"Mana I can't-"

"You're even talking informally after thinking about him!" Mana observed. "Please! This is the chance of a lifetime!" Seto sighed, shaking his head.

"We don't have much time left here, Mana." Seto reminded her. "nad if I can recall, this is the 2nd to last week we have left." Mana looked at him sadly, turning her eyes to the floor. "Next week is our final week here..."

"Haven't you heard of long distance relationships?" Mana spoke, her voice soft. "It'll work out, we can visit them and send letters and..." Seto's eyes widened, noticing how Mana's eyes began to glisten.

"Hey, look at me." He took hold of her shoulders, giving them a gentle shake. "Mana, come on." She sniffled, shaking her head. Seto sighed, lifting a hand to her chin and tilting it up, forcing her to meet his eyes. "I'm sorry, okay?"

Mana sniffled, tears beginning to run down her cheeks. "It's fine...I'm just..." Seto shook his head, letting go of her shoulders and instead wrapping them around her, pulling her close to him.

"Come on, calm down." He whispered, raising his hand to gently pet her head. "I was being mean, I'm sorry..." He sighed. "I don't like the thought of it either, I'm just confused right now." He felt her wrap her arms around him, holding him back tightly.

"I don't want to get hurt." Seto continued. "I don't know if I'm strong enough to do this sort of thing, but hey..." He pulled back, Mana's eyes already going up to meet his. "I'll try alright? Now come on, smile for me. Anzu will love you no matter what appearance you have, but in my opinion you look even more beautiful when you're happy."

Mana sniffled once more, a smile taking over her face as a tear trailed down her cheek. Seto reached a hand up, brushing the tear away and placing it onto her face.

"There's my princess." Seto sighed in relief. "Would you like to accompany me to the Animal Care class? I don't exactly know where it is."

Mana smiled brighter, nodding quickly and sighing in relief. Seto removed his hand, smiling back.

"No more crying, understand?" Mana nodded again. "Good..."

"Now, let's go to class."

()()()()()()()()()()

"Whoa! Down boy!" Joey laughed, falling over onto his butt as Aureus jumped on top of him, licking his face. He hugged the golden retriever, sitting up with the puppy in his arms.

Today Serenity wasn't there, and that he was slightly grateful for. Serenity was told that he was injured and that he wasn't meant to move around much. But thankfully due to her not being there, he could do what he wanted.

At the school, if a teacher wasn't there no substitute would be called in. The students were trusted enough to continue the class by themselves, and every class is designed so that if a teacher is gone they still have something to do. He looked around the outside area, finding other students to be playing with their own pets.

He glanced down at Aureus, who was wiggling in his arms to be set free. He smiled, holding him tightly before releasing the small puppy. He breathed in the fresh air around him, finding himself to be thankful for the event that had happened.

The play had been stressing him out lately, so to be suddenly taken away from the play was a blessing in disguise. He loved acting, don't get him wrong, but he needed a break every once in a while.

Joey stood up, dusting off his pants before he looked down at Aureus. The puppy looked up at him, throwing his butt up in the air and lowering the front of his body as his tail wagged. Joey laughed, wondering for a moment what he could want. Maybe he just wanted to play?

"What do you want to do, boy?" Aureus ran in circles, before taking off in a different direction. Joey crossed his arms, waiting with a patient smile. He loved his dog, he had him ever since he had come here and if he gets a good grade in the class, he can keep him.

"This class is lively." Joey heard behind him. He turned around, his eyes widening as his mouth ran dry. Seto was walking toward him, his outfit being light blue jeans, an ice blue colored shirt and white tennis shoes. One question Joey had was where he had gotten those clothes and the other was; What the hell was he doing here?!

"Seto!" Joey yelled out, not noticing how loud he was before the royal smiled and waved at him.

"You seem energetic, as always." Seto laughed, placing himself in front of the blond. Joey glared at him, his eyes never leaving the adviser.

"Are you making fun of me?" Seto shook his head, raising his hand and petting him on the head.

"Perhaps." Joey glared harsher, moving his arms to get the royal to stop petting him. He felt his face become heated, he didn't mind that Seto had come to visit him but...

"What're you doing here?" Joey asked, deciding to get straight to the point. Seto shrugged, smiling at the teen and making Joey blush harder.

"I wanted to see you." Seto answered, narrowing his eyes slightly. "Is that so wrong?"

"Um..." Joey uttered out, not knowing how to react to that. His face turned brighter than before, he could feel his heartbeat quickening all of a sudden. "N-No, but..." He tried to think of something to get his mind off of the current topic. "You're talking funny again!"

"Oh." Seto faked surprise. "I'm sorry." Joey threw his eyes down to the ground, praying that something would come and free him from this embarrassment. As if his prayers had been answered, Aureus came running to him.

"Isn't that your dog?" Seto asked, watching as the small puppy jumped up and began to scratch at Joey's knees. Joey looked down to him, thanking the small adorable animal in his head.

"Yeah." Joey smiled, reaching down to pick him up before noticing what was in his mouth. He grabbed at the item, smiling at it as he realized what it was. "A leash, huh? Do you want to go on a walk?" The puppy stopped scratching at his knees, now beginning to run around in small circles to tell him, happily, that he was correct.

"Alright, alright." Joey laughed, going down onto one knee. "Come on then, here boy." Aureus rushed over to him, allowing him to gently place the leash onto him. Joey stood up, smiling before he turned his eyes to the royal and bit the inside of his cheek. Oh, come on. It won't hurt anyone if you ask him.

"Would you like to go on a walk with me?" Joey asked, shocking the royal. Seto blinked in confusion, before he looked at the leash and at Joey.

"Do I get to put you on a leash?"

"Okay! Never mind then!" Joey yelled, taking large steps forward and allowing Aureus to walk in front of him. He glared at the ground, before he felt someone take his free hand into theirs. He blushed, feeling the person move their lips to his ear.

"I'm kidding." They whispered. "I'd love to go on a walk with you."

Joey gulped, not knowing how to respond to that. He shook his head, not even noticing it when he began to hold the hand back and walk faster.

"Okay..." Joey replied, looking down at the puppy who, surprisingly, was looking behind himself to look back up to him, as if he was asking him something with his eyes.

"You alright, boy?" Aureus barked in response, all of a sudden taking off in a run and dragging Joey, forcing him to let go of Seto's hand. The royal was shocked by this, before he began to laugh and take off running after the two.

"Hey!" Joey yelled, his arm beginning to hurt as Aureus began to run faster away from the class. Where on Earth was this puppy taking him?! "Aureus stop!" The animal kept going, leading Joey far away, as if he was taking him somewhere else.

"Aureus!" Joey yelled a final time, before the dog finally stopped in front of the forest of the school. Joey jogged to a stop, bending over and placing his hands on his knees to catch his breath. What was that all about?

"I believe I said I'd love to go on a walk." Seto spoke, jogging to Joey's side. "Not a run." Joey let out a breathless laugh at that.

"I know what I said." He stood up straight, looking at the forest and narrowing his eyes at it. It reminded him of when...He blushed, shaking his head at the memory. Why did the stupid lunch date come up?

"Aureus might want to go explore in there." Seto commented, looking down to the small golden retriever. "Well, do you?" The puppy barked, his tail wagging before it began to pull in the direction of the forest.

"H-Hey!" Joey let out, allowing himself to be dragged into the forest with Seto at his side. "I don't know if we're supposed to be in here."

"If anyone catches us I will say it was my idea." Seto told him. "That way no one will get in trouble."

"That isn't really fair."

"Well it wouldn't make sense to tell someone that we came in here because Aureus wanted to go play in a different place."

"If we're caught by Serenity, she'd understand."

"That's different." Seto shivered. "And Ra knows I don't want her to find me."

"Why's that?" Joey questioned, already knowing the answer.

"She doesn't like me very much." Seto laughed, taking a step forward and almost tripping when he felt a line there. He straightened himself up, looking down to find Aureus making a line across him with the leash.

"You're going to trip him, boy." Joey spoke, watching as Aureus then began to walk around Seto, then behind Joey, before breaking into a run and dashing around them in a circle.

"This is new-!" Joey gasped as he felt the leash wrap around his legs, pulling him closer to Seto.

"Is it?" The royal narrowed his eyes in confusion, also feeling his body being pulled to Joey. The two of them pressed up against each other, not able to stop it as Aureus then stood to the side and looked at them, as if admiring his work.

"Great..." Joey groaned, trying to wiggle his legs free from the leash. Aureus barked at him for doing this. "What?" The puppy growled, as if it was telling him something.

"I think he wants us to do something." Seto rose an eyebrow, this was actually convenient for him.

"Oh really?" Joey narrowed his eyes at the royal. "What can we do when we're stuck together like this?"

"Well, I can talk to you and..." Seto moved his arms, wrapping them around Joey's waist and pulling him closer, pressing their bodies tighter against each other. "I can do this."

Joey's face burned and he felt his body beginning to do the same as his mouth dried and his heart pounded. This wasn't right, this wasn't right at all!

"I-I need to get back to class." Joey said, placing his hands on Seto's chest and pushing away, unable to put any distance between them.

"And I need to ask a question."

"Can't it wait until later?"

"No, it can't." Joey stopped pushing, looking up into the ice blue that gazed down at him. "If I wait any longer I might be too late..."

"Huh?" Joey breathed out, his mind trying to come up with suggestions of what he was going to ask.

"Joey." Seto sighed. "I'm an adviser, I am not true royalty, as you may already know. I am harsh, I have a temper, and I am not nice, usually..." He stopped for a moment before he went on. "No one can usually make me take a breather, as I hear people say, and I can never usually act normal. But after meeting you and..."

"Look." Seto shook his head. "I'm not good with words, I never have been, but..." Joey gulped, he couldn't think for some reason. What was going on? What was he saying? Was he doing what he thought he was doing? No way...

"I like you." Seto breathed out. "I really really like you. You're on my mind all of the time, I can't think straight and do my work when I think about you. Anything I do, you come up and just make me lose it. If anyone mentions your name, I can't help but stop what I'm doing and think of how odd you are, how you always get mad at the stupidest things, how you have an annoying attitude..." Joey opened his mouth to interrupt. "And how much I want you in my life." Joey shut it immediately.

"You're adorable, you're funny, you always make me laugh, and I know we haven't known each other for very long..." Seto stared down into the honey gaze of the one in front of him. "But I need to ask this and I'll never live it down if I don't ask it..."

Joey gulped, waiting for what seemed to be an eternity for the royal to ask. Was he really about to ask this? If he was, what was he going to say? Think Joey think!

"Will you go out with me?" Seto asked, his face red after everything he had said. Joey felt as if time had stopped for him. Go out with him? With a royal? No way...No way, no way, no way!

"Y-You're not joking?" Joey whispered, not able to leave the royal's gaze. Seto shook his head.

"Never." Seto replied. "I'm serious about this, and I know I'll be leaving, but I want you." He held him tighter. "And I think this will work out..."

Joey looked down for a moment, this was so sudden and he had no idea what to do but...He licked his lips, looking back up and giving him a slight grin.

"I uh..." Joey shook his head. "I guess I'll give it a shot..."

"So, that's a yes?" Seto breathed out. Joey nodded.

"Yeah, it's a yes." Joey smiled, not expecting it when Seto held him even tighter and placed his chin on his shoulder.

"Thank Ra..." He gasped out, releasing all of his stress onto Joey's shoulder. "I was so scared..."

Joey felt the leash around his legs release, he turned his head, looking down to see Aureus staring up at the two of them with the part of the leash that Joey would hold onto.

"Aureus..." Joey smiled, feeling Seto release him for a moment.

"I will admit though, Joey." Seto smiled at him, looking to the golden puppy and shaking his head at it.

"That puppy of yours is quite the match maker."

:Couple number 2! Congratulations! Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter, please review!: