Disclaimer: I don't Yu-Gi-Oh, or the characters... I'm not getting anything for writing this... not many people are fond of this pairing, I heard... and anything else I may mention, most likely doesn't belong to me, either...
Warnings: shounen-ai... TR/RT, some JY... there's no language I think... it's the dubbed version with their dubbed names... typing Jounouchi over and over didn't seem like much fun. And I have fixed this a bit... oh yeah, and sorry all Miho fans... no flaming please... if you're not fond of this pairing, then why read it? arigatou... onwards! (so that was the dreaded QuickEdit, how's it work?)
Tristan Taylor sighed, as he watched Miho Nozaka bound up to a teenager, with slightly long silver-blonde hair and deep chocolate brown eyes. Ryou Bakura. He was talking quietly with a shorter teenager, with black hair and red highlights, and his face was framed with blonde tresses, his eyes were a bright violet that shone with innocence. Yugi Muto.
"Why do I make myself put up with this?" Tristan wondered, with a shake of his head.
He just finished asking Miho out on a date, then she saw Ryou.
He slid his hands in his pockets, and walked up to Yugi and Ryou, as he was now oblivious to Miho. It was just the way things were: Tristan would think he was getting somewhere with Miho, then Ryou would get in her sight, then Tristan would no longer exist.
Tristan couldn't think of Ryou as his competition for Miho either, since the silver haired boy had no interest in her. Plus, Ryou was his friend. Tristan couldn't help but smirk at the similarities. He looked like lovesick fool to Miho, and Miho looked like a lovesick fool to Ryou. It made Tristan wonder though. Who did Ryou like?
oooXXXooo
Ryou sighed inwardly, as he tried to give his attention to Miho. She was really staring at him, it was almost scary. And when Yugi saw the predicament Ryou was in, the shorter teenager merely smiled and walked a few feet away, and started to talk with Tristan.Tristan.
Ryou felt his his heart flutter at the sight of the tall, lanky teen. Tristan towered over Yugi by at least two feet, but he wasn't at all threatening and intimidating. At least not to his friends.
His eyes were a golden-grey, a very beautiful blend in Ryou's opinion. And dark brown cropped hair, his lean frame was hidden slightly, making him appear skinny. But it was quite the opposite, Tristan was well-built. And at the moment, he was wearing the school's blue uniform, the jacket undone, revealing his white oxford shirt.
Personally, Ryou liked Tristan. Very much. But he obviously held an interest in Miho. Whom was squealing and gushing at Ryou right then.
"... So, you think so?" the said girl was saying.
Ryou snapped his attention back to Miho. "Huh? I'm sorry, what?" he asked, looking confused.
Miho took no offense in the lack of attention Ryou was giving her. "I said, do you think a garage sale would be a good way to raise money?" she repeated.
Ryou's eyes widened. A financial topic, and he was too busy staring at Tristan! "Oh... yes, that might be for the best," he agreed.
Miho smiled, dreamily, as she clasped her hands together under her chin, her eyes taking on a familiar shine.
Ryou grimaced, inwardly, Miho gave him this look time and time again. He still hadn't gotten used to it, nor did he ever think he would.
"Oh, Ryou... you're such a nice guy, do you think you could help me?" she cooed, wistfully.
Ryou shifted his weight from one foot to the other, and he glanced at Yugi and Tristan, his eyes pleading for one of them to approach. Neither moved. He hefted his backpack up a bit more, since his slumped shoulders were allowing the bag to fall.
"I don't know, Miho... I would really love to help, but I'm not sure of my schedule, and..." Ryou started to say, his words died in his throat though, at the puppy-dog eyes Miho soon took on. Ryou stood firm. No, he wasn't going to fall for that.
"I'm sorry, Miho," he repeated.
"Sorry for what?" Tristan asked as he walked up to them, Yugi following.
"Uhh, a garage sale, for Miho's family," Ryou explained. Suddenly shy at the brunette's presence. But he managed to hide it well enough.
Tristan raised an eyebrow, then glanced at Miho, "I can help, if you want," he offered.
Miho gave Tristan the once over, then shook her head, "no thank you, Tristan, I want Ryou's help," she said, shortly.
Tristan sighed.
Ryou bit his lip, Miho was so tactless. He couldn't help feeling sympathy for the taller teen. He turned to the girl, "alright, Miho... I will help."
Miho blushed, and smiled with delight.
"If I can have the others there to help me..."
Tristan's eyes widened as he glanced at Ryou.
Ryou. Really nice guy, he was slender and a bit short, taller then Yugi, but shorter than he and Joey Wheeler. Ryou's eyes were his best feature though. Beautiful and deep.
Miho sighed, "but Ryou..." she started to argue, Ryou folded his arms, his usual polite exterior was soon covered with a stubborn demeanor as he frowned slightly, refusing to change his offer.
Tristan couldn't help but smile, Ryou looked cute like that.
"No, Miho... I'm flattered that you think you only need my help, but I'm sure I'll need the others' help as well," he said, firmly.
Miho pouted, "but Ryou..." she tried again.
"No, Miho... it's me and my friends, or do it on your own," Ryou said, sternly.
Yugi raised an eyebrow, vaguely impressed, Ryou never talked like this to a girl before. Tristan also noticed the way he changed. Not that he actually minded.
"Oh alright... tomorrow at 9am, okay?" Miho said, with a small sigh.
Ryou nodded, "we'll be there," he agreed.
The infatuated girl smiled and bounded away, probably to meet Tea Gardner.
"Why did you do that, Ryou?" Yugi asked, looking a little confused.
Ryou shook his head, then shrugged. "Does it matter? Can we go to the Game Shop, now?"
Yugi laughed, "alright, let's go then," he agreed. Tristan smiled, as he followed the two shorter teenagers. 'Kids', he mused to himself, jokingly.
oooXXXooo
It was 8am, on the dot. Ryou was having a hard time, as good of a student as he was, he liked to sleep-in on saturdays. So the knocking on the door, and doorbell chiming, endlessly, was a bit of a nuisance. He scratched his silvery hair, then smoothed it back down, as he made his way downstairs. He opened the door, rubbing his eyes. There stood Tristan."You awake yet?" he asked, cheerfully.
Ryou grumbled.
Tristan raised en eyebrow, "say what?"
"I said, I'm here at door, aren't I?" Ryou repeated, more clearly.
"Right.... well, let's go."
"Go where?" the smaller teen asked with a yawn.
"To breakfast... Tea's mom offered to cook us a big breakfast, since we'll be having a long day," Tristan explained.
Ryou rubbed his eyes again, "huh?" he asked, drowzily.
Tristan laughed, "alright, Joey... we'll do it your way!" he called, to a blonde teenager, with brown eyes.
"Told ya!" Joey Wheeler called.
"Do what, what way?" Ryou asked, not understanding. Suddenly, Tristan was stooping over, pushing the smaller teenager over his shoulder, "hey!" the exchange student protested. Only to find himself hanging over Tristan's shoulder and being carried to the car, in his t-shirt and shorts, no less!
"Put me down, Tristan!" Ryou yelped.
"I'll get da' clothes!" Joey called, as he ran inside. After a few seconds, he returned back to the door. "Hey, which one's Bakura's room?"
"Baka..." Tristan grumbled, with a playful roll of his eyes.
"I'll show him... Good morning, Ryou," Yugi Muto said cheerfully, oblivious to Ryou's annoyed scowl at being carried around like a sack of potatoes, or something.
"You can put me down now, Tristan..." Ryou said, calmly.
"Nope, I do that, you'll try to run back inside..." the taller boy replied.
Ryou sighed, in defeat, and just hung there. He couldn't help but be impressed at how Tristan was holding him up, so effortlessly.
Then Joey and Yugi returned, Joey carrying a white and blue striped t-shirt and pair of black jeans, Yugi behind him, carrying Ryou's sneakers and some socks. "Bye, Bakura-san... We'll bring Ryou home later," Yugi called, as he closed the door, and ran up to the car with a bright smile.
Ryou sighed. He sat in the back with Tristan, while Yugi had shotgun with Joey as the driver.
"Well, start changin, Bakura... we'll be at the Gardner's in a few minutes..." Joey told him.
Ryou blinked, then raised his nose in the air, in mock snootiness. "I am not changing in a car, Mr. Wheeler," he retorted.
Tristan chuckled and ruffled the shorter boy's hair, "aww, c'mon, Ryou... give me a show, while we're driving," he coaxed, playfully. Ryou blushed furiously, and smacked Tristan's hand away.
"Tristan, you said you would behave," Yugi said, with a mock stern look, Tristan grinned.
Pursing his lips, Ryou started to change. He was greeted with playful whoops and hollers from Joey and Tristan, while Yugi merely laughed.
oooXXXooo
Tristan was laughing, it was a short drive, but they had their laughs. One of the main reasons was Ryou. He saved most of his dignity, by removing his pajama t-shirt and put on the striped one Joey got him, and simply pulled his black jeans over his shorts.Joey teased Ryou by driving very slowly, down main street. Of course, they nearly got in trouble by the police, but at least they got to see Ryou turn beet red, as he was gawked at by the early morning pedestrians.
They all filed out of the car, Ryou had to hop on foot to get his other shoe on. Feeling playful and energetic, Tristan swept Ryou into his arms.
"Try to keep up, huh?" he said with a playful grin, then he carrying him to the Gardner's front porch. Ryou was blushing a bit, but Tristan figured it was from the drive.
Ryou stayed perfectly still, except for the motion his hands had to do to tie his shoelaces, as he was carried, yet again, by Tristan Taylor.
Yugi was greeted with kind "hello"s, and Yugi, ever the polite one, asked how they all were. And Joey was greeted with playful, "uh-oh"s. Tristan and Ryou on the other hand...
"OH! You got married! When!?" Mrs. Gardner squealed, Tristan laughed, while Ryou turned beet red.
"Uhhh, last night, I think," Tristan joked.
"You can put me down now," Ryou mumbled. Tristan grinned and sat the smaller boy back on the floor. Then the introductions were made.
"Ryou Bakura, these are Tea's parents..." Yugi said.
Ryou nodded, bowing his head slightly, "it's a pleasure to meet you."
"Where's Tea?" Joey asked, confused.
"Still trying to get pretty for our guests..." Mister Gardner said, with a playful roll of his eyes.
"Am not, Dad!" a brown-haired teenage girl with bright blue eyes said, as she stuck her tongue out at her father, and bounded to the kitchen.
"Alright, great timing, breakfast is ready," Mrs. Gardner said, with a kind smile.
oooXXXooo
Ryou smiled, breakfast was going great so far. He was really enjoying the sunny personalities of the Gardner's. They would tell jokes, and they didn't seem to mind Joey's slightly bad eating manners, since he was trying. Tea was talking with Yugi. Well, everyone was trying to talk to Yugi. The small teenager was laughing, joking that he should curse his polite attitude, since he was trying to carry on three different conversations at once. Tristan was laughing at Yugi's dilemma, and tried to call some of their attention off, by telling a joke."... So, then the dog says, which one of you shot my paw!?"[1] Tristan finished, everyone looked at him, blankly. Ryou was the first to release a small laugh, then everyone joined in.
Tristan grinned, "it's not funny, I know... but I had to try," he said, sheepishly.
"It was just the look on your face, Tristan," Ryou explained, between chuckles.
Tristan blinked, looking confused, "huh?"
Joey laughed, as he raised both of his eyebrows, and opened his eyes widely, along with his mouth, trying to imitate Tristan's expression. Since it was so off, it caused the others to laugh harder.
"Oh man... we're late!" Joey pointed out, noticing the time, once the laughter died down.
"Relax, they live next door," Tea told him, as she ate another piece of bacon.
"That may be true, Tea... but we made a commitment to help them," Ryou reminded her.
"Ryou's right," Yugi agreed, and Tristan nodded.
With a defeated sigh, Tea stood up. "See you later, mom, dad..." she called, as they ran out of the diningroom. Then the five friends, were out the door. It was 10 after 9am. It was not good.
oooXXXooo
"Steady..! That's not being steady, Joey!" Miho hollered, waving her arms in obvious agitation.."Well, quit yellin at me, then maybe it'll be more steady!" Joey snapped.
"Joey!" Tea scolded.
"It's da' truth!" he said, defensively.
"Hey, Joey! You're letting it slip!" Tristan snapped.
"Oh, oops..." the blonde teenager muttered, and straightened out the sofa they were carrying out onto the lawn.
Once the old sofa was sat down, Tristan collapsed on the grass, while Joey sat on the sofa, "stupid thing..." he grumbled.
Then both of the taller teenagers looked up, seeing Yugi walk out, carrying a box and an odd dolphin shaped lamp[2], Ryou behind him, carrying another box and a stack of books.
"Hey! Why do they get da' light stuff!?" Joey demanded, Tristan laughed.
oooXXXooo
They worked steadily for two hours, then it was nearly noon. The sun was high up, beating down on all of them."Damn... who'da thought it would get this hot..?" Joey panted, as he removed his green jacket, Tristan shrugged, and took off his vest and tossed it aside.
Tea sat in the old La-Z-Boy, fanning herself with one of the old magazines, Yugi was trying to find shade under an old table. Ryou laid on top of the table, staring up at the bright blue sky.
"You see anything, Ryou?" Tristan called.
"No clouds... if that's what you mean," Ryou called back.
Tristan grinned, then got up, and walked up to silver-haired boy. "You okay?" he asked.
Ryou shifted his gaze to Tristan, "yes, why?" he asked, confused.
"You're only here because of me, aren't you?" the taller teenager asked, quietly.
Ryou sat up, and smiled as he shook his head. "I'm here because it's the right thing to do," he corrected, Tristan rolled his eyes.
"No, we're both here, because you know how much I like Miho."
Ryou sighed. "perhaps," he said, with a shrug.
"Thanks, Ryou... I really appreciate this."
Ryou felt himself begin to blush, so he quickly looked away, nodding a bit. "It's no problem, Tristan, really... anything for a friend, kind of thing," he said, forcing a cheery smile.
Tristan nodded, "I'll owe you," he promised. Ryou laughed, lightly.
"Where have I heard that before?"
Tristan grinned. "Seriously, anything you want, just name it," he repeated.
Ryou swallowed again, at the intense stare Tristan was giving him, then he nodded, "I'm going to keep you to that," he warned.
Tristan smirked then he nodded again, and started to go back over to Joey, to start moving the sofa, so there would be room for the loveseat.
Ryou sighed shakily, and started to lay back down, then Yugi popped up. "Ryou...?" he started to say.
"AUGH!" Ryou cried, and fell over the edge of the table in surprise.
Yugi was under the table again, crawling up to the somewhat taller boy. "I'm sorry... are you alright?" he asked, in concern.
Ryou sat up, panting, "you nearly gave me a heartattack, Yugi..." he choked out.
"I'm sorry... I thought you knew I was there... unless, you forgot all about me, because of a certain person," Yugi said slowly, raising an eyebrow in question.
"What?" Ryou asked, confused.
"Do you like Tristan?"
"I-I don't know what you mean..."
Yugi smiled, assuringly, "it's alright, Ryou... give him time, he'll see... and so will you."
Ryou blushed, "I don't know what you're talking about, Yugi," he repeated, calmly.
Yugi shrugged, then he got up, and went back to setting up the tables with the old toys.
oooXXXooo
Sunset. Everything was over. Miho's family made up to 1960 dollars."We couldn't have done it without your friends, Miho..." Miho's father said, with a smile.
"Yes, we should thank them," Miho's mother agreed.
Then after a few minutes, Miho was running up to the five other teenagers; Joey leaning against a tree, Tea leaning on him, Yugi was laying in the grass, Tristan was laying up in the tree, on a branch, Ryou standing near him, holding onto the branch as he hung there, lightly.
"Guys, you want to join us for dinner, to celebrate?" Miho asked.
"Not me... sorry, Miho... Serenity's supposed to call tonight," Joey said with an apologetic smile, referring to his younger sister.
"Mom want to show me how to make her dumplings tonight," said Tea with a sigh.
"Grandpa wants me home, to meet a friend of his," Yugi said, with a polite smile. "But thanks for the offer," he added.
"I can't..." was all Ryou said.
"Uhhh, I'd accept, but..." Tristan started to say, slowly. Why wasn't he jumping at this chance? Because of Ryou maybe. Tristan noticed Ryou's fingers gently, so subtly touching Tristan's hair. It was distacting.
Miho didn't wait for Tristan's reason, anyways, she merely ran back to her parents. "We can clean up, mom and dad, you guys go out, enjoy the money," she chirped. Once they left, they began.
"Never again... no more work... lemme sleep!" Joey mumbled, his eyes closed, as he laid on the now cleared-up lawn.
"Get up, Joey... we can go home now," Yugi told the taller teenager.
"Leave him... if he wants to sleep here, let him," Tea said, cheerfully. Joey glared at her, as he got to his feet, and started shuffling towards Tea's driveway, where his car was still parked.
Yugi followed, since his home was near Joey's, which was pretty much across town.
"Oyasumi nasai, Yugi, Joey, Tristan and Ryou!" Tea called, before she went inside.
"G' night, Tea," the boys called back.
Miho went inside a few minutes ago. But before she went in, she gave Ryou a quick kiss on the cheek as her thanks. Ryou had sighed, wiping his cheek where he received the kiss.
Tristan wasn't exactly fond of the particular sign of thanks. But for some reason, his jealousy was aimed at Miho, not Ryou.
"Right... well, I guess I'm walking home!" Ryou called out, for Joey's benefit.
The sleepy blonde grinned at Ryou, tiredly. "Fine, fine... get in then, already," he called, then yawned again.
With a small grin, Tristan followed Ryou to the car. Yugi climbed in front again, and snuggled into the seat, with a yawn. Tristan and Ryou both got in the back, whilest Joey stood outside.
"What's he doing?" Ryou asked, confused.
Yugi reached over and poked the taller boy's leg. "Joey? You getting in?" he called, cheerfully. Joey's response was a snore.
"Baka!" Tristan called out, then he leaned over Ryou, and socked Joey in the gut.
"OW! WHO DID DAT!?!?" Joey snapped, as he leaned into the car, ready to glare at the person who hit him.
"It was Yugi, you wuss," Tristan retorted. Ryou was ready to jump to the smaller boy's defense, until Tristan grabbed Ryou's knee, squeezing lightly, causing the silver-haired boy to burst out laughing.
"THAT TICKLES! STOP IT!" Ryou blurted out, as he grabbed Tristan's wrist, tears threatening to fall in his laughter.
"Oh well... if it was Yugi, then dat's okay," Joey said with a shrug, and climbed in and started the ignition.
Tristan released Ryou's leg and leaned back with a grin. Ryou glared at him, "you could've gotten Yugi in trouble!" he whispered to the taller boy.
"Joey? Get mad at Yugi?" Tristan asked, looking amazed at such a concept. Then he burst out in exaggerated laughter.
Yugi blushed, since he overheard.
"What's so funny?" Joey asked, watching the two teenagers through the rearview mirror, curiously.
"Ryou thought you would actually get mad at Yugi for hitting you," Tristan answered.
"Me? Get mad at Yugi? Yugi Muto? The little guy sittin next to me?" Joey asked, in awe that someone thought he would actually be violent to the little guy.
"Never! I would never, Yuge! C' mere, Pal! Gimme a hug!" Joey said, cheerfully, as he reached one arm over, and wrapped it around the small boy's shoulders, giving him an affectionate squeeze.
Yugi laughed, and hugged Joey's arm, since his small arms could only reach so far.
"Alright, so who am I droppin off first?" Joey asked, as he yawned, yet again.
"Smallest first," Tristan suggested, Yugi turned around, and glared at the taller teenager, half-heartedly. Tristan grinned and held up his hands, in mock surrender, "sorry, just a suggestion..."
"Better be..." Yugi said, sticking out his tongue at him. Tristan laughed.
"Drop me off first, please... I'm tired," Ryou said, stifling a yawn with his hand.
"Nah... Yuge first, he's got a bedtime..." Joey said, with a playful wink to the violet-eyed boy.
"It's saturday night..." Yugi started to retort.
Joey grinned, "ohhh yeah..!" he whooped. Suddenly, Joey was wide awake, and started driving around town, windows open, music blaring. All because he just remembered it was Saturday night. Tristan rolled his eyes, while Ryou and Yugi blinked in confusion.
oooXXXooo
The four teenagers sat around the table, eating their burgers, Ryou glanced at Tristan repeatedly when he wasn't looking.Tristan. Tough, yet tender at the same time. Always doing what he believed was right. Ryou smiled faintly at the memory of Tristan telling him he would be safe with him, when they were at Pegasus' castle. But before the search was what held Ryou's memory the most.
oXXXo
Ryou yawned, as he opened the door, his eyes widened as he found himself looking up at Tristan.
"Tristan... what is it?" he asked, instantly feeling awkward.
Tristan managed a tight smile, "can I come in, Ryou..? I need to talk to someone," he said, softly. Ryou nodded, and stepped back, letting the lanky teenager in his room.
Ryou sat down on his bed, resisting the urge to bite his lip. 'Sit on the chair, Tristan. The chair', Ryou found himself practically praying. Oh no, Tristan sat next to him.
"Ryou... about Pegasus..." He started to say.
Ryou blinked.
"This might sound crazy... but how do you think Pegasus defeated Kaiba so easily..?"
The smaller boy frowned slightly, confused. "What do you mean?" he asked, trying not to stare at the firm lips that Tristan was the proud owner of.
"Kaiba's one of the top duelists in the world, but Pegasus defeated him so easily... how do you think he managed to do that?"
Ryou furrowed his brow, he never really thought about that. He was too busy feeling pity for Kaiba's trouncing. He shook his head, since he didn't know.
Tristan nodded, and shifted his weight, so he now faced the smaller boy. "Okay, this is what I think Ryou... what if Pegasus cheated?" he asked.
Ryou raised a pale, slender eyebrow, "what?"
"It's just a guess... you can laugh if you want..." Tristan said, with a wry smile. Ryou felt his heart pound harder. Tristan, so used to having his ideas laughed at.
"I... I don't really know what to think, Tristan..." Ryou admitted, slowly. Tristan shrugged then nodded.
"Uhhh, not that I don't believe you, Tristan... but why would Pegasus cheat? And how would he manage that?" Ryou asked, hesitantly.
"That's why I came to talk to you... you're smart Ryou... can't you help me out here?"
Ryou felt his cheeks redden, at the compliment. "I... I don't know..." he mumbled, uncertainly.
Tristan smiled.
"What is it?"
"Your eyes... they shine so much... even in the dark..."
Ryou's blush deepened.
"Alright... flattery can get people anywhere... will we be doing this on our own?" Ryou asked, changing the subject to hide his evident embarrassment.
Tristan shook his head, "we should get Tea, too..." he replied as he stood up
Ryou nodded. Then started to stand, following after Tristan, then he stumbled as the rug caught his foot.
In a flash, Tristan spun around, catching him.
"Hey, you okay?" he asked, in a gentle tone.
Ryou's heart thudded loudly in his chest, he looked up, hesitantly, at Tristan. His eyes emitting pure concern. Ryou swallowed and nodded, slowly. Tristan smiled.
"Good... can't have you getting hurt now, can we?"
Not knowing what else to say or do, Ryou merely shook his head. Tristan chuckled, the sound sending a shiver down Ryou's spine.
Tristan pulled on Ryou a bit, to help him get to his feet. Ryou's hands rested on the taller boy's chest, he gazed up at him, his cheeks flushed. It was like something out of a movie. Two people, alone in the dark, in each other's arms. Ryou's heart pounded harder as these thoughts went though his mind.
"C' mon..." Tristan whispered, huskily.
Ryou's heart felt like it would burst.
"We should get going now..."
Ryou bit his lip. Oh yeah. He nodded, instantly missing the warmth as Tristan released him. But Tristan gave him a warm smile, then they left to get Tea and begin their investigation.
oXXXo
"Earth to Bakura..!" Joey called out, waving a hand in front of the somewhat smaller boy's face.
"Huh!? Uhhh, yes? What is it?" Ryou said, being brought back to reality.
"Geez, that must've been some daydream..." Joey commented, Ryou blushed.
"What is it, Joey?"
"Just wanted to know if I could have the rest of your fries... can I?"
Ryou nodded and pushed the rest of his fries towards the blonde boy. He rested his face in his hands, instantly feeling his warm cheeks. He was blushing!? In front of Joey, too!?
"So... who was in it?" Joey asked, chewing on a fry.
"Uhhh, who was in what?" Ryou asked, confused. "And where's Yugi and Tristan?"
"They're playing the games in the arcade... now who were you daydreamin about?" Joey asked, with a small smirk.
Ryou never answered, as he took a drink of his rootbeer.
"Yugi?"
Ryou sputtered, "WHAAT!?" he choked out, staring at Joey.
The blonde shrugged, "just a guess..." he said, with a small sheepish grin.
"Joey, why would I daydream about..." Ryou paused and looked around, in case someone might hear him and tell Yugi himself. Well, they were the only ones in the room at the moment. "Yugi?" he finished.
"Hey, I daydream about him, every now and then..." Joey said, with a careless shrug.
Ryou gaped at him. How could Joey be so open like that!? Joey merely smiled at the silver-haired boy's expression.
"Think I'm a perv now, huh?"
Ryou shook his head, "no, of course not... you should be allowed to have feelings for whoever you choose..." he replied.
"Then why the look?"
"Uhhh, well... Joey... I'm just amazed at how you blurted out the fact that you see Yugi, like that..." Ryou admitted.
Joey grinned, "how can anyone not? Do you even look at the kid? Cute eyes, cute nose, cute voice, very cool hairstyle... he's short, so short it's adorable..." he shrugged. "Heh, rumor has it, Kaiba has a thing for Yuge, too..."
Ryou laughed.
Joey blinked, "what?"
"I'm sorry... I never pictured you as the gossiping type, Joey..."
Joey snickered, then shrugged, "just when Yuge or Kaiba's involved..." he replied.
"Well, what about Tea? Or Mai?"
"What about 'em?" the blonde asked, as he chewed on the last few fries.
"I thought you were interested in one of them..." Ryou admitted, looking perplexed.
Joey smiled. "Yeah... they're cute... not as cute as Yuge though... call me crazy, but if I had to choose who I'd like to be stranded on a deserted island with, I'd say Yuge, in a heartbeat."
Ryou nodded.
"So anyways...?"
"Huh?"
"You never answered my question..."
"Uhhh, which question?"
"Who were you daydreamin about?"
"Uhhhhhh, about... about... about..."
Joey smiled, "it's not a million dollar question, Bakura..."
Ryou's cheeks flared, the more he tried to finish his sentence. Then the two other teenagers approached them, "hey guys... Yugi got top score on that new game," Tristan said, patting Yugi's shoulder.
"What new game? What top score?!" Joey asked, eagerly.
"Does it matter? All you need to know is Yugi beat the top score, right?" Tristan glanced down at Yugi, "what was it? like 200 million or so..?"
Yugi smiled, "don't exaggerate... and I'd really rather not go around bragging about it..." he said, sheepishly.
"Awww, so cute when he's modest! Lemme see it, Yuge..." Joey ordered, and started to drag Yugi back into the arcade. The small boy laughed, and had no choice but to obey. Leaving the other two teenagers behind.
Ryou struggled not to fidget, as Tristan took a seat, next to him. He swiped a fry from Joey, saying what he wouldn't know, wouldn't hurt him.
"You okay, Ryou? You've been pretty quiet since we got here..." Tristan commented, eyeing the silver haired boy with concern. Ryou offered him a tight, reassuring smile. Tristan smiled back.
They sat in silence for a while.
"Listen, Ryou..."
"You think this place is really opened all night?" Ryou asked, out of nowhere.
Tristan raised an eyebrow, then he glanced around, and nodded. "It gets dead after about 4:30am, but they stay open, until 6am, close for a few hours, then open the place again, about 12 noon," he explained.
Ryou nodded, "oh."
"Ryou..."
"What time is it?"
Tristan blinked, then he glanced at his watch, "quarter to 4... Ryou, can you listen to me for a sec..?"
"Of course, Tristan... go right ahead, and spit it out..." Ryou replied, nodding his head in agreement.
"Okay... Ryou, I..."
"Anything at all... whatever you have to say to me, go right ahead and say it..."
Tristan blinked again, then smiled, "heh, right... okay, Ryou..."
"Anything at all... makes no difference to me, we are friends, right..?"
Tristan raised an eyebrow, "you okay, Ryou? Seriously, you don't seem to be yourself, tonight..." he said, slowly.
Ryou nodded, "I'm fine..."
Tristan reached over, placing a hand behind the smaller boy's head, to keep him from nodding anymore. "That might cause brain damage... take it easy..." he said gently, with a wry smile.
Ryou blushed, as Tristan held him in place. His eyes radiating with good humor and minor concern for Ryou's odd behavior. Tristan gently brought his hand forward, Ryou's breath caught in his throat as the taller boy left his hand on his cheek for a moment, then he let his hand drop.
Ryou nearly sighed in disappointment, but he quickly masqueraded it as a yawn. Tristan smiled, "so... you're just tired, huh?"
Ryou nodded. Okay, so it was a bit of a lie. But what Tristan didn't know, wouldn't hurt him, right?
oooXXXooo
Joey yawned, as he parked his car in front of the Game Shop and stumbled out, falling to the ground."Joey! Are you okay?" Yugi asked, worriedly as he ran up to him, Joey's response was a light snore. Yugi smiled, "Joey... lazy bum..." he said, affectionately.
"Joey'll have a hard time, driving in this shape..." Tristan commented.
"I know... he can stay here... grandpa shouldn't mind..." Yugi said, with a shrug.
Tristan nodded, and walked up to Joey; he sat Joey up, pulling him to his feet and draped the sleeping teenager's arm over his shoulder. "I'll get him inside, for you..." The brunette offered.
Yugi nodded, "thanks... he's too heavy for me," he admitted. Then he ran and opened the door of the Game Shop.
"Now be quiet... grandpa would throw a fit seeing how late we're coming in..." Yugi whispered.
"No problem... sneaking in's my specialty..." Tristan assured him, with a wink.
Ryou merely stood back, watching in amusement.
"Ah! Tristan, watch the shelf!" Yugi whispered, sharply.
"Oh, whoops... Joey... c' mon, man... use your foot for a second..."
"ZzzzzzzZzzzzzzZzzzz..."
"Lazy bum..." Tristan and Yugi both said, with a sigh.
Ryou covered his mouth with his hand to stifle his laughter.
"Tristan!"
"Yikes! Joey!"
"ZzzzZzzzzzzzzz..."
"Gotcha!" Yugi whispered to himself, in triumph.
"Yugi..? What happened?" Ryou whispered, curiously. Then he peered into the door.
"Joey's foot got caught on the board games' shelf..." Yugi explained.
Ryou laughed, softly, "did you manage to catch it?"
Yugi nodded. "Hence the 'gotcha'..." he said, lightly. Ryou nodded, with a smile.
After a few more minutes of struggling, Joey was sleeping soundly on Yugi's floor on a futon.
Tristan sighed, straightening his shirt. "That guy needs to work out... he's gettin too heavy for me..." he grumbled.
Yugi grinned, "thanks Tristan..." he said, with a small bow of thanks.
The taller teenager nodded, "no problem..."
"Guys... Mr. Muto... I think he's trying to get up..." Ryou whispered, from the doorway.
"Ack... see you later, Yugi..." Tristan said, hastily. Then he headed for the door, taking Ryou's hand. Ryou blushed. Then both teenagers were down the stairs, out the door, and gone.
Yugi smiled, and took off his shoes and jacket, then climbed in bed, to make it less suspicious, in case his grandpa tried to check on him.
oooXXXooo
"You didn't have to walk with me, Tristan...""Nah... what kinda friend would I be to just let you walk home alone, in this dangerous neighborhood...?"
Ryou blinked, and glanced around. The street they were on was very well- groomed; not even a drop of litter, the buildings were well kept, even the alleys were clean and safe. And with the sun nearly up, it made the street appear all the more safer. He glanced up at the taller boy, "you're kidding, right?"
Tristan chuckled, "yeah..."
"So, why're you going through all this trouble..?" Ryou asked, softly, as he stared at the sidewalk. "Shut up, Ryou... just enjoy this... don't ask questions!" his inner voice was telling him. But he really wanted to know.
"Well, if that's your not-so-subtle way of telling me to take a hike..." Tristan said, slowly.
"What!? Oh no, Tristan... no, no... I'm just curious, that's all..." Ryou said, hastily, his cheeks reddening.
Tristan smiled, "I was kidding..." Ryou sighed, in relief.
"... I just like being with you, Ryou... you have really interesting things to say... you're fun..."
Ryou's blush returned, full-force. "Thanks, Tristan..." he murmured.
"Well, your humble abode..." Tristan said, as he stretched, Ryou nodded.
"You look really tired..." he commented, with a small smile.
"Do I? Heh, I'm glad I'm even still walking and not sleeping on a bench or something," Tristan replied, as he covered his mouth to stifle another yawn.
"Talk with me a bit more, Ryou... that might wake me up..." Tristan mumbled.
Ryou raised an eyebrow and leaned against his front door thoughtfully, pondering on what to say. Tristan smiled, and waited patiently.
"... How about that weather, huh?"
Tristan blinked, then he burst out laughing. Ryou smiled and shrugged, that was all he could come up with.
Tristan placed his forearm against the doorframe and leaned against it, "well, that woke me up..." he said, still grinning with amusement. Ryou nodded, his heart starting to pound again, as Tristan stood directly in front of him, about 6 inches away.
"Can I ask you something?" Tristan asked, Ryou swallowed as he nodded.
Tristan leaned in, and whispered into Ryou's ear, causing the smaller boy to blush, and shivers ran up and down his spine as his breath tickled his ear.
"Can I kiss you..?"
Ryou blushed, furiously, as Tristan pulled back, waiting for the answer. "I don't know... why... why, Tristan?" Ryou managed to choke out, since he was in awe at Tristan's forward nature.
The taller teenager shrugged. "Sorry, I was just wondering..."
Without realizing, Ryou started to nod. Tristan smiled, and slowly brought his mouth to the silver-haired boy's.
Their lips met, timidly at first. Then it deepened as Tristan gently coaxed Ryou's lips to part, using his tongue. Ryou complied, then he released a small whimper as Tristan explored his mouth with his tongue. As Tristan ran his hands through his silky hair, Ryou swallowed, refusing to let his hands touch Tristan in return.
... What if it was a dream? What if none of this was happening? He was scared to try and touch the taller boy, then find himself waking up in his bed. And find that none of this even happened.
After several long moments, Tristan released the hold his mouth had on Ryou's. He watched Ryou for a moment. "What... what was that for?" Ryou managed to whisper, Tristan chuckled, softly.
"Not the reaction I was hoping for..." he murmured.
"I... I'm sorry... I just... I didn't know you would... I mean, I..." Ryou started to say, hastily. Tristan kissed his lips, lightly.
"I was just an idiot, Ryou... all this time it was you I actually wanted, yet I continued to go after Miho..."
Ryou blushed, "you w-wanted me...? Really?" Tristan nodded. Ryou bit his lip, "I'm sorry..."
"For what?"
"For what Miho put you through when she would flirt with me..."
Tristan shrugged, "she kind of helped actually... first, I was jealous of you... then that jealous feeling started transferring over to her... go figure..."
Ryou laughed, softly. Tristan sighed, "I think I should get going now..." Ryou blinked.
"Why?"
Tristan nodded towards the window in the door, Ryou straightened up, his face turned beet red. His father!? How long was he standing there!?
"Better go, before he gets the shotgun out..." Tristan whispered.
Ryou rolled his eyes, "my father's not like that, Tristan..." he scoffed.
The taller boy shrugged then kissed Ryou again, "see you later, Ryou..." he murmured against his lips. Ryou blushed and nodded.
Tristan then backed up, raising his hands. "And Bakura-san, my intentions with your son are as pure and honorable as they can be... good day," he called, through the window.
Ryou blinked, then slapped his forehead. Tristan shrugged again as he shot a grin at the embarrassed boy, then he dashed off the porch, and started running down the street, saying something about getting shot couldn't be healthy.
Ryou rolled his eyes, and smiled. Then he stepped inside, instantly getting bombarded with questions. Not that Ryou really minded. He liked having people being protective of him. (Tristan being no exception).
After about a half an hour of questions, and reassurances, Ryou was finally free to sleep. Which he did, it was a long day, after all.
The End...
How else could I end it? I got the happy part down, the rest was just filler . Ryou got Tristan, and vice versa, that's the happy part...
[1] very old joke... not that funny, either v.v
[2] all garage sales have weird things like this, don't they?
There we go, been fixed a bit. Much better. Uh, I think O.o;;; it's not. Damnit. Ah well, my fault for not noticing that error sooner... this QuickEdit, is... very, very weird...