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Beauty	By : Shakirah Category: Yu-Gi-Oh > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 6553 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own YuGiOh!, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 19
- 20
- 21
First Things First: Thank you all for the lovely reviews� Yes, I know wan ean evil cliffie. But look, you get to have more to mull over now. It seems that generally speaking, everyone�s happy to see Seto getting what he deserves. But now that his cheating is out in the open how does this effect everything else. And the most important thing to think about is Yami mentioning Duke�.a name that Tristan never heard. Duke who is right? So much confusion, so much drama�oh what an interesting chapter I�ve created� okay� well enjoy�

Disclaimer: If I owned it this would be in the show

Song notes: The Michael Jackson Album, Thriller

Chapter 20: Admiration

I wish that I could cry
Fall upon my knees
Find a way to lie
About a home I�ll never see

It may sound absorb but don�t be na�ve
Even heroes have the right to bleed
I may be disturbed but won�t you concede
Even heroes have the right to dream
And it�s not easy to be me

~Superman
Five For Fighting

Yugi shivered, unconsciously cursing not having worn more than a t-shirt and boxer shorts to bed. He did the only thing he could do in the situation, he snuggled up to the warmth of the body next to h Yug Yugi stopped fidgeting as he got comfortable against the bare chest of the other in his bed, sated. It was an hour later before he woke up, the potent smell of coffee rousing him. As he awakened he turned a little to get away from the chest he had nested in and blinked twice, focusing on the firm plains of Yami�s torso.

Startled, Yugi moved back, until he tangled into the comforter and fell off his bed.

�Oh, Aibou, are you alright?� Yami asked, looking over the side of the bed, as Yugi struggled to save face and scrambled to his feet.

�Yeah�I�I�m fine, Yami, i just�I just fell that�s all, I forgot you spent the night,� Yugi stammered. �And sleep in the buff.�

Yami smiled, then chuckled. �I apologize, Aibou. I just can�t wear clothes to bed, they feel so constricting. If I had my way I�d be nude all day.�

Yugi automatically blushed and Yami�s smile brightened. �Don�t be embarrassed of it, Aibou. The human body is a beautiful piece of art. Didn�t Joey pose as a nude model a little while ago?�

�He did, but I wasn�t there to see it. Besides, it�s Joey.� Yugi made sure to avert his eyes. His former lover was so lithe and gorgeous, beautiful caramel bronze skin as far as the eye could see.

�Well, Little One, if you find me some shorts you won�t have to blush any longer,� Yami pointed out. Yugi stumbled over to his dresser trying to find anything for Yami to wear. His boxer shorts were probably too small for Yami.

�Do you want to wear sweat pants, Yami?� Yugi asked, peeking over his shoulder. Yami was stretched out on his bed in all his naked glory.

�I don�t care much for sweat pants, Aibou.� Yami got up, joining Yugi at his dresser, Yugi gave him some space. �Can I wear these, Little One? They�re cute.� The taller man held up a pair of short shorts, with the words �Kiss This� on the back. By now the shorts were getting to be just a tad too small for Yugi, at the very least they were pushing obscene. Joey had told Yugi to throw them out, because he would be damned if Yugi wore the things anywhere out of his bedroom. But Yami was intrigued by them, even though Yami was taller than him.

�I�m not sure if they�ll fit, Yami,� Yugi tried to explain as Yami slid them up his flawless legs.

�Are you saying I�m fat, Aibou?� Yami teased, adjusting them so they hung past his trim hips. Yami did a stretch. �Something smells heavenly out in your kitchen, Aibou. Someone cooking? I didn�t think Joey knew how to cook.�

�It�s Tristan. He always makes breakfast for us when he spends the night. Unless he has to go to work.� Yugi watched as Yami walked back over to Yugi�s closet and bent down to retrieve an extra pair of slippers for himself. Yami�s ass line was right where the tight little shorts ended. If Joey was angry with the way Yugi looked in them he could imagine what he�d think about Yami. Especially if Yami seriously planned on parading around the apartment in them around Tristan.

Yami seemed alright. At the moment. But he had just ended things with his fianc�. He had to be devastated. Maybe it hadn�t hit him yet. Yugi decided against saying anything because he didn�t want to bring it up and upset him again. Yami had been nearly inconsolable last night, clinging to Tristan the entire time. Joey hadn�t said much, though his eyes clearly stated his disinterest with Yami�s insistence on sitting on his boyfriend�s lap. This was going to get interesting. That was for sure.

�Let�s go see what Tristan�s making for breakfast, Aibou.�

�It might be chilly in the kitchen, Yami. Do you want a bathrobe?� Yugi wondered putting on a pair of sweat pants for himself. �It is January.�

�No, I�m fine.� Yami opened the door. �I�m always hot.� Yami gave Yugi a little flirty smile and headed out. Yugi hated to admit it, but he got so many of his flirting skills from Yami. Yami was the king. The original tease. Yugi was nearly copying him. Until he figured out his own style.

�That smells so wonderful, Tris,� Yami said, walkingo tho the kitchen and sitting on a stool. Tristan looked over his shoulder to smile and had to do a double take, suddenly realizing that yes, Yami was dressed, just that his shorts were so small they were hidden. �What are you making?�

�Bacon and eggs. English muffins.� Tristan glanced at Yugi. �Over easy?�

�Yeah, thanks, Tristan,� Yugi responded, sitting next to Yami.

��How do you like your eggs, Yami?� Tristan inquired giving Yami another look.

�Well, I�m not all that fond of eggs. But I don�t want to be picky. I�ll just eat the English muffins.�

�You can�t just eat an English muffin, Yami. You don�t like eggs at all?�

�I only like omelets. And I don�t want you to go through any extra trouble on my account.�
�s n�s no trouble, Yami. I�m not half bad at making omelets,� Tristan assured him.

�Yeah, he makes a really good Spanish omelet, Yami,� Yugi put in.

�Well, not to be pickier. But I only really like Denver omelets. But don�t trouble yourself over me.�

�No, it�s no trouble. You need to eat, Yami. It�s not a problem.�

�Well, only if you�re sure.� Tristan smiled. �Thanks, Tris, you�re wonderful.�

Tristan gave Yami another nod and looked at Yugi. �Bakura called. A little while ago. He didn�t want me to wake you, but I invited him over for breakfast. I hope that�s okay.�

Yugi�s eyes lit up. �Bakura�s coming?� He got to his feet. �I can�t see him looking like this. I�m a mess. I�ll jump in the shower. Make mine last.� Yugi did a small dash back into his room to find something to wear. He missed Bakura so much, he had wanted to spend New Year�s Eve with him, but that hadn�t panned out, but he was coming today�and maybe they could go shopping or something. There were always New Year�s Day sales. Or maybe they could go to the movies. Or ice- skating again. Yugi had so adored going ice-skating with him.

While Yugi hopped in the shower, Tristan finished cooking. He was quite aware Yami was watching his every mood, his eyes training on him without stop. �So, how�d you sleep last night?� Tristan asked, glancing over his shoulder.

�Better than I would have thought.� Yami held out his hand and looked at the rock on his ring finger. He hadn�t taken off the engagement ring. He wasn�t sure why not. But he just couldn�t bring himself to do it. �I suppose it helped to sleep with Yugi last night.�

Tristan gave him another look. �Oh, silly me, I didn�t mean it like that. I meant sleep with Yugi in the same bed. I don�t think it�s going to be easy adjusting to sleeping alone. Though I did frighten Yugi this morning when he woke up and found me naked.�

�You sleep naked?� Tristan asked.

�Yes. All the time. Yugd I d I used to share a bed quite often when we were dating, and I was always naked. Like i was saying to Yugi, the human body is a work of art. I�m sure you agree with me. You�re an artist.�

�I�ve been so busy, I haven�t been sculpting lately. But yes, I agree with you.�

�Well, I guess there are some cases where it�d be better not to see certain individuals witholothlothing. Not everyone treats their body as their temple. We can�t all make it to the gym two to three times a week like you, Tristan.�

Tristan gave Yami a look as Yami smiled. Maybe he wasn�t exactly awake, and that�s why he thought that Yami was hitting on him. Yami ran his fingers through his hair and winked. Or it could be that he was, in fact, hitting on him.

�It�s not as if your not fit, YamYou You look great.�

�You think so, Tristan?� Yami asked, smiling. Yami rubbed his hand on his stomach. �I still have a small little pouch of fat here.�

�It�s invisible, I assure you. You�re fine.�

�When�s the last time you sculpted anything, Tristan?� Tristan gave Yami a look, glad he had changed the subject.

�Well, to be honest I haven�t done anything since that art class I took when I met Joey.�

�Really? So the last sculpture you made was of your boyfriend?�

�Yes.�

�Do you normally sculpt male nudes?�

�That was my first attempt. It�s easier than sculpting people with clothes on, I noticed. I wouldn�t mind trying it again. But I don�t know when I�d have time to squeeze in an art class. Not right now. Even though I�m on break.�

�You could always ask someone to pose for you.�

�I could. I�m not sure how Joey would react to that, unless it�s him. But I already did him.�

�Oh, I�m sure you have him him, Tris,� Yami agreed with a flirty smile. Tristan gave Yami another look. �If you asked someone you and Joey both knew I�m sure he�d be okay with it. You just have to find a subject that intrigues you, that�s all.� Yami�s hand snaked back into his hair, once again revealing perfect tight curves.

�Yeah, I guess.� Tristan heard a door open and within seconds Joey appeared, he was as cute as ever, hair everywhere, trekking into the kitchen in sweat pants and a t-shirt. �Morning, Baby.�

Joey grumbled something inaudible. He walked over to the coffee maker, hoping his head would stop spinning. He wasn�t drinking again. That settled it. Never again. Joey poured himself a cup and began adding sugar when he noticed Yami sitting on a stool, his legs crossed, what had to be underwear covered nothing as he smiled at Tristan.

�Good morning, Joey,� Yami offered politely. Not that that surprised Joey of course. It was out of character for Yami to get really upset or act immature. Only when he was pushed to his breaking point did Yami loose his class and go off, which made Joey wish he had been a fly on the wall in his and Seto�s bedroom when Yami confronted him. Yami was calm and placid most of the time, but rub him the wrong way and he became a spitfire.

�You must be cold, Yami. How rude of Yugi not to offer you a bathrobe. Having you sit out here in just your underwear.�

�Actually, Joey, I don�t wear underwear,� Yami returned as he stood up to get some coffee for himself. He turned to look back at Tristan. �Tris, is this French vanilla by any chance?�

�I�m afraid it�s just plain old fashioned Colombian coffee.� Yami made a disappointed face. �I take you as a cappuccino type of guy.�

�I suppose I am. Colombian coffee will be just fine, though. I�m sure it�s deliciou
J
Joey inspected Yami�s pants realizing just what shorts the shorter male was wearing. He didn�t want to make a scene, clearly things between the two of them were already going to be tense enough, he did, however, want Yami in clothes around his boyfriend. Especially since he insisted on blatantly hitting on him in Joey�s presence. He knew that this was punishment for sleeping with Seto. So he�d be the bigger man. Even if Yami was now calling him Tris and smiling at him. But so help him, if Yami tried anything he was going to get the same consideration Joey gave Seto New Year�s Eve.

�Would you like me to get you that bathrobe now, Yami?� Joey asked, giving Yami a plastic smile, fighting to keep the contempt out of his voice.

�No, that�s alright, Joey. I�m not cold.�

�Sure about that, your nipples are saying something entirely different.� Yami rubbed the little nubs, seemingly unaware they were hard.

�No, I�m not cold, my nipples just get hard by themselves. They�re easily aroused.� Yami smiled as he caught Tristan�s eye still rubbing himself. �Then again, so am I.�

Oh hells no. If Joey�s eyes narrowed any smaller he�d be squinting. Before Joey could comment the buzzer rang.

�I�ll get it!� Yugi scampered out of the bathroom. He was wearing jeans and a sweater Bakura had brought him. Bakura had brought him a bunch of clothes, since Yugi complained that everything he owned was tight fitting. He wanted a new image, he wasn�t a little sex toy anymore, and he didn�t want to dress like one. Joey and Tristan both liked Yugi�s new look. He looked more sophisticated in button down shirts and coordinating pants. Joey said Yugi had to watch it before he started looking too much like Tristan.

Yugi slipped on his shoes and left the apartment, preferring to meet Bakura at the door. He wanted some time with him to tell him about Yami and just to kiss him without everyone else watching. He had told Joey about Bakura and his recent issues about intimacy, and he didn�t doubt Tristan was also apprised of the situation. Bakura and Tristan were growing pretty close, which both Joey and him liked and Yugi got the impression Bakura and Tristan told each other a lot.

It felt great to want to kiss him. To want ra tra to hold him. He felt more like his old self. Sex was still a painful tension, but Bakura�s patience and love was healing him in ways no amount of counseling could. Yugi opened the door to their apartment building and smiled like a Cheshire cat when he spotted the white haired bouncer on the other side
�
�KURA!� Yugi grabbed him, acting like he hadn�t seen him in weeks. He felt like he did when he had been seriously in love with Yami, his body, mind, and heart reacting the moment he was in the vicinity.

�Easy, Babyface. Are you trying to topple me over?� Bakura leaned down and kissed Yugi�s cheek. He had just gotten use to doing it there. But he was quite happy when Yugi wrapped his hands around his neck and gave him a solid kiss on the lips.

Yugi was still smiling when the kiss ended. �I love you, Kura. Lots.�

�What has gotten into you, Babyface?� Kura wondered as they headed to the elevator holding hands. �Not that I don�t like it. By the way you look so cute in that sweater. It really works well with your eyes.�

�My boyfriend brought it for me. Because he loves me lots too.�

�Is that a fact?� Bakura asked, hugging Yugi to him. This change in Yugi was intriguing him, and he couldn�t be happier. �Have a good night at the party, Babyface?�

�Actually, that�s what I wanted to talk to you about. Which is why I came down here to meet you.� The elevator door opened. Yugi made no move to board it. �Maybe we should take the stairs.�

�What is it, Babyface? What happened?�

�Well, to make a long story short after the party Joey and Seto got into a fist fight because Seto called me a slut. We came back here, Yami came by saying Seto wanted an apology or else he�d press charges, because Joey started it. Joey told Yami Seto could shove it, they argued. Joey, in his drunken state blurted out that he slept with Seto.�

�What!� Bakura smacked his hand on his forehead. �Blondie just can�t get it together can he? What the hell was he thinking?�

�He wasn�t. Anyway, Yami stormed off, and then came back maybe forty minutes later telling us that he knew Seto cheated on him with various men and confronted him about it. He twisted his dick and stormed out but left his wallet at the house so he didn�t have any cash or credit cards to get a hotel. No ID. So he spent the night last night. I told him he could stay as long as he needed to.
B
Bakura suddenly figured out why Yugi wanted to take the stairs. Up until the end of Yugi�s explanations he could care less, surely he was happy Joey had defended Yugi but Joey being a complete idiot and telling Yami that he had slept with his fianc� really had nothing to do with him. Yami staying with them of course had a lot to do with him.

Bakura wasn�t sure what to think about this revelation. Yugi�s former lover staying at the apartment for a few days�how the hell would this play out. Yami had to be vulnerable, on the rebound, wanting attention. Joey would be there�or maybe he�d retreat to Tristan�s condo, avoiding Yami at all costs. After all, there would come a time when Yami and Joey were going to have to have it out. Seto could have slept with everyone in this section of Japan twice, but the bottom line was, Joey was most likely the only person Yami would have an opportunity to confront.

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

It wasn�t until Tristan was in the shower after breakfast that he had an opportunity to mull over everything that had happened last night. For one, there was the issue of Joey deciding to physically attack Seto. Tristan was not looking forward to seeing Seto in the office tomorrow, though he was positive that he cared about Joey a hell of a lot more than his job and if Seto said anything inappropriate he would have no trouble telling Seto exactly what he thought of the arrogant CEO. He wouldn�t bring it to blows like Joey had, but he certainly wouldnesitesitate if Seto wanted to see where his loyalties were.

Then of course there was Joey telling Yami he had slept with him. Yami hadn�t asked for any of the details, and even now things were on the verge of exploding all over again. Both Yami and Joey had traded some low blows last night, alcohol definitely playing a part in it. And he couldn�t deny that Yami had taken to actively hitting on him. Was it pay back for Joey or was it that Yami was just a natural flirt or was it something else entirely? Yami hadn�t hit on Bakura, then again he didn�t know Bakura very well. Of course he didn�t know him very well either, then again, Tristan had started working out with his fianc�but did that constitute a reason to be hit on?

Yami didn�t hit on Yugi either. And it couldn�t be because Bakura was there, since he had no trouble making comments in Joey�s presence. Well, then again, maybe that was the point, maybe he wanted to get under Joey�s skin. Yami knew Joey for a long time, once upon a time they were friends, if anyone knew how to push the blond�s buttons it was a former friend now turned enemy. Well, enemy was a little strong, though Joey never hesitated saying that he didn�t like Yami at all. Even using the word hate on multiple occasions.

There was going to be a point when Joey was going to bring up Yami�s flirting. Tristan wanted to consult Bakura before Joey and him had the conversation, but he wasn�t sure if he was going to get that opportunity. He did think it would be better for both of them if Tristan brought it up first and stated that he was well aware of Yami�s advances and that he was choosing to ignore them. If Joey made a big deal about them Yami won.

Of course convincing his boyfriend to let it go wasn�t going to be very easy to do. Joey was nothing if not consistent. There was never any moment Joey had done anything that surprised him very much, and Joey�s thinly veiled attempts to hide his outright hatred for Yami�s actions was typical of the blond. Tristan didn�t expect anything less of him. Not that he wasn�t flattered and pleased Joey got protective over him. He just didn�t want to bail Joey out of jail if he allowed his temper to continue to rule him when things got complicated.

Which brought Tristan to his biggest concern. The mention of Joey�s ex fianc�s name last night. Duke. Tristan didn�t even want to spend two seconds puzzling over the name Duke. He had dated a Duke, briefly, over a year ago�and of course the first thing that came to his mind was what if this were the same guy. But it was impossible. Tristan had never been with anyone who was in latilationship, let alone engaged. He�d know, of course he would. Still, things didn�t add up to him.

Joey hadn�t mentioned all that much about his ex. Tristan was now trying to remember anything and everything Joey had ever said about him. Joey had been in love with him, and thenpectpected him of cheating the last 3 months of their relationship. But Tristan wasn�t even sure he knew when it was that had been. It had been over a year ago. But a year ago when? At what point did the guy propose. Joey said something last night about an incident at Yugi�s birthday. But Tristan didn�t know when Yugi�s birthday was.

Why was he even thinking about this? This wasn�t the same Duke. That made no sense. Besides, he hadn�t really been serious with him. He had been the guy he had been with before he had met Brian. They were both casually dating, nothing serious. He�d come stop by the condo sometimes. Both of them were allowed to date other people. Tristan racked his brain, trying to figure out when he had been half involved with him.

It was so long ago�and for such a brief amount of time it was irrelevanWhy Why was he spending any time thinking more of this. It wasn�t the same Duke. And even it was, by the time he had started seeing him Joey and him had to have been done. At worst maybe Tristan had been one of many rebound guys.

Don�t you have brown hairs?

But Joey always bottomed to his ex fianc�. And Tristan never bottomed, the Duke he had been with was always the one on his back, in the submissive role. Why w his his hair be on Joey�s pillow? It wasn�t the same Duke. He had been to Duke�s apartment on multiple occasions. He had been living with his brother at the time. Joey never mentioned his ex had any siblings. Of course why would he? Well that just proved it was a different guy. Or even if were the same guy, he had obviously been with him after Joey had moved in with Yugi. Duke must have let his brother move in with him.

Yes, if this were the same guy, that�s what had to have happened. That was still a sobering thought, that Tristan could have ever slept with one of Joey�s ex boyfriends. And Yugi had slept with Brian and Joey had slept with Seto and Yami had slept with Yugi, and he was getting dizzy. Perhaps he�d have a conversation with Bakura, to figure out if his suspicion was correct. And what would he tell Joey? That he had been one of his ex�s rebound guys? Had Joey walking out on him turned him into a uke? Joey had wanted to speak to his ex, confront him, finally get to the bottom of his betrayal.

Maybe now would be the time.

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

Yami had told them he didn�t want to go out, not without out his make up and not without his wallet or his clothes. After showering he slipped into a pair of Yugi�s boxer shorts and a tank top undershirt. Yugi hadn�t wanted to leave Yami alone in the house even though he had wanted Bakura, Joey and Tristan to go shopping with him. As it turned out everyone opted to spend the Thursday afternoon at the apartment watching a movie marathon on television.

They had ordered a pizza and Tristan and Bakuad rad run to go get it. Joey was getting out paper plates and Yugi was getting them something to drink and checking on the brownies Bakura was baking. �Did you want anything else besides water, Yams?� Yugi asked, taking out the pitcher with the water filter top.

�If it�s not too much trouble could you put a lemon wedge on the glass, Aibou?� Yami answered, laying his head on the pillow on the couch. Yami was lying on his stomach, head on a pillow, his legs up and crossed at the ankles.

�Babe, can you get out a lemon for Yami, please?� Joey narrowed his eyes but dug a lemon out. He was, after all, closer to the refrigerator than Yugi was. Yami, whether intentionally or otherwise had been acting like a spoiled diva the entire day. From Tristan making him a Denver omelet to Yami asking if they had some fancy body wash that none of them, save Tristan, had ever heard of. Then of course Yami had padded out of the bathroom, a towel around his hips, water glistening down his body as he asked Yugi if he could have something to wear.

Yami had spent a good forty-five minutes in the bathroom,ng ung up all the hot water, and then another half hour blow drying his hair and pruning himself in the mirror. When Yugi suggested the five of them take advantage of the day off and go somewhere Yami had told them he couldn�t be seen looking the way he did. He also told Yugi to remind him that he needed to put cucumber slices on his eyes for bed so he wouldn�t look atrocious in the morning, like he looked now.

Tristan had assured Yami he looked fine, and Yami had gone on a spiel about beinbeing cute enough for Seto, which led to him crying. Yugi and Tristan tried to console him, which took some time, reassuring Yami that he was gorgeous and Seto was an idiotic asshole. By the third time Yami had started crying Bakura and Joey could do nothing more than roll their eyes. Not that either of them doubted Yami was upset about Seto, but his break down played out like a carefully scripted event the third time around, and Joey especially loved how Yami found it entirely necessary to find himself in Tristan�s lap as he got misty eyed.

To Tristan�s chagrin when Bakura and him got into Bakura�s SUV Bakura only wanted to talk about Yami spending time at the apartment and what that meant with Yugi. So Tristan didn�t have an opportunity to ask about Duke. �He�s calling him Yams, Tristan. He never called him that before.�

�He used to call him Yams like he calls Joey Babe. He hasn�t called him that in a while because they aren�t as close as they use to be. There�s nothing to worry about.�

�He spent the night in Yugi�s bed.�

�That was innocent.� Tristan decided against mentioning Yami�s nudity. �Yami hurt Yugi deeply, Yugi hasn�t forgotten that.�

�But Yami keeps saying how much of a mistake it was for him to have chosen Seto over Yugi. And besides, Yugi has missed and loved Yami for over a now now. You saw him the night of Yami�s birthday party.�

�He never dealt with Yami well because Yami was his entire world for two years and his leaving was abrupt. Seto just showed up out of nowhere, took Yami for himself and left Yugi depressed and alone. Joey was tangled up with his own boyfriend troubles and Yugi got to the end of his rope. You know the story, probably better than I do. Which is all the more reason to know that Yugi won�t pretend all of that didn�t happen. Besides, Yami�s just being the way he always is around Yugi. He�s a bit more flirty, but I think that�s just his personality.�

�He�s not flirting with me. Then again he�s all in your gear isn�t he?� Bakura glanced at Tristan.

�So it�s pretty noticeable then?� Tristan wondered, replaying Joey�s glares throughout the day.

�Is this some type of payback, is that�s what�s going on here?� Bakura asked. �It�s working, that�s for sure. Blondie�s pretty damn wound up.�

�I don�t know what Yami�s motivations are. Yami�s hit on me before.�

�You�re just too sexy for your own good, Tristan. That�s the problem. I�d probably consider you if you bottomed.�

Tristan rolled his eyes. �I don�t know whether to be flattered or frightened.� Bakura smirked.

�What, Yami can hit on you but I can�t?�

�I�m going to chalk up your little comment to you not getting any from Yugi currently. Poor guy, so horny you�re hitting on someone completely out of your league.�

�You�re out of my league, Tristan. And for the record you�re honestly not my type. I�d fuck Seto Kaiba before I considered you. Even Joey. Though both of those thoughts disturb me.�

�We�re dreadfully off subject.�

�Yes, we were talking about the future Mr. Kaiba shamelessly making passes at you.�

�He�s not the future Mr. Kaiba anymore.�

�Then why is he still wearing that damn ring?� Tristan thought about it for a moment. Now that the bouncer mentioned it�. �Why didn�t he do a Joey and throw the shit off the freeway.�

�Is that what Joey did with the engagement ring?�

�Yes. But you knew that. Didn�t you?�

�Probably.� Maybe he could ask Bakura about Duke now. Did he even want to know? Was it important? It was a long time ago.

�Has Kaiba called him yet?� Bakura asked, puling into the parking lot.

�Yami hasn�t said anything about iThouThough I guess he�d call Yami�s cell phone before he called the apartment. God forbid Joey picks up the phone and it�s Seto.�

�Maybe I�m just saying this because I�m an asshole, but what is it about Joey sleeping with him that was the straw to break the camel�s back? If Yami knew about the various other men why is it that Joey put the behavior over the top. Joey probably wasn�t even his most recent conquest. Yami seemed quite happy being a little sex kitten trophy, where did all this bravado suddenly come from?�

�I�m assuming Seto never slept with anyone Yami knew. Yami and Joey were friends for a good period of time. And I don�t know if Yami knows how many guys Seto�s actually slept with. Seto is a flirt, there�s no way to know how many of the guys he hit on he scored with. To be honest the only guy we know he did actually sleep with was Joey. Joey was the first guy Yami had real proof about.�

�But Yami and Joey haven�t been friends for over a year. I�m not saying Yami shouldn�t be upset about it, but to me it makes far more sense that Yami would feel betrayed if Yugi had slept with Seto. Actually, Yami�s behavior towards Joey, despite him hitting on you is relatively calm. Maybe he thinks Seto will retaliate so he doesn�t have to. Or maybe he doesn�t care all that damn much. If Seto�s been fucking all over town Joey isn�t changing that.�

�You don�t think Yami and Joey will get into a fight?�

�Oh, just the opposite, I�m waiting for it. I only hope one of us is there before someone gets some serious damage in. I�m just saying that I find it strange that Yami would decide now to go off on Seto. And I also think it�s strange Yami is still wearing the ring. I�d hawk that thing so fast. This might be insensitive, but someone has to say it, Yami put himself in this situation, he had no problem being a trophy before. Living the high life. It�s one thing if he didn�t know, but the fact that he did makes little sense. He should have kept his mouth shut and kept being a trophy.�

�Joey hit to close to home. Besides, Yami didn�t get with Seto thinking he was going to one day be humiliated. Maybe Yami didn�t want to be a trophy, maybe he didn�t see himself that way.�

�How could he not? He�s with Seto everywhere, on his arm, smiling, looking cute. That�s a trophy. I don�t think Seto wanted him because of his sparkling personality. If you think about it, Yami doesn�t even have that much of an actual personality. He has this sex kitten persona he�s been going with and that is the extent of it.�

�What happened to you wanting him?� Tristan asked.

�He�s hot. Without question. But that�s all there is to him. He likes attention, he likes being cute. That about does it. He�s not making jokes, he�s not curing cancer. He�s shallow. Fake, just like Kaiba. They�re perfect for each other. Yami gets to live in the laps of luxury and Seto has a little sex toy. That�s how these things work. You can�t tell me Yami got with Seto unaware that this was what was expected of him. He mentioned that he did everything Seto wanted him to do sexually, which of course is just plain sexy as fuck, but the point is, that was his job. He signed on to be a little sex toy and that was what he did Maybe if he did a better job Seto wouldn�t have gone hitting the sheets in other places.�

�You really are a cynic, Bakura. The Yami that was with Yugi and the one that was with Seto are the same person. People don�t change. You just adapt to your environment. I�m sure Yami had something going for him when Yugi spent two years of his life in love with him. When Seto came and swept him off his feet Yami was still the same guy, and eventually he adapted himself to fit Seto�s personality. But I doubt Yami got with Seto a year a go thinking that Seto wanted a cute thing on his arm. Yugi showed him unconditional love, Seto would have to have been down to Earth and wholesome in the beginning to move in the way he did. I don�t think Yugi was in love with him because he was cute and sexy.�

�Yugi loved him because Yami loved him. Think about it, Yami was the first guy to ever pay Yugi any attention. Joey and Yugi had a strictly platonilatilationship, barely a kiss between them until after they moved in together. Yugi said he always thought Joey would be his first, his first boyfriend, his first everything, but Joey caught the attentions of another guy at school and Yugi was left out in the lurch. Then Yami shows interest. And for a year they�re the best of friends, Yami telling him constantly how special and wonderful he is, all building up to them finally becoming intimate, Yami spending all his time with Yugi, being the boyfriend figure Yugi never had. Yami was his first love. I don�t know what Yami thought of Yugi. I�m sure he loved him, but as I really reexamine the situation I have to concede Joey�s argument. If you�re re in in love with someone you don�t abandon them for the one guy that has been an enemy for five to six years.�

�Are you saying Yugi was a jump off for Yami finding bigger and better things? You really think Yami�s that manipulative and cold hearted?�

�I�m not saying that. But like you said, people don�t change. Yugi wasn�t what Yami needed. He neea Sea Seto type. Even Yugi�s grandfather noticed Yami as a pre- Madonna long before Seto came into the picture. I don�t think he set out to hurt Yugi, but he talked a whole bunch of shit for two years. Yugi idolized him, I�m sure Yami enjoyed the attention. The same way he likes attention now. You know how Yugi is, I�m sure he would have done and did anything Yami wanted him too. Sexually or otherwise.�

�People fall in and out of love, Bakura. And how would he have known Yugi was going to be that attached to him. I don�t think for a minute Yami used Yugi�s affection for him to his advantage. This wasn�t a Malik and Ryou relationship here. And none of that means Yami deserved to be cheated on. Not to the extent Seto betrayed him.�

�Which brings us back to the beginning. I�m not saying Yami deserved it. I am saying that life is made up of karma. One good turn deserves another. And Yami has done some shitty things in his past. And once again, if Yami wasn�t concerned about it and could remain contented enough not to say anything about the cheating to begin with than that just proves the type of person he�s always been. His priorities are questionable. And now I really want to know what exactly happened between Yugi and him.�

�Well then, Bakura, I would think that if you�ve already categorized Yami�s persona you would be even more convinced that Yugi would never give him a second look.�

�Yami returning to him is the one thing Yugi�s wanted. And to be honest, I don�t trust Yami as far as I can throw him. His still wearing that damn ring, he�s flirting with you and he�s talking his same shit to Yugi again. He�s playing games. This time, how his history won�t be repeating itself because I plan on keeping my eye on him. And I have a good feeling Joey will be to. If he wants to play games, we�ll play.�

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

�Well, I heard Mr. Kaiba had a great time at his New Year�s Eve party. And I heard Yami looked gorgeous like he always does.�

�That might be the case, but since things went bad with the Peterson account Mr. Kaiba�s in a mood. I wouldn�t be surprised if someone ended up fired today.�

�I heard one of the assistants on the third floor got off the elevator because Mr. Kaiba gave him a look. Heads are definitely going to roll today. I feel so bad for Dana.� The three women who were eagerly chatting were surprised to then see the young woman in question, Dana, heading towards them.

�How is he?� the blonde asked, giving Dana a concerned look.

�Someone�s in for it today, huh?� the red head added. Dana nodded.

�He wants to see Tristan in his office right now. He�s pretty angry. I�m not sure Michael should have called him yesterday and told him about the Peterson account,� Dana answered the office gossips. She didn�t like telling them anything, but it was better to be on their good side. Dana wasn�t interested in being the latest scandal.

She glanced at Tristan who was keeping a low profile on the other side of the lounge, just within listening distance. Tristan didn�t participate in the rumor mill, keeping to himself, but today he lingered by the three gossips to see what kind of mood his boss� boss was in. Michael had called Tristan last night when he had returned to his condo to tell him that things with their star account were now fizzling. A sinking ship, were his words.

Then Michael called Seto.

So to add to the stress of what had happened Wednesday night, Seto had this to deal with. This was a perfect day for a mass firing. Tristan was well aware that Joey attempting to beat the crap out of Seto the other night was definitely threatening the favoritism he was usually shown. If things hadn�t gone the way they had on Wednesday Seto would have probably fired a bunch of people and spared Tristan. In fact, Tristan would probably have been made a project leader or an assistant to Seto. It wasn�t that Tristan thought that highly of himself, but Seto had mentioned on multiple occasions that he liked Tristan. And between the working out and the games of squash there wasn�t any doubt in his mind if Wednesday hadn�t have happened Tristan�s job w not not have been in any sort of jeopardy, despite the Peterson account.

But now Seto�s personal life had gotten mixed up into it. Which was what Tristan had been trying to avoid. Joey�s actions both at the mansion and the apartment were going to be on Seto�s mind. Granted no one else in the office knew about Yami and his situation at the moment, but that didn�t mean that they weren�t all going to pay for it. Everyone in the office liked Yami, especially since he was the only one who only had to give Seto one look and get the CEO to forget about being cold and angry. Which was why it was ironic that his absence would probably be the cause of Seto�s rage today.

Of all the times for Joey to lose his temper. Seto had no right to say that stuff to Yugi. But Joey had escalated the situation. Joey had attacked him. And Joey had told his fianc� that he had cheated on him. And Tristan was soon going to see just what the consequences were going to be.

�Tristan, Mr. Kaiba needs to see you right now.�

�Of course.� Tristan had hoped to talk to Michael, who was nowhere to be found, probably trying to avoid losing his job by hiding. Tristan had loyalties to his boss, of course, and had to wonder if Seto was just going to get rid of everyone in the department. The Peterson account was in the bag, it had been in the bag for months. It was just a matter of smoothing out details. And to think negotiations had gone this bad so suddenly was disturbing.

Tristan followed Dana into the office.

�You wanted to see me?� Seto didn�t bother to look up, his right hand was pinching the bridge of his nose.

�Sit, Tristan. Please.� Tristan did. �Dana, I�m not to be disturbed.�

�Yes, Sir,� the meek secretary promised.

�No calls, Dana.� Dana nodded. �Coffee, Tristan?� Seto inquired. Tristan shook his head no. �That will be all.� He looked back at his secretary. �No one enters this office. All my meetings are to be canceled. Understand?�

�Yes, Sir. Let me know if there is anything else I can do for you, Sir.� Seto waved the secretary away with a flick of his wrist. Dana left the office. Tristan watched as Seto lifted his head and met his eyes. �Do you know why I asked you in here, Tristan?� Seto gave the other brunet a firm look.

�Yes, I know why I�m here.� Seto and Tristan locked eyes. �I take full responsibility for what happened with the Peterson account.�

�For one, what happened with the Peterson account was Michael�s fault, although it shows a lot of character that you�re trying to protect him. Michael�s activities over the last several months have not gone unnoticed, and you won�t need to cover for him any longer. However that is not what I asked you in here for. At the moment I could give a flying fuck about any pending accounts.�

�I see.� Tristan shifted in his seat, slightly relieved this wasn�t work related. That meant that he could say pretty much anything he wanted. And he planned to. �I take it this is about Wednesday night.�

�Yes.� Seto took an unsteady hand to his lips and swallowed large liquid lumps of coffee.

�Let�s cut the bullshit then, Seto. What is it you want?� Seto stood up, leaving his mug behind as he crossed the room to stand in front of the floor to ceiling windows. �I hope you didn�t ask me in here to tell Joey to apologize to you.�

�This has nothing to do with your boyfriend.� Seto didn�t turn to look at him, but gazed out his window sternly.

�This is about Yami then.� Seoddeodded, but didn�t turn to look at the other brunet.

�I�m asking a favor of you, Tristan. When Yami left the other night he didn�t take his wallet or any of his things.� Seto glanced to where Tristan was sitting. �I have his wallet and I packed him a bag. There�s about two weeks worth of clothes in it and his make up, and other personal affects. Could you give his stuff to him for me, please? I�d do it myself but my presence would be�inappropriate.�

�Not a problem.�

Seto turned to look back out the window. �Let him know there is plenty of money in the joint account and I increased the spending limit on his credit cards. He�s welcome to stay at one of the houses if he doesn�t want to stay in a hotel.�

�I�ll tell him, Seto.�

�The bag�s in the trunk of my car.�

�Alright.� Tristan gave Seto another look before he added, �Is that all, Seto? Do you want me to get back to trying to do some damage control for the Peterson account?�

�No.� Seto took a deep breath and walked back to his desk, his catlike grace lost now. He sat across from Tristan again and gave the other man another look. He swallowed hoarsely. �How is he? How�s Yami?�

�Devastated.� Seto lowered his eyes. �He didn�t want to do anything yesterday except watch television and cry.�

�I see.� Seto tried to pick up the mug with one hand and had to stop himself, his trembles were splashing the hot brown beverage onto the wood desktop. �I haven�t been able to sleep. I think I got six hours total the last two nights and I�ve been trying to drown myself in coffee.�

�Did you try a sleeping pill?�

�No.� Seto kept his eyes down, obviously choosing each of his words very carefully. �I guess I should try one, being asleep is more pleasant than being awake and feeling like this. Then again I�m afraid he�ll haunt me in my dreams.� Seto looked up at Tristan, their eyes meeting again. �Did he cry all day? Yami, I mean��

�We managed to keep him distracted, he�s been trying to be strong. Everything reminds him of you, of course.�

�I�m sure he�s told you what a terrible monster I am.� Seto lowered his eyes again.

�Yami�s opinion of you has nothing to do with mine. I�ve formed an opinion of you a long time ago, Seto.�

�Yes. That�s right. You have. You don�t like me much, do you?�

�I didn�t think you cared what anyone thought of you. With, I suppose, the notable exception of Yami.�

�I suppose.� Seto thought for a moment. �What did he do with the ring?�

�He�s still wearing it.� Seto looked up, narrowing his eyes. �I asked him why and he said he felt naked without it on. He misses you, and he hates himself for it.�

�He shed tears for me. No one has ever cried for me before, Tristan.�

�I don�t think his tears are for you as much as they�re for himself. He�s miserable. He doesn�t want to be in pain anymore. And he doesn�t think he was good enough for you.�

�He�s got it all backwards, I was never good enough for him. Which is probably why I sabotaged our relationship. That and I guess I suffer from some form of a sex addiction. And I�m an asshole, let�s not forget that,� Seto remarked bitterly.

�How many were there? Do you even know?�

�Ourseurse I know, Tristan. Including Joey there were five.� Tristan swallowed. Less than he thought there were, but still a very disturbing number.

�When�s the last time you were with any of them?�

�Joey was the last one.� Tristan bristled. �I owe Joey an apology. I would never have gone through with it if he had have started crying. But he�s strong, and he didn�t.� Tristan bit the sides of his mouth unsure he wanted to be discussing this at the moment. One thing was clear though, Seto had no intentions of taking any action against Joey.

�I just don�t understand why you would throw everything away the way you did. I know you did love him. All those times you spoke about him to me, how enamored you were.�

�I could never understand why Yami picked me over Yugi, when any other fool could see Yugi was the better choice.�

�I thought Yami was never really in love with Yugi.�

�He wasn�t in love with me when we first got together. Yugi and him made sense. Me and Yami made no sense. I didn�t get it. I knew he�d eventually figure it out and leave me. He�d realize he was wasting his time with me when he could have anybody.�

�So you subconsciously hurt him before he could hurt you. Because you were suffering from insecurities.�

�Sounds about right.�

�Are you looking for some sort of sympathy from me, Seto?�

�I don�t deserve any sympathy from anyone. I made my own bed, and now I can sleep in it alone. The part that bothers me the most is that he knew and didn�t walk out on me before. Not that I thought I was doing a good job covering it up, but it seemed to me that no matter what lies I fed him Yami was always there trusting and smiling and loving. Why would he stay with me?�

�He loves you. He was waiting for you to treat him right. And he said you�re not easy to walk away from.�

�I guess I�m not. I wouldn�t have let him leave. He wouldn�t have left me on Wednesday if he hadn�t immobilized me.�

�I find it a bit hypocritical that you can be so possessive yet willingly run around on him. Don�t you?�

�I�m a walking contradiction, Tri. I. I make no excuses or offer any explanations for it. That�s just me.� Seto smirked. �I can�t take two steps into my own bedroom without feeling sick to my stomach. Everything reminds me of him�I burn for him. I don�t know how I lifted myself up this morning. The only reason I came in was to drop off his things for you. Yami wasn�t the only one who wanted to cry the entire day. I have no right to even attempt an apology, let alone ask him to forgive me, and if I felt anymore hopeless I�d be tempted to contemplate running away and never looking back.�

�You need to apologize, at the very least. You need to tell him why you did it, so he won�t keep beating himself up over it. It�s not fair that he keeps thinking he was to blame.�

�You�re right. I owe him that much at least.� Seto gave Tristan a look then lowered his eyes. �He�d never understand�he�ll hate me�I�I don�t want to lose him, Tristan�I don�t think I can be away from him�I�m weak without�him.�

Tristan got a chill down his spine, Seto was dropping his guard, acting completely different than he had ever seen him. The proud CEO was wearing his heart on his sleeve, showing how he felt behind the carefully built walls. Admitting weakness was the last thing Seto Kaiba would ever do, and Tristan found himself believing every word that came out of his mouth. Seto was truly upset.

�Seto, why don�t you go home, you won�t be able to get any work done here. Dana can fax you whatever you need.� Maybe I can spare Michael and some other people until Monday at least. He�s not firing anyone from home. And he looks like shit.

�I can�t go home. I can�t stand going home knowing he�s not going to be there�I need him��

�It�ll be fine. You need the sleep. Come on, I�ll walk you to your car. I can take the bag while we�re down in the parking deck. Okay?� Seto didn�t answer. �Come on, Seto.�

Seto met hazel ey �Do �Do you hate me, Tristan?�

�No, I don�t hate you. Stand up.�

�You�re the closest thing besides Yami I�ve ever had to a friend, Tristan.�

�I know how it feels to give up on friendship.� Tristan got up. �It�s alright. Come on.� Tristan grabbed Seto�s trench coat and helped the taller man put it on. He grabbed a sweater for himself so he wouldn�t ze oze out in the parking deck.

Seto did a glance in a small mirror on his desk and pulled himself together. He steeled himself before he opened the door to his office. He offered no explanation to his secretary as he headed for the elevators.

�Mr. Kaiba is going to be working from home today. Fax over any contracts that need his signature at his home office, Dana.�

�Of course, Tristan.� Dana offered Tristan a smile, glad their boss hadn�t fired him. She liked Tristan. Everyone did. �Anything else?�

�If anyone asks he�s meeting clients.� Dana nodded firmly. Tristan met Seto�s look and walked into the elevator with him.

Neither spoke the entire way down into the parking deck. Tristan walked with Seto to his car in silence. It wasn�t until Seto asked Tristan to come home with him that any words were exchanged.

�Come home with you? Seto, I have work I need to finish today.�

�I don�t want to be alone, Tristan.� Tristan made a face. How the hell had he gotten himself into this situation? �Please.� Okay, this shit is just getting ridiculous now. Bad enough Yami�s been hitting on me but now I have Seto weirding me out.

�Listen, Seto, I�ll stay with you until you fall asleep but then I�m coming back here. You might not give a flying fuck about your pending accounts but someone needs to. And I think I can still salvage something out of the Peterson contracts. Besides, Seto, I don�t think I�d feel very comfortable staying with you at your mansion.�

�Because of Joey?�

�Because of me. To be quite honest I still wonder what you�re about, Seto. You have the potential to be a good person, but then you continue to act like an asshole. You�re my boss, a relationship outside of work would be unprofessional. I�ve said that multiple times. And things between us are becoming blurry. I don�t know when you�re Seto and when you�re Mr. Kaiba.�

�Is that all you think of me as, your boss? You merely go to the gym with me to humor me? Is that it?�

�I go to the gym because I like working out. You happen to likrkinrking out as well, so becoming gym partners is not unusual. The fact of the matter is, this wouldn�t be a problem if things between you and Joey weren�t where they were now. My first loyalty will always be to Joey, and I know every time I see you outside of work I�m hurting him. I just don�t get you. I�ve racked my brain trying to figure you out, but I come up with nothing. I�ve grown to know you and you have many good qualities. But then you can still be a prick. I just can�t get a handle on what it is you want from me.�

�So you still question my intentions, Tristan?�

�To an extent.�

�I�ll let you in on a little secret then, Tristan,� Seto commented, dryly. �I only befriended you to get into your pants.� Tristan sighed. �So you�ll come back with me?�

�For a little bit. And that�s it.�

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

Now that it was finally winter break Joey and Yugi were both working full time. And thus Joey was at the bookstore organizing the cookbooks. Yugi was off today so he was spending another day with Yami. He told Joey he was going to try to convince Yami to go out since it was a Friday and BaKura was off the whole weekend. Joey wasn�t looking forward to spending anytime outside of the apartment with Yami, but he agreed to go if Yami stopped being a drama queen and said he would come.

Joey wondered just how long Yami planned on staying at the apartment. Once Yami got his wallet he was planning on going to a hotel, wasn�t he? He just didn�t think he could live in the same house as him without someone ending up in a pool of their own blood. He was trying, he was, but if Yami smiled at Tristan one more time he would be grinning without teeth. And Yami had also been making little comments to Yugi as well, it was all Aibou this, and Aibou that.

For once Bakura and Joey were on the same side. Both of them felt the same way. And Bakura had assured Joey that Yami�s little games didn�t go unnoticed.

Joey sighed. He didn�t want to be at work, but he was glad to be away from the diva. He admitted to feeling really bad for Yami last night. Yami had been really upset, his tears weren�t crocodile. According to Yugi, Yami had cried himself to sleep. Of course the only weird thing was, he hadn�t removed the ring. At least not the last time he checked. Joey hadn�t hesitated to throw the fucker right off the freeway. Then again, he had been wired when he did that.

Bad enough to come home and find hair all over the pillows, wait for your fianc� to return tnfronfront him, and then be so jaded the only place you think to go is your best friend�s apartment. Oh wait, that�s right�he�s tried to commit suicide just a little while earlier. The rest after that was a mess of emotions. Between moving out of Duke�s apartment and moving in with Yugi. Joey wondered what would have happened if Yugi hadn�t tried to it sit suicide that afternoon. Joey was seriously thinking about forgiving Duke.

If Duke had given him the truth he probably would have taken him back. When he got to Yugi�s he was calm, hurt, but the initial anger had warn off and now he was trying to think if he could salvage their relationship. But that all went out the window when he opened the door to Yugi�s apartment and found him unconscious. Talk about priorities changing in a heartbeat.

He hated that Duke was on his mind so much. The damned fool. Between Tristan reminding him of his ex and Yami�s current fianc� problems it was all the blond could do to think of the small business owner. He was just going to have to locate him. After they split Duke had moved. He had heard sparse rumors that he had moved in with someone, maybe it was the guy he was fucking around on Joey with. But Joey always assumed that had been n, sn, so he was more than a bit confused.

In any case, Duke wasn�t living in Domino anymore, which was a blessing because things with him had to end abruptly. Yugi became his number one priority, which was why Joey never got closure. He would have otherwise demanded the name of the person he had fucked on him with. But now 17 months later he was ready to finally close that chapter of his life. Nearly a year and a half since it went down in flames had given Joey a lot of time to think. And he was sure the whe wanted to confront Duke once and for all.

�Hey, Joey, this man here was looking for a book I�ve never heard of before. He says it�s in the sexuality section. He said you were able to help him find what he was looking for the last time he was here.�

Joey looked up at one of the new associates. The guy was nice, but still wet behind the ears. �I�m a little busy right now, I wanted to alphabetize this before I left for the day. Are you sure the book isn�t just out of stock? Did you check our website?�

�It keeps telling me that there�s no matches. He said he really needs to find this book. It�s called How to Surprise Your Boyfriend At Work So He�ll Sleep With You. I looked it up in the computer and it wasn�t there.� Joey made a face and stood up.

�Where�s the customer?�

�He�s over there, the guy in the suit.� Joey dropped The Joy of Cooking and walked over to Tristan with a boyish grin. �Som�Something I can help you with, Sir?� Joey asked, his smile only broadening as Tristan returned a smile.

�Yes, you might remember me from a month or so ago. You helped me locate another book I was looking for. I really want to find this book, I want to sleep with my boyfriend tonight.�

�And do you think surprising him at work will do the trick?� Joey asked, lifting his eyebrows.

�Well, I�m sure there�s more to it then that. I brought him sesame chicken from his favorite Chinese restaurant, Chinese being his favorite food, of course, and it�s all delicious and piping hot in my jaguar waiting for him. And I got him this cute little just because card because he had to put up with a house guest hitting on me all day yesterday.�

�Oh, so you�re buttering him up? Is that it?�

�I�ve had a long day and me and him are supposed to go out with our friends tonight. But I got off early and since we don�t have to meet them until about eight I estimate we�d have a good three hours before hand to fuck each other.�

�And your confident this will work, hum?�

�The way I see it, the second he comes back to my place he�s going to be ing ing for it anyway. He can�t resist me.�

�Sounds like a good plan, as long as he doesn�t call you a jerk and slap you.�

Tristan grinned. �So, is there anyway you can help me find this book?�

Joey checked his watch. �I�m afraid it�s now five and my shift is over

�How disappointing.�

�i would normally stay to help you, but I�m actually meeting my boyfriend. He�s the best boyfriend in the entire world and I love him to pieces. He brought me Chinese from my favorite restaurant and he got me a cute card and he�s going to take me back to his condo and fuck me thoroughly. So I really have to go.�

Tristan leaned in and gave Joey a firm kiss, Joey murmuring contently. �It must be a crime to be so much in love with you, Baby,� Tristan decided, as the kiss broke.

�Give me a couple minutes. I have to go punch out.� Joey returned in a flash and they walked out to Tristan�s car, Tristan opening the door for him. �So why did you get off work early?�

�Seto asked me to cby hby his house, he misses Yami and I agreed to go back with him so he wouldn�t hang around Kaiba Corp and fire someone. Things went sour with the Peterson account. And he�s of course livid.�

�You went back to Seto�s house? Why�d he want you to go?� Joey wondered, opening the card first. There was a duck. Joey liked ducks.

�aid aid he didn�t want to go home alone because he missed Yami so much. He�s upset about what happened. Which I guess is surprising since it�s his own damn fault. He could care less about what happened between the two of you.�

�How�d long you stay?�

�Maybe twenty minutes. After he took a sleeping pill it didn�t take him long to go to sleep. The guy got like six hours for the last two nights.�

�Oh, the poor guy,� Joey said with an eye roll. �I like the card, Tris. It�s cute. Thank you.�

�Welcome. Love you.�

�I still can�t believe you went to the mansion though. But you�re telling me, and I really do appreciate that.�

�I just don�t want to keep anything from you, Baby.� Joey smiled and gave Tristan kiss on the cheek. �I had to stop off at the apartment to drop off a bag Seto gave me to give to Yami, his clothes and stuff. And his wallet. Yami was actually searching for a hotel when I left. Seems every upscale place is booked until Monday, I guess because of the holiday. So you probably have him for the weekend. The good news is he has his make up again so he can go out tonight.�

Joey rolled his eyes again. �Where are we going, I didn�t ask.�

�There�s a Michael Jackson contest at some karaoke bar Bakura knows. I didn�t want to go singing tonight, but I thought you�d find the theme amusing.�

�I do. Maybe I�ll get Bakura to dress up as a clown too,� Joey teased.

�Wait until we get back to the condo, Baby, make your jokes now.�

�Love you,� Joey cooed.

�You�re still going to get it,� Tristan assured him, giving Joey a smirk.

�You�re going to have to catch me first, Tris.�

�Eat your chicken, Baby. You�re goingneedneed the strength. Because when I do catch you you�re in for it.�

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

�I thought you were going to wait until Billie Jean, Tris?� Joey asked, as Tristan sat back down amid applause.

�I might like Billie Jean but Don�t Stop Till You Get Enough is still my favorite MJ song of all time.�

�Well the competition in here is pretty damn fierce, I didn�tnk ank anyone was going to take it this seriously. I feel out of place not wearing a glove and grabbing my crotch,� Bakura affirmed.

�Tris still did an amazing job, I�m sure he�ll win something,� Yami decided. Bakura gave Yami a look. �Are you going to go and perform, Aibou?�

�I don�t know, I�m not good at karaoke.�

�You should, Aibou.�

�Will you, Yams?�

�If the right song comes on I will.�

�And which song would that be?�

�This is another classic. A hit single from Michael Jackson�s earlier stuff when he was still a part of the Jackson Five.� Yugi looked up at the monitor in front of their table and before any of them knew what was going on Yami was up and had grabbed a microphone. �It seems we have a taker. What�s your name?�

�It�s Yami. And I dedicate this song to my very special aibou, Yugi.� Yami pointed to their table, a spotlight catching all of them as Yugi blushed profusely. Bakura narrowed his eyes. It seemed Yami was just looking for drama tonight. �I love you, Aibou. Always.� Then Yami blew him a kiss.

�How much did he have to drink?� Joey asked, looking at their half empty pitcher of beer.

�I don�t know, but if he thinks he�s going to get cute, he has another thing coming,� Bakura promised.

�Kura, there�s no reaso get get jealous. It�s Yami,� Yugi insisted.

�That�s why he�s concerned, Yug,� Joey explained.

�You two have been giving Yami nasty looks all night, he�s behaved himself,� Tristan brought up.

�It took him two hours to get ready. He�s been making passes at Yugi all night, and now he�s trying to play more games,� Bakura countered.

The music started rising, the familiar melody drifting and the four at the table went silent waiting for Yami to start his performance.

�When I had you to myself, I didn't want you around. Those pretty faces always make you stand out in a crowd. But someone picked you from the bunch, one glance is all it took.
Now it's much too late for me to take a second look.�

�Why is he doing this song?� Bakura asked, cutting death glances at their tablemate.

�Oh baby, give me one more chance. To show you that I love you. Won't you please let me back in your heart. Oh darlin', I was blind to let you go. But now since I've seen you in his arms. I want you back.�

�Shit, Yugi�s on the screen now,� Joey pointed. Yugi�s image was on the screen the words to the song superimposed on top of him. The camera zoomed out to capture both Yugi and Yami, who was now practically serenading him.

The rest of the audience got into it, clapping along. Encouraging Yami who got bolder and started adding dance moves to his exhibitions.

�Let me tell ya now. Oh baby, give me one more chance. To show you that I love you. Won't you please let me back in your heart. Oh darlin', I was blind to let you go. But now since I've seen you in his arms. I want you back.�

As the instrumental break started Yami�s hips swayed back and forth suggestively, captivating everyone. Yugi�s eyes were glued on Yami, fixed on his former lover who had let all his inhibitions go and was once again the center of attention.

Only Joey and Tristan watched as the look on Bakura�s face grew darker and darker and more menacing. If Joey didn�t know any better he�d say Bakura was holding his steak knife in a very threatening manner. And Tristan could have sworn he saw Bakura bearing teeth like some sort of fiend.

�All I wanti> i> Yami bumped his hips to the right. All I need�� Yami bumped his hips to the left. All I want!� Yami thrusted his pelvis forward. �All I need!� Yami pointed at Yugi, with his right hand.

�Good lord,� Joey sneered, making a face.

�Oh, just one more chance. To show you that I love you. Baby baby baby baby baby baby! Forget what happened then. And let me live again! Oh baby, I was blind to let you go. But now since I' see you in his arms. I want you back. Spare me of this cost. Give me back what I lost! Oh baby, I need one more chance. I tell ya that I love ya..�

The music faded out, the audience was applauding one of the most energetic performances of the night. Yami sat back at his seat in between Yugi and Tristan. It was that moment Yugi looked back to Bakura who had disappeared from his seat.

�Bakura?� Yugi asked, not really to anyone.

�Where�d he go?� Yami asked innocently, pouring himself more of the beer. �I hope he didn�t miss my debut.�

�Trust me, Yami, he saw it,� Joey answered, getting up.

�Where are you going, Joey?� Tristan asked, hoping the blond wasn�t going to find Bakura. The two of them together was going to be explosive. And at the moment he didn�t think harming Seto Kaiba�s whatever would be a wise move to make.

�I�m going to the bathroom. I need to throw up.� Joey took off.

�Well, I�m going to get this refilled. All that performing has me thirsty again. Don�t go on until I get back, Aibou.� Yami stood up and took the pitcher and headed for the bar.

�Kura�s really mad at me isn�t he?� Yugi asked, as another patron stood up to do Dirty Diana.

�He�s mad at Yami. He thinks he�s trying to start something.�

�I admit, that song choice was probably a bad idea. But I doubt Yami seriously wants me back. I don�t know. Yesterday and today with Yami have been nice, catching up on old times. I enjoyed his company.�

�Bakura has that possessive streak going for. I. I�m sure you wouldn�t be tickled pink if Ryou showed up and did a rendition of The Way You Make Me Feel in Bakura�s honor.�

�I don�t know what to think of this situation, Tristan, it�s like suddenly Yami�s back and he�s complicating everything.� Yugi sighed.

�How is he complicating everything?�

�He�s complicating things because he�s on the rebound and he�s been making comments to me,� Yugi began.

�What kind of comments? And what about Bakura?�

�I don�t know.�

�What do you mean you don�t know?�

�He sounds like he use to when we were together. You�re everything special in this world, you�ve always been so important to me. I will always love you, Aibou. I would never betray Kura. Never. But Yami showing me attention is like the good old days. We use to double date with Joey and the fool all the time. The four of us going to karaoke places and the Pyramid and dinner. Yami�s performance was so reminiscent of how things use to be. I guess I�m just getting nostalgic. But I really did enjoy going out with Joey and him and Duke.�

Tristan narrowed his eyes. �Yugi, this is off topic, I know that, but when exactly did Joey and Duke break up?�

�August 28th.�

�You remember the date?�

�Of course I remember the date. It was the same day I tried to commit suicide. Well, I guess he didn�t officially end it until maybe three days after that. So I guess very beginning of September. Why do you ask?�

�August? You�re sure?�

�Yes, positive. I was in the hospital the beginning of the fall term. Trust me, I remember.�

�And when did he propose to Joey?�

�April, I think. And then he started fucking up during the summer. Joey was so upset when he made a scene when we were celebrating my birthday at the Pyramid. That was a bad night all around. Yami spent the entire night on the dance floor with Seto. And when the fool left Joey spent the rest of the time crying.� Yugi made a face. �Tristan? Are you listening to me?�

�What about his brother?� Tristan muttered, his mind was working at half speed.

�Joey doesn�t have a brother, he has a sister.�

�I meant Du.. the fool.�

�Duke doesn�t have a brother either. He�s an only child. The single heir to the Devlin fortune.� Tristan glanced at Yugi from the corner of his eye, fearing if he made any sudden movements he was going to vomit all over himself. �Why are you asking about him anyway? Didn�t Joey tell you the whole story?�

�Joey never mentioned his name to me�� Tristan whispered, his eyes going glassy.

Joey returned with Bakura then, Bakura who didn�t look upset anymore. Yugi glanced at the bar to make sure Yami was still among the living. �Kura, I�m sorry if Yami upset you�he just likes being a show off�that�s all��

�It�s nothing, Babyface. It�s fine now.� Bakura gave Yugi a smile and a kiss on the cheek. �I just needed some air.�

�Sure, Kura?�

�It�s not you I have the problem with.� Bakura glanced over at the bar as Yami made his way back with a full pitcher of beer.

�Round two guys,� Yami mentioned placing the pitcher on the table. �Tristan, why are you making that face, you look ill.�

�I�m going to be sick�� Tristan pushed away from the table and ran for the bathroom.

Author�s Endnotes: B is for bitch. And that is the only word to describe the ending to this chapter. Hahaha� Wow� so� I�ve really done it this time haven�t I? I told you these next few chapters the drama was going to be intense. And indeed it�s gotten that way. There�s a flashback chapter with Yugi and Yami coming up and Joey�s birthday is right around the corner, and what are Seto and Yami doing anyway� when�s Yami going to take off that ring? And is Seto going to apologize? And what about Yugi and Bakura? Will Yugi tell Yami he was raped if they get closer? I�ll try to update as soon as possible� but I�ll leave you with yet another treat:

�What happened to the diva?� Joey asked, slumping into the easy chair.

�He�s on the phone with Seto,� Yugi answered.

�Why?�

�Well, he needs more of his things and he�s making arrangements with him. Seto�s offered to drop of anything Yami wants at his hotel.�

�How long has he been on the phone with him?�

�An hour.�

�He has that many things he needs dropped off?�

�That or they�re talking about more than just merchandise.�

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