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Joey kissed her back, trying to find something within it. He told himself that it fulfilled him, but in reality it didn't. However, it wasn't as bad as Sam's emptiness. Joey fooled himself to the point where he literally forgotten Seto Kaiba even existed. Sam pulled away from him, he watched as she left him. "Okay then," he said taking his arms and putting them behind his head to prop it up. Other then the emptiness he did not understand, and the constant sex with random men to try and fill it- Joey had a pretty good life. Or so he thought. He had blocked out all of the bad memories, and the good. And for him, in his state of mind, that was good enough for him. He reached around for the tv mote and turned on the tv, just channel surfing. He waited for Sam to come back.

He must have been out of it when he was told this. He stayed slunk down in the couch, eating the rest of his food. Silence covered the household. Finally, Atem up and said, "I don't think I'm going to go....." He didn't know if he could handle being there with Sam and Joey together. He was no longer strong, he was not the Atem everyone knew. He knew he was weak and he knew he would be weak if he was there. And he would try to be strong- which could hurt Sam more.

Grandpa looked up when he heard Atem say he wasn't going. He looked down and shook his head a bit. "Atem," he said then paused, "go."

Atem sat up when Grandpa spoke up. "What?" he said unsure what he meant.

"Go to this get together," he said more clearly. He couldn't take him avoiding situations and slumping around the house. He understood it would hurt him and usually he wouldn't speak up and tell him otherwise. But he just had a feeling, he had to up and say it. He felt he had to tell him to go.

Atem didn't know what to say. This was the first Grandpa ever said such a thing. Grandpa has put up with him for this long, why now?

"I know......." Akiko said feeling bad but she didn't know who else to call. She felt she had to talk to someone or she would lose it again. She didn't want to hurt herself, but when she was having a panic attack she didn't know any other way to stop it. "I wanted to call you," she said in a mousy, almost pathetic voice. She needed to try and connect with someone. When she came back to the states, she didn't move back to the same area she lived before, not even the same state. She was in California now, where before she lived on the other side of the US. So she didn't even had her old friends there to be with her. She was alone. She also needed to find out somehow about Yugi. Even though Sam didn't like it when she mentioned him. She did it from time to time regardless.

"I'm sure you could come up with something great," she said kissing his forehead. "No, I'm ok. But I think I will go sit down," she said. It was difficult for her to stay on her feet for long. "I'll see you later ok?" she said giving him one last kiss as she made her way into one of the lobbies to relax. She would eat something later.

[[I may not be able to get to the other RP tonight]]

Joey didn't pick up the phone, he let Sam since it was her own cell phone. She left before he could say anything or talk or anything. He waited for her again, but had a feeling she wasn't coming back. So Joey stretched one more time before turning off the tv and getting out of bed. He already had his boxers on, so he just threw a t-shirt on so he wouldn't be cold. He used the bathroom then afterwards headed down stairs to the kitchen to get something to eat, he was starved. [[I knew I forgot to mention that part about Joey seeing her get the phone last time XD lol]]

Akiko focused in when she mentioned Yugi of course. She wanted to ask a ton of questions about him, or something. But instead, Akiko paused for a moment. Did she forget Joey's birthday? She looked at her calender, it couldn't be his birthday yet it was only the beginning of the month. She checked and saw it was the end of the month, where Joey's birthday would be. Not only did she forget, but she didn't even know what day it was. "I'm sorry, tell him I said Happy Birthday," she said feeling bad she forgot. She stayed silent for a while, playing with some strands of her hair. "How has Yugi been?" she asked hoping he was at least well.

Atem looked at the two of them. Well, he sort of expected that type of reaction from Yugi but he was still wondering about Grandpa. He still didn't really want to go- even to make Joey happy. He turned back around and slunk back into the couch. He couldn't even find the strength to fight back. "Fine," he said in a defeat and slightly irritated voice. He started watching the news about the tournament. It was happening a week from now. Atem already had his ticket and registration done. It was being held in California again, where most tournaments were anyway.

Even though they convinced him to go, it still didn't feel like a victory. He didn't fight back, he just took it. That wasn't like Atem. He sighed and shook his head a little. He looked at Yugi, deciding to change the subject. "So what did you get Joey anyway?" he said with a smile.

[[I dunno what to write for Ishizu this time sweatdrop ]]

[[I'm not sure when she should go into labor. Somewhere close to when Joey gets beaten up. Or maybe when Atem and Yugi head over there. Because Joey, Seto, and Ishizu should all be in the hospital at kinda the same time. The only problem is, I dunno what to do with Ishizu until then.]]

Joey stuck his head in the fridge and brought out the milk. He didn't bother taking out a glass and pouring himself a glass, he just drank straight from the container- tilting his head back to chug. He heard Sam mention that Akiko wished him a happy birthday. He took one last gulp and tilted his head back. "Oh wow, I haven't heard anything from her in like.... forever," he said. He put the milk back. He heard Sam talking about him to her. He still hangs out with Joey all the time? "Oh is she talking about Yug?" he said completely unknowing of her situation and her feelings.

She put her hand on her forehead, she didn't know what to make of Sam's sentence. Was he ok? Was he not? Did he care? Didn't he? Has he moved on? It was getting to her. No he didn't want her to suffer but she didn't want to be forgotten. She didn't know what she wanted to hear. She heard Joey in the background and didn't understand. He acted like it was nothing that he heard from her in a while. She didn't know anymore. She looked up at the time, she knew she would be forced to go t her therapist soon. "I don't want to go see him today....." she said laying her head on her knees, "I hate that therapist....."

Atem moved his fork around on his empty plate. "So when do we have to go there?" he asked about the time. He wanted to know how much time he had before he would have to prepare himself. God he wasn't looking forward to this. The best he could hope for is for her to at least forgive him and be civil with him. Maybe then he would be ok. But it still hurt him, even with her forgiveness she wouldn't be his anymore. It was like how he felt before he ever went out with her. Except now it was a lot depressing and complex. "Yug...." he said but stopped. He wanted to ask if he knew anything about Sam- whether he knew direct information or anything Joey told him. But he didn't know how to word it, or where to begin. He put his plate on the table and stood up. "Never mind....." he said feeling defeated already. He started walking to his room.

Grandpa smiled, "Wow, I'm sure he'll like that." That was actually a pretty cool gift. He finished his food and stood up. He took his and Yugi's empty plate before his grandson could. "I got this, make sure your ready for later today," he said so he wouldn't be running around and be late. He liked to think that Yugi was a lot better when he was with someone- like Joey. The two of them hung out from time to time, of course Atem didn't bother when they were both together. Even so, he knew it didn't completely solve his problem. But at least he was trying, at least he wasn't doing what Atem was doing. Sure he attended tournaments- but other then that he slumped around all day.

Ishizu started reading quietly in the room. He felt her stomach kick again, she simply smiled and rubbed her stomach. She started humming an old song she knew for the baby. She liked to think that the baby could hear her humming and singing and that it soothed the baby. She came out of humming and just started singing. Her voice was nice, she could sing her lullabies but she wasn't too much of a singer.

[[lol I forgot to write this last time, chubbie Yugi XD. Can't picture it but at the same time can and it's kinda cute XP. Of course, chubby to him may be normal to others since he's already so skinny XD]]

Akiko looked down to the ground. She knew she always said that, but she looked for something to cheer her you to go. She never told her mother she hated going- she didn't want to put them through anymore. She didn't mean to, but she was already a hassle. Or at least she thought. But she couldn't help how she felt. She couldn't be mad at Sam for not understanding her situation with him.

"It's better then dirtying a cup!" he said mainly joking back. "Yea?" he called back as he walked over to her with an orange in his hand. "Why doesn't she just call him? I could give him her number too...." he said completely unknowing.

Akiko could hear everything Joey said on the phone. Was this not a big deal?! She felt like everything was backwards on her, what was going on? Now she started to think, was he over her? He was over her! He didn't care! That's how Joey made it sound! She felt herself gasping for air again. She panicked and hung up on Sam. Afterwards she threw the phone down and tried to concentrate on her breathing. She leaned up against her wall and tried to ride out her panic attack. She knew there was only one thing that could stop this.

Atem waved goodbye as he made it to his room. He figured he would nap before that time. He set his alarm for 2 hours, just in case. He did this a lot, which was rather unhealthy really. But he just felt tired all the time. It was like he looked for something meaningful when he awoke and couldn't find it. So why bother? When he was a sleep he was at peace. He didn't dream of Sam, in fact he didn't dream at all since Sam left him. He used to dream, he used to sometime see parts of his past as well. But not anymore. If he did dream, it was very vague and about nothing. He took his shirt off and laid in his bed, nuzzling his face into his pillow and shutting his eyes.

The baby stopped kicking but she continued to sing and rub. Suddenly, she felt a strange pain. She stopped and looked down at her stomach. Was..... was she having an contraction. She worried, not because of something but that it might be time now.

[[I guess I should make her go into labor now?]]

"Huh?" he said. "Yea but.... I dunno, it's weird. I thought they were just broken up cause she was gone?" he said. "Oh never mind," he said unable to understand why. He didn't know the whole story either and was probably better off not knowing. "Yea sure, no problem," he said peeling his orange and eating it. He sat on the couch and tried to pet Pharaoh. Pharaoh would just walk away from him. He no longer growled, but he did not bother with him. Joey shrugged and just flicked on the tv. It was quite strange even for Joey not to take into consideration other people's feelings. If Sam hadn't bottled things up, it would have been very difficult for them to live together. Joey didn't understand her pain nor see it. He didn't see anybody's. He was in his own little perfect world. And as far as he was concerned, Sam didn't pain from losing Atem- she wasn't sad or angry about it. How wrong he was.

[[should Sam and Atem end up bickering a bit at this get together? Maybe Sam starts with him and continues to get something out of her? I was just thinking. Cause for the two of them to get together, that's got to really hit her hard.]]

Atem fell slowly back to sleep. Peaceful sleep. But for once, he began to dream. He was walking on a boardwalk that seemed oddly familiar. The air was hazy and grayish. Nobody was there except him. It must have been a chilly day because he had pants and a jean jacket on. Underneath was a white shirt. He kept his hands on his jacket pocket. He walked slowly along the board walk, kicking an occasional stone from time to time. A seagull flew over his head, he watch it go out to the sea.

She reached under her bed for a small box. It was locked, there was a key that was on a necklace that she always wore. Akiko fumbled for the key as she unlocked the box. It had a blade, rag, and a small bottle of peroxide. She picked the blade up and placed it adjacent to an old scar on her inner thigh. She always kept them close and high- she couldn't be caught again like with her wrists. She pressed the blade in and slowly went across. The combination of chemical signals that shot through to her slowed down her anxiety- making her focus on the actual physical pain that was occurring. Once her attack ended she stopped and put the blade down. She took the rag in the box and wiped the blade down, then she pressed it against the new cut. Even though it made her feel better, she felt incredibly guilty and disgusted at herself. But it worked and she hated it.

[[Mmmm, I always feel like I have to put a disclaimer here when I talk about this and other psychological problems, this doesn't solve emotional problems. I just don't feel right writing this and having you or someone else read this and be like 'cutting is the answer!' though I'm pretty sure you wouldn't. It just happens to some people- it's like getting a chemical high because of adreniline I believe? And even then it doesn't work for all people. But even if it did- not a good thing to do. I just say this too cause I was talking about Bulimia to someone and they thought it was a great idea to try it! >< ffffffffff so yea, /disclaimer]]

The pain worsened, it.... it had to have been a contraction. She stood up gently and started walking towards Seto's office. She hoped he was still in there, otherwise it would be very hard for her to find him. She opened up the door and saw him right there. "S-Seto...." she said nervous about what was going to happen. "I..... I think it's time..... I'm starting to get bad contractions..." she said. Contractions were a normal sign of going into labor soon. She just hoped it wasn't a false alarm. This felt pretty real. She hunched over a little, "The baby wants out...."

[[I've never been pregnant (thank god) so I'm going off of what others have told me, movies, and internet XD. I'm sure when I'm pregnant and ready, the first words out of my mouth are going to be 'BABY WANTS OUT NOW!!!!!' XD]]

Ishizu nodded her head when he asked if it was now. She waited at the door, a bit worried to move around. She let Seto set up everything, even if he seemed panicked and unprepared. She knew he was prepared, but he needed to get it together. He collected himself, calling in a limo and getting her down the stairs. She really needed his help with that. It was hard enough going down the stairs now, she didn't need to be in pain and paincked. She didn't want to think of horrible accidents on her way there. She got in the limo, holding her stomach. She tried to remember what she learned in lamas (sp?) class. Ishizu practiced her breathing, but she was more concentrated on the contractions. They were getting worse and this one was lasting a long time.

Joey finished his orange and sighed in content for a second. He put the peels on the table and wondered away. He ventured into the bedroom where Sam was- who he wanted to see. He went up behind her and hugged her from behind. "What'cha doing?" he asked curiously. She was obvisouly getting ready, but he wanted to be cute and ask her. He was feeling pretty good and feeling a bit playful.

She kept the cloth pressed up against her leg until it stopped. She looked at her new scar with blank eyes. Akiko then quickly cleaned her knife and put everything away. Locking up her box, she hid it under her bed and put the keys back onto her necklace. She looked at the time. She knew her mother would come in here soon if she wasn't out there and ready to go. She couldn't even just leave and skip the therapist- he would call her mother if she didn't show. She sighed and got up to get new clothes. Changing, she couldn't help but think about Yugi a lot today. After a cutting, she would be ok for a while. He fled back into her mind though. And with the combination of her new cut and him, she felt horribly guilty. But it didn't matter, he wouldn't see, he'd never even see her again. As long as her mother or therapist never saw- she was fine. It had no consequence.

Atem took note that he felt fine in this state. He didn't feel sad or depressed. He felt very light. He looked at his hands, finding an old scar on each hand. He didn't know what they were from, he didn't remember how he got them. Oh well, he put them down and continued walking. He heard footsteps approaching him, he turned around and saw nobody. He continued walking, minding his own business. After a while, he heard someones voice in the distance. He turned around again, only seeing a silhouette in the background slowly coming toward him. "Who's there?" he called out unsure who it was. He could only hear faint shouts from afar. He stood there confused and waiting.

[[hmmm, that should be an interesting fight between them. Very emotional for both of them. I was thinking about how Yugi would first see the scars- I'm not sure if he should see the leg ones or wrist ones first. Yea, he's going to feel really bad, but they'll be ok :3. God help me and those around me when I'm pregnant XD oh god. Not happening for a long time XD. I may not get to the other RP- I have class soon, might have to do it later today]]

[[Hmmm, after thinking about it yea that would be cool. Yes the two of them are going to meet in the tournament. Perhaps Rebecca could come a visit her after she gets back from the therapist. Should Rebecca know anything about Yugi? Akiko would probably ask her how he has been.

I don't think Sam and Joey should be caught in the middle. However, this should probably mess with Sam a bit since she'll have had sex with him and she's thinking about Atem/ be seeing Atem later. Just my opinion]]

"Getting ready huh?" he said kissing her inbetween words. Even though Joey was pretty dense now-a-days, he knew a suggestion when he heard one. He took the towel that was around her slowly off of her. "Can I have that second present now perhaps?" he said dropping the towel off of her. He never really touched her a lot, other then her back and hips sometimes. They never got into forplay- it was really only straight sex, usually a bit rough from both of them- but not too rough. Joey never wanted to hurt her, so he never pushed the limit in fear of doing so. He did, however, like to cuddle with her. He kissed her too, but he did not kiss like Atem did. He put his hands on her lower back and kissed her back.

Ishizu nodded her head, even though she doubted she was going to be comfortable till the baby was out. She gasped while in the car. "Oh god, I think my water just broke," she said squeezing Seto's hand. She was scared and in pain. She was also getting a bit annoyed from the pain. She hoped this wasn't going to be a long pregnancy like she's heard of other women undergoing. Finally, they reached the hospital. She was put into a wheel chair and hurried to a room. "Seto...." she said as he stayed to her side, "your going to be there right? You're going to be in the room while this is happening right?" She was scared and wanted Seto there for her.

[[hahaha, at one point she's going to be in so much pain that she's going to be yelling at people. hurrrr..... Seto tries to comfort her and she just yells at him to get out XD. Afterwards when it's over she should say she loves him XD lol pregnant women XD]]

The figure in the background disappeared. He was worried too for some reason. He just kept staring into the distance and saw nothing but fog. When he blinked, he found himself in a new place. Well, it was the same place, but he was now looking out to the ocean. He was standing in the sand. He could hear the waves gently crash into the shore. Everything else was silent except for the gentle wind and a seagull from time to time. He blinked a few times, wondering what he was doing. "Would you sit down already?" a voice said that was close to him. He looked to his side and down to see Sam. First he was shocked, not because he remembered the past year- but because he thought he just hadn't seen her in a long time. She smiled up at him, "Well?" she asked again. Atem stood there confused for a moment or two, then sat down next to her.

[[^___^ I love dream sequences]]

She finished changing and left her room. She walked down the hallway to the living room. Her mom was there waiting for her. "Are you getting ready to leave?" her mom asked her in a gentle voice. Ever since they moved here her daughter was going through a lot. She thought therapy would work, that she would have someone to talk to. But she wasn't seeing improvement. She saw her worse with some of the first medicines they but her daughter on.

"Yes," she said mousely. She never lashed at her parents, she tried to be as obedient to them as possible. She remembered what Seto told her. Not only that, but they were the only ones in her life left. She was already putting them through a lot, but she couldn't help how she felt. And she couldn't help if nobody understood her.

[[I have ideas for Yugi and Akiko, should I tell you now? just random info and stuff]]

[[Oh that would be good. haha, she's not having a good day today XD. Hmm, I like the Grandpa idea also. Yea, could you play him if we do that? :3. Perhaps he calls cause he hates seeing his grandson like this and he wants to know the truth? Should Grandpa try to bring up Akiko to Yugi and that's what gets him to call her old cell phone (which is the same one she has now)?

Oh.... hahahaha! Silly me, I thought you meant Atem seeing Sam and Joey having sex and freaking out XD hurrrrr. Ok, if Yugi sees Akiko with the ones on her thighs during sex. Perhaps sex, maybe he could spend the night at her house when he gets there and just watches her sleep. Rubs his hands against her thighs and finds them that way? Wakes her up or something? I'm not sure if they should have sex the first night they are united. I dunno, what do you think? And yes, it could lead to an argument. Or maybe he sees them when she changes for bed? I dunno.

Ok, ideas for them- when Yugi decides on going back- should Sam tell him her address since she's talked to her? Should Sam mention that she asks about him all the time and stuff? Or! Should Grandpa tell him when Yugi goes back to get the tickets since he talked to her? Sam may be too preoccupied with Atem. Which ever way.

When he gets to California, he can take a cab to her house, at a stop light, he sees her and sees her about to be mugged. Gets out- stops them (I still have to figure out how XD he could take his bag through it in the air and knock a ladder (like on apartment buildings) over to knock them out. They take the cab back to her house. Perhaps when they get back- Akiko's mom pulls him off to the side and tells him that her daughter can't be like this anymore and asks him to take her in so she can be happy again. Also, I wanted to do a small part in the morning where Yugi gets up to use the bathroom or something and Akiko wakes up alone and thinks it was a dream and panics. And before they leave I think I'll have her bring Yugi into the therapist and tell him to shove it, he came back for her XD I'm not sure yet though XD

And that's it for now. Now, I need to think of stuff for Atem :3. I would imagine that they are both going to break down when they are back together. Sam is probably going to be upset cause she was with Joey and finding out Joey did all that stuff behind her back? What else should they do? Any ideas?]]


Joey didn't mind if Sam didn't do anything special for him- he got so many different things done to him it was fine. He lifted her up and started carrying her to the bed. "Perhaps try a new position?" he said coming up with an idea. "Doggie style perhaps?" he said hoping she wouldn't say no. Just to ensure she wouldn't, he added, "not a**l of course!" He didn't mean a**l to begin with, he meant the position itself. She shouldn't say no, straight couples did this position a lot from what he's heard. Of course, he didn't tell her what he would be thinking of. Of course he would pretend it was Seto- even though he didn't even admit that too himself. But he would. That positioning also just turned him on. "I heard it can hit you in a really good spot," he said truthfully.

Ishizu was happy to hear he was going to stay. She had no idea what he was thinking or what he told the driver to do to the limo. It didn't matter, she was trying to breath and make this contraction stop. She didn't know that he didn't bring the camera- but she was happy that he didn't. She did not want to be video taped during her labor. Although she did want someone to video tape the baby once everything was over with. She reached out for his hand when he had to leave. She was about to call him out but the nurses got her attention. They had to change her and get her on the bed and hooked up. She teared a little, "The contraction won;t stop....." she said to the nurses.

"It's ok, do you want epidural to stop the pain?" one of the nurses asked.

Ishizu nodded her head rapidly. Things could only get more painful, she needed that epidural.

He looked at her, she was so peaceful and happy looking. "How have you been?" he asked her not knowing what else to say. She looked at him and smiled, "You should know, I've been here the whole time," she replied. Atem looked down and forward, rubbing the back of his head. "Have I failed you?" he asked. "Shhhh," she said laying her head on his shoulder. "Just look at the ocean," she said not answering him. Atem remained quiet for a while, tilting his head to rest on hers. He did what she said, looked at the ocean. It was no longer moving even though he could hear it moving. "Atem," she said breaking the silence, "you still have time." He moved away so he could look at her, "What do you mean?" She moved so to look at him, "If you don't do anything now, I won't be here waiting for you anymore." Atem became upset, "Sam..... I don't understand...." He rubbed his forehead.... what was he feeling? What was this pain?

She walked slowly to the therapist. She had to get this hour over and done with. She entered into the building. She saw the front desk lady- the same one she saw everyday. She was a nice lady actually, she seemed like she cared more about her then the therapist. "Good morning Akiko," she said looking at the time, "you're in time, just have a seat and the doctor will see you in a moment."

Akiko forced a smile and greeted her as well. Afterwards, she did as she was told and sat down. Her head hung low as she stared at the ground. Usually she would just daze out while she waited, but she still had Yugi on her mind. Perhaps it was what Joey said? Did he care anymore? God she didn't know, she wish but she didn't want him to be miserable. Then, an old man with white hair and a bold spot, along with a mustache came out. His name was Dr. Smith, and he was her therapist. "Hello Akiko," he said a bit strictly.