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What the heart wants

Over the next few days, Trey was able to better keep himself in check. He got to know Jojo a little better, and soon was spending the majority of his time with him and Hanbei. It was while spending time with the two of them that Trey began to notice something. Jojo seemed to "glow" a bit whenever Hanbei was around, leading him to the impression that Jojo was actually more than a little enamored with the wartortle. However, he couldn't be sure. For all he knew, it could just be that Jojo was happy to be in the US, meeting his mentor and benefactor face-to-face.

"Alright guys, I'm heading into the city for a few hours. I shouldn't be out too late." Gai announced. "Hanbei, keep these two out of trouble."

"No promises." Trey smirked looking away from the TV.

"We will be fine Gaisei." Hanbei replied as he gave Trey a flick to the forehead, making Jojo laugh. "Take care."

After Gai left, Trey and Hanbei continued playing Guilty Gear XX #Reload for a little while longer, while Jojo sat back comfortably and watched.

"...Alright, I think I've had it." Trey said after almost a half-hour's worth of closely-contested matches between Hanbei's Ky and his Axl.

"You are getting better! Keep that up, and you may actually hand me a loss one of these days." Hanbei stated.

"Thanks, I'll be in my room if you need me!" Trey said as he walked out and towards his room.

Once in his room, Trey hopped up onto his bed, pulling a copy of Jane Eyre off of his nightstand. Thanks to losing a "friendly wager" with Hanbei over a round of Street Fighter, he was now being forced to read several chapters of the book a night. He didn't really like reading much in general, which made him laugh at times, to think he had the mind of a scholar and had no interest in pursuing anything with it. It did however give him another opportunity to listen to his music and be alone with his thoughts. Trey had noticed recently that his headphones alone offered a great escape for him and he didn't even need his music to be playing. As long as they were in their rightful place on his head, he didn't have to deal with other people. In a way, it was much like a shell for him to retreat into; he just refused to admit it.

"Gettin' a little hungry..." He thought to himself about an hour later.

After hearing his stomach growl, as if to make the point clear, he got up and started making his way to the kitchen to fix himself something to eat.

"...I am flattered, Jonathan. Truly, I am. However..." Trey heard Hanbei say from the living room.

"What did he just say?" Trey whispered as he crept up to the living room door to see what was going on. He saw Jojo with his face nearly as red as the birthmark on his forehead, and Hanbei trying to comfort him.

"...I am sorry if I may have given you the wrong impression. That was not at all my intention." Hanbei continued.

"...I-it's just that...after all that you've done for me, I assumed that...you were like the hero I always dreamed of..." Jojo said, crestfallen. "Up to now, everything was much like a fairy tale..."

The wartortle just stayed silent, as he continued to let Jojo talk.

"I'm dreadfully sorry...I had no right to just...spring such an unwanted surprise on you. Much less kiss you full on. You must despise me, now..."

"WHAT DID HE SAY?!" Trey thought, almost falling over from his kneeling position.

"Not at all," Hanbei replied calmly, as he walked over and smiled at Jojo. "In fact, such courage is something that is completely worthy of my respect...and admiration, if you will."

"...Admiration...?" The teenage feline looked up to the taller wartortle.

"I come from a long line of gamblers, gamers and high-stakes players. What you did, 'playing your hand', even though there was no guarantee of getting the payoff you wanted? That takes guts. And I like that."

"So...you're not upset with me?" Jojo's red-colored eyes lit up a bit.

"Not at all, Jojo. Though I do not reciprocate your feelings? I definitely respect your valor, you remind of two others in that sense. After all, to be true to oneself, even though certain aspects may not be 'popular' to this world at large? We need more like you in this world. And, of course, you will always have me as your friend."

That was all that the persian needed to hear. Overcome, Jojo soon rushed forward and hugged Hanbei tightly again.

"...Thank you, Hanny...and I mean that from the bottom of my heart."

Almost comically, the wartortle seemed a bit "off-balance" after Jojo's embrace. But a small smile soon came to the periwinkle turtle as he gave Jojo a few comforting pats on the back.

"Leave it to Hanbei to make things right." Trey smiled as he started to get up from his hiding place.

"Now...might I ask about the 'two others' that I remind you of?" Jojo spoke up.

Trey stopped dead in his tracks and immediately retook his position outside the living room door.

Hanbei let out a small chuckle. "That is not for me to disclose. But when the time is right..."

"...I understand. And thank you aga..."

"AAACHOOOO!!!" Trey sneezed involuntarily. "...Shit...!"

"Trey? Is that you?" Hanbei called to the door.

Thinking quickly, Trey tried to make it appear as though he was just walking by.

"Uh...yeah, Hanbei, was just on my way to make myself a snack." He said, standing visibly in the doorway nervously. "Want anything?"

Hanbei displayed an almost undetectable grin. "No thanks. Jojo and I were just getting to know each other better, while you were gone."

"Oh, well, alright. I'll leave you guys to it then." Trey said as he started to leave.

"Actually, I wouldn't mind something to eat." Jojo spoke up. "Mind if I join you?"

"Uh, not at all Jojo." He said, leading Jojo to the kitchen.

When they got to the kitchen, Jojo went to the refrigerator and gathered up the items needed to make a turkey sandwich. Meanwhile, Trey went and grabbed an apple from the bowl of the counter and started processing what he'd just witnessed.

"He's actually gay...so I wasn't wrong about his attraction towards Hanbei, after all. I wonder if should I tell him that I am, too? ...Nah, his feelings were clearly directed towards Hanbei." He thought to himself.

"Is everything alright, Trey?" Jojo asked.

"...Oh, yeah sorry, kinda spaced out for a second with my thoughts. Word to the wise, I tend to do that a lot!" Trey chuckled.

"About anything in particular?" The Persian asked with interest.

"Um, not really. I'm an introverted kinda guy, so I like being with my thoughts. Kinda why I wear my headphones so often." Trey shrugged.

"Oh, well, I hope my questions aren't bothering you, then. As you can probably imagine, I definitely lean more towards the extroverted side of the equation!"

"Not at all!" Trey quickly reassured. "It's true that I'm not exactly fond of people but...I like talking to you."

Jojo let out a slight chuckle. "I enjoy talking with you too, Trey. You, Hanny, and your uncle have made me feel very much at home here."

Trey had a small blush going on his face that he hoped Jojo hadn't noticed. "Maybe I should tell him...?"

"I'm certainly glad to hear that, Jojo." Said a deep voice.

Both of the boys jumped at the sound of Gaisei, as he walked into the kitchen.

"Hahaha, sorry didn't mean to startle you." He chuckled.

"No, it's fine Gai, we were just having a late night 'chew and chat' session. I was actually just about to head to my room for the night, anyway." Trey responded.

"Indeed...I believe I'm going to turn in for the night, as well." Jojo added.

Both of them quickly made their way out of the kitchen, leaving Gai laughing to himself.

"Well, good night to both of you then!" He called out.

That night, Morpheus denied Trey a peaceful rest once again. His mind was far too occupied with the conversation that he'd overheard earlier. Part of him felt as if he should tell Jojo. Not only to showcase that he wasn't alone in being the only gay male in the household, but to share his own feelings towards him. But the blue canine found himself too afraid to embrace the idea of opening up fully to feline. Was his fear perhaps misplaced? Jojo was such a charming and welcoming individual, after all. Maybe he wouldn't be bothered if Trey fessed up. Especially since Jojo did so just earlier that evening. Well, there was only one way to find out.

"Alright, I gotta do this. Once I get the chance, I'll tell him." He thought to himself as he finally drifted to sleep.

The next morning, he was a little slow to get out of bed, and took a little longer in the shower than normal. By the time he finally got dressed and arrived at the indoor dojo, Trey had clearly missed his morning session with Hanbei and Gai.

"There you are! I was worried if you were ever going wake up!" Gai chuckled. "Was it your nightmares again?"

"No, just took me awhile to get to sleep." He replied sleepily. "Where's Hanbei?"

"Oh, he left earlier to go see his friend. Since the days before our journey out East are getting slimmer in number, they're making the most of the time they have left. He should be back by dinner, if they don't already get something out on the street."" Gai stated.

"What about Jojo?"

"Actually, I don't believe he has woken up yet, either. Or at least, he hasn't left his room, yet. Now, on a different note, I have something for you!"

"Hmm, what is it?" Trey asked, his interest piqued.

"Took a little longer than expected to arrive, but I hope you like it!" Gai said handing his nephew a shallow white box.

Trey opened the box and pulled out the white packaging paper, finding a white gi with his name monogrammed on the back.

"Oh, wow! Thanks!" He said overjoyed.

"Hanbei and I believed that since you've showcased a serious interest in martial arts, you should have one like we do. Glad you like it! Now, why don't you go back to your room, put it on and then come back! I've got something else for you to see."

"Alright!"

With that, Trey ran back into his room and quickly changed into his new attire. He also removed his signature gloves and retied his bandanna as a headband on his head. He took a moment to admire his reflection in the mirror. He went ahead to throw a few punches and perform several front snap kicks. The gi offered freer movement versus wearing a T-shirt and shorts, and overall was a good look on him.

"Might need to get a haircut soon, too. It'll start stickin' out from underneath my bandanna." He thought as he pulled at a tuft of his silvery hair. The only trait he actually got from his late mother.

He ran out of his room to rejoin his uncle, and almost ran smack dab into Jojo, as he was exiting his own.

"Whoa, sorry bout that! This is becoming a bit of a habit!" He chuckled.

"It's quite alright, Trey!" The Persian smiled, giving Trey's new appearance a "once over." "And I must say, you look quite dapper in that getup! Also, to be quite honest, I didn't know you actually had a different shade of hair under there."

"Eheheh...yeah I guess I do wear my bandanna a lot." He admitted. "Anyway, Hanbei's gone for the day and Gai said he had something else to show me...wanna come?"

"I'll be down in a moment. I was actually on my way to get a shampoo bottle of mine that I left in Hanny's room. Once I have finished bathing, I'll join you two!"

"Alright, see you out there." Trey waved as he ran downstairs and then outside.

He then saw his uncle standing underneath the big tree in the yard.

"Ah, it's a good fit on you, my boy...!" he paused a moment to laugh a little, "...I'd almost forgotten you shared our family's silvery hair."

"First Jojo, now you!" Trey chuckled in kind.

It was then that Trey noticed the two wooden objects that resembled swords that his uncle was holding.

"What're those?"

"These," Gai said, holding them in front of him. "Are called 'Shinai.' They are essentially training swords, for use in Kendo."

He then handed one to Trey. As the Gaomon looked it over, it resembled a standard sword, similar to the multiple ones he'd seen displayed on the walls throughout the manor. The difference being that these were made of light, sturdy wood versus metal.

"Why are you showing me these?" Trey asked.

"I figured it would give you something else to do while we are in Japan, a little side training for you. Hand-to-hand combat is always good; however, understanding the proper usage of a weapon is also necessary. Plus, Kendo shares a lot of other fundamentals with Aikido and Jiu-jitsu, which are the open-handed styles I've been teaching you so far. It may help to further tighten up your form, as a result."

"So, basically...we're going to fight with these?"

"If you want to? Eventually, yes. However, I will offer you these words of warning. While these are not real katana, they are certainly not toys. We'll be wearing proper gear whenever we spar and this line of training will still leave you sore and possibly bruised. But I do feel you may be ready."

Trey took a brief moment to think it over. He was having fun with his martial arts training so far, and this would give him the opportunity to spend more quality time with his uncle. He fully understood the risks involved and decided he could handle it.

"Alright, I'm game!" Trey said finally.

"Very well, we shall begin immediately. Before any formal instruction, I want to see how well you apply what you have learned so far..." Gai said, holding his Shinai with both hands in a ready stance. "Whenever you are ready."

Trey went with holding his sword at his side in a one-handed stance versus what his uncle went with. He ran up and took a vertical swing, which his uncle easily blocked. Trey jumped back quickly to avoid any retaliation.

"You shouldn't swing so early. You end up broadcasting it and leaving too much time for your opponent to counter. However, I compliment you on knowing to back away quickly from a possible counter. Now, again. And don't hold back."

Taking his uncle words to mind, he charged in again and waited before striking. This time he swung vertically, but then quickly went into a horizontal swing that his uncle almost didn't block in time.

"Much better!" Gai applauded before pushing his sword forward knocking his nephew off balance. He then took a swing himself which Trey tried to block, but ended up taking a light strike to the side.

Trey cringed a little from the sting, but shook it off quickly when he realized his uncle was coming in for another attack. He put up a guard this time, but his uncle used his superior build to break through it. Perhaps with more force than was necessary, because the strike knocked Trey off-balance, sending him into a full on collision with Jojo, who had only come out to watch.

"Uuuugh..." Both boys groaned as they started to get up, Gai running over to check on them.

"Perhaps we do need to have a talk about you and your 'habit', Trey..." Jojo said as he finished getting to his feet.

"My apologies, boys!" Gai said with a guilty bow. "It was not my intention to use that much force! And this, Trey, is why we usually use 'Bogu' when we practice Kendo!"

"Quite alright, Mr. Gai." Jojo said fixing his shirt. "At least I certainly know now to never get on your bad side."

He and Trey laughed at that a little.

"As long as you both are unhurt..." Gai said still feeling guilty.

"Really, we're both fine." Trey smiled.

"Very well, then," Gai said picking up Trey's shinai. "I think we'll stop here for today, we shall continue tomorrow."

"Alright."

Gai then went back inside to put the training equipment away. Jojo turned to Trey once he was gone.

"I saw a bit of your little 'match." Jojo started. "It was quite the impressive display...before I was knocked over that is."

"Um, thanks." Trey blushed slightly. "But it was my first time ever using a weapon before, so I'm sure it wasn't that great."

"No, it was." Jojo smiled. "You have incredible talent. I'm sure your parents must be as proud of you as your uncle is!"

Trey felt his expression literally drop. The very thought of his 'parents...' Suddenly he didn't have any energy; he wanted to disappear, to be alone.

"Hey, what's wrong...?" Jojo asked with a worried expression.

"What?" Trey replied somberly.

"You're...crying." Jojo said pointing at Trey's face.

Trey put a hand to his cheek. True to what Jojo said, he felt tears streaming down his face.

"I-I'm sorry!" Trey yelped as he wiped his face.

"It's quite alright...was it something I said?" Jojo said.

Trey turned around and walked over to the big tree. "It's just that...my family is a sensitive subject for me. I didn't actually know my father..." He trailed off.

"Did something happen to him, or...?" Jojo started to say.

"No," Trey said cutting him off. "He knocked up my mom and then fell off the face of the Earth. I've never known him and I don't care to! He's just a sperm donor, as far as I'm concerned!"

Trey threw an angry punch at the tree, muttering something under his breath.

"What about your mother?" Jojo asked again.

"She strongly resented my 'father' for disappearing. Then took out her frustration on ME, simply because I looked like the bastard!" Trey said holding his shoulder.

"Meaning?" Jojo winced a bit, as if imaging what Trey insinuated.

"Nothing physical. Her 'weapon of choice' was verbal abuse. She'd been that way for as long as I can remember, and truth be told? A lot of what she said to me still sticks with me today."

He paused a moment before deciding to continue.

"She went and killed herself a little over four months ago..." He said at last.

"I'm very sorry to hear that..." Jojo said, as he put a hand on Trey's shoulder. "I suppose that is something we have in common."

"What do you mean?" Trey said looking at the somber feline.

"My father also killed himself, when I was still rather young. I'll spare you the extensive details...but everything that he did, including his death? It resulted in me and my Mum losing everything we held dear. The fact that I 'look like the bastard,' as you put it? 'Twas not an easy thing for me to deal with at the time, either."

"I'm so sorry, man..." Trey sympathized.

"It's quite alright," Jojo started lowly. "If anything, it was just fuel for my own ambition: to become a man that my Mum would be proud to see. But enough about me, for the moment. Your mother...do you know why she did it?"

"She...she did it after she found out that I'm..." He trailed off, taking a seat against the tree.

"...Please tell me she didn't do it upon finding out that you were queer." Jojo finished.

Trey didn't say a word, he simply buried is face into his legs.

"You are, aren't you?" Jojo said taking a seat next to Trey.

"How did you figure me out?" Trey said pulling his head out of his lap.

Jojo let out a light chuckle. "Truth be told, I've known since I first laid eyes on you. You are quite bright, and talented in many ways, Trey. However, subtlety is definitely not something you excel in."

Trey's face went a deep red. "He already knew..."

Jojo then continued. "I'll admit that have given you more than a fair bit of glances. You are quite dashing."

Trey's face went another shade redder. "I...I was actually planning on coming forward about it later today when I got the chance."

"Well, here's your chance~!" Jojo smiled lightly.

"Growing up in the home I did, I was always afraid to open up to others. I still am, now. As a result, I never had any friends. When I first saw you, I wasn't sure what to think, but after spending some time with you? I discovered that I did, in fact, have feelings for you. After what I saw last night, I seriously considered telling you while we were in the kitchen..."

"...So, you did see that, huh?" Jojo said, somewhat embarrassed.

"Shit...," Trey thought. "Um, yeah I did..."

"It's alright, no harm done! Was likely going to come out sooner or later. Sure, it's not exactly how I would've preferred to have someone else find out..."

The two sat in silence for a moment, before Trey chose to speak up again.

"I understand your feelings were towards Hanbei, and I respect that. I just wanted to let you know how I felt."

"And I thank you for that, too Trey. I know it isn't easy for to tell somebody these types of things, and I want to tell you that I care for you, too. However, be that as it may? I don't think it would be the best idea for us to truly pursue anything serious. It's going to take me a while to truly 'get over' Hanny, and that wouldn't be fair to you. Plus, I'll soon be moving out to my own place in a little over a week, and starting school shortly after. Not to mention that you are going off to Japan with Hanny and your uncle soon, correct?"

Trey's expression dropped a little from Jojo's words.

"But I want you to know this: I believe I have found a true friend in you, and I hope it's reciprocated. And if my words have not done anything to change that, I hope we can remain that way!" Jojo finished.

It wasn't what he'd expected (or initially desired). But all things considered? He had never had any friends besides his uncle and Hanbei. And Jojo was offering something that he had never let himself experience.

"A friend..." Trey starting, turning to Jojo giving him a sincere smile. "Sure, Jojo. I'd like that."

Jojo leaned in and gave Trey a small peck on the cheek making the Gaomon go redder than ever. "Thanks, Gaowow."

"Tch, Gaowow...?" Trey smirked still blushing. "I like it."