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Jounouchi's Bartending Guide	By : lostintheheartland Category: Yu-Gi-Oh > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 3128 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I don't own Yugioh and I don't make profit from these stories.

Chapter List
- 1-Jounoucni's Bartending Guide
- 1
Title: Jounouchi's Bartending Guide

Author: Maggiemay

Muse: Mofaf1

Beta: Mofaf1

Genre: Romance (of course)

Rating: Mature

Pairing: Seto/Jou (of course)

Spoilers: None

Summary: Vignettes of Jou and Seto - mixed with liberal amounts of humor and alcohol, and a dash of drama.

******

Apertif: Compari – Bitter and not to every one's palate. An acquired taste presumed to be made of Rhubarb and Ginseng. Presumed because it is a closely guarded secret.

Jounouchi Katsuya stared down at the order ticket in disbelief. “Yer jokin’ right? This is a joke?”

The server, a perky twenty-year-old woman shook her head silently as color ebbed from her face. Their chef was known for his tantrums and rages over what he called customer stupidity. She’d never seen it and had in fact begun to doubt the validity of the stories her co-workers had told of the chef’s past behavior. It seemed out of character for the normally quirky, friendly, smiling man to blow up and fire three people because of a customer request for catsup. Judging by the dark flush on the blond chef’s face and the way people around him were backing up, she had a sinking feeling she was about to witness the doubted explosion first hand.

“Unnn… no Jounouchi-san. The customer requested…” She stammered, backing up slightly, her eyes unknowingly mimicking the wide-eyed chibi look that Jou’s best friend Yugi was world famous for.

Remembering what happened last time he took his anger out on his employees, he reigned in his artistic temperament and nodded “Show me the customer. I’ll discuss his request, after all this is a steak house that prides itself on innovative sauces and flawless grilling. This… is not…” He gestured slightly and the woman spun away, grateful she wouldn’t have to bear the famous Jounouchi wrath.

Determined to have it out with the ignorant demanding patron Jou followed closely, only to come to a complete stop as the girl gestured to a table tucked in a near corner. His breath left him in a whoosh as he recognized the brunet seated at the table. “Kaiba…” He breathed softly, but not soft enough.

The server burst into speech. “Yes. That’s why I took the order. Kaiba-san is…”

“I know who Kaiba is.” He snapped “Get back to work. I’ll handle this.” He didn’t notice when the waitress scuttled away.

He hadn’t seen Kaiba more than a dozen times since high school and only at tournaments they both competed in. And he’d never seen this Kaiba. The Kaiba he knew was stoic, cold, and distant as the moon, completely out of reach despite his many attempts to be friendly. This Kaiba was smiling slightly, his eyes sparkling with animation and affection. Jou’s breath hitched in his throat as he saw the man he thought of as cold and unemotional reach out and gently stroke the back of his companion’s hand with a single fingertip. For Jounouchi it was as if all the lights had been turned on in his mind and he saw things more clearly than he ever had before. Kaiba was... human... Kaiba... cared... Kaiba loved someone...

Instantly he focused on the person who Kaiba had voluntarily, affectionately, touched. The breath he was holding strangled as it tried to expel in a hurry. A man… Kaiba Seto was with a man. Obviously someone he cared for, perhaps even loved. When Kaiba’s companion leaned forward into the light Jou literally froze. Blond hair shone golden in the subdued lighting, delicate bone structure, and large hazel eyes made a picture that was almost too pretty to look at. But it wasn’t the pretty features of the other man that held Katsuya in its thrall; it was the realization that Kaiba was with someone who looked like…him. Violent and strange emotions tore through him. Without saying a word to the occupants of the table, he spun around and stalked back to the place he could bury the conflict until he had time to sort out his emotions.

When he got back to his station he called to one of his assistants. “Bring me the freshest tenderloin. Also one of you send someone to the farmer’s market up the street. Get me the freshest eggs available.” When everyone scrambled to do his bidding he got to work on other orders.

Just as he was mincing the tenderloin into fine bits the door swung open and a cloud of perfume wafted through the room. His wife’s nasally voice called out “Katsuya honey, it’s time to go if we’re going to meet Valon on time.

His scalpel sharp blade hesitated for just a moment. Valon was an old ‘friend’ of Mai’s. They’d met several times over the years but he’d begun hanging around a lot more in the last few months. Jou wasn’t stupid; he knew what the other man wanted. He’d been after Mai for years, even before she and Katsuya had married. Like the predator he was, Valon had scented the recent discord in their marriage and was hoping to take advantage of it. His wife was spending more and more time with Valon. Jou read the writing on the wall. Eventually they would split and Mai would go with Valon unless he stepped in.

It had become clear just a few days prior when Mai moved into their guest bedroom because she needed space from the fighting that Valon was winning the battle for Mai. Jou was honest with himself... he really didn't put up much of a fight.

Mai wanted to move back to England to be with her family – and their money. Jou wanted to stay in Japan and continue to work in the restaurant. It wasn’t just a job to Jou – he owned twenty per cent of it and he had hopes of buying out one of the other owners. He didn’t want to give up what he had. They argued about it daily with no resolve in sight. Once, Katsuya knew, he would have done what she wanted. But in the last few years his desire to please her had faded to a comfortable tolerance. He still loved her, but now, seven years into their marriage it was love out of habit, almost like that he felt for his sister, although if he were honest he'd have to admit he loved his sister more. But, he had made a promise to be with Mai forever and he had intended to stick with it.

If he stopped and went with her now he had a shot of saving his marriage. If he didn't he was sure he would soon be divorced. Swallowing hard, he resumed his fine mincing and he replied evenly “I told you I had to work. Why don’t you go meet Valon and you two have a nice dinner?” He gave passive, tacit approval of her being with the other man.

“Honestly Jou, you could take time off if you wanted.” She crossed her arms over her ample chest and frowned at him. “He wants to treat us for our anniversary. It’s next week.” But the normal demanding tone was gone. It was as if she were merely saying the words for routine. Perhaps she was. Jou thought she was. Maybe she was just as conflicted as he was. As subtly as possible he gave her his permission. “You go ahead. I’ll catch it some other time. There’s an important customer in-house. I have to make an impression.” Aching for the choice he'd made, but not regretting it, he ignored her as she walked out and focused on creating the best steak tartar Kaiba Seto would ever taste.

He was unsurprised that Mai wasn't home when he dragged through their front door almost ten hours later. Toeing off his shoes he sank onto his couch and leaned back, closing his eyes tiredly. Instead of a bombardment of memories and regrets, the image that had haunted him all night filled his mind. Kaiba Seto - The small smile, the subtle touches he'd been privileged to witness, were an entirely new side of the man he'd never considered more than a robotic ice-cube. The revelations about Kaiba were stunning, and as exhaustion claimed him he fell into a dream that he hadn't had in years but that he greeted like an old friend.

Mai returned the next day to pick up her clothes and a few possessions. He didn't argue when she demanded a divorce. He simply agreed to meet her to sign the papers for Kyogi Rikon – Divorce by mutual agreement.

The cold, clinical act that ended their seven year (to-the-day) marriage gave him both loss and hope. He would stay home and make his dream of owning a premiere restaurant, preparing five star meals for the glitterati of Domino and someday the world, come true. The future was bright and full of possibilities - one of which a dream that had haunted him for years.

Tequila Shooters: Not brewed from a cactus as commonly believed but from a member of the Lily family. The Weber blue agave to be precise. The Lily family has been used for countless centuries to cure what ails man. No wonder it is used in fermented form to blunt pain.

Three weeks after his shockingly fast divorce Jounouchi was working the bar, filling in for a bartender who needed the night off. As an owner it was part of his responsibility, but it was one he didn’t mind. Mai had left for England with Valon the day they signed the papers and hadn't returned. He missed her, but not with the crushing pain he expected. His pain was comparable to when Shizuka had moved to the United States to study medicine. He actually felt a little guilty about his lack of feeling which was why he was working and not out partying, celebrating his freedom – Mai had been his wife, shouldn't he feel more pain? Instead of mourning his dead marriage Jounouchi found himself aching and dreaming for something - someone - else. Kaiba Seto.   When he was a teen he had been consumed with trying to defeat the rich jerk. It had been a necessity that the other teen see him as an equal.

He'd also had erotic dreams of sex with the tall brunet. Something about having that long body sprawled beneath him had gotten him hotter than any other wet dream. At first he'd been freaked out, confused about his sexuality. But after he'd spoken to Mai, the most experienced friend in his circle, he'd understood that it truly had been about the game. She had asked him point blank if he thought he'd enjoy getting Kaiba's dick shoved up his ass or sucking Kaiba off. The way she'd put it, the repulsive mental images, had killed any confusion about his sexuality. Mai's offer to help him figure it out had actually been the catalyst to her becoming his girlfriend and later wife.

But now the dream was back, just as hot and just as confusing. But this time he didn't have the excuse of wanting to dominate the brunet on the field translating to dominating him in bed. Not only was the game not a factor, but new elements had been added. The sex was still there, but it was tempered with a kind of tenderness and caring that had never been evident before. He didn't just want to lay Kaiba down, he wanted Kaiba to reach for him, to touch him with that stunning tenderness that he'd shown at the restaurant. Jou didn't just want to see those brilliant blue eyes gleam with passion, he wanted them to warm with affection.

It was an impossible dream because not only would Kaiba never look at Jou that way, but the brunet was with someone he obviously cared about. If he knew anything about Kaiba Seto it was that he was loyal and his love absolute. But the dream haunted him every night. He wanted - needed - to see Kaiba, even if he couldn't be with him.

His need was so consuming that he'd actually gone so far as to buy any newspapers and magazines that had Kaiba's name on it. Not that there was ever any mention of the billionaire genius being involved with a man. The exact opposite was true. There was daily speculation about which woman he was with, when and where. But for all the speculation there were no pictures or concrete stories. It gave him mixed feelings. Kaiba was faithful, if not open, about his lover.

He snapped back to the present when someone sat at the bar. Mentally he did a face palm as he recognized the blond that sat down. “Hi, what can I get for you?” He asked automatically, even though his heart was pounding like a drum. Kaiba’s boyfriend. Maybe Kaiba was there? He could talk to him? Maybe.. maybe... "Or are you waiting for someone?"

"I'm alone."

Kaiba's lover didn't sound happy about it either. Maybe he could induce the other man to talk, add a few – just a few – details to his dream. Yeah it wasn't healthy but it wasn't like he was going to do anything. It was a harmless dream. "Okay what can I get you?" Jou put on his most friendly, sympathetic face.

“I don't care! Somethin’ ta make me forget what an asshole I’m involved with.” The other blond snapped petulantly. That sat Jou back slightly but he knew that Kaiba could be an asshole and love didn't necessarily negate that.

Regaining his professionalism Jou reached for a shot glass. “Tequila will do it.” Signaling for the other bartender to take over, Jou served the drink and leaned on the bar. “So, an asshole huh? What happened?”

“Major asshole. He never wants to go out in public or anything. We can never go clubbing together, never party or anything.” The whining tone became a sarcastic parody of Kaiba’s deep voice “I can’t be seen with a man. If the press found we were involved I would be ruined.” The mimicry stopped and the blond shrugged. “It’s not a big fucking deal. He’s gay, so they would get over it. I want to go out and party. What good is it if he has all the money in the world and we can’t spend it?” He picked up his glass and tossed it back, slamming the empty on the bar.

More to appear sympathetic then out of genuine emotion Jou nodded. Privately he understood Kaiba's caution. His primary customer base was kids for God's sake. Homosexuality may be more accepted by the younger people but a lot of the older, parent age, consumers were still hidebound by traditional attitudes. “Yeah money ain’t what it’s about. Love and caring is what it’s about. He should be proud ta have a lover like you.” He poured another shot in the empty glass.

“He… how do you know anything?” Suspicious brown eyes glared at him.

“I saw ya in here one night with Kaiba Seto. Saw how he looked at ya, how he touched yer hand. I figured you guys were together.” When the other man went dead white Jou held up his hand soothingly, deliberately letting the man see the wedding ring he had slipped on to discourage patrons from hitting on him. “Relax, I ain’t gonna tell a soul. I’ve known Kaiba since high school. In fact I think I’ve even seen ya at a few of the duels I’ve been to.” Smiling, he held out his hand, “I’m Jounouchi. Nice to meet you.”

For a second Jou thought his offer would be rebuffed, then the other man took his hand, shaking it lightly “I’m Mizuni Tomoya. Nice to meet you too.” He bit his lip slightly “So you really know Kaiba?” For courage he drained his second shot.

“Yeah, though ya probably don’t recognize my name. He normally calls me mutt or bonkotsu.” Jou forced a slight smile, as if those names were a joke and not the source of endless teen angst. “We’re friendly without bein’ friends I guess ya could say. I wouldn’t ever do anythin’ ta hurt Kaiba though. Back in school we all had each other’s backs.”

That made Tomoya laugh. “I know who you are now. You’re Moutou-san’s best friend. You’re married to that English woman – Mai. She is a duelist as well isn’t she?”

“Yeah. Me an’ Mai been together since school. I really owe Kaiba a favor for lettin’ her compete again.” The fact that they were divorced wasn't public knowledge. Only his close friends knew and he wanted to keep it that way. He did not want to be 'set up' with anyone. Deftly he poured a third shot.

Tension, unnoticed until it was released, flowed out of Tomoya. “So it’s all right to talk to ya.” He sipped his third shot. "You don't know what a relief that is. He never really listens. It's his way or no way."

“Yeah. I’m a good listener an’ it goes nowhere. Not just ‘cause I’m friends with Kaiba but ‘cause I’m yer bartender. Bartender’s oath of secrecy ya know.” Jou smiled in what he hoped was an encouraging way. He really didn’t know why he was making nice with Kaiba’s lover, something about the man set his teeth on edge, but a niggling feeling, just a little tickle in the back of his head, some half-form, completely unrecognized thought urged him to get the whiner to talk.

Tomoya, wanting to share as he hadn’t been able to in almost two years, opened up about everything from his feelings of neglect to the wonderful presents he got for inventive sex acts. He barely noticed when Jou stopped filling his glasses with tequila and filled them with a nice warm tea.

He was still talking when the bar closed and Jounouchi guided him outside and hailed a taxi. When he woke the next morning in his own bed he found a bottle of painkillers on the bedside along with a quart of water and a slip of paper with Jounouchi’s phone number on it. The note read simply that if he needed to talk in the future give him a call.

A few days later Tomoya needed to talk desperately. Kaiba was going out of town for three months - three months - and cancelled their last date because of his full grown little brother having some kind of 'crisis.' "Of course the shit is just possessive and jealous of Seto. Every time we have plans he calls and about half th' time the jerk has some 'problem' only his brother can help him with." The tipsy blond confided after his third shot. Jou had noticed three was when Tomoya started to open up. "I know what it is too. Why he hates me."

"Oh? Why would he? You're a nice guy and I know Mokuba. He's pretty all right when he wants to be. Kinda obsessed with his brother but not unfair." Jou said reasonably.

"Nah I walked in on them arguing about me once. Mokuba was saying how I was not worth Seto's time, how I was just a... a... droppeled something." Glaring at his glass, he tossed back his fourth shot and slammed the glass down. "Damn asshole. He's th' one keepin' Seto from acknowledging me. I know he is."

Jou made non-committal noises and continued to pour shots. At about the seventh shot he switched to warm tea and when closing time came, just as he had before, he brought the other man home, laid out pain killers and water and left his phone number.

Over the next few months it became Tomoya's routine to stop by the restaurant, sit at the bar, and down shooters while bitching about the latest woes Kaiba put him through. He didn't call or he called at inconvenient times. He sent gifts, but they were either too cheap or obviously second thought purchases, and the absolute worst thing, Kaiba expected him to stay home quietly. No partying, no fun, no nothing. The one time he'd broken that rule and his picture, barely distinguishable in the crowded glitterati photo in the gossip rag, had brought an angry phone call and an irate Mokuba down on him, telling him he had a responsibility to his brother, to discretion, to the fucking company. Fuck the company! He didn't work for goddamn KC."

Jounouchi poured the fourth shot of the night, reflecting that Tomoya had started bitching early. "Yeah, your job is to love Kaiba Seto, not worry about KC. And he don't pay you near enough." Bullshit, pure bullshit. Kaiba paid for the blond's apartment, paid for his clothes, and constantly bought him presents that ranged from outrageously expensive to whimsical. As the night progressed, Tomoya became more and more aggressive about Mokuba and his jealousy. Of course Jou had figured out almost right away that it wasn't the younger Kaiba who was jealous - it was Tomoya.

Later, as he poured Tomoya into his bed, Jou learned something he didn't know... Tomoya, his tenuous link to his crush, would probably not come by for a while - if ever again - Kaiba was coming home in two days and taking his lover on a two-week vacation to Seychelles.

Jou was enjoying a rare night off, quietly drinking a few shots of tequila in his apartment, trying desperately to shut out the image of Tomoya and Seto on a private beach making love in perfect time with the ocean, when his cell phone rang. Curious, but not intending to answer, he checked the caller ID and gasped in shock. Instantly he answered. "Tomoya! Yer supposed ta be bangin' yer guy on the beach!"   And god help him if he didn't feel a dark chill of hate at the thought. "Why ya callin' me?"

"J...Jounouchi! Where are ya! Jou... Jou... I need you! M'best friend. Where..."

"Uhm. I'm home. Where are you?" Jou wasn't quite sober but he was sober enough to try to pull it together. Something was obviously wrong.

"I'm at th' bar. No beach for me! He... he... cancelled!" The last came out as a wail. "Jounouchi he cancelled to go to some... some... woman's party! He hasn't even ben to see meee" Ratcheting sob "He didn't invite meee... Months of celibacy... and no dick..."

Jou didn't wait to hear more. He knew the other blond was a drama queen and just by the sound of his voice, Tomoya had already had several drinks. If Kaiba's lover got arrested in Jou's place there would be hell to pay. There would be no way Kaiba would fail to discover who owned the restaurant and he was sure that the brunet would blame him for Tomoya's excesses. Jonouchi might dream and fantasize about seeing Kaiba, but he was smart enough to know it would never happen. Kaiba was more likely to take his place apart brick by brick. "Tomoya, stay right there. I'll be there in about ten minutes. Stay there and talk to the dark-haired bartender if you need to. No one else okay?" That was another worry. Tomoya talked when he was drunk and if someone got wind of who Tomoya's lover was... Jou shuddered. It didn't bear thinking about. Tomoya would be out on his ass and Kaiba would be livid... he would... he would... that's when Jou's thought processes and half realized thoughts coalesced. Tomoya would be gone, away from Kaiba and Jou... Jou could... could... without pausing to think of the consequences Jou scrolled through his contact list, and finding the number he wanted of a certain ex-student librarian, sent a text inviting her for drinks and conversation.

The story, written by Nosaka Miho, caused a stir. Kaiba Seto was gay, with a beautiful blond male lover. There was speculation, there was censure, but after the shock wore off, there was blase acceptance. Kaiba's marketing team earned their stellar salaries, making Seto's homosexuality seem 'normal' for him. Everyone knew he was an orphan, someone with high IQ and high standards and almost inhuman demands on his time. Of course he needed a man, someone older (even if only by a year) to give a positive role model. His intelligence gave him little patience for a woman's emotional needs, and even less understanding, so it was completely natural for him to bond with another man, one who understood him. And of course another man would have a full time job and support himself, the demands from a man were less than from a woman. The marketing team made it completely plausible. Even the harshest critics nodded grudgingly. They didn't condone him, but they didn't condemn him.

Jounouchi was heartsick and livid. His alcohol influenced little plan to get rid of Tomoya had failed. The Seychelles trip never happened, but instead of dumping the whiner Seto had moved him into his home, publicly acknowledging him as his lover.

Not that the change in venue made much of a difference. Tomoya still came by twice a week, sometimes more, to bitch about everything from separate bedrooms to Seto's insistence that he get a job to pay for some of his own expenditures. "Asshole has more money than all but six people on the planet and he wants me to get a job and still be available for his every whim." Giving the blond a bleary look he snorted "Like ya always say. My job is ta love him. I gotta say, it's hard work most of th' time."

Wanting nothing more than to go home and sleep after his own twelve hour day working at the restaurant, Jou quipped "Next time he tells ya to pay fer somethin' tell him you will as soon as he gives ya back wages."

Tomoya blinked at him as if he'd said something absolutely profound. "Yeah! Yeah! My back wages will set me up for life."

Jou ignored the babble and keeping with their new routine, dumped the other man into a cab and gave the driver Kaiba's address. He wasn't going to risk life, limb, or heart and soul by going into Tomoya's home with Kaiba.

Six days passed with no word from Tomoya. Then out of the blue Jou got a text telling him thanks and goodbye. It was over with Seto and Tomoya was leaving Japan for America. A few hours later he read about the very public break-up of Kaiba Seto and his blond lover. Money was the root of the issue, with Tomoya demanding back wages and giving stories about Seto to any rag that would print them. There was no response from the brunet, but abruptly the stories ended. There was rumor of payment made but nobody had the details and neither Tomoya nor Seto were talking.

The dream that had hovered in the back of Jounouchi's mind became stronger and the amorphous thoughts he'd shelved as impossible, improbable, and just plain wrong, slipped in, forming into something resembling a solid plan.

Chapter 3: Whiskey Neat - Fine Whiskey served at room temperature without a mixer so that the drinker can enjoy the aging and subtle flavors of the whiskey.

"Whiskey, neat." Kaiba Seto told the waitress crisply without more than a cursory glance in her direction. The woman's ingratiating smile flickered and died as she hurried away. The owner hadn't even looked at her. Sumei doubted he'd notice if she had another waitress deliver the drink. Huffing slightly she hurried to the bar. She'd practically had to beg to be able to serve the owner's table and it had been for nothing. Obviously Kaiba Seto publicly dumping his boyfriend didn't mean that he was interested in women, after all Sumai knew she was considered by everyone who met her to be exceptionally pretty. Only a gay man would ignore her. Needing an ego boost she smiled in a way guaranteed to stop a man in his tracks. The blond man just entering the bar returned her smile

distractedly and walked past, his attention focused elsewhere. Her smile faltered and disbelief etched into her pretty face when he crossed and threw himself into the seat next to Kaiba Seto. Disdain took the place of disbelief. It figured he was a fag too.

Nose out of joint she turned to Meirou and told her to take the owner's table, she needed a break. "He ordered Whiskey, neat." Pride stinging she spun away and stalked off the floor. Meirou ordered a Hibiki tweny-one year Whiskey, neat. "For the owner so don't skimp." She advised softly.

Jounouchi Katsuya pulled out the chair and grinned widely, "Yo Seto. Good duel today. Second place as usual. One day I'll beat ya and you'll be third."

His desire for company warring with his desire to get rid of this major pain in the ass battled for a second, but the blond's words sealed the deal. He didn't want to talk about dueling. He wanted... well what he wanted he couldn't get from his current companion. He had been debating calling his ex to get what he did want, weighing the pros and cons of dipping into that particular nest of hornets when Jounouchi sat down. He still hadn't made up his mind.

Flicking the uninvited visitor a cold look that plainly said 'get lost' he grunted "What did you call me, Bonkotsu?"

"Heh heh..." The blond laughed, completely unabashed. "Thought since we'd known each other for like eight years I could call ya Seto. Ya can call me Katsuya if ya want."

Seto growled slightly "Fuck no." He stopped the rest of his comment when a waitress, one without avaricious eyes and a painted on smile, placed a medium tumbler of whiskey in front of him. Deciding to ignore the nuisance sitting at his table he stared down at his drink hoping the idiot would take a hint.

"I'll have what he's havin'." Jou smiled up at the waitress when she asked if he would like to order.

After she left a long, expectant silence filled the table. Seto was determined. He would not speak to the blond. If the idiot wanted to talk let him open the topic. He would decide whether or not to respond.

Jounouchi, nerves taut and straining, finally broke the silence. "So... How's yer boyfriend?"

Why he asked that, the CEO had no clue. His dismissal of his ex-lover had been very public. Jounouchi would have had to been living in a cave for the last few months to miss it. Seto flicked him a look that could have stopped the wind. "History." Seeing the blond nod he asked "How's your wife?" Fair was fair. If the questions were going to get personal then he'd show the idiot what it felt like.

The blond frowned fiercely and gulped down his whiskey, waving to the waitress for another. "History."

That information surprised Kaiba. He gave Jou a genuinely curious look. "Thought you two would be together forever. You've been together since we were in school. Six or seven years."

Jou shrugged and sighed "Yeah well... She got th' seven year itch and wanted someone else ta scratch it. Divorce was final eight months ago."

Another long silence, then Jou gave the brunet a quick look before dropping his eyes to his drink. Obviously screwing up his courage he downed that drink as well, signaling for a third. "So what happened to your guy? I mean you've been together for like three years?"

For a moment Seto hesitated, then took a slow sip of his own drink. "Found out he loved my wallet more than me."

"That's tough." Jou frowned and clapped his shoulder in commiseration. "What tipped ya off? I mean I never liked th' guy an' thought he was after yer money an' all but you seemed happy... well for you... being Kaiba and all."

"Hnn..." Seto didn't fight the whiskey induced urge to open up. Jounouchi and Yugi were the only people he numbered among quasi-friends he didn't pay by the hour. Besides he was loathe to admit it but he was lonely. So lonely that he'd actually considered calling his ex. Thankfully he was past that stupidity.   Something he was marginally grateful to the blond for. He'd distracted him when he'd weakened. "He wanted something... I don't even remember what... and he asked for the cash. I told him to use what he got from his job." His lips twisted bitterly. "He looked at me like I'd committed a crime and told loving me was his job." It was his turn to toss back his drink. "I thought he was joking but he stormed out. I didn't know he was serious, that we were truly arguing until he sent me a bill for back wages."

"Holy fuck Kaiba! What a loser." Jou took the drink Seto had signaled for and gulped it back. "Did ya kick his ass?"

The bitter curve returned, coupled with the icy glare that was the CEO's trademark. "Nah, I payed him and then fired his ass." Seeing Jou start to protest he couldn't resist adding "After I had an accountant go through his accounts and deduct any and all expenditures not purchased in the course of his

duties. He ended up with sixty thousand yen... the cost of a cheap whore."

Jou, beginning to feel tipsy and more brave, chuckled richly. "Good for ya! Sometimes yer bein' an asshole really works for ya." Strangely it was a compliment and Seto took it as such. The other man wasn't so bad when he was buzzing. Buzzying... Seto assessed his blond companion. Jounouchi was going to be a loud drunk. Knowing he would regret it but unwilling to be alone, he leaned forward and invited "Lets go somewhere quiet. I'm not in the mood to be arrested for being drunk in public."

That sobered Jou for about a second. He nodded somberly. "I gotta room here. Wanna come up?" Seeing the brunet hesitate he got defensive "It ain't the penthouse but it's nice. I ain't rich like you but I do okay in my job. I'm a good chef."

Dryly Seto replied "I know it's nice because I own the place. I'm staying in the penthouse. And I've been to your restaurant. You are better than good." Frowning slightly, his mind going over the possibilities, he nodded "But your room is a better choice than the penthouse. The paparazzi are always stalking me in my room." Snorting in disgust he shook his head. "They use telephoto lenses through the windows."

That revelation made Jou stumble slightly as they crossed the plush carpet to the elevator. "Shit that just sucks. Ya gotta hate it. Yer a private kinda guy."

The astute observation surprised Seto. He hadn't thought Jounouchi knew him well enough to figure that out.

Seeing his widened eyes, Jou turned and leaned against the elevator wall, watching him with smug eyes. "Fourteenth floor. Room fourteen oh six." After Seto pushed the button Jou grinned at him, "Ya think I didn't know yer private? Hell yeah I know. What ya do, th' showman stuff is for KC. It's business." Jou waved his hand negligently. "But ya never give anything important away. Hell I doubt anyone would know ya were gay if ya hadn't been outed by yer boyfriend last year." The grin died and a frown took his place. "I thought ya would get rid of him after that."

Seto shrugged "Didn't hurt the business and I was comfortable. I cared for him." He followed Jou out of the elevator and down the hall.

"Cared for?" Jou opened the door to his room and gestured the brunet in. "Ya can't say ya loved him? Man yer repressed."

"I didn't say it because it isn't true. I didn't love him. He was sexy and fun; I thought he loved me. I need love just as much as anyone." He confessed, not sure if it was the alcohol or something else driving him. He lowered himself casually to the large couch, relaxing into it's softness.

Jou goggled at him for a moment, then crossed to pour a couple of snifters of the courtesy bar whiskey. "Never expected ta hear ya say that." He grinned and toasted with his glass. "Ta honesty." He flopped down on the couch next to the reclining brunet. For several heartbeats there was silence, then Jou set down his glass and leaned forward, almost hunching over protectively. "So... can I ask ya somethin' personal? Since yer bein' so honest?"

Slowly Seto put down his drink, then leaned back, turning to face the blond. "So you're finally getting to the reason you sought me out?" No point in pretending ignorance. Jounouchi knew he was a genius. Everyone had angles, it was just a matter of waiting them out sometimes.

Jou nodded slowly "Shoulda known you would figure it out. Okay here goes... I'm... I wanna know... Didja ever like me? Like 'that'...? As a guy ya could be with?" Dark color rushed up his neck and cheeks. He could even feel his ears turning red. This was harder than he thought it would be.

Hiding the feeling of being sucker punched in the gut, to buy himself time to figure out what was going on, he let his eyes wander over the familiar long rangy build, blond-blond hair, and piercing gold eyes. When he couldn't find a safe answer he stalled "Why do you ask me that? You're straight so anything I may or may not have felt is moot. Is this some kind of power trip or..." He broke off when Jou shook his head once sharply in denial.

"I ain't playin' games or trippin'. I... I want to know because I got somethin' I wanna talk to ya about but what I say depends on what you say." Jou knew it was muddled and inwardly he started to curse the 'dutch courage' he'd ingested. It had seemed so clear cut before. And he'd waited so long. He didn't want to screw this up before it began. His plan had to work. It had to.

Seto's blue eyes narrowed as he assessed what the blond could possibly mean. With a short nod he admitted "When we were in school, and even after, I was attracted to you. Of course I knew you were straight so I... I put it away. Even now I... you are physically arresting. You may not have noticed, but blond's are my 'type.'" Hiding his turbulent emotions, he watched the red face through narrowed eyes.

A slow look of relief crossed Jou's features, completely baffling Seto because he'd expected anger or disgust. "Now what did you want to talk to me about?" A small kernel of possibility unfurled. One he resolutely ignored. He'd planted a seed... bit it had been so long ago. It couldn't be growing now...

"It's just... Yer right I did notice blond's are yer type. I noticed one time when ya came ta th' restaurant... and later when the paper printed a picture of your boyfriend last year. I... it changed something for me." He took a deep breath and slowly released it. Bravely he lifted his golden eyes to meet the narrowed blue gaze. "See I told ya Mai

cheated but... but I don't blame her. Ya see after I saw ya at the restaurant and... after I saw that in the paper I... I couldn't touch her. See I wanted..." He broke off as his face burned tomato red. "I kept dreamin' about bein' with ya... bein' yer blond."

Seto stood so quickly the room spun around him. Of everything he'd considered, that hadn't even made the list. Because it was so improbable he denied it instantly.   The seed hadn't taken root. No way, no how. It died... But what he said... could it have needed time? "That isn't funny. I thought more of you than..."

"Fuck no it ain't funny. And I am not joking. My obsession with ya fucking ruined my marriage." Okay not true, but in a strange way very true. Would he have left with Mai that night if he hadn't seen Kaiba and that tenderness? He blew out a hard breath. No way was he admitting more. It wasn't in the plan, not for a long time, if ever. "I ain't no stalker and I ain't applyin' for no 'job.' I just... I want to see if... If the dreams were close ta reality." Standing, he crossed to the other man. "I ain't askin' for anythin' ya

don't wanna give but I... I would really like ta... ta have ya kiss me." There he'd said it. It was up to Seto now. All of his plans, plots and schemes would either succeed or fail right now. Unconsciously he held his breath and waited for the sword to fall.

Suspiciously he stared down at the blond. "Just a kiss." He clarified.

"Yeah. I figure that'll cure me." He was talking to Seto's back as the brunet stalked across the room to stare out the windows. He was glad of that because he didn't think he could have said that with a straight face.

"Cure? What if you like it? Have you thought of that? Where will that leave you?" he deliberately didn't put himself in the equation. He would be where he'd always been... craving the hot blond.

Jou shrugged and told the truth about himself up to the point he realized he wanted Kaiba Seto. "I'm pretty easy goin' about stuff. Sex ain't really been a big deal for me. I mean yeah it feels okay but I don't need it. Th' dreams I have about you are more intense than anything I've experienced in real life. I figure reality won't measure up and this will all go away." Of course a challenge... And hopefully untrue.

Those tidbits piqued Seto's interest. Closing the curtains from potential prying eyes he turned and stared hard at the blond. Beautiful as ever. Delicate features had become older but not gained any coarseness. Strong slim body and proud carriage were just as he remembered. "A kiss. What do I get out of the deal?"

Jou frowned and shook his head slightly. Now that was something that he'd never considered. Seto wanting something in return. It skewed things slightly, but not in a bad way. He just had to figure out what it meant.

Seeing the blond's confusion Seto gave him his best boardroom smile. "You get what you want but what about me? What do I get?" Of course he knew - he'd get a taste of the blond he'd craved for years. But he was a shrewd business man. Jou didn't know that he'd give almost anything for a taste.

"Hmmm..." Looking and feeling more perplexed than ever Jou shrugged "I dunno. A kiss?" He mulled it over before smiling brightly "Why don't ya tell me what ya want." Always go to the source if you want an answer. He'd never be able to out think the genius so it's best to play dumb.

Jounouchi was obviously not used to negotiations. Seto fought the temptation to ask for more than just a kiss. Possibilities were springing to life. Possibilities he'd never dared to dream of. "If you like the kiss I want..." He hesitated as he thought things through. "I want you to come with me tomorrow to the closing ceremony. Stand by my side. After that... I want you to tell every - Everyone - that we are seeing each other."

Jou gulped slightly, and staggered, falling back on the couch. Okay that was more than he'd ever dreamed. He was frankly stunned. "You... you mean... if I... I agree... If I like it... You want... Want to... Be with me?" He hadn't considered Seto might actually want more than a kiss at the start. He thought he would have to work up to a relationship. That the brunet might want him. He thought he was going to have to fight and scheme to get every inch of ground in the brunets heart and mind and here Seto was demanding he come into his life. Lady luck was smiling on him more than she ever had.

"Yes. But I won't hide it Jounouchi. I'm done with hiding." Seto made his position clear.

Jou nodded once, like a puppet on a string. "Okay. I...uh.. I agree." That might have been a little too easy. Kaiba didn't appreciate easy. Hastily he retrenched, giving Seto a direct look he challenged. "If you really want me, yer gonna hafta do yer best Kaiba, 'cause what ya want... it's gonna be hard and if it ain't as good as th' dreams it ain't gonna be worth it."

Pulling the unresisting blond up into his arms he fitted their bodies together smoothly, marveling at the ease of the fit. "My best... I always do my best." He didn't address the dreams issue. He was confident that if Jounouchi was truly interested, attracted or whatever, he could overcome the dreams by making the blond want him in reality.

Jou's breath stilled as he felt a strong hand tilt his face up. Automatically he lowered his lids in an attempt to shield the emotions roiling through him. Hope, doubt, fear, anticipation and a strange heat that raced through his veins like lightening, made him shiver even as he instinctively pressed closer, arching into the hot hard body pressed into him.

He expected the touch of Kaiba's lips to be hard, dominating, ruthlessly demanding but they were soft, supple, gently exploring, first the corner of his lips, then sliding across to nibble the other corner. Gentle touches caressed his tensely pursed lips invited him to relax and just feel. Seto wasn't demanding response or even passion, he was asking in a gentle coaxing way for him to simply enjoy the kiss. Jou followed his lead and softened his lips allowing them to part slightly, asking for a deeper exploration.

Rather than accept the invitation to plunge deep, Seto continued his soft, nibbling assault. The more he teased and coaxed the more pronounced Jou's invitation became, his lips growing hot and wet, parting wider, his tongue flicking just inside, brushing Seto's lips faintly. He could feel the blond's breath accelerating and his heart start to pound, shaking them both. He controlled his desire to dive deep and explore every bit of the offered cavern. This was too important to let his immediate wants overrule his ultimate goal - Jounouchi by his side tomorrow and hopefully in the future.

He could feel the other man's tension and need building to a fever pitch and with the perfect timing, lifted his mouth slightly, deliberately blowing hot air across Jou's sensitive, aching lips. "Well do you..." His question was cut off by the hard, demanding press of Jou's mouth and deep thrust of his tongue. Satisfaction roared through him. He'd won. Jounouchi was kissing him, tacitly admitting that he liked the kiss, that he wanted more... that he wanted Seto. That was all that mattered. Releasing his control he dove into the kiss, returning the hard pressure and deep caresses, mapping every millimeter of Jou's mouth with his own; relishing the sexual battle for dominance that they both won.

A need for oxygen drove them apart. Panting harshly, Seto fought to regain his composure as he watched the blond return from the stratosphere. He deliberately didn't say anything. If he did Jounouchi would probably get defensive and try to run. He wasn't going to give the blond an opening.

Slowly the golden eyes lost their passionate haze, awareness returning. Seto was surprised to see a glow light them even as Jounouchi's red, swollen lips smiled invitingly. "Damn, yer better than dreams. So... Kaiba... Can I call ya Seto in bed?"

Cocktail: Sex on the Beach - A mixed drink of vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice and cranberry juice. Originally created in Fort Lauderdale Florida during spring break 1987 for the students invading the area, it's a favorite with partiers. May be served as a shot as well as cocktail.

Kaiba Seto leaned on the balcony rail and looked out over the glowing golden sands and impossibly blue ocean.   He hadn't been to Pegasus' island in years, but it seemed more beautiful than he remembered. Of course his memories were probably colored by the negative events of that time, but he believed that his current company had a lot to do with his appreciation of the tropical paradise around him.

Jounouchi Katsuya, his friend and lover of almost six months, and his decade-long attraction, had changed his outlook on many things. He wasn't surprised that this island was another in that long list. Big , warm hands gripped his hips, pulling him back into the familiar cradle of Katsuya's thighs. "Nn.. Kobe crisis handled?"

"Yeah." Gripping hands eased up and around his chest, under his light cotton polo shirt, as the slim muscular body of his lover pressed into his back. "Sorry about that. The supplier was sayin' we didn't pay for our last shipment. Had ta walk the manager through the records and have him print a copy of the check, and the bank statement, showing we paid. The supplier checked his records for the day we paid and our payment got credited ta someone else's account."

"This happens ever other month. You should get another supplier, or simply use my ranch to raise your own beef." Seto knew where this discussion was going. One of his lover's most endearing traits was that he refused to use their relationship for any kind of financial gain. "But I know you won't." Sighing with exasperation he turned into the blond's embrace and wrapped him in a hug. "So we'll shelve it for now and enjoy the beach. It's beautiful here."

"Mmm..." Jou arched into him suggestively. "Why don't we skip the beach and enjoy the air conditioning?" Keeping his hold, he stepped back off the balcony and back into their bedroom,

That trait wasn't endearing so much as almost irresistible. For a man who could take or leave sex just six months ago Jounouchi had turned into a very demanding lover. It made Seto want to preen like a peacock with the knowledge that he'd freed that exhilarating drive. "Hmm..."

Jou didn't give him a chance for more, simply dropped to his knees, nuzzling at the stirring bulge behind Seto's the zipper of his straight leg cotton shorts. A quick tug and his cock was free, and in less than a second Jou's talented mouth was working at it eagerly, making the low hum's of pleasure and satisfaction that drove all thoughts of the opening ceremony and social part of the dueling event out of Seto's mind.

Unfortunately, it didn't close off his sense of hearing. A sharp knock at the door brought his head up from where he'd dropped it to gaze down at his lover sucking him enthusiastically. "What?!" He snapped. He nearly choked on his own spit when Jou's teeth grazed against him with teasing pain.

"Kaiba, you are expected on the podium in less than five minutes. Jounouchi is expected to be in his seat in the audience." Moutou Yugi's firm voice came through the door. "Your brother will not forgive you for missing out on the opening ceremony of his first ever joint-tournament with Pegasus."

The sudden speed and increase in suction on his cock, as well as the skilled fondling of his balls made him bit back a moan and thrust deeper into Jou's mouth. "Kaiba! Did you hear me?"

Dazed by the onslaught of sensation, Seto could only gasp and hold on to Jounouchi's hair, pulling him harder into him with each thrust. In just under a minute he was crying out as his lover swallowed every drop of seed spurting from his cock.

After a loving kiss on the shrinking flesh, Jounouchi went to the door where Yugi was practically knocking it off it's hinges. "We'll be there Yugi. Just gotta put on or shoes and we're set."

"Well why didn't you answer?" Yugi looked irate. Of course he had reason to be. This tournament was going to be his last. He was going to be on stage announcing his retirement from the game. He was taking over as VP at Kaiba Corp, helping out his friend and lover, Mokuba. Seto was semi-retiring, working only forty hours a week. That would be announced as well. It was to be a surprise for Katsuya. Although Seto hadn't admitted it, Yugi and Mokuba both thought that his slowing down was so he could spend more time with his lover. "You only have a couple minutes!"

Jou gave him a cheesy grin. "We'll make it and Yugi, ya know I don't talk with m'mouth full." Leaving a red-faced Yugi sputtering, Jou shut the door, bent and slipped on his shoes. "Brain back in that beautiful head?" He asked smugly. It was incredibly hot that he could short-circuit that genius brain just by doing something so incredibly easy and delicious - not to mention addictive - as sucking Seto's dick.

The brunet smirked at the perfect target, zipped over and smacked that fuckable ass just enough to sting through the yellow cotton shorts Jou wore. "Not your best effort." He observed mildly as he slid his sandals on.

Laughter gleamed at Seto from dancing golden eyes. "I only had a minute. Besides... No such thing as a bad blow job."   Another swat answered him and this time Jounouchi laughed out loud. "Stop that! We ain't got time for ya ta spank me an' yer just gonna gimme blue ball worse than I got already."

"Blue ball." Seto snorted. "Not possible. You got off twice on the plane. Mile high club my ass." Seto reached for the door knob, turning it quickly to avoid what was sure to be a physical response that would make them late. Not waiting for the grab he was sure was coming, he nipped out the door.

A hentai look followed his every step. "Yeah Seto. It was definitely that cute ass I fucked." He mumbled under his breath. He didn't think his tall lover heard him until the blue eyes shot him a look that promised much more than a spanking when they had time. Jou couldn't wait.

The opening ceremonies were over and the festivities were well underway. But for Jounouchi the highlight of the entire trip had happened when his lover had stepped up to the microphone and announced he was hiring Moutou Yugi as vice-president and promoting Mokuba Kaiba to CEO of Kaiba corporation. Seto then announced he would be taking an active role as chairman of the board and head of special projects and technology development. Jounouchi was sure of everything it meant, but one thing he did know. Seto had just cut his workload by a full third, maybe more. They could be together more often. Instead of Seto working sixty to seventy hours a week he would be down to forty to fifty. Jou worked about the same at his restaurant. They would see more of each other. At least he hoped Seto planned on seeing more of him. Sometimes it was hard to tell and he was in the perfect spot to figure it out and dream a little.

He loved the open bar right on the beach and had staked a table out early. Seto had gone to meet with Mokuba, Yugi, and Pegasus. Jou had opted to watch the ocean and dream about more time with Seto. He knew he would have been welcome in the meeting but it was business and not a time for friends. It had felt like the right decision and he didn't regret it. Seto had his business and Jou had his own as well. They were lovers but they didn't live in each other's pockets. Seto had frowned at him when he announced that he would wait in the bar then shrugged and went to the meeting.

The scrape of the two chairs brought his gaze back from the ocean vista he'd fixed it on. Hoping to see Seto he couldn't hide his crestfallen expression as he saw his ex-wife and her new husband dropping into the seats. "Hey Katsuya." Mai greeted with a kind of awkward, false cheer. "Long time no see."

"Yeah." Jou agreed, signaling for the grass-skirt and bikini-top clad waittress. "Whatcha want?"

"I can't say 'Hi'? I thought we parted friends." The blond woman tossed back her hair, blowing out an impatient breath.

"We did. But ya ain't called me in all this time ta say 'hi' so I'm guessin' ya want somethin'." Jou was under no illusions about his ex. As long as things went her way she was fine but as soon as he had wanted for himself she had wanted out. Not that he had minded, but it was the principle of the thing. He smiled as the waittress gave him an expectant look. "I'll have a Sex on th' Beach. I dunno what they're having. Separate tabs please."

Varon laughed shortly "He's got you there sweetheart." Giving the waiting server a small smile he nodded "I"ll have one too. She'll have a virgin colada." When the waittress was gone he leaned forward and held out his hand for a shake "No hard feelings?"

With a careless shrug Jou shook his hand briskly. "No hard feelings. We all got what we wanted."

Varon gave him a steady look, full of some meaning Jou couldn't quite grasp. He wasn't confused long. "You don't have to pretend Jounouchi. I know you were devastated when you lost Mai. I know how I felt when I found that when I returned from Australia she had turned to you. And when she married you I thought the world would end."

Uncomfortable under the understanding gaze Jou blinked and shrugged again. "I'm good with it. I've moved on or back... or... well uh... hmm I gotta say that Mai and me were a mistake way back so... uhm... yeah I'm happy for ya."

Valon looked confused but Mai seized the opportunity. "So you have forgiven us? You consider me your friend still don't you? You'd have my back if I needed you?"

"Well I ain't gonna invite ya for dinner or nothin' but yeah, if you were in trouble I'd help out." Jou wasn't sure where this was going and wasn't sure he wanted to know. The drinks arrived and they all paid their share. Hoping to diffuse and divert Jou teased "Given up partyin' huh?"

"Oh honey! You opened the perfect subject." Mai enthused. "I'm pregnant. Our first. We want three." She beamed at Valon as if he were a miracle. "That's why we wanted to make sure there were no hard feelings. I didn't think there would be but..." She shrugged. "Well anyway, I know it seems weird, you being my ex and all, but you've always been my best friend, like a brother to me." She flushed slightly at that. "Well I wanted to ask you to stand as god father, just in case something happens to us. Ya know... I... uhm... I know it's a lot to ask but I... I think you'll raise a child right."

"Eh..." Jounouchi felt like he'd been hit by a brick. Didn't she know how wrong that was? To ask her ex-husband to raise her child if something happened to her? Didn't she know that was just way over the top of what was left of their friendship? "I... Don't know what to say?” How the hell could he answer. He was saved from even trying by Seto pulling out the chair next to him and sliding in, saying lazily. "Well isn't this cozy." Then he turned to Jou "Can you get me a drink? The waitress is busy and I'm too wiped to stand in that line." It was obvious to everyone at the table that Seto wanted to give Jou an escape. And Jou, to his relief and shame, took the out. He hopped up from the table and dashed to the bar, deliberately choosing the longest line for service.

Valon glared "Why are you interrupting?"

"Jounouchi needed rescuing. Your wife's little request threw him off balance."

"And you're his knight in shining armor?"

"Hell no, he's mine. I'm the fire breathing dragon about to protect his golden treasure." Seto said it pleasantly enought but the threat came through loud and clear.

Mai, seeing her opportunity to ensure her child's future about to go up in a puff of dragon smoke, did the only thing she could think of. She drew a deep breath and faked a gagging heave, drawing both of their attention. Varon was, as usual worried, but Kaiba watched her with amused, knowing eyes. Fine he knew, who the hell cared. "Oh god. I'm sorry." She huffed. "Darling could you go back to our bungalow and get my Emitrol? I need it."

Varon blinked "But..."

"Please darling... Hurry." She faked another choking gag, using the small paper napkin from under her drink to cover her mouth. In a shot Valon was gone. Knowing her time was short Mai got straight to the point. "You owe me. I'm collecting."

"Excuse me?"

"I set him free for you. You owe me."

"The way I heard it, it was mutual." Seto rolled his shoulders slightly. "You didn't set him free for me, you set him free for yourself. You wanted Valon."

"I saw you at the restaurant that night. I was going to save our marriage, I was determined and was going to give up on my dream to return home. I was going to stand by him. But then... I saw you... and I saw the man you were with. He looked just like Jou. And then I saw Jou. It was like something that had died over the years, some flame that I'd only seen a few times, had been reignited inside him. He... He didn't fight for me. He knew that if he didn't come it would be the end and he chose to stay... stay and cook - for you. You ordered the tartare dish he was preparing. He... he knew it and it lit him up in a way I hadn't seen since before we were married. I chose not to fight. I left and set him free. I knew you and he would find your way together. You owe me."

"How... conveniently you rewrite history. You married him remember. You know he wasn't..."

"Here's a freebie for you. When he was in high school he came to me with a problem. He was having hot dreams about a guy - you. He was confused about his sexuality. I did my best to straighten him out. He... He never really touched me with the same fervor he talked about you in his sleep."

"I see. So I owe you for losing several years with him?"

"No. You owe me for giving you both time to grow up. You would have killed each other or broken each other's hearts within six months. He was too wild and unrefined and you were too unbending and proud. You owe me... You heard what I want. Convince him to take the child if something happens to me - us. It's important to me."

Seto gazed at her thoughtfully, nothing in his calm expression betraying the rapid thoughts moving through his genius brain. Hundreds of scenarios, possibilities, schemes and probabilities were born and died in just those few seconds. "Fine, I will agree to be the god father. Jounouchi will be with me, hopefully as my domestic partner. That will make him their father as well. It is the best I can or will do. Take it or leave it."

Knowing it was as close to what she wanted as she would get, Mai nodded. "I'll take it. Thank you Kaiba."

"I'll have the lawyers draw up the contract and deliver it to you when you are close to delivery. If you abort it would be moot." Coldly he turned and walked to the bar, snagging Jou out of line. As they left the bar Mai heard Jou protesting, although it was obvious the words were more of a happy greeting than any true protest of Seto's action. The last thing she heard Kaiba say before they were swallowed up in by the darkness was that they didn't need alcohol for sex on the beach.

Mimosa: Traditional morning after drink for newlyweds consisting of equal parts citrus juice and champagne.

A year and a day. They had been together for a year and a day. In that time they had fought, but rarely, debated, grown and changed. But through it all they had loved. Not just the over the top, in love got to have you feeling, but the deeper love of friendship, respect and closeness. Seto knew without a doubt that they would be together for the next sixty years, until both of them cocked up their toes and departed to the land of the dead. He knew that to the very marrow of his bones. That knowledge was so deep he couldn't understand why he was nervous, why he was hesitating to do what his heart and soul told him to. Clenching his fist around the note, with it's green ribbon attaching two plain gold bands he pushed the nervousness aside and laid it in the very middle of Katsuya's pillow, carefully smoothing the creases. His lover always fluffed his pillow, so Seto knew his note... his proposal... wouldn't be missed.

Now that the note was in place Seto felt a rush of relief. Straightening away from the bed he turned to the bathroom. "Katsuya you've hogged the bathroom long enough. I have a big day tomorrow and need to brush my teeth. Come to bed." He called through the closed door.

"Uh yeah. Sorry. I'll... uhm... be right there." The door opened a crack and his sexy blond slipped out, not looking at him, and made a beeline to the bed.

Nerves he'd never admit to made him bolt into the bathroom, leaving the door open a crack. Knuckles white from gripping the vanity he stared blankly at the mirror in front of him, waiting for something... a shriek, a whimper, anything, to say that Jounouchi had found his message.

As the seconds slipped past with no response Seto released his death grip on the vanity and took a deep breath. No answer was it's own answer wasn't it. Swallowing hard, he closed his eyes and tried to tamp down the crushing pain. Opening his eyes again he focused on the mirror for the first time. His breath caught and pain fell away as jubilation filled him. Written on the steamy mirror was all the answer he needed. Jounouchi had written 'Marry Me?' and underlined it with two intertwined hearts.

Whirling he threw the door wide and dashed into the bedroom only to be met by a flying blond clutching the familiar note. Katsuya was crying and chanting "Yes! Yes! Yes!" Seto found himself joining in.

A bachelor's party was tricky with two grooms, but Jou and Seto didn't mind partying together. They loved it in fact. They resolved to stay sober while all of their friends got wasted around them. Blackmail pictures could, and would, be used in various times over the years. If things worked out like Seto planned they would need babysitters.

Of course no bachelor party was complete without strippers, but they were both surprised when a blast from the past popped out of one of the two giant cakes rented for the occasion. Seto frowned with severe displeasure when his ex, Tomoya danced up to him and began to do an improvised lap dance. He didn't feel the slightest interest in the man and was relieved when he moved on. He was concerned when he saw Jounouchi give the other blond a hunted glance and slip out to the balcony of their penthouse hotel room. That concern ratcheted up when Tomoya, at the end of his set, slipped out to the balcony as well. Without appearing to hurry he threaded through the crowd of friends and stood just inside the door. Jounouchi's voice reached him easily.

"Yeah I saw ya. Ya dance good, but I didn't want ya on m'lap. What ya wanna know Tomoya?"

"Kaiba's here." It sounded like an accusation.

"Yeah, it's his bachelor party. He's signin' a domestic partnership tomorrow."

"I heard that. It's all over the papers. I even heard his intended is a blond. That's why I finagled this job. I wanted to see... I thought he might be missing me and this guy was just a... doppelganger."

"You looked it up then? I'm impressed." Jounouchi kept his voice bland. He owed Tomoya courtesy. He hadn't been a true friend to the man and it had gnawed at him various times.

"Funny thing is... Jounouchi... Old friend... I've looked around and the only blond here is you."

"So what are you asking?"

"I think you know." Aggressively the other blond stepped forward, fists clenched and eyes blazing with emotion. "Are you with him? Are you going to be his domestic partner?"

"And if I am? What is it to you?" Jounouchi knew what was not being said, the accusations that were flying from those hurt hazel eyes.

In a move too fast to avoid, or so Jounouchi would claim if ever asked, Tomoya swung out, catching Jou high on the cheekbone. Before he could follow up, the attacking blond found himself caught by rough hands and shoved to the floor, restrained by a heavy, booted foot in the small of his back. "Let me go!" He sobbed, his rage collapsing into tears. "He deserved it. He... He... lied to me, he tricked me. He..."

"Shut up." Kaiba snapped.

"Seto! You don't understand. He broke us up. It was all him. And now he's taken my place. He.. He's a doppelganger. Seto please... I love you. I would never have.. If he hadn't..."

"Are you all right Katsuya?" Seto removed his boot from the snivelling man, and with the flick of his fingers the blond was upright between two of his security team.

"Yeah. I..." Seto's tender fingertips brushed his lips, silencing him.

"Good." He turned icy blue eyes to his ex. "He is not the doppelganger. I only used you because he was not free. You were paid for your services and you have breached the no contact order. I was going to let it slide because you need a job like anyone else, but I'm afraid I will have to press the issue."

Ignoring the heartbroken sobs, Seto nodded and his men carted the Jounouchi wannabe away. Gently he wrapped his arm around his lover's waist and hugged him close. "I'm sorry. I'll make sure he's punished."

"Wait... Seto... Don't. I deserved that." Jou took a deep breath and admitted shakily. "He was right. I did use him and manipulate him. I... It didnt' start out that way but after I got to know him I knew he wasn't for you. I fed him lines I knew would piss you off." He took another breath "I even set him up with that reporter. I thought... I hoped you'd kick him out."

When the arm fell away and the silence deepened Jou blurted "I understand if ya hate me now. I.. I'll get my stuff and get out I... I'm sorry."

There was another few seconds of silence when Jou thought Seto would leave, then just as he was about to lose control and break into sobs, a low chuckle reached his ears. "S... Seto... Y...You're laughing?"

Warm arms encircled him again, drawing him back into the familiar embrace. "I wondered if you would ever admit it, and I wondered if I would admit what I did as well. Ah... the night before our wedding... well if ever there was a time. I know Katsuya. Think about it all, the whole picture. What kicked everything off? I don't mean that time I took Tomoya to the restaurant. I mean the problems in your marriage. Mai made it plain that she wanted to move to England. You were wavering but I couldn't let you go. I spoke to the other investor, convinced him to consider your offer. I told him I was your silent partner and that funds were not an issue. And Valon... it was obvious he was sniffing after Mai and she was interested. I simply arranged for a few tournaments that he could win that would keep him in the area."

"You... you... sabotaged me and Mai?" Somehow that didn't piss him off, instead it made him feel like they were equal. Jou had sabotaged him and Tomoya as well.

"Valon was bragging that he was going to get her. I took Tomoya to your restaurant to show you... that you had options. There was more than Mai possible. I thought... I thought when you didn't come out that you didn't see me. But now I don't think that's true."

"I saw you. You stroked his hand with just your fingertip. It was like the world was flooded with light. I... I didn't know you could be so tender and caring. I...I wanted that for myself. I barely noticed when Mai went with Valon." It was as if a great weight was lifting from his shoulders the more he confessed. "Then Tomoya started coming to the restaurant and he... well he talks when he drinks. I don't like him much, but I pretended to. That's why he's got a right ta hit me. I acted like his friend when all along I just wanted ta know more about ya... wanted more ta feed m'dreams."

"I hoped that. It's why he was allowed to go there. I know he talks when he drinks, which is why I didn't want him partying without me there. I didn't want him forcing me to come out before everything was in place." Giving Jou a squeeze Seto chuckled "Didn't you ever wonder why he was allowed to speak to you? Didn't you ever question why you could get into and out of an apartment I paid for?"

"I just kinda thanked the gods for it and took what was offered." He admitted sheepishly. Now that he thought of it, it was so damn obvious. "You manipulated me into manipulating Tomoya... and coming to you?"

"Yes." The arms disappeared. "Now it's my turn to say, I understand if you hate me now and I'll leave you alone."

Jou turned and jumped into his waiting arms. Of course they were waiting, hadn't Seto already proven he could predict Jounouchi's every move? "Ya damn jerk. Ya ain't standin' me up at the altar. I love you, you love me, and we're getting married tomorrow if I have to tie you up and drag you there."

"Somehow I new you'd say that." Seto managed to get out before his lips were sealed and his genius brain started to scramble. Jounouchi could kiss like no other...

Nightcap: Drank before going to bed, the alcohol content is higher than beer or wine and usually cream or brandy based such as Irish Cream or Bourbon.

Valon and Mai Christianson stepped out of their rental car and walked up to the gatehouse of the Kaiba Mansion. The Guard met them at the door. "May I help you?"

"We're here to see Kaiba Seto. Could you let him know that the Christianson's are here?" Mai asked politely.

"Ma'am, I'm sorry for the confusion, but Kaiba Seto and his family moved from here almost sixteen years ago. The current residents are Moutou Mokuba, Moutou Yuugi, and their children."

"I see." Mai smiled, but it was forced and strained around the edges. Why hadn't they been informed of where they were? "May I have the address? I'm an old friend and haven't seen them in seventeen years."

"Yes Ma'am. I understand, however I'm not allowed to give out the address because of the kidnapping attempt on their seventeen year old son Kaiba Van. It was stopped and Van is fine, but security is important."

Her son... Her oldest son... seventeen? Surely not. She clearly remembered him as a baby just a few years ago. Time hadn't slipped by so quickly had it? When had she last seen Van, Victor Alan as he was named on his birth certificate? When they had dropped off Linda... Lin as they called her... No she hadn't seen Van then. It had been a flying visit, literally a hand off at the airport and Van had been on some trip. When she dropped off Angel. She was sure she had seen Van and Lin when she'd dropped Angel. But no, they'd passed Angel to Seto at a tournament in Tokyo and the children had not been there. Home with colds is what he'd said. Surely not that much time had passed. They had only gone to a few tournaments, then the vacation in Barbados, then they won that cruise around the world that had lasted... how long? Two years? Three?    It couldn't be... her baby was three years old? Her Lin, she would be six then, and that made Victor ten. Kaiba and Jou must have adopted an older child. Surely she hadn't let seventeen years slip by... surely not.

"May I speak to Mokuba and Yugi? Just tell them it's Mai. They will give me the address."

"Ma'am, the Moutou's are not at home. They are at a family gathering. They are celebrating the addition of Kaiba Tenchi to the Kaiba Koseki."

"Tenchi? Angel? My Angel? Kaiba? What the hell?" Her breath came in heavy gasps as her hands clutched her throat.

Valon leaned close to the guard, peeking over his shoulder. There on the screen was a GPS locator giving the coordinates of every Kaiba family member. Memorizing the coordinates, he pulled his hyperventilating wife back to the rental. He spat out the coordinates and the screen lit up.

Fifteen minutes later they were in front of a large, well tended house. From the back shrieks of children, laughter, and chatter could be heard. Their knock on the door was ignored, and with fear and fury in her every step Mai strode around to the back garden, forcing open a gate and stomping up to the large party.

Jounouchi glanced up at the woman just entering his back yard. He was frankly shocked that security hadn't stopped her. It took him a few seconds, but he recognized her, and with a wide smile leaped to his feet "Mai!" Seeing her husband coming up behind her he included him in his glowing greeting "And Valon! Why didn't you call and tell us you were coming? We would have met you at the airport."

Mai bypassed that. She rarely thought to call ahead anywhere. Their plans changed so much in their Gypsy life that they seldom were where they were supposed to be. "Jounouchi." She greeted uncertainly "Eh.. I mean Kaiba. Ugh.. Katsuya! Where are my children?"

Jou shook back his platinum tipped blond hair and gave her an odd look. "Your children? I... " He turned to the tall blue-eyed man at his side. "Seto? Why is she so angry at..."

Seto wrapped his arm around the still trim waist of his lover. "Van, Lin, Tenchi, your bio parents have come to visit. Please give them your respects."

Out of the gaggle of milling people, some of which Mai belatedly recognized as friends from times long past, a young man with shoulder length blond hair and bright blue eyes stepped forward. "It is a pleasure to meet you at last. I am Kaiba Van, seventeen years old and your first gift to our fathers. It is an honor to meet such a selfless woman."

A girl of about twelve with curling amber hair just touching her waist and bright amethyst eyes bowed low. "I am Kaiba Lin, your second gift to our fathers. You are truly a marvellous woman to give so much for their and our happiness. Thank you for life and thank you for our fathers."

A tiny girl with straight brown hair and huge blue eyes tripped forward, caught by the strong hand of Kaiba Seto. "Hi. I'm honored that you have come to see me today! This is the day I become Kaiba Tenchi, daughter in name as well as heart to Kaiba Seto and Kaiba Katsuya. Thank you so much! They are the best dads ever." The little girl ran over and gave Mai a hug, then turned and gave Valon one as well. "It's just the best day ever."

Mai, dead white and trembling with emotion, gave Seto a look full of realization. There was no way she could fight this, no way she could win. Even though Seto had been the one to approach them, offering to take the babies while they went on their merry way, she knew now that it had been a trap. She'd bet that buried somewhere in the mountain of paperwork he'd had them sign 'for the protection and care of the children' there was some kind of clause, a time limit or something that said if they didn't claim the children by a certain date they would lose all rights.

She could plead ignorance, but could she really plead innocence? She was the one who had made the decisions, signed the papers when Valon had jumped at the chances offered. And really if she made a stink about it what good would it do? It would lower her esteem in the eyes of the children she had all but abandoned. Right now they respected her, honored her. If she cried foul even though she had signed the papers, they would hate her. The love that flowed through the family was obvious at just a glance. Bitterly she resigned herself to never holding her babies again. And Valon, damn him, looked relieved. He wanted to be off on the next adventure.

Forcing a smile she waved "We only stopped for a moment. I wanted to congratulate you all and thank your fathers, Kaiba Seto and Kaiba Katsuya, for raising you right." With a slight bow, she turned and walked out of the back yard, away from the large house that suddenly seemed to have security growing from every bush, and back to the car. Valon, not wasting any time, merged into traffic.

The chirp of her cell phone caught her attention. A text from an unidentified number read "Paid in Full." Tears of loss, rage, and helplessness rained down her cheeks. She knew what that meant. Seto had said once that she owed him for missing several years with Katsuya. That debt was paid in full... and it had only cost her the heart beating in her chest. She supposed that was fair though... because hadn't what she done cost Kaiba the same?

Jounouchi looked up at his husband of seventeen years and smiled slightly, but his golden eyes were dark with pain. "You schemer. If she comes back I'll let her see them you know."

"She won't come back. Being a parent is something she wants like she wants a chocolate bar. She's much better suited to glamorous visitor bio-parent than mom. She knows it too. That's why she left without protest."

"She chose what's best for the kids." Jounouchi mumbled.

"Right. Because she knows she isn't. Don't hurt for her Jounouchi. She knows she can come back to visit and deep down, that's the way she wants it or she would have fought."

"Hmmm yeah, you are right." Giving his still sexy lover a sidelong look he grinned. "So... Yugi's watching th' kids tonight. Does your scheming head have plans?"

"Thought I'd go to my favorite restaurant and order a Steak Tartare."

"With a Tequila Shooter?"

"Of course." Chucking together they shared a laugh that held a lifetime of memories shared, and held promise for another lifetime to come.
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