I could explain why this took me so long... but it involves me explaining more about my personal life than I'm comfortable sharing on the internet.

A REMINDER:

This story takes it for granted that readers are familiar with the YGO anime, at least.

Chapter Summary

Art galleries, birthday parties, and fishing trips; the gang has a little bit of fun before diving into the Millennium World where Atem fights a thief, Seto participates in a race, and Joey finally gets a kiss.

Chapter 5 - The Kiss He Got In The Millennium World

Domino Museum of the Arts

Domino City, Japan

School break between 1st and 2nd Semester of Senior Year

Year 2005

There was something… familiar about him. He knew him?

He continued to stare, surreptitiously so, out of the corner of his eye as he waited for them to turn around. He was sure that he knew- "Mokuba?"

His sister turned around, gripping his arm and smiling widely at the approaching raven. "Mokuba, I'm so glad you made it!"

"Joey! Serenity!"

"Woah, woah, woah," Joey caught the young raven's hug, more of a tackle that it was. "I didn't know you were invited."

"Of course I was." Mokuba let him go to give Serenity a hug. "And so was my brother."

"Seto's here?" Joey put forth excitedly, immediately searching out the vicinity.

Mokuba gave him a look. "No, my other brother, Priest Set."

The blond smirked. "Technically, they're more alike than they are different. After all, they happen to-"

Mokuba waved him off. "Whatever."

He laughed. "Alright, alright. I'm just surprised the both of you would be here is all."

"Oh, I forgot to tell you big brother," Serenity spoke up. "It was the Kaiba's who bought my first painting after the Battle City Tournament was over. It's because of them that I gained enough interest to showcase my own gallery."

"You're talented enough all your own Serenity," Joey quickly assured.

"Thank you," she graciously accepted, happy little smile on her face. "It would have taken longer without the Kaiba's though."

Joey pursed his lips at that, but let it be. His gaze moved to sweep Mokuba's figure. "You look good in a tux, Mokuba."

The young raven had grown in the nearly 8 months he'd seen him last. The black tux suited his taller figure and the tie he wore matched the color of his eyes. Although Mokuba was still too young to garner anything other than a "Oh, how handsome!" comment from the surrounding guests, he was clearly growing into the same good looks his older brother held.

"In a few years I'll have everyone here eating out of the palms of my hands," Mokuba promised causing Serenity to giggle. "But for tonight I can admit that it's Serenity who's absolutely stunning."

Joey smiled at the way his sister blushed. The green dress she wore sparkled and brought out the same flecks of viridian in her hazel eyes.

"And what, I'm too ugly to compliment or somethin'?" Joey teased.

"Well, you're okay I guess," Mokuba returned cheekily.

He laughed at the raven's assessment. The rented tux didn't fit him to a T, but it highlighted his muscular physique. He'd gone ahead and splurged a bit on a red dress-shirt he wore which popped out quite nicely amongst the blond of his hair and the black of his slacks. His top button was unbuttoned, his jacket discarded long ago, and Serenity had attacked his hair earlier; somewhat taming the shaggy mess into a low ponytail.

Joey may not be wrapped in expense like everyone else, but he knew how to put effort into looking good when needed (his husband had assured it). At the very least, he was blessed with roguish good looks which stood out from among the pretty boys in the crowd.

"Just okay?" the blond sighed dramatically. "I guess you no longer have a crush on me do you?"

"I never had a crush on you," Mokuba immediately insisted.

"Oh," he leaned in, waving good-bye when Serenity was once again drawn away to mingle. "That's not how I remember it."

The raven blushed against his own wishes. "I was just trying to get back at Rex Raptor."

"Is that all?"

"He insulted Seto!"

"Uh huh, speaking of your gorgeous brother, where is he?" Joey pouted. "It's been so long since I've last seen my intended."

"I've been busy with Kaiba Land in America if you must know, Wheeler."

The blond hoped he didn't overplay his gasp, as if he hadn't known when the tall brunette initially approached. That was a presence he'd never be able to miss. "My intended!"

"Hey big brother," Mokuba greeted. "Any fun?"

Seto crossed his arms. "The paintings are the only things of interest."

Joey couldn't help it. "Ya sure only the paintings interest you?"

"Okay!" Mokuba cut in quickly. "I'm not sticking around for this. I'm going to go work the room. Have fun with your lover-boy, Seto!."

"He's not my-"

"Can't hear you! Bye!" Mokuba disappeared into the crowd as swiftly as he first appeared.

Joey turned to Seto and grinned. "He's a brat isn't he?"

"Like you wouldn't believe." Seto's eyes flicked over him. "You actually clean up well mutt, for someone who can't afford Armani."

"Pet names, don't be mean." Feeling impetuous, the blond leaned in to whisper, "I know I look good, but let's save doing anything inappropriate for when we're alone."

Seto snorted.

Joey had to refrain from the impulse to tug at the back-end of the brunet tresses at the sound of that snort. He looked away, pretending to scan the room. They had so many little habits between them… but none he could act on.

'Not yet.'

"Okay, okay," Joey sighed. "How 'bout we try for a civil conversation for once? We are in high society and all that."

"This isn't high society."

"Civil. I stress the word, civil."

"I don't like small talk."

"Neither do I. This is a talk between friends."

Seto's gaze shifted imperceptibly. "We're friends?"

"Friendship should be established before marriage."

"I thought you were aiming for a civil talk."

"Fine, fine," Joey slipped his hands into his pockets. "Were there any complications getting Kaiba Land set up in America?"

Seto stared at him.

"What?" Joey tried hard not to grin. "Isn't that what you and Mokuba said you'd be busy with after Battle City? I figured that's why ya never returned to school for the final semester, being in another continent and all."

"You're asking after my business practices," the tall brunet laughed, wide shoulders rising and lifting the jacket of his tailored white suit. "I doubt you'd understand Wheeler."

He shrugged. "I can if you're a bit patient. Believe it or not, I can pick things up well once they've been explained to me. The only reason I suck at school is because you're expected to work theories out all on your own."

Seto stared at him again, clearly skeptical.

"I can admit my weaknesses," Joey told him. "I'm a man of action, plain and simple."

"That, even I cannot deny Wheeler."

His amber orbs sparkled with mirth. "Sooooo, America?"

After another moment's pause Seto tentatively launched into an overview of some of the issues they originally encountered with production and licensing. He had to stop a few times and dumb things down for Joey, but all in all it opened up conversation between them.

Joey refrained from teasing too much as he took a turn to ramble himself about what had gone on in Domino City while the Kaiba brothers were away.

Inevitably, the conversation turned towards the Battle City Tournament.

"You defeated me. The only other person to ever defeat me was Pegasus," Seto commented.

Joey felt his mouth go dry.

Seto was entirely focused on his person. The intensity within those sharp blue eyes speed up the beats of his heart.

And yet, he couldn't stop the trickle of thought of how strange it was to see his beloved like this. To see a Seto whom was not obsessed with defeating Yami Yugi (something that took Yami's death to occur the time before).

No, instead, Seto focused on him.

'Preventing Grandpa's kidnapping may have been the best thing I've done to the timeline,'Joey thought. He licked his lips, nervous. "Well, I did have a trump card."

"Yes…" Seto's eyes flashed.

'Crap.'

"…the Blue Eyes White Dragon."

'Double crap.'

The tall brunet continued, stepping closer to his person. "I've searched the world over for that fourth Blue Eyes. To think that it was you whom held it all along, so close within my grasp."

'Dammit, he's too close! Too close!'He steeled himself as best he could. "If it was up to me I'd simply give it to ya as a gift," Joey told him truthfully. "Because I know how much Blue Eyes means to you."

The blond was concerned with the way Seto's eyes flashed again. He was also concerned about the rising wave of lust he felt. 'This isn't the damn time!'

But it was difficult. He never learned how to ignore his feelings, only suppress them; and that was a hard enough thing to do as his future-husband currently faced him, one hand slipped into his pocket, leaving only several inches to separate them.

Joey knew the other's body very well. Knew exactly what to do to please him.

If he took only a single step and tilted his chin up he'd be able to capture those pale lips with his own. It'd be so easy to-

'No.'

"But, I can't."

Brown brows drew up, questioning.

"The card doesn't belong to me," Joey explained. "I borrowed it."

"Who?"

"I'd rather not say." Joey practiced breathing out slow breaths through his nose, regulating his rapid heartbeats to a normal pace. He gave Seto a knowing look. "They'd never sell it. They don't duel anymore, but the card has tremendous sentimental value for them."

Seto frowned.

Joey waved off the urge to wrap his arms around Seto and nuzzle his neck. The gesture of comfort wasn't something the other would appreciate at this stage, but he still hated for Seto to be upset in any way. "You have a trio of Blue Eyes and the fourth one will never be used. What does it matter?"

"You used it," Seto petulantly accused, likely not aware of the tone he used.

Joey had to smile. "Very special circumstances, believe me. It's only because they owed me a favor and because I promised to use it for the tournament alone that they let me borrow it." He swallowed and shifted his gaze a bit. "Blue Eyes compliments Red Eyes best, and vice-versa."

Seto scoffed, picking up Joey's little meaning, but let it go although he was still unhappy about the entire matter.

"Look," Joey tried. "I-"

"Excuse me!"

The two turned around to find a young woman smiling widely at them. "Seto Kaiba and Joey Wheeler, right? Do you mind a quick photo?"

"Cameras aren't allowed in the gallery," Seto coldly reminded her, eyes narrowed.

"It'll be just this one and I promise to make sure none of the splendid art is in the shot." The woman pulled out a card. "My name is Jeanine King and I'm doing a piece on Duel Monster's rising global popularity, which many credit has sky-rocketed due to the amazing viewer ratings of the Battle City Tournament. A photo of the Winner and the Host would do wonders for the article however."

Joey thought it was particularly clever of her to refer to Seto as the Host instead of the Runner-up.

"Fine," Seto whipped out his own card and exchanged with hers. "But my PR will need prior approval of photos and statements."

"Of course, of course," she assured.

Joey blushed as the woman pushed him to stand against Seto, his hand brushing the other's by accident.

After a few shots, "To make sure to get a great pic," the CEO announced he'd be taking his leave.

"Oh darn." The woman turned to Joey expectantly. "You wouldn't mind answering just a few questions would you?"

The blond grinned. "No problem. It's not like I have a company to run or anything."

Seto smirked at him. "You'd drive it into the ground Wheeler."

Joey pouted in return.

"Oh! Are the two of you friends?" Jeanine prodded, eyes bright and pen in hand.

The grin that stole over Joey's face was razor-sharp. "I'm not answering any gossip-related questions." His heart then stupidly swelled the nod of approval Seto sent his way before the CEO abruptly left.

The woman's smile was equally sharp. "Well, can't blame me for trying."

"Oh I can, but let's not live in the past," Joey's smile was disarming. "Your questions?"

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Domino City, Japan

October 22, 2005

Second Semester of Senior Year

"Guys, guys, guys- don't swamp the champ!"

"Joey!" Tristan slapped a friendly hand to his back. "Why is it you're always the last one in buddy?"

"Not always," he responded, slumping down into his seat at his friend's disbelieving glances. "Oh alright, ya caught me then."

Tea was the brave one to ask. "Caught what?"

"My secret."

"What secret?" Duke encouraged.

Joey swept his gaze over his friends, taking note of the differences, from Yugi's wide-eyed expectancy to Ryou's cocked head.

"I'm Batman," he whispered solemnly.

Ryou's lips twitched. "Wouldn't it make more sense for Kaiba to be Batman?"

Contemplation stole over his face. "I'm... dating Batman?"

"Are you insinuating we're in a relationship Wheeler?" Seto's true-blue eyes flashed up in his direction from a few seats away. "Again?"

Everyone but Joey stiffened at the sharp voice that cut into their conversation. It was still a bit of a surprise whenever Seto talked to them at school and did so in such a way that merely compromised of throwing insults.

It'd been a learning experience for the gang to adjust their methods enough to be able to 'befriend' Seto in a way that didn't cause him to keep pushing them away (most important of all this consisted of stopping all blatant overtures of friendship towards the dynamic CEO).

Joey had insisted to his friends that the key was to be subtle, a notion which was echoed by Duke whom knew a little something about reading people as the raven was a business man himself.

Seto never joined their group (and Joey knew he never would), but he sat within their hearing range. He also never engaged in the every-day conversation between them, but would speak up now and then when he wasn't engrossed in his work.

It wasn't a normal friendship Seto held with the gang, so to speak, but it was the start of something to build upon.

Joey was both delighted and wary by this turn of events.

No one knew his love as he did. There still remained a deep-rooted anger buried within the Seto that had yet to be expressed in this time as it had been in Battle City before.

The preventing of events always came with a price, one of the most important being stealing the necessary struggles the others had gone through in order to develop. This, Joey realized, too late.

Seto's struggles were necessary for his release from the hold Gozaburo still had over him beyond his death as he refused to see that emotions did not equate weakness. Until Seto truly faced his past he would not be able to become the man that Joey had fallen for so dearly.

"That depends," Joey tossed a smirk Seto's way. "Are ya revealing that you're Batman?"

The tall brunet scoffed derisively and focused back on his work, not deigning a verbal answer.

The blond looked down at the fingers he'd begun to drum on the desk. At times his mind would drift and he would be undoubtedly reminded that they all only had a few short years left of this kind of peace.

It was only a few years.

Reaching.

Something was reaching for him.

He grabbed the arm and pulled it down across the desk. His attacker let out a grunt and he- paused.

His free hand hovered over the back of the person's neck. He'd planned to take ahold of his assailant by the neck to keep them down before standing up and twisting their arm up behind them.

But- it was only Ryou.

A thoroughly shocked Ryou.

"Umm," Joey smiled sheepishly as he let him go. "That was my bad?"

"Geez man!" Tristan exclaimed. "You could have seriously hurt him."

The blond frowned and looked up at the fair-haired teen who was adjusting his collar. "I honestly didn't mean to hurt ya."

Ryou smiled, small and hesitant, but there. "I know."

"Ya should never sneak up on me."

"I definitely know that now."

"You should be more careful Joey," Tea scolded.

"Yes mother."

Duke's laughter broke in. "Tea would make one scary mother."

"Yes she would," Joey agreed.

"I'll take that as a compliment," the female allowed. She then gave them all a wary look. "How about we focus on how we're going to find the other items?"

Yugi immediately stiffened. "I thought we agreed we were delaying that for now," the short teen said softly.

"I know," Tea spoke uneasily. "But I've been thinking, is it really fair to the Pharaoh to make him wait?"

"We've got 3 of the items already don't we?" Tristan looked to Yugi who nodded.

"The Puzzle, the Necklace, and the Rod."

Tristan shrugged. "Then we can take our time with the rest."

"But we don't know where the others are," Tea pointed out.

"We know Ryou has the Ring," Duke supplied.

"And Shadi has the Key and the Scales," Yugi added.

"That still leaves the Eye," Tea shook her head. "And we have no idea whom stole it from Pegasus."

"Pegasus himself doesn't remember," Yugi admitted solemnly.

"So, that really just means we have only one to find," Duke said.

"The Ring always goes back to you doesn't it?" Tristan addressed to Ryou.

The fair-haired teen looked away from him and mumbled, "Yes, it certainly does."

Joey caught the wayTristan immediately blanche at having said anything. The pointy-haired brunette cleared his throat. "I didn't mean to- I mean it's not your fault that-"

"Tristan," Ryou interrupted. "It's quite alright. I understand."

Tristan nodded, but clearly didn't believe him.

"Even if we only have to look for the Eye, it could take a long time to find it," Tea addressed, bringing back the subject at hand.

"We can take our time," Duke insisted.

Tea frowned, looking from one face to the next. "Why are you guys so against this?"

"Maybe because it's our Senior year," Tristan explained. "Not that I wouldn't do it all over again, but we shouldn't get too distracted by other things this year."

Tea's frown deepened. "This isn't a distraction."

"I'm just saying," Tristan stressed. "Our grades actually matter now and it's the last year we'll all be able to spend a lot of time together."

"I know that. I just-"

"What, are you trying to get rid of the Pharaoh now or something?"

Again, Tristan wished he hadn't spoken so tactlessly given by the way Tea's eyes widened. The pointy-haired brunette just couldn't say anything right today.

Yugi squeezed his Puzzle. "Tristan-"

"You think I want that?" Tea cut in, hurt. Her aqua eyes shimmered, but she held back her tears. "It's not about making the Pharaoh leave. I wish he could stay with us forever." She wrung her hands in her lap. "But it's the only way for him to gain his memories too. He deserves to find out who he really is."

A short silence followed.

"You're right Tea," Ryou spoke up. "The Pharaoh does deserve that, but we'd already agreed we'd take our time with this. The Pharaoh also deserves to have some fun."

"Yeah, I know," Tea smiled sadly. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have brought it up. It's just been on my mind a lot lately."

"It's on all our minds," Ryou reminded.

"Yeah," Tristan agreed. "And I'm sorry too Tea."

She reached out and gave his hand a squeeze, exchanging smiles when she let Tristan's hand go.

"Joey?" Yugi called. "You're awfully quiet."

The blond blinked and gave them all a quizzical look. "What was that Yug? I'm busy textin'."

He held back a smirk as they all sweat-dropped. It's not that he wasn't texting, but he'd also been paying very close attention to what they discussed. It'd been his idea after all to suggest they take their time rounding up the Millennium Items in order to spend more time with the Pharaoh. He didn't feel at all guilty for keeping secret that he knew where the Eye was, or at least that he knew it was the Other Bakura who'd stashed it who-knows-where.

His eyes flashed discreetly in Seto's direction. How did the tall brunette feel about all this? Joey knew he'd been listening in too, but Seto wasn't quite rivals with Yami as he had been before.

"Since when did you have a phone?" Duke's eyebrow rose.

Joey shrugged nonchalantly. "Awhile."

"Who are you texting Joey?" Yugi questioned curiously.

"Mako."

"Mako?" Tea prompted.

"We keep in touch. He's planning on inviting us all on his boat over Winter Break."

"What?!"

Joey's mouth formed a small 'o' at Yugi's proclamation. "Ah, that may have been meant to be a surprise."

"Joey!"

"Oops."

"Whose Mako?" Duke questioned.

Tristan turned to tell the raven-haired teen all about the Fisherman-Duelist they met back at Duelist Kingdom.

"Yeah, we text every once in awhile," Joey explained afterwards. "I also text with Mai, Rex, and even Mokuba."

"Mokuba?" Seto cut in briskly. His blue eyes gave the blond a flat look. "Are you the reason he sometimes giggles over his phone?"

Joey grinned triumphantly. "Probably."

Seto scoffed and resumed typing away at his laptop.

"How come you never text one of us?" Tristan questioned rather pointedly, moving to lean heavily on Joey's shoulder and looking down at him with shifty eyes.

"Oh, I have all of your numbers. It's just I get to see ya guys all the time and with the others it's not so often."

The teacher entered then and class began. At the end of the day Joey hung back, receiving puzzled looks from his friends whom waited for him. The blond didn't speak until Seto left the room.

"Still texting Mako?" Duke waggled his eyebrows as though to suggest there was more to it.

"Nope," Joey emphasized the 'p'. "Mokuba."

"Joey," Yugi began nervously. "Why do you have that look on your face?"

"Mokuba and I are scheming," His eyes flashed bright. "It's Seto's birthday in 3 days."

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"He's gonna kill us."

"Maybe."

"Joey!"

"Oh man, he's gonna kill us!"

"Just blame it on Joey. It was his idea anyways."

"I'm starting to realize just how ridiculous this is."

"Nay friends! This is much fun!"

"Glad to have ya here Mako, especially on short notice."

"And I-"

"Shhh!"

"What?!"

"Why are-"

"Shh! I just got a text from Mokuba. They're getting out of the limo."

"I'm too young to die!"

"Ssshh!"

Silence reigned, but for the muffled voices that could be heard approaching from the outside. Joey released a breath as the doorknob jiggled and the door swung open.

"I'm telling you Mokuba, it's perfectly fine to-"

Seto clicked the lights on and promptly dropped his briefcase onto the floor with a loud thud.

"SURPRISE!" a chorus of voices rang out in cohesion.

Joey threw his hands up, heart leaping at the clearly shocked expression in the wide ocean blues. "Happy Birthday Seto!"

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Kaiba Mansion

Domino City, Japan

October 25, 2005

Second Semester of Senior Year

Two hours later the party played on in full swing, surprisingly enough. Joey and Mokuba had come up with the idea of a Duel Monsters theme party for Seto's birthday, an idea the others had all enthusiastically agreed to.

"If Kaiba allows the party to go on, might as well go all-out," Tristan had so helpfully added when Mokuba and himself presented their idea a few days ago.

Joey had moved to get himself another drink (soda) and decided to take a moment to himself, to take in the sight of his friends- all together, all blissfully happy.

Serenity was rather subdued as of Arc. Her outfit consisted mostly of metallic clothing pieces. She had a certain shine about her eyes that he knew meant she currently spoke about her art pieces. Tristan stood next to her, listening attentively in a store-bought Flaming Swordsman costume.

Dark Magician Girl Tea, Dark Magician Yugi, and an incredibly detailed Skull Dice Duke (lavender skin tone and all) were chatting it up with Mai, who'd arrived a bit late to the party in an all-new leather ensemble. The female blonde spoke loudly, clearly enjoyed telling everyone of the biker trio she now ran with and the sweet set of wheels she'd gotten her hands on.

A shout of joy drew Joey's eyes over to the couches that formed a semi-circle around a massive TV screen. Ryou, dressed in a simple Change of Heart get-up, was seated next to Mako, getting to know the man who could double as the Legendary Fisherman. On the couch adjacent to their's sat Mokuba and Rex, eyes intent on the screen, dressed as the Lord of Dragons and the Twin-Headed Dragon respectively. The two youngest teens had initially challenged each other to a fierce match of video games, but calmed down around each other as they progressed into having actual fun.

Joey was just glad the two young teens were able to resolve their previous issues without much fuss about it.

"Oh hun, what are you doing all by your lonesome over here?"

Joey smiled cheekily as Mai sidled up next to him. "Mourning the fact that Seto left his own birthday party to go work."

"The kid said he wouldn't be gone too long," she reminded, indicating to Mokuba.

"It's been over an hour," he deadpanned.

She laughed at him. "Relax hun, and enjoy the fun. Didn't you put this whole thing together?"

"It was mostly Mokuba to be honest."

"Maybe so, but the people are mainly here thanks to you. I know I am. "

Joey looked her over surreptitiously. "How are you Mai, really?"

She narrowed her eyes at him. "You're quite deceptive, aren't you?"

"I'm taking over Japan someday remember?" He took a swig of soda. "But really Mai, how are things?"

"Things are really good, I'm happier than I've ever been," she admitted, eyes brightening. "Although, I do think of the rest of you from time to time."

"I'm glad."

Her eyebrow lifted. "That I miss you guys?"

"That you're happy, truly."

Mai couldn't contain the wide smile that flit through her lips. "You're too good Joey."

His eyes flicked away at that. "It's simple really, although I can't believe ya have yet to figure it out Mai."

"What?"

"Remember back at Duelist Kingdom?" his gaze fixed on her. "I told you I had something to give you, 'something you can see but cannot touch.' "

She pursed her lips at him.

Joey laughed. "It's friendship Mai. Friendship."

Mai blinked once, twice, then let out a long-suffering groan. "You would think of something so corny."

"Yup," he nodded, emphasizing the 'p' sound.

"You're lucky you're good-looking, especially like this."

He laughed again at the obvious sweep of her eyes over his form. His outfit was rather inspired, dressed as he was as the Red Eyes Black Dragon. His blond mess of hair had been tapered down to fit a long wig of spiky, black locks onto his head. He adorned black leather pants, black boots, and borrowed one of Yami Yugi's black muscle-tee's; the small size of the shirt stretching tight over his more muscular form. Lastly, with the help of Serenity, he'd slapped on some red eye-contacts and lined his eyes with a black liner.

Although Joey knew he looked great, he lamented not having the ease to change his appearance at will as he did before.

He wasn't connected to his Red Eyes yet.

"You didn't dress up," Joey pointed out. "There is a theme here, ya know?"

Mai's lips were posed, ready to speak, but her gaze flickered up and a lascivious smile flit through them instead. "Turn around hun, the one you plan to conquer with is finally coming down the steps."

Joey lifted the can of soda to his lips to hide the multitude of feelings that wanted to blossom over his face as he watched Seto come down the flight of stairs. He only just registered Mai laughing at him as she left him to fend for himself.

He noticed the outfit earlier, but damn if it wasn't amazing to see Seto in that particular 3-piece, white and ice-blue Armani suit. It was (in his mind) the sharpest piece of fashion the tall brunet owned and no one could deny that Seto wore it brilliantly. The blond had always lavished over Seto whenever he wore it and the CEO admitted to donning it on when he was in an especially ass-kicking mood (though Joey also knew Seto had mostly likely worn it today to remind everyone of all his attributes, from his good-looks to his strength as the head of a technological empire. Seto may not like to celebrate his birthday like others, but damn if he wasn't going to look his best for it either).

For once, Joey felt no pang of sadness at the sight of something both new and familiar.

He immediately busied himself with another long drag of soda as Seto headed right for him.

"Mutt," the brunet smirked.

Joey finished off the can and licked his lips. "Ya don't have to be shy you know. Ya can call me sexylike you want to."

Seto snorted. "It appears I have you to thank for all of this."

Joey smiled as he repeated his earlier words, "It was mostly Mokuba."

"It was you whom came up with the... theme."

"True." He nudged Seto's bicep, deliberately admiring the outfit with an elevator sweep of his gaze. "I suppose ya could always thank me for helpin' out with a kiss."

"Yes Wheeler," Seto scoffed. "I'm so thankful you filled my home with teenagers, sugar, and alcohol."

"It's all just soda actually," Joey responded. He gestured over to Mokuba and Rex. "Wouldn't do to have any around the kids. 'Sides, I don't drink myself. Never have."

At Seto's raised brow he explained, "My old man's a drunk." Joey flicked his gaze away, hoping against hope it wasn't too soon to have a conversation like this with the dynamic teen. "The others know that," he gestured with his chin. "So they don't drink around me since they know I don't like it. Though, it's really only Mai and Mako who drink since they're older. Then again, I know Tristan and Duke drink occasionally, and Tea would never touch the stuff lest it get in the way of her dancing. I'm not too sure about Yugi. I think he and the Pharaoh-"

"I didn't take you for a babbler."

Joey stopped abruptly, but laughed, a fleeting sound. "Maybe ya just look so good you're making me nervous."

"Really?" Seto drawled. His tone was sarcastic, but his eyes searched out Joey's with a degree of intensity he knew expressed interest.

"Careful dear, ya ego is showin'," Joey grinned. "Although, ya are right."

"I always am."

"What did I just say about ya ego?" Joey hissed teasingly. "I meant about thanking me, or Mokuba for that matter. It's your birthday and ya deserve to be celebrated for everything that ya are, have done, and have yet to do." He aimed a careful, but genuine smile at his taller companion. "Happy 18th Birthday Seto."

It was peculiar, Seto's eyes both narrowed and softened before turning away. Joey knew that look. Seto was touched, but also highly uncomfortable.

But Joey knew how to fix that too.

"Yeah, so no need to thank any of us or anything." The blond pushed himself up onto his tip-toes. "However-" He got ahold of Seto's shoulder to keep him still and pressed a quick kiss upon a pale cheek. "Ya do get a Birthday Kiss!" Immediately, he turned and ran, halfway across the room with a manic grin on his face before Seto reacted.

"WHEELER!"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Domino City, Japan

Third Semester of Senior Year

Year 2006

The end of Winter Break marked the start of the search for the Millennium Eye.

Mako's fishing trip had been the last big activity they enjoyed together before buckling down. It'd been a pleasant surprise to meet Mako's mother, someone Joey never met in his previous life. The woman clearly had Mako's spirit. Together with her son, they cooked an excellent assortment of foods and enthralled them with tales of life on the high seas as they sailed the day away.

Wonderful it had been to leave behind the cold of Domino City for the cooler weather of the small surrounding islands, if only for a day.

Joey thought it was unfortunate Mai and Seto hadn't been able to make it, though, at least Mokuba and Rex had. A smile turned his mouth as he remembered how the two youngest teens had spent most of their time together. He probably shouldn't have teased them about not to start another fight over his amazing but already-taken self. They both insisted (in a loud manner) that they did not have a crush on him and that he wasn't 'all that great to begin with.'

The next three months bled together; a slur of birthday parties, local duels, study sessions, and unsuccessful ventures in tracking down the Millennium Eye.

Joey loved it all. It was a peace he sorely needed. Without some dire threat hanging over their heads, his nightmares lessened and he had new, precious memories to add to his repertoire.

In fact, his birthday this past January was among one of his best yet. Before, he spent his 18th birthday at Yugi's with his friends, a small party that led to a sleepover in the living room. Simple, but memorable.

This time it had gone down differently and Seto was to blame for it.

In that, Seto was actually there.

"Stop looking at me like that. Mokuba had everything to do with this, not me."

"Oh baby, I knew you loved me!"

"Wheeler!"

"How about ya return my birthday kiss?"

"Why do I even allow you anywhere near me?"

"Because deep down you love me, but refuse to admit it."

"Do you really want to know what I think?" Seto's eyes flickered.

"Oh look! Something that needs my attention way over there!"

Joey wasn't quite sure when his teasing of Seto took turns into deeper conversation. They weren't quite ready to go there.

Still, a surprise party at the Kaiba mansion was something grand. The hug he got from Seto something grander still (and it totally counted as a hug from Seto even if Joey had been the one to tackle him into it. Seto had placed his hands on him after all, and not just to remove him from his person).

But now, as much fun as the past few months had been, it was time to get back to business.

He originally planned to wait until after graduation before revealing that Yami Bakura may have had something to do with the missing Millennium Eye. Joey simply thought it'd be better for them to get school done and over with first.

It shouldn't have come as such a surprise that it was taken out of his hands one Friday night, a week before the gang was set to graduate. He leaned against the wall in Yugi's bedroom, across from where Yugi and Yami sat on Yugi's bed.

"I think it's time you guys know."

Two heads snapped up to look at him.

Joey laughed at their synchronization. "Man, ya guys were so into each other I wasn't all that sure whether anything I said would get through."

Yugi immediately colored, but the faint spirit-form of the Pharaoh stayed focused on him.

"Are you sure Joey?" Yami questioned.

He nodded. "It won't be long before we find the Eye, and after that-" Joey waved a hand. "After that everything will escalate."

Yugi and Yami shared a look.

"Listen, before I say anything, just know that I can't give away any details. I know that sounds weird right now, but no details. 'Kay?"

Yugi and Yami shared another look.

Joey's mouth twitched in an effort to keep from smiling openly when he was attempting to create a serious atmosphere.

"We understand Joey," Yugi assured with a nod.

The blond looked from one to the other. "I'm just going to go ahead and say it- I'm from the future."

Yugi's eyes widened impeccably. "Wh-what?!"

"What do you mean?" Yami asked, brows raised.

Joey sighed, "I'm from the future." He shook his head at their continued blank looks and looked down. "In my time things go bad, very bad. Something unlike anything we've ever faced arises and... and almost everyone dies. We win, but the cost is too much."

Amber eyes flicked up, shimmering. "I was given the chance to start over and make sure that doesn't happen this time. It was a one-shot, one-time deal."

They still stared at him.

Yugi was the first to react, merely whispering, "You're from the future."

"Yeah," he nodded.

Yami's gaze was far more assessing. "How far into the future?"

"I was 25 when I left."

"That's 7 years from now," Yami's eyes flitted wide.

"Yup," Joey returned, and his own gaze softened. The look upon Yami's face was incalculable, or would have been once upon a time. How had he not guessed at it before?

It was shock that lit Yami's orbs. Yami never expected to live so long, did he?

(And yet, Yami's 'death' was a detail he could not talk about)

"When did-" Yugi paused. "When did you, um, return?"

Joey cocked his head. "Right before Duelist Kingdom."

"Duelist Kingdom," Yugi parroted. "Oh, wait! Is that why?! Why you-"

Joey allowed a small smile. "Yes?"

"I mean, it all makes sense," Yugi said. "How it seems like you know more than you should. How you never seem afraid even when things are bad."

"Yugi and I never did come up with a good explanation for any of that," Yami smiled at Yugi. "Though we did have some funny theories going."

"Yeah," Yugi blushed lightly.

Joey raised a knowing brow, but decided not to comment.

Yugi continued, "It also explains why you're so, well, you know."

"Oh?" Joey grinned.

"No, not like- I didn't mean anything like that," Yugi's blush spread and he laughed nervously. "It's just you were different all of a sudden you know?"

Joey laughed. "I know, and I know what ya meant. I was just givin' ya a hard time. You're kinda right anyway. Technically, I am 18 years old, but I also possess memories from another time up to the age of 25. I'm still the same, but different as well, in my experiences at least." The blond ran a hand through his hair. "I kind of changed a few things too."

"Like what?" the Pharaoh questioned.

Joey gave the two a brief overview of how Duelist Kingdom and Battle City went down in the original timeline, stopping to answer their questions here and there.

"Yeah... sorry about taking your win over Marik," Joey mentioned in slight embarrassment, scratching at his head. In a softer tone he mumbled, "And for kinda taking over the 'King of Games' title."

"Given how it originally went I think it's better that you did," Yami told him. "If I'd been given the chance to change things for the better I would have done the same as you."

"I agree with the Pharaoh," Yugi stood up and crossed over to him. "You've done good Joey, truly."

Joey's smile was slow, but it lit up the whole room. "I can always count on the two of ya to make me feel better."

"I only wish I could have done more," he added, pushing himself away from the wall. "Changing things sometimes makes new things happen. It's dangerous to do too much. "

"We don't need to know it all," Yami asserted.

"But if you ever need anything of us, all you have to do is ask," Yugi told him.

"Thank ya, both of ya." Joey's smile faltered, "But the hard part is still a couple years off."

Yugi let out a simple, "Oh."

Joey looked away. "Yeah."

They fell asleep not too long after that.

Or, Yugi fell asleep, Yami was up in the soul-room, and Joey kept attempting to doze off.

He sprang to full alertness once he realized a fourth person had appeared in the room with them.

Joey cursed himself for not hearing when the intruder had come in. Whomever it was they were no beginner, but they would also not get away. He'd make sure of that. "Drop em," the blond snarled as he shot to his feet.

The man yelped in surprise at having been caught stealing the God Cards from the box Yugi kept next to his bed and threw himself out through the window.

"Wha- wha' goin' on?" Yugi asked, still groggy from being awaken.

"Ya God Cards were stolen!" was all Joey managed to say as he climbed out the window. He quickly slid across the roof and maneuvered his way down the side of the building. The thief was still in his sights when he hit the ground and began to run. As he chased the man Joey desperately tried to remember how this had gone down the first time. He put on a burst of speed as he rounded a corner into an alleyway only to be forced into a jerking stop that still had him skidding forward a few feet. "Ryou?!"

The fair-haired teen had donned on a long, black coat making him look like a menacing figure down the other end of the alley. His aura alone was menacing-

"Bakura," Joey corrected.

"Well now," the malevolent spirit of the Millennium Ring smirked, putting a foot down upon the thief he intercepted and knocked out. "I wasn't expecting it to be you to show up here."

"Joey!"

The blond kept his eyes on Bakura as he felt Yugi come up next to him, wheezing.

"Ah," Bakura's eyes shone. "There you are as well."

"It's Bakura," Yugi gasped.

Bakura shook his head derisively. "How very astute. It is no wonder you are the Pharaoh's Light."

"What exactly are you doin' here?" Joey addressed, taking a protective stance in front of Yugi.

"I'm here to help." Bakura flashed the Egyptian God Cards as he held them out. "You should keep a better grip on these."

Yugi sent him a puzzled glance and Joey's eyes narrowed.

"Do you want them or not?" the spirit mocked.

Joey steeled himself, ready to spring forward if needed as Yugi stepped around him and took the God Cards.

"Why are you helping?" Yugi asked, looking over the cards as though they may be fakes.

Bakura grinned. "It is in my interests to do so. I'll even give you something else."

Yugi's lilac gaze was blown wide at what Bakura pulled out of his pocket. "The Millennium Eye! You had it all along!"

"It was quite amusing to watch you lot search for something that was so easily in your grasp. You idiots never even thought to suspect me. You all so foolishly believe Ryou to be the one in control." Bakura's smirk was rather cruel this time.

"Well, I'm so glad you've had such a good laugh about it all." Joey's fists clenched as he came to stand next to Yugi. 'Stupid, stupid, stupid!' He'd been so busy with everything else he completely forgot to keep a better eye on Ryou. He never found out the full extent of the dynamics between Ryou and Bakura, but he'd heard enough from Marik to know that it left much to be desired. To hear Bakura talk of Ryou like this... he felt guilty. It was another thing he fucked up. Another thing he had to fix. "Now, how bout ya hand over that Millennium Ring as well, less ya want me to whoop ya butt for it."

Bakura lifted his chin. "I'd crush you before you could lay a hand on me."

Amber eyes narrowed. "Wanna bet?"

"Why give us the Eye and not the Ring?" Yugi cut in.

Bakura looked to the short teen, studying him for a mere moment. "There is a tablet in Egypt, the tablet of Kul Elna, which fits all 7 of the Millennium Ishtars know of it. Should the Pharaoh survive the trials of the Millennium World, then the Ring will be where it's needed to be." The spirit's smile took on a malicious twist. "I will hang onto the Ring otherwise… I'm quite attached to it."

Yugi glanced at Joey. At the blond's slight nod he turned around and gave his own nod to Bakura. "Very well," Yugi acquiesced.

Bakura eyes seemed to take on a glow. "The wait is finally over then." With that cryptic sentence Bakura left.

Yugi aimed a careful look at Joey. "Did you-"

"I wasn't here for this last time," the blond interrupted. "I imagine it went much the same, but with the Pharaoh here for ya instead of me."

"It's because you're here that Yami didn't feel the need to take over," Yugi admitted, giving the Millennium Puzzle a pat.

Joey's lip curved up and the two headed back to Yugi's.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Domino Metropolis Museum

Domino City, Japan

One Week Until Graduation

Year 2006

"What the heck are we waiting for?"

"We've got one more person comin'."

"I thought we agreed we weren't dragging Ryou or Duke into this one?"

"We did."

"Well then, who are we waiting for?"

Joey smiled at Tristan. "Seto, of course."

"Kaiba's coming along?" Yugi questioned, happily surprised.

"How in the world did you get him to agree to come along?" Tea asked, somewhat wary.

"I threatened him with kisses," Joey explained, tapping a finger to his lips.

Yugi and Tristan snickered.

Tea wasn't having it. "And?"

The blond grinned cheekily. "And I may have mentioned something about trying to propose to him on National TV."

"You're crazy enough to find a way to accomplish that Wheeler."

"Seto!" Joey beamed before he even turned around to find the tall brunet coming up the front steps of the Domino Metropolis Museum. "You're finally here!"

"Don't even think about hugging me," Seto spat, stopping a few feet away but facing Joey.

"How did you-"

"I know."

"I'll wear ya down eventually gorgeous," Joey simpered, hands coming together behind him.

"Let's get a move on man," Tristan begged, looking pointedly away from Seto and Joey.

Seto's scowl had yet to leave his face since he arrived. "I can't believe I'm anywhere near you geeks."

Tea sighed. "Joey, aren't you ever at least a little insulted?" she asked, bringing attention to the blond's bright smile in Seto's direction.

"Coming from him, it's all terms of endearment," Joey explained quite seriously. "Your words don't match your actions," he told Seto, who lost his scowl and blinked at him. Joey turned back to his friends and shrugged. "He's not good with pet names either."

"Don't talk of me as if I'm not here mutt," Seto said, scowl returning.

"See what I mean!" Joey pointed out, smiling at the amusement he saw in those blue eyes.

The rest rolled their eyes at the two, even Yugi, although the short teen was bashful about it.

"Welcome!" a massive, round man boomed thunderously as he came upon the group of teens. "You are all here now! Good!"

Tristan's mouth fell open. "Do any of you guys know this guy?"

Joey shook his head, a lie easily slipping out as he studiously avoided Yugi's eyes. "Never seen him."

After a quick introduction to the odd Mr. Bobasa, the group headed inside the museum. Now that all the Millennium Items were within reach there was no putting off going to the tablet of the Pharaoh's memories.

Joey trailed after Seto whom refused to wait while Tea went inside the gift shop (to buy the cartouche for when they learned the Pharaoh's name).

"Are ya nervous?"

"No."

"Are ya excited?"

"No."

"Are ya worried?"

"No."

"Are ya-"

"I've got a question for you Wheeler."

Joey paused. "Shoot."

Seto threw a side-eye glance at him as they came to a stop before the tablet. "How did you get your hands on my personal number?"

"Mokuba."

"Mokuba," Seto repeated, as though chastising the kid then and there.

"He seemed really happy when I told him we were taking the next step in getting to know each other better by texting. He gave me your number on the spot." Joey laughed at the glare Seto aimed at him. "Aww, come on! It's easier to reach ya this way! Although," the blond put his hand on Seto's shoulder and set his chin atop his hand, happiness bubbling fierce inside of him when the brunet made no attempt to throw him off. Maybe they were starting to get somewhere after all, however slowly that was. "I'll miss talking to Miho."

"Miho?"

"She's the one who always managed to forward my calls to ya at Kaiba Corp," the blond pursed his lips as if in thought. "She should get a raise."

Seto scoffed.

"Seto! She's nice!" Joey waved his hands for emphasis. "And she works so hard," he added.

"All of my employees are held to high standards."

"But she's special! You'd realize that if you talked to her."

"Do you have any idea how many employees I have in that building alone?"

Joey shrugged, just because he could. "A lot."

"Thousands." Seto stiffened as if only just realizing Joey was leaning against him. "I'm not going to pay attention to any particular one."

"But. She's. Special!" Joey insisted, smiling as he took a step away from Seto to gesture dramatically. "A special snowflake."

"You only care because she always managed to get you through to me."

Joey's face was wiped blank. "What's your point?"

Seto looked like he was struggling not to laugh.

"Am I only the only one beginning to get weirded out by those two?" Tristan whispered to Tea and Yugi as they entered the room. "I starting to think Joey is really going to win Kaiba over."

"That's been obvious for awhile now Tristan," Tea pointed out.

"Not to me. I mean I knew it, but it didn't really hit me until just right now." Tristan stared at the two enigmatic teens they were nearing. "What do you think Yugi?"

"Well, I think-"

"Hey! Ya guys are finally here!" Joey studied their faces. "What'cha guys talkin' bout?"

"About the Pharaoh, of course," Yugi supplied, a tad too cheerfully. Before Joey had a chance to question his friend further there was a flash of light and the Pharaoh stood before them instead.

Seto interrupted before Yami had a chance to speak. "Do you mind saving the friendship speech you're about to embark on and getting on with this? I don't have all day to waste it on you dweebs."

"Hello to you too Kaiba," the Pharaoh returned with a slow smile.

Seto narrowed his eyes at that smile.

"I call a truce then." Joey maneuvered himself between the two and placed a hand on each of their shoulders, giving them both a squeeze. "We save the speeches till after we save the day!"

Tristan flicked a thumbs up. "Sounds good to me buddy!"

Tea anxiously wished she had more female friends.

"Let's get to it then!" Joey announced.

Yami nodded, "Agreed."

They all turned to the big man expectantly and Bobasa loudly chimed in with instructions, "All you must do is hold all 3 God Cards before the tablet."

The Ancient Pharaoh nodded to Bobasa and procured the Cards. They all ignored Kaiba's derisive snort as Yami held them up.

A few silent seconds beat past.

"Maybe you're supposed to say something?" Tristan advised, scratching his head.

Tea reached out to touch Yami's arm. "Pharaoh-"

Seto laughed, loudly. "I knew this was all-"

The sudden flash of light blinded them all.

Almost all, that is.

The gang screeched at its appearance and ducked their heads.

Joey merely shielded his eyes, having known it was coming.

Once it passed it was immediately noticeable that it was Yugi whom stood before them instead of Yami, and the God Cards were strewn on the floor.
"He's gone," Yugi whispered, cradling the Puzzle in his hands, eyes wide and focused on the tablet. "He's gone… the Pharaoh's gone!"

Joey would have tried to comfort Yugi then if it weren't for the vacant look in Seto's eyes.

"Seto?" He nudged the tall brunet only to yelp as the taller teen slumped forward. The blond darted forward, catching Seto before he hit the floor and moved to cradle him against him. He lifted Seto's face to his. "Seto? Seto!" Joey looked to Yugi, alarmed. "Seto… he's gone too!"

"Why would he be gone?" Tristan asked.

"It's not only the Pharaoh who's on that tablet," Tea reminded them, eyeing the slab of stone with unease.

Joey carefully laid Seto's body to rest against the wall. He stood back up and looked to Bobasa with a serious edge to his features. "We need to go in and help them. Now."

"There is another way into the Millennium World," the man admitted. "Another doorway exists within the puzzle of the Pharaoh's mind."

"How are we supposed to get inside the Puzzle?" Tea asked, helping Yugi up. They were all eager to get moving.

"Yeah, only Yugi has been able to go there," Tristan pointed out.

"Just tell us what to do," Joey demanded. "And do it quick."

Bobasa smiled at them. "We shall go now then."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

In The Millennium World

Priest Set was the first person they would encounter in the Millennium World and so Joey 'accidentally' led the merry gang right to him after they found their footing. Finding Seto right off the bat wasn't part of the deal, but it came as a glorious surprise.

"It's Seto!"

Tea sighed. "No Joey, that's the Priest. He only looks like Seto."

"No!" Joey latched onto her head, ignored her yelp, and turned it. "It's our Seto!"

"What does he mean ours?" Tristan sputtered.

Joey ran off ahead, too excited to do otherwise, and left his friends behind with the mob scene. "Seto!" he cried out as the familiar brunet came into plain view, rounding out the tail end of Priest Set's entourage.

"There you are Wheeler. Now, where's the rest of the Geek Squa-omph!"

Seto grunted as Joey plastered himself to him, able to feel the smaller physique of the blond against his own. His blue eyes widened as Joey pulled back, briefly cupped his stunned face before sliding his tan hands down and darting all elsewhere.

"I was worried!" Joey exclaimed, hands instinctively moving to search out that the brunet was alright. "Are ya okay? Ya haven't dueled anyone here have ya? Are ya hurt? What happened? Where ya been? Where's Yami?"

Seto forced Joey's hands away. "What are you doing Wheeler?!"

"Kaiba!" Yugi shouted as he and the others arrived.

Joey clung to the lapels of Seto's white trench-coat. "Pet names," he chastised in a small voice.

"Uh Joey, what are you doing man?" Tristan asked warily.

The blond reluctantly let go of Seto, shook his head, straightened out his shoulders and turned around, face set to stone as he looked to his friends. He marched up towards the pointy-haired brunet, whom grimaced as he recognized what was about to come.

"Oh Tristan!" Joey roared as he latched onto his friend. "I was so worried about him! I didn't know what happened! He was just gone and I thought I was gonna be a widower!"

"You're not married Joey," Tea remarked. She instantly blanched as Joey turned watery eyes to her.

"Oh Tea!"

"Joey! No!" she scolded, immediately stopping the blond from launching himself onto her.

"It's okay man," Tristan sympathized, slugging an arm around Joey's shoulders. "Kaiba's totally fine. Look at him, see, he's okay. You still have a chance to get married some day."

The blond looked back at Seto and sniffled. "Oh my Seto," he whimpered, lower lip quivering.

Seto face couldn't look anymore incredulous than it was in that moment. "You are the single, most ridiculous, little-"

"Have you seen the Pharaoh?" Yugi cut in, eyes hopeful after clearing away restrained chuckles at Joey's melodrama.

Seto glared at the interruption, but responded, "He's the one whom suggested I follow that- Priest to see if you lot were around."

"And you listened?" Tea questioned.

"The sooner this is all over with the sooner I can return to more important matters."

"Only you would find your past-self unimportant," Tristan declared with a shake of his head.

"The past is the past," Seto reinforced. "Only fools dwell in it."

"You're wrong honey-bunny," Joey addressed, fresh-faced and smiling at Seto's glare in his direction. "But, we can argue later. Your other-self is leaving with the chick." The blond indicated to Priest Set's entourage getting set to return to the palace.

"Yes! Let us go!" Bobasa boomed.

Tea's eye twitched. "I forgot he was here with us," she admitted.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Joey kicked the wall. "I can't believe we can't get in."

"Pharaoh," Yugi whispered, placing his hands upon the wall.
Tristan crossed his arms. "What do we do now?"

"Kaiba, you were inside before were you not?" Tea asked.

Seto scowled. "I arrived with the taller Yugi in his apparent throne room. I witnessed how Duel Monsters originated and watched that Yugi's drama unfold."

"Well, that tells us everything," Tristan rolled his eyes.

"At least ya can finally admit there's another Yugi," Joey commented to Seto. "But ya should refer to him as the Pharaoh to keep it simple."

"I can't believe this nonsense," Seto shook his head in irritation. "How did you dweebs even get here? The only reason I was sent out looking was because the Pharaoh supposedly felt you arrive."

"We didn't go through like you did," Joey explained. "We had to find a doorway through the Millennium Puzzle."

"The Puzzle is where we all reside in at the moment," Bobasa added, nodding. "We are all in the Memory World."

"Just great," Seto scoffed.

"Is that why we can't interact with anyone?" Tea mused. "These are simply memories we are witnessing?"

"The interaction is fluid," Bobasa allowed. "But, that is essentially correct."

"But the Pharaoh can see us and he can change what's happened- happening- here?" Yugi posed.

Bobasa nodded. "Also correct."

"That doesn't make any sense!"

Seto was ignored.

"But, if the Pharaoh is in his own body, reliving this, why didn't Kaiba go into his old body as well?" Tristan wondered.

"The Pharaoh is still the same person," Bobasa explained. "While Priest Set and Seto Kaiba are two different souls, bound by reincarnation."

"Yeah," Joey agreed, leaning against the wall. "Sides, that's like saying the Pharaoh and Yugi are the same person and they're not."

Seto harrumphed. "A surprising observation on your part Wheeler."

"Thanks sexy," Joey winked.

Seto's eyes flashed and he opened his mouth to retort, but Bobasa's shout cut him off. "There's the thief!"

A scream had them all turning around to watch as a familiar figure burst out through the palace doors, riding off on a horse.

"Is that Bakura?!"

"It is!"

Another familiar figure burst through and chased Bakura on their own horse.

"The Pharaoh!" Yugi cried, relieved at finally spotting his other half.

"And Slifer!" Tristan added as the Sky Dragon God flew above the Pharaoh.

"And all those other people," Tea remarked as the other Priest's and the Pharaoh's Guard burst forth in pursuit.

"Come on!" Yugi shouted, taking off into a sprint.

Everyone followed after him, even the illustrious teen CEO.

"I hate you all," Seto spat.

Joey reached out and slapped Seto lightly on the arm as they ran. "I'll race ya!"

"Not interested."

The blond grinned. "If I win I get a kiss from you, on the cheek."

"And if I win?"

Hook, line, and sinker.

Seto never could resist a challenge that promised a prize.

"I give ya a kiss?" Joey tried.

Seto's eyes slanted sideways to him. After a short pause a smirk flit through his pale lips. "You're on Wheeler."

Joey's heart-beat stuttered. His expression was one of pure awe. "Woah? Really?!"

"You should have been more careful with your words," Seto spoke, sounding triumphant. "When I win you'll be kissing my boots." The tall brunet put his ever-long legs to his advantage and sped up.

"Hey!" Joey took off after Seto, leaving the rest of the gang in their dust.

"Can I plan their wedding now?" Tristan grumbled.

"Might as well," Tea said sullenly. "Kaiba can deny it all he wants, but Joey's got him."

Yugi smiled through his grimace as they ran. This wasn't the first time he cursed his short height.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Joey's heart beat a steady staccato in his chest as he watched his familiar spring to life before him. He wished they had a moment to re-acquaint themselves with one another, but the Pharaoh needed them.

They'd gotten to the Pharaoh in time to watch him defeat Bakura (Seto had won the race, but there'd been no time for him to make demands of Joey). Thief Bakura managed to reverse time and defeated the Pharaoh during the second loop which also re-split the gang once more. Due to their separation from the Pharaoh, the group had no choice but to set off on the quest to retrieve the Pharaoh's lost name. They were a bit waylaid by the Dark Bakura they were familiar with, although Yugi made quick work of the fair-haired creep in a stunningly quick duel. Seto revealed he could read hieroglyphics (to his great ire) and they'd gone to find the Pharaoh once more. What they finally encountered was that the monstrous Zorc was already on the scene. As they watched all the Priest's monsters fall they were forced to call their own forward.

"Dark Magician!"

"Dark Magician Girl!"

"Flame Swordsman!"

"Blue Eyes Ultimate Dragon!"

"Red Eyes Black Dragon!"

The gang's monsters kept Zorc from devastating Egypt away in time for them to deliver the Pharaoh his true name.

The Pharaoh's true name rang out loud. "I am... ATEM!"

The three Egyptian Gods fused together to create the God of Light, Horakhty.

All it took was one blast and Zorc was destroyed for good.

The only task left was to find the missing Priest Set.

Luckily, Atem knew right where to find him and after the duel between the Pharaoh and his Priest, they were in for one last shock.

"Uh guys?" Tristan motioned to Priest Set's wide-eyed glance upon them. "I think he can see us now."

"Pharaoh! What is this?!" Priest Set cried, gesturing to them.

Joey guessed the only reason the Priest didn't attack them was because he was so completely thrown off by the modern-day version of himself, Seto.

Although, that too changed once the Priest spotted him.

"You," Priest Set flourished what seemed like an accusation, moving forward to stalk towards him.

Joey braced himself, unsure of what was going on. Why had Priest Set singled him out? He never encountered the Priest the last time. This was an entirely new predicament.

He relaxed his stance when Priest Set merely grasped him by the shoulders, tightly so, and stared at him in wonder.

Well… good.

At least the blond didn't have to worry about punching his love's past self. That would have been-

Joey hadn't expected to be pulled forward. That was the only reason why Priest Set's lips were able to slant over his. For one glorious moment, he thought about giving in and winding his arms around the taller figure. But, Priest Set wasn't his, wasn't who he truly wanted, and it was more out of instinct that he pushed the Priest away from him at arm's length, face flushed as a rekindled warmth swayed inside of him.

For all that it was good and familiar, it still wasn't quite the same.

"What? I- you- what?!"

Priest Set's gaze was intense. "Jono-"

"What?! No. No, I'm not- uh,." Joey shook his head clear. "Whoever you think I am, that is not me."

The Priest's eyes narrowed upon him as he took a step forward, attempting to crowd his space once again. "You are-"

Joey gasped, washing away the reaction to fight when he realized it was only Seto whom caught him by the arm and yanked him back away from his past-self.

Seto's expression was quite livid as he spat, "It's difficult to believe you could have anything to do with me, since it's clear you don't think before you act."

Joey had the frame of mind to find it funny to watch Seto's past-self get chewed out by his modern-self, however he couldn't quite get the urge to laugh openly about it.

Priest Set grit his teeth at Seto before he turned his gaze back to appraise Joey.

The blond swallowed. Having the two stand so near each other highlighted their similarities. It was beyond uncanny. He couldn't help but to feel a rush at Priest Set's fire-hot blue stare upon him.

It'd been so long since those particular eyes looked at him like that.

Wanted.

"Pharaoh," Priest Set called out evenly. "Who are these people?"

Atem had been watching the entirety of the scene with a slight smirk on his face. "These are my friends." The Pharaoh walked over to stand beside his Priest. "They are not from our time however."

Priest Set's lips thinned. "Then-"

"Set, cousin," Atem stressed. "These are my friends from the far off future. And this," he indicated to Seto. "Is your reincarnated self, from another time."

"As if that really means anything," Seto quipped.

Joey idly wondered if Seto realized he still had a grip on him. It tightened as the Priest continued to scrutinize his person.

"Then, he-" Priest Set stopped to indicate to Joey.

Atem nodded, understanding.

"I see," Priest Set said.

"Best you do," Seto coldly told him.

Joey almost laughed that time. 'Is this really happening?'

"I... apologize," Priest Set spoke sincerely, though with some difficulty. He had yet to look away from Joey. "I mistook you for someone else, even though I know it to be impossible." His eyes shifted to Seto, looking him over briefly before settling on the teen CEO's hold on Joey. "I see you have to whom you belong to."

The blond couldn't help it, a warm smile blossomed on his face as he glanced at Seto. "Yeah, I'm kinda crazy bout him."

Seto looked at Joey and hastily let him go. He hadn't known after all. "As far as I'm concerned we're through here." The tall brunet looked to Bobasa and walked over to him. "You! How do we get out of here?!"

"He is... like me in more than just looks," Priest Set admitted, watching Seto retreat.

Joey's smile stretched as he caught the Priest's eye. "A bit more rough around the edges I think."

Priest Set smiled. "Indeed."

The sudden shouts from his friends startled him. He'd gotten stuck soaking in the naked affection from the Priest again.

"Pharaoh!"

"Kaiba!"

The two named were fading from view before their eyes.

They all knew what it meant. The trials of the Millennium World were over and they were to return to their's soon.

Joey left Atem and Priest Set's side so the two could share a final farewell. When he reached his friends, Seto had already dematerialized up to his elbows and torso.

"See you on the other side!" Joey promised.

Seto's glare at him was harsher than he expected.

'Crap,' he thought once the tall brunet completely vanished from view. Atem was gone too. The blond sighed and looked to his friends. "Let's get going then guys!"

"How do we leave?" Tea questioned, arms stretched out for inspection. None of them were vanishing as Atem and Seto had.

Bobasa pointed up towards the inverted pyramid in the sky. "Same way we came in."

Yugi tried an experimental jump and whooped in joy when he found himself floating.

"Alright! Let's go home!" Tristan cheered as he jumped up along with Tea.

Bobasa was already leading the way up, but Joey hesitated flying from joining the rest when he realized Set was staring at him with a particular look in his eyes as he came near him.

The Ancient Priest reached out and cupped the blond's cheek. It seized Joey's heart. Priest Set ran a tan thumb around his cheek, down his jawline, and finally caught his chin. For one wild moment Joey's breath left him, thinking he was going to be kissed again as the thumb stretched up to rub across his bottom lip. He wasn't sure whether to be ashamed or excited about the spark it lit within him. He could feel the flush overtaking his face as Priest Set tipped his head up.

Joey started when the Priest let go of his chin and moved his hand up to hold the bangs away from his face. Warm lips pressed upon his forehead and the blond's chest swelled with contradicting emotions. It was a gesture of his once-upon husband to kiss his forehead as well.

Priest Set's eyes attempted to veil the melancholy in them as he stepped back and let Joey go. "Take good care, Jono."

Joey startled the Priest by pulling him back into a fierce hug. Copper arms wound around him with equal strength for a few precious seconds.

"It's Joey, actually," the blond told him as he let the Priest go and jumped up enough into the air to hover.

"Take care, Joey," Priest Set corrected with a smile.

Joey took in the sweet heart-ache in those true-blue eyes. They'd never interacted before, but Joey understood.

He knew what that look meant.

Hell, he'd worn it himself, far too many times.

"Take care, Priest Set," he responded with a sincere smile of his own. "You'll be with him again too, I promise."

With that, Joey turned around and flew up, leaving the Millennium World behind.

End Notes:

As soon as I've got the next update up, the original story will be taken down. Just a heads up in case anyone wants to read the other and get a slight glimpse at where this story is going.