Chapter 10: And so it ends…

Author's note: The finale! Hooray! I love all of you, thank you for sticking it to this story!

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Joey awoke feeling Seto get out of bed. He opened his eyes and turned towards the older boy. When Seto didn't feel him staring, Joey snapped his fingers.

Seto turned around. Joey smiled and lifted himself, then his hands.

Good Morning, he signed.

Seto smiled and yawned. He was already getting dressed, ready to get back to normal life. As much as he hated to, he had to let Joey know they couldn't keep a relationship. He had just gotten a call that morning that would send him back to America.

Good Morning, Mutt. Get enough sleep?

No. Not even enough to wake up. Why are you up so early? It's summer, you nerd

Seto picked up a pillow and through it at him.

I have to get ready

For what?

Joey…

Seto didn't what to sign. How could he tell Joey?

I have to go back to America

Joey was up in a flash, throwing his clothes on as Seto walked out of the room. Joey was hot on his heels, jabbing the brunette in the shoulder.

When the older boy ignored him, Joey simply stood in front of him.

You can't go. Seto…

He could feel his face growing red.

I thought we had something going

Seto felt his heart swell with happiness, and sadness.

He really didn't want to leave Joey, but he knew that in reality, he could never keep up a relationship.

Joey, he finger-spelled his name slowly, I do love you. Really, I do, but I have to go.

Joey lowered his hands.

Please don't go…

Seto shook his head.

I have to, Joey, I'm sorry

As he turned to finish packing his things, he froze.

"I'll miss you."

He spun around. Joey's eyes were filled with tears, and his hands were at his side.

"I love you, Seto." His voice was quivering and small, but it was clear, and his lack of hearing couldn't hide his true sadness.

Seto walked back a few feet and pulled Joey forward by his wrist. He smiled and kissed his nose.

Ditto, He signed into his palm.

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A month later, Yugi and his friends sat in the same breakfast diner they had when Seto had returned home.

Tea was trying to sign to Joey, who kept waving her away as she signed, No, that' way too much food!

Tristan was busy telling Yugi and Yami about his new job at a restaurant in town. Yugi and Yami were trying to watch Joey and Tea, and listen to Tristan at the same time.

Joey, you're practically ordering two breakfasts, Tea silently argued, although she could certainly spring annoyance into her flying hands.

Maybe I need two breakfasts, besides, Tristan's paying, Joey replied, grinning.

Tristan heard Joey snicker and turned around.

What was that, wise guy?

Joey smiled.

Nothing, Tris, nothing at all

It had been a month since Seto had returned to America, and many things had changed. Tea was now helping Joey communicate verbally again. He was also working with lip-reading. Joey was working hard, and he could even pick up the verbally spoken words, "Yes," "No," and "Dog."

Seto had written a few times, and he was frustrated with his work. He often talked to Joey over the TTY (Deaf Telephone).

They have me working like a freaking coal miner, He had typed, I have no respect over here-and no slaves. Back home, people are usually at me feet trying to get a job.

Bragger. You could be like me. Tea has me working like a coal miner. Not only with oral communication, but her own personal signing lessons as well. After I told her she signed just like a deaf, she flipped out and decided she should be an interpreter, or Sl teacher, Joey had replied.

That had been the last time they spoke to each other personally, as personally as it could get at least.

Joey was still pretty upset about his leaving, but he was working through it. Little did he know, but his friends knew very well, Seto was coming home in two weeks, and he was ready to get serious with Joey.

He had even bought an expensive ring.

He was also working with different doctors that could possibly give Joey his hearing back. Nothing was for certain, but Seto was hopeful.

When the waitress came by a third time and asked if they were ready to order, Tea nodded and shot a mean glare at Joey.

"Yes," she said grabbing his ready-to-sign hands, "we are."

After Yugi, Yami, Tristan, and Tea had ordered; Tea looked at Joey and released his hands.

What do you want? She asked.

Joey smiled.

Pancakes, scrambled eggs, hash browns, pecan waffles with strawberries and cream, French toast, and-

Tea grabbed his hands and held them, then turned to the waitress.

"He'll have a Belgium waffle with strawberries and cream, a side of scrambled eggs and hash browns, and small coffee."

The waitress nodded and walked away.

Joey scowled.

I'll bet you ordered me a slice of tomato or something, His hands signed rapidly, You're so mean, Tea

Tea rolled her eyes.

Do you want Seto to come back and see you're as big as a-

Tristan grabbed her hands and shushed her.

Joey grinned from ear to ear.

Seto's coming back?

Tea signed no so hard her fingers snapped.

Joey grinned.

He couldn't wait.

He just absolutely couldn't wait.

The End…

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Thank you all! And if anybody wants a sequel, please state so in your review, along with some ideas because I'm brain-drained.

If you'd like more info on ASL, get a copy of ,"Signing for Dummies" and check out silent weekends on the internet. It's very easy to learn, and very rewarding.

Oh, and I'm about to start a Tristan/Joey fic, so the sequel may take some time.

I'm also thinking of a Duke/Joey, but nothing's for sure.

Thank you all so much! I love it when people like my fics, because I usually hate them