Yippee! *bounces around*...I was hoping I'd get this updated before I went on holiday! ^^

Awww...I didn't get up to the part I originally planned, I'd forgotten I had to do this part first...but it's ok...I think this came out alright.

Wow...lol...and here I was worried this chapter was gonna be a lot shorter than the rest...so not the case! ^^'

Anyway, there is a large explanation part in this, but I hope I've made it enjoyable...it needed to be in there.

Hope you enjoy! :)

Disclaimer: I do not own Yugioh or any of it's characters...however, I forgot to mention last chapter that the character Akio belongs to me (though I'm sure that was already obvious XP), so no pinchy please!

Also, I took certain elements from Seto's past that were in the original story, those elements are not mine, I have simply mingled them with my own ideas to fit the story.


Chapter 12:

"Bet it's a relief, hey Yami?"

"You have no idea."

Yami proudly flexed his hand, finally free after weeks of confinement within the bandage.

It had been just over a month since Yami's first official date with Seto, and despite initial fears that the fuss on the boat would jeopardise any further interaction between them, Yami had been so relieved when two days later, Seto's limo had been waiting for him after school, with an invitation to study at Kaiba's mansion for the afternoon. For once, Yami was actually happy to study, though he'd had to constantly give himself mental scoldings for watching Kaiba too much after he'd entered the library half an hour later to also study.

It was also a bit of an awkward memory, since before Seto had arrived, Mokuba had come and apologised to Yami for lying to him, and explained that ever since the attack from the hacker, Seto had been very strict and barely allowing him to go out.

Yami could understand the views from both brothers...Seto's strict rules to protect his sibling, and Mokuba's rebellious actions to gain a dose of freedom.

"Calling all past life royalty!"

Yami blinked and looked up, giving a light smile as Malik just chuckled.

"Hey, has anyone seen Jounichi?" Ryou asked from where he stood next to Bakura, the alter ego looking like he'd already had enough of standing in line to get on the coaches.

The school trip to the beach had been postponed for a few weeks, causing an up roar from the students...to some degree, justified...since many had organised other plans around the trip. Apparently, it had been hard enough to convince Bakura to go with them...though Yami reckoned he wanted to go more than he let on.

"He said he had to run to the bathroom." Honda answered.

"Speaking of which, if anyone else need to go, go now. Remember, the trip will take a few hours, and I doubt there'll be many pit stops." Anzu spoke up.

"Fair point." Malik agreed.

"Coming Yami?" Yugi asked.

"I suppose it would be a wise decision." Yami answered with a placid smile.

All but Anzu, Ryou and Bakura headed off to the bathroom. Yami waited outside since the men's room was already full...plus it now sounded like some sort of fight had started...Yugi proving him correct when he ran out in panic, a wet toilet paper ball flying over his head.

Yami chuckled and followed after him, though quickly lost sight of his hikari when he had to duck to avoid another paper ball some guy through at him. The guy was quick to dart back into the bathroom again the moment ruby eyes glared around at him, and he realised it wasn't Yugi Mutou he'd just aimed at. Resisting the urge to teach the punk a lesson for trying to aim at his hikari, Yami turned and headed back to where everyone was lined up, presuming that's where Yugi had gone. But something stopped him, and a puzzled expression grew on his face.

Had he just heard Jounichi's voice?

Remembering that the others had said he wasn't in the bathroom when they'd checked, he turned and followed the familiar tone of his friend's voice. He quickly spotted him behind one of the classroom buildings, his back turned and his body moving in sharp, agitated moves, as if he was having a heated argument with some one...

"Will you listen already!" The blonde yelled.

Ok...so he WAS having an argument...

"To what? The incessant rambling of a mutt!" Came the harsh answer.

'Mutt!'

"Enough with the arrogance already money bags!"

'Money bags!'

The ruby eyed teen darted over to the building. There wasn't anyone in the school who'd have to see the participants of this conversation to know who they were!

"Shouldn't you be waiting in line? Or don't they allow dogs on the coach?"

Yami carefully peered around the corner. Sure enough, there was Jounichi facing away from him, talking to a very annoyed looking Kaiba.

"Enough with your smart ass remarks and stop avoiding the conversation!"

"This conversation doesn't exist, considering it's none of your business!"

"It's every bit my business! He's my...!"

Jou stopped half way as Kaiba suddenly looked past him, and Yami jumped.

'Darn...real stealthy pharaoh...'

Yami stepped out from behind the wall, since he'd been spotted anyway. Jou looked around, a startled look on his face.

"Sorry, am I interrupting?"

Yami could've smacked himself for saying something so dumb.

"No." Kaiba answered shortly, and went to walk past Jou.

"Kaiba." Jou spoke quickly, and grabbed the taller boy's arm.

Yami almost flinched at his friend's reckless action, even though Jou himself didn't seem to think twice as Kaiba's angry glare turned on him.

"Who's going to remove that hand? You or me?" Kaiba threatened venomously.

Jounichi still looked angry, but surprised Yami by showing some of the wisdom he often lacked, and released the brunette. Seto just walked away from him, pausing as he came in line with Yami.

"If you don't want to ride that coach, then better come now."

Yami's heart throbbed. Even though everyone had to meet at the school first, a very small group of students...including Kaiba...had been given permission to take an alternative means of travel.

"I'd like to, but I already said I would ride with Yugi." He whispered back.

Kaiba was silent, but Yami didn't miss the flare in his aura, as it made his skin tingle and almost shiver.

Had he taken that as rejection?

"I didn't say I didn't want to..." He continued quietly as he carefully reached his hand out when Kaiba began to walk away.

Unlike Jou, he didn't actually grab Seto's arm, instead, his hand just sort of rested against it, asking him to wait.

"...It's just that I gave him my word."

He could just imagine a beautiful aura of blue and white circling Seto, currently edged by a tinge of angry red. However, it felt like the red was slowly fading away.

Seto didn't push his hand away, instead just stepped around it, and walked off. When he was out of sight, Yami looked around.

"Jounichi? Is everything alright?"

"Yeah...peachy..." Jou answered, running his hand through his hair in what seemed more frustration than anger.

Before Yami could enquire further, a loud whistle rang through the area.

"Ah crud! We'd better hurry!" Jou laughed sheepishly.

He took off back towards where everyone was waiting, and after a short pause, Yami followed.


"Action!"

"Romance!"

"Comedy!"

Yami stirred from the light doze he'd slipped into. The scenery outside the coach window was completely different from the last time he'd looked, and he had absolutely no idea how much time had passed, his body clock feeling very thrown out of whack. That sometimes happened if he slept during the day.

"Aaww, I knew they were going to end up waking you..."

Yami glanced to Yugi sitting next to him, the boy giving him an apologetic smile.

"What's everyone going on about?" He finally asked, stretching his muscles.

"What movie to watch." Yugi answered, "Though if they don't hurry up, the teacher will just put a documentary on."

"What's wrong with a documentary?"

"Nothing...well, at least I don't think so. But you know what the rest of our classes think of them. Besides, the teachers always manage to find the most boring documentaries ever made! I almost fell asleep watching one about Einstein and other great scientists one time!"

"A most valid point hikari." Yami chuckled, letting his eyes close as he shifted to get comfortable.

"Probably better stay awake for now, I think I heard the teacher say we'll be taking a break soon."

"How soon?"

"About ten minutes. I was hoping to let you sleep that much longer, but I suppose this gives you time to wake up."

"True, and a break certainly does sound inviting, I need to get up and move. How long have we been going now?"

"Somewhere between three and four hours, not including that fifteen minute pit stop earlier."

"No wonder everyone is restless..."

"Yeah, but we all knew it was going to be a long trip."

Yami's eyes suddenly glanced away from Yugi, catching another pair of eyes attempting to turn away quick enough so they wouldn't be caught watching him...

...too slow.

He gave a quiet sigh as he watched Anzu, the girl staring out the window on the other side of the coach.

Even after all this time, the two were barely speaking, despite Yami's attempts to make up with her.

"This has to stop..." He whispered.

Yugi quickly followed his gaze, and then looked back sadly.

"You said you'd tried talking to her right?"

"A few times. Truth be told, I'm not even sure she's that upset about the argument itself anymore, I think she's just not going to allow herself to get over it until she finds out who I'm seeing."

"Would Anzu do that?"

"I don't know, but I've seen her watching me sometimes when I go away from the group. Heck, I think she might have even followed us home one day from school."

"That seems a little extreme for someone like Anzu..." Yugi said uncertainly.

"I know Hikari; I'm really unsure what's going on in her head at the moment."

A loud bang from the back made them all jump and look around.

"Ishita! If there is one more disturbance from you, you'll be sent straight home at the next stop! And that also applies to you Honda and Jounichi!" The teacher scolded loudly.

Malik gave a sheepish grin from the back, holding the burst green balloon in his hand, Jou and Honda trying not to laugh.

Yami looked back to the front and slouched in his seat, before linking his mind to Yugi's. They rarely used their mind link since their bodies had separated; mostly due to the fact that it was extremely difficult if they were more than a few metres away from each other...they could really only do so when close like they were now...

'I should have just accepted the offer for a ride from Kaiba, and asked if you could sit in the back.'

Yugi laughed next to him, before answering.

'Please Kaiba...I'll be extra quiet so you and Yami can have some time together...'

Yami nudged him with his shoulder, and the two laughed again.


When the long trip was finally over, the students were rewarded for their patience...or in the case of most, lack of...by the sight of the vast ocean spreading out like a massive, glittering blue field to their right. Even Yami had been somewhat mesmerised by its beauty. It also pleased him greatly to see Anzu finally looking happy again, and though his may have just been out of relief, even Bakura allowed a very faint smile.

The bus passed through a small town, and continued up a hill that gave an even greater view, until it finally came to a stop in front of a casual but nice looking hotel, where they would be staying.

They grouped together once they were allowed to get off.

"Alright everyone, this is how it's going to work! You'll be divided into your groups you've already been assigned to...I presume there are a few of you who don't remember your groups...if so, put your hands up now!"

The instructions came to a pause as a few people indeed had to be reminded.

"Anyway..." The teacher finally continued, "After that, each group will be given the key to their room, and you will go put away your belongings. You will then come back down and meet in the lobby for one last head count. After that, the afternoon will be yours to spend as you see fit, but everyone is to return to the hotel by sundown. There will be no climbing on the rocks at the beach, and the forest area is off limits...we'll be taking a tour through there in two days anyway...and whilst this town is small, there is plenty to do...no one is to leave the town...even if the next one is only a ten minute bus ride away! Tonight, we will meet for dinner in the dining hall at seven, at which time we will discuss tomorrow's activities. Everyone is to be in their rooms by nine thirty, and lights out is at ten. No exceptions!"

"Ten? I thought this was supposed to be a vacation?" Jounichi moaned.

"Those of you who arranged for guests, you'll need to wait here at the hotel until they arrive. Please group over here if you have to wait, as we'll need to check in your guests as well."

The students split, most heading to check in and put their belongings away, a small cluster remaining outside.

"Thanks for this Yami, I really appreciate it." Malik said as they waited.

"Not at all." Yami replied, smiling at his friend.

"Man, where are they? They did leave just after us right?" Jou spoke as he scanned the area.

"Do you think they got lost when the coach took one of its pit stops?" Ryou suggested.

"Maybe…" Jou answered a little anxiously, before frowning as he glanced over his shoulder, "By the way…YOU TWO aren't obligated to stay!"

"Who? Us?" Honda answered casually.

"We're just keeping our friends company…is that a crime?" Otogi answered in the same sort of tone.

"In this case it should be…" Jou grumbled.

A loud horn made them look around, as a fancy red sports car pulled up in the parking lot. Otogi and Honda both pushed around Jou, their faces lighting up almost like children.

"Hey everyone! Sorry to make you wait!" The driver called, her long golden hair shining in the bright sunlight.

"Hey Mai." Anzu answered, a little less enthusiastically, but only because her friend had been just loud enough to be a bit embarrassing.

In the passenger's seat sat Shizuka, her hair shining almost as much as Mai's, and in the back were Isis and Rishid.

"Great, they made it." Malik sighed with relief.

It was clear he'd been worried about his older siblings.

"Oniisan!" Shizuka called happily as she got out of the car.

"Shizuka!" Jounichi greeted in return, his eyes going soft in the way they only did when he saw his sister.

The look he reserved for his sister… it reminded Yami of how Seto reserved his truest emotions only for Mokuba's eyes, and as Jou fought to stop Honda and Otogi from stealing the first hug from Shizuka that was rightfully his, Yami stared hopefully around the car park, but couldn't see Kaiba's car or limo. He craned his neck a little, trying to see down the hill, hoping for the possibility that a car could be just arriving.

No such luck.

"Come on Yami! We can go sign in now!" Yugi called to him.

"Yeah! And the sooner we sign in, the sooner we can hit the beach!" Jou added.

"Thankyou for allowing me to be your guest on this trip Yami." Rishid spoke, holding his hand out, which Yami gladly shook.

"You should be here just the same as any of us."

"Same here Anzu, I owe ya one." Mai thanked with a wink.

"No problem. I'm just glad to have some female room mates." Anzu answered, sounding as relieved as she said.

"I still feel a little guilty for not telling grandpa that we were each allowed to invite one guest. Think he'll be angry?" Yugi said with a wink to Yami, not looking the least bit guilty really.

"Yugi, we paid for him to spend a few days at that golf club he said he really likes. Do you honestly think he's going to be upset about missing out on a six hour drive to the beach, where there's a bunch of loud, energetic teenagers running around?" Yami answered, winking back.

He felt Yugi quickly open their mind link.

'At least this way we don't have to worry about grandpa perving on Anzu and the other girls.'

Both boys laughed again.

"You know, I really hate it when you two do that. Share the joke around!" Malik whined playfully, knowing all about the mind link.

Everyone else just joined in laughing.

As the others headed inside, Yami took one more hopeful glance around, only to be disappointed again, and turned to follow his friends.


"I should have known better…"

"Whoa, Malik…take it easy…"

"How am I suppose to take it easy!"

"Just calm down. It's no big…HEY! What do you two think you're looking at!"

Jounichi temporarily forgot about Malik…who was fuming about the other male students gawking at his sister in her golden swimsuit…when he noticed Otogi and Honda swooning over Shizuka, who was in a beautiful pink and white swimsuit. He jumped up and tackled both of them into the sand.

Yami tried to ignore the commotion from where he was sunbaking, loving the warmth on his skin, grateful that there was a light breeze to make the heat enjoyable rather than too hot.

"Yami…"

"I already put sunscreen on Yugi." He answered quickly without opening his eyes.

"How about your back?"

Rubies crept open slightly, and a small grumble left the teen, since he couldn't deny he'd forgotten.

"If you dare put it directly on my spine again…" He warned as he rolled onto his stomach.

"Yami…after the bruise your reaction gave me last time, do you really think I'd make that mistake again?"

"Maybe."

"Come on, it's not like I meant to make you jump!"

"And I didn't intend to kick you in the head."

Yugi just grumbled a little, before pouring some of the sunscreen into his hand.

Yami flinched slightly as he felt the cold substance make contact with his warm back, but other than that, he didn't react, quickly relaxing as Yugi rubbed it into his skin.

However, a face full of sand ruined the short moment of peace. He sat up fast, rubbing his eyes. He could hear Yugi spluttering beside him, the small boy obviously having been caught in the firing line as well.

Both Amethysts and rubies glared up at the wrestling match still going on.

"Yugi… I think I'm going to go explore the town for awhile…" Yami eventually sighed.

"I might go get some quiet reading time in our room whilst no one else is in there." Yugi sighed in return.

Both boys snuck away from their very distracted friends, and headed back to the hotel. After a quick rinse in the shower, Yami changed into a pair of alternatively loose black pants, and a black singlet. He gave a quick wave and smile to Yugi, who was laying in his bed, already too indulged in his book to notice.

Yami just smiled, un offended, and headed back out. He took a quick glance to the sky, and presumed he had at least a few hours before it got too dark for him to be out.

He took his time getting down the steep hill, but changed to a brisk walk once his feet found flat ground. The town was quite a pleasant appearing place. Tranquil and only boasting what it needed, such as a supermarket, a police station, post office etc.

At least that's how it looked at first. Just when he was beginning to wonder how fun everyone else would find such a sleepy little town, he came across a street that must have been meant to cater for the younger generation of the town, and tourists. There was a small cinema, an arcade, shopping centre, park and library.

They were all like miniature versions of the ones you'd find back in Domino city, but that just made them a perfect fit for this town.

Looking between the choices, he was about to select the library, when something caught his attention. A rhythmic pounding that he felt his heart slowly synchronise with. The music enticed him, and though he probably could have, he didn't ignore it. He followed its melody down the street, and let it gently stop him outside what appeared to be a small club.

Both intrigued and confused, he carefully pushed open the door.

What greeted him both made his heart flutter, and seemed to blow him away.

A small group of people were dancing around an open dance floor, and not just any dancing…

They were Latin dancing!

Some had excellent technique, like they'd been doing this for awhile, whilst others seemed more like beginners, though they still shared the same high spirits as the more experienced dancers.

The music that had drawn him there still pounded away, guiding the dancers with its powerful yet enchanting rhythm. A rhythm that couldn't and wouldn't be denied. Its sweet spell filled Yami's mind and soul…

…but…

"Oh! I'm sorry sir! The club is actually closed until six!"

He gasped and glanced around swiftly.

"I'm afraid this is just a private lesson, sorry for…" The man spoke as he walked towards Yami.

Both froze as their eyes met.

He may not have been in his uniform, but Yami couldn't mistake the waiter who had served him and Seto that first night at the restaurant. They'd been there again a few times between then and now, but it had always been someone else who served them.

"H-hey… it's…" The waiter paused for a moment, "…Yami Mutou…right?"

"That's right. And your name was Akio…correct?" Yami replied a bit calmer, but still with the awkward tinge.

"Yeah, that's right." The red head answered, now giving an awkward grin, "This is certainly unexpected. What brings you so far from Domino city?"

"Oh, I'm just here on a school trip." Yami answered, relaxing slightly, "And yourself?"

"Oh I'm just here on a…wait…school trip!"

"Yes…"

"But…! But didn't you and Se…uuuhh…Kaiba, go to the same school?"

"We do."

The boy flinched back, before exhaling deeply, and scratching the back of his head.

"Well…this is a problem…I thought the school came here a few weeks back?"

"They rearranged the whole trip at the last minute. What's the problem exactly?"

"Dang…and here I arranged my visit plenty of time after you guys were meant to have gone home." Akio answered, looking away as if contemplating something.

Yami decided to speak a little more boldly.

"Are you worried about Kaiba seeing you here?"

Akio gave another awkward grin, before looking around, and suddenly pulling Yami into a room.

"You heard who I am to Seto, right?" He asked quietly once he knew the door was shut.

"His cousin?"

"Yeah."

"I have been wondering about that. I thought the Kaiba brothers didn't have any other relatives."

"Well, they didn't know they had a cousin for most of their lives…in fact, they only found out a few years back."

Akio opened a mini fridge and took out two sodas, throwing one to Yami.

"Quick question. Is Seto in town yet?" He asked as he sat next to the ruby eyed teen.

"Well…he was travelling separate to the rest of us. I haven't seen him yet." Yami answered, annoyed that he'd let the disappointment slide into his voice.

"Anyway, tell me Yami. Would you at all believe I was Seto's cousin if I didn't tell you?" Akio answered with a playful grin.

"I'm afraid I wouldn't believe it if I hadn't heard Kaiba himself say it." Yami answered, returning the grin.

Akio just laughed.

"Fair enough. Wait a minute…Kaiba? You guys aren't using first names yet?"

Yami felt his face heat right up, and quickly looked away.

"Hey, forget I asked. If you guys aren't up to that yet, then it's no big deal. It's gotta be pretty tricky being both rivals and boyfriends."

Yami felt himself flinch.

"Huh? Whoops…you guys not using that word either? I thought you were official?"

"W-we are…it's just…" Yami stuttered.

Sure he'd privately been calling Seto his since they'd officially started going out. But he'd never actually used the word boyfriend. Neither had Seto…it hadn't really crossed his mind.

"Don't worry about it, you'll get there. One step at a time right?" Akio said reassuringly.

"Well, that's how I try to see it." Yami answered.

"What's wrong? You still not sure about how Seto feels?"

"I can rarely tell what's on his mind. It's frustrating." Yami admitted.

"Hey, have some faith. Trust me, if Seto wasn't interested, he'd never have let something 'official' start between you two."

Yami blinked up in surprise, before feeling his heart grow warm, and a soft smile appeared.

"You're right, he wouldn't. Thankyou, Akio."

The boy just grinned again, and took a mouthful of soda. Yami copied him, before looking around again.

"May I ask how you came to meet Seto? You said he didn't know you existed for a long time?"

Akio scratched his head, as if thinking about the topic.

"Hmm...well, where do I start? I guess I should explain that the reason he didn't know I existed was because of our parents."

"Your parents?"

"Well, our whole family to be exact. No one ever really kept in contact with anyone outside their immediate family. I only ever really knew my parents...I occasionally saw my grandparents, but that was mostly just at Christmas and stuff. It wasn't just one way either...my grandparents hardly made an effort to see me more often. Anyway, because of that, I never saw Seto or Mokuba when we were kids. I knew that I had cousins, but I didn't even know their names, or even if they were boys or girls...or even that there was two of them for that matter! Anyway, I guess I grew up not too worried about it...you learnt quickly in my family not to bother yourself with questions about those you hardly ever saw. One day though in high school, I had to do a family tree project. I already knew it wouldn't be any good asking my parents...they wouldn't help me with it even for school, so I did my own research in private. I'd known my mother had a sister, so I learnt about her family, and that's when I finally learnt that my cousins were two brothers who'd lost both their parents at a young age, and been placed in an orphanage..."

Akio trailed of for a moment, his silence reflecting the suddenly sad look in his eyes.

"That was the first time I began to question my family's ways. Why hadn't they taken my cousins in? We were doing pretty well for ourselves...we always had...it's not like we couldn't have taken care of them. After a bit more research, I finally came across their names. I'm sure you can imagine my surprise when I discovered the oldest brother to have the same name as the new young leader of the Kaiba corp. company. At first I thought it was just a coincidence...so I researched Seto Kaiba himself...not really my style...but I had to know for sure. Well, I checked over and over and over...but it always led to one conclusion. Seto Kaiba was my cousin."

"What did you do then?" Yami asked, unable to help himself, feeling like a small child listening to a story.

"What else? I denied it." Akio chuckled.

He laughed at Yami's startled look.

"Don't panic…our tale doesn't end there…"He continued playfully, "I denied it…for awhile. Eventually though, I gave up on trying to find some other explanation, and just felt happy that I'd finally found my cousins. I didn't actually care who they were…just for the fact that I actually knew who they were! Does…that make sense?"

"Yes, I think so." Yami answered.

"Then continuing…I didn't do much about it for some time, I was content with just the knowledge of having found my cousins. However, I've never been good at leaving things alone or unfinished, so after a few months, I couldn't take it anymore, and became desperate to actually meet my cousins! THAT'S when I started to care about just who they were. I mean, I would have been nervous enough if Seto had been an average teenager living a normal life…but he was the president of a million dollar company! It's not like I had anyone to help back me up…"

"Heh…that…was a bit of a 'grand' plan." Yami chuckled.

"Well everyone always told me I dreamt too big…not that I ever listened to them."

"So, how did it go?"

"You can't guess?"

"…not good…?"

"If you want to put it in a most basic, polite way, then yes, not good. I didn't live in Domino City back then, but I couldn't tell my parents why I was going there, so I used the end of the exam period at school as an excuse. I told them I needed a quick get away to clear my head before the next semester at school started. Well luckily for me, I'd never been dishonest with my parents before, and as far as they were concerned, I still knew nothing about my extended family, and had no concern about it…so even though I felt guilty about it, I was able to get away without them getting suspicious. It was the first time I'd been to Domino City, and I have to say I liked it from the start, although the mere sight of the Kaiba corp. building was immediately intimidating."

The boys glanced up as they heard laughing from outside the room. Someone had slipped over, but must have been alright.

"It was terrifying, but shockingly, I was able to get a meeting with Seto. It seems I picked exactly the right time to go…he'd had a small free gap in his schedule the next day…so, when the day came, I went there, dressed the best I could. Though there were definite differences, I could quickly recognise the boy I'd seen in the pictures from back in the orphanage that I'd come across…only…he'd gotten so tall… and his eyes held such a cold look. The boy in the pictures had much gentler eyes..."

"Meeting Seto Kaiba for the first time can be daunting." Yami agreed.

"Tell me about it. Lets see, I guess to summarise what happened…I introduced myself…he instantly seemed angry to hear my last name…I explained how I'd found out about him…he said that he and his brother lost any family they had when they were kids, and that he didn't have time for frauds."

Yami was on his feet before he'd realised, startling Akio.

"He didn't!"

Akio blinked rapidly, before giving an understanding smile.

"He did…but he had his reasons. Come on, sit down and I'll finish."

Knowing he'd over reacted, Yami took a breath and sat back down.

"So as you can see, my first meeting with Seto didn't go so well. I hadn't been expecting a big family reunion or anything, but I was confused by just how rejecting he'd been. But I didn't know the truth at that time."

"What truth?" Yami whispered, feeling a sense of dread.

Akio's smile had faded, and Yami was actually shocked to see anger in the boy's eyes. It wasn't flaring…more just like burning embers.

"That my family…really did abandon them."

There was a silence for a moment, before Akio continued.

"I stayed in Domino city for the week, and I tried twice more to contact Seto so I could find out why he didn't even want to give me a chance. The first time I tried arranging another meeting…no dice. The second time I actually dared to call him…well, that was the first time I'd ever had an argument over the phone. It was anything but pleasant…but…at least I finally found out what I needed to know."

Yami remained quiet, even as Akio stared to the ceiling, this time, his eyes holding a strong look of pain, even though he was smiling.

"Sorry…it's just I can't forget what he said to me during that conversation…"

Yami felt himself draw back suddenly.

"Akio…you don't have to…" He began, feeling like he was suddenly intruding too far into others lives.

"Actually…would you mind?" Akio spoke up, meeting the ruby eyes, "I've never been able to repeat it to anyone, even though it hurts to even think about."

Yami was surprised by the genuine plea in the boy's voice, and though a little unsure, he felt a small sense of honour that he would be asked such a thing.

"Alright."

Akio gave a grateful smile, before looking down, clearly nervous to repeat the memory.

"As I said, it…wasn't pleasant…"

"If I have to warn you to stop pestering me one more time, I'll be calling security to remove you from my concern!"

"Please, wait, Seto…"

"What did I say about that!"

"Sorry! Sorry! But Kaiba…please wait…tell me why you're so angry? I don't understand, I told you I don't know very much about what happened when I was a kid…my family never told me anything, and I'm sick of being in the dark about it."

"And so because we're somehow related, that obligates me to tell you does it!"

"No I wasn't saying that! I just want to know. Honestly, I'd ask my family if I thought they'd answer me, but there's no chance of it."

"You want to know the truth so bad!"

"Yes…please…"

"Very well, if it'll shut you up. When Mokuba and myself lost both our parents, YOUR parents and the rest of that so called family of ours moved in…took our inheritance and any possessions they wanted for themselves, and dumped us off at the orphanage!"

"…K…Kai…"

"So, were you expecting that answer? You said you wanted the truth right? Well there it is…the blunt, unsweetened truth."

"Kaiba I…"

"YOU have your answer, so now I better not have to hear from you again! But deliver a message to those parents of yours…tell them that it doesn't matter that our inheritance was minuscule in comparison to what I earn now days…they still owe me and my brother everything they took from us! I haven't forgotten!"

Had someone switched the air conditioner on? The room suddenly felt so very cold.

Yami didn't know what to say, he knew he shouldn't even know what he'd just been told, both the knowledge and the guilt were eating away at his chest, but after awhile, Akio gave him that warm, reassuring smile once more.

"Don't worry, the story ends a little happier than that."

He took his time as he had another drink.

"That call took place the day before I left, and after learning what I had, I was actually willing to give up on trying to connect with my cousin. I didn't know if it really was true or not, I was at the stage of questioning wether my parents were capable of such a thing. But I was a coward, after I returned home, I didn't question them straight away, I just continued to debate with myself over it. Luckily though, one day I managed to get the kick in the butt I needed. I saw my mum putting on some jewellery…not usually a big deal, jewellery was her obsession…it was the box she got one of her necklaces out of that caught my attention. She had so much jewellery that she had multiple boxes, but for some reason I could actually remember when she'd brought this particular box home, where the rest I couldn't. It hadn't bothered me for years, but this time when I looked to it, I remembered how odd things had seemed at the time. My parents had been out somewhere for the day, and didn't come home until night time. It was raining, and my mum was complaining when they walked in. I was still kinda young back then, so it's a little hard to remember, but my father was carrying a cardboard box of stuff, and my mum was carrying a small but beautiful dark blue box. I remember thinking at the time it had beautiful designs on it, exactly the kind of thing my mum would like…but the funny part was, she was saying stuff like "At least she had one stroke of good taste!" and "Now this can be put to good use! She just better not have damaged it in any way!"

Akio's drink can could be heard denting under his clenching fingers.

"Back then those words were just confusing, meaningless parent talk, but where I couldn't remember any other item from her little collection, I always remembered that box, even if I didn't concern myself with it. But that night, already a month after my trip to domino city, those meaningless words all became very clear very quickly. It horrified me, and I still didn't want to believe it. I still debated, because there was no solid proof, but it stayed with me the whole night we were out celebrating my father's promotion at work or whatever it was…somehow I don't even remember that part. Anyway, after we got home, I finally decided to bite the bullet and ask…

"Mother, Father, may I speak to you?" Akio asked as he walked in the door after his parents.

"What is it Akio?" His mother replied as she sat heavily on the couch.

"Is it important son? Your mother had a little too much wine and needs to sit down." His father put in.

"I'm quite fine thankyou!" The clearly tipsy woman argued.

"Yes father, it is important." Akio answered, managing to keep his voice calm.

"Very well, go on then."

The teenager looked down, actually frightened to speak.

"Akio? I thought this was important? Why are you hesitating?"

"Forgive me. You see, I'd like to be honest with you both about something…but then, there's something I'd like to ask you both, and I'd appreciate an honest answer." He finally spoke, finding his courage, though his body was shaking slightly.

"You know I only tolerate honesty in this house Akio, but very well, what is it you'd like to discuss?" His father replied, his eyes narrowing slightly at the seriousness of his son's voice.

"I want to tell you both that my visit to Domino city had more purpose than merely some recovery time from exams…"

His parents were silent, waiting for him to continue. He took a deep breath.

"I…I went to visit my cousins."

"That silence had to be the worse one I've ever endured."

"Akio…"

"Hold on, I'll loose it if I stop now…"

"That…that's absurd Akio, you don't even know who your cousins are." His mother finally shouted out, her voice louder thanks to the alcohol, though there was a laugh in her voice as if she really did think he was joking.

"Seto and Mokuba Kaiba! Seto is just two years younger than me, but far taller and more mature, and Mokuba is five years younger than Seto. He's still very young, but has learnt a lot and is incredibly loyal to his brother!"

This time his parent's silence was clearly from shock.

"I'm sorry for not being honest about my intentions, but now I want you both to be honest with me. Is it true what I've found out? Did our family really abandon them when they needed our help?"

"That's enough Akio. I don't know where you think you can get off speaking to your mother and I like that, but this…" His father began sternly.

But Akio felt a bubble of anger in his stomach, like water when it just first began to boil.

"This conversation is not over father! I want the truth for once! You say you value honesty, and yet you've never told me the truth about my family! Did you really take the money that was supposed to be left to them?"

The sound of flesh striking flesh rang through the room, and it took a moment for Akio to even register his mother's hand on his cheek.

"You're father said that's enough, and I must agree, this is making my head hurt. I think you should go to bed now son, it's been a long day."

And now the water was truly beginning to boil…

"So…so when you don't want to answer…you just smack me and send me to my room…like I'm a child or something…?" Akio whispered in a cold tone he'd never heard himself use before.

"Do as your mother says!" His father bellowed, his voice demanding control.

"Well I did what my mother said, but not because she told me to, but because I suddenly couldn't stand to be in the same room as my parents."

"So it really was true then?"

"There was no doubt in my mind about it after they refused to be honest with me. I locked myself in my room and cried over it. I couldn't stand any of it, and there came times when I didn't want anything to do with them. I kept to myself for some time after that, using the cover of 'focusing on my studies'. Despite our argument, they seemed to buy it, since they were pretty strict about the whole education thing, and they probably didn't think I'd dare go against them again. I admit I did study a bit, it was a good distraction, but when my parents weren't home, I would sneak around the house and find out whatever more I could, and I especially tried to see if I could remember back to that night, and what I'd seen my parents carry in. To this day I don't know if I found everything they took, but I made mental notes of things I figured out they'd taken from my cousins, so then finally, one day, when my parents went on a picnic with their friends…hmph…they kept more in touch with friends that with family…I raced around the house and collected everything I could, and I left, catching the quickest train I could to domino city."

"You really would take such a risk?"

"Until then, I never thought I would. It was like a rage I hadn't even known about had been laying dormant inside me, and now it was finally erupting. As you can imagine, it wasn't any easy act going back to Kaiba Corp. I thought for sure Kaiba would have me arrested this time…"

"Please let me pass!"

"Not a chance brat!"

"Stop resisting!"

"Kaiba please listen to me!"

"Stop yelling at the camera kid, you look ridiculous! The president can't hear you from here!"

Akio stared desperately at the security camera sitting on top of the wall, struggling not to drop the box of items he was carrying as the guards pulled him around.

"Seto please! I'm sorry, I'm really sorry! I didn't come here to cause you trouble, I just wanted to return what's yours!"

"What is this kid talking about?"

"Who knows? I think its time we took that box off him though."

"NO! Keep your hands off of it! It doesn't belong to you!" Akio yelled defensively, pulling the box away as one of the guards reached for it.

"Look punk, it's our job to check strange items brought into the area, and your behaviour is just making you look more suspicious right now!"

"Kaiba…please…I know I shouldn't have come back, but I wanted…I wanted to apologise! I know it doesn't mean much coming from me…but since my family never seems to plan to say it…I'm…I'm sorry."

"That's it, get this kid out of here!."

"I'm sorry you and your brother had to suffer, and that we weren't a real family to you. I know it can never make up for what happened, but please, I just want to give back what I know my family took from you!"

"Get moving brat! I told you he can't hear you!"

"I promise it's the only reason Kaiba! My family doesn't know I'm here! This isn't a trick! Will you guys let me go! OOF!"

The ground was harder on the side of his face than he would have expected.

"Ha, that's better, you look good down in the dirt where you belong kid!" One of the guards mocked cruelly, the other just laughing.

Akio felt his anger growing again, as he sat back up.

"You're serious? That was so corny coming from a security guard."

"Watch your attitude kid!" The guard yelled, angry once more, and grabbed a handful of the boy's red locks.

"AAH! Let my hair go you idiot! That hurts!"

"Good!" The guard grumbled, and began dragging him across the ground.

"What are you doing! This is ridiculous! OUCH!"

The other side of his face felt the sting this time as he was literally thrown out through the gates.

"And stay out you little punk! Don't let us catch you here again, or you'll loose more than just a few strands of hair!"

"No! Let me back in! Please!" He cried out, sitting up once again.

"Just ignore the brat, maybe he'll scurry back off to where ever he came from."

Akio glared through the gates of the Kaiba Corp grounds as the guards walked away, desperation vivid on his face. He rested his head on the cool metal bars, as cold and unwelcoming as the guards behind it. He knelt there, one hand clutching a bar until it hurt, the other wrapped tightly around the box holding the items he'd brought with him.

"Huh? Come in!"

A girl peered in through the door.

"Akio? Is everything alright? Will you be long?"

"Don't worry, I'll be back soon."

"ok. Sorry to interrupt."

She left the room, and Akio looked back to Yami.

"Bet you're wondering what the heck I did then huh?"

"Naturally." Yami answered playfully.

"Then onto the dramatic conclusion of this story!"

"We're only just getting to the drama?"

Both boys cracked up laughing.

Akio barely heard his phone ringing over the noise of the city and the distraction that his failure caused in his mind, but eventually, he stopped walking like a zombie…which he'd been doing for about an hour or two now…and looked to his pocket. After a moment which he must have used to register it properly, he pulled his phone out, and opened it.

"H…hello?"

"Akio! Where are you!"

"D…d…dad?"

"What the heck is going on Akio! Why did we come home to find you and various items around the house missing yesterday afternoon!"

Akio suddenly felt his strength returning. It was weak, but non the less, defiant.

"Because I took them and came to Domino city to return them!"

He was no longer afraid to admit it. He didn't care to say sorry for it either.

"You did what! You stole from your mother and I? What's gotten into you Akio!"

"Who knows? Perhaps the same thing that got into you two the day you stole from my cousins. I am your son after all."

"Do not take that tone with me young man!"

"I'm not a child anymore father! I'm not just going to be quiet and accept only what you tell me! I never wanted to betray you and mum, but you betrayed me first by keeping the truth from me!"

There was silence on the other end for a moment, before…

"Your right son, you're not a child anymore…"

"Father?"

"I think this event has proven that you're looking for independence, and that you're quite capable of making your own decisions. It sounds to me like your ready to take care of yourself."

Akio's stomach dropped heavily.

"Father…what are you saying? Don't tell me you're…"

"Your mother will be so disappointed…you know she had high hopes for you son."

"Father you can't kick me out because of this! I was trying to do what was right!"

"Akio if you want to be forgiven for your actions, then you need to prove your loyalty to your parents."

"My wha…?"

"Return here immediately, and bring the items you stole. You will apologise to us, and promise to never question our actions again, or go against our word. Do I make myself clear…son?"

Akio didn't respond right away, the shock filling him, his mouth going dry as he finally answered.

"Perfectly…father…"

"Good, then come home as quickly as possible. Do that, and I may even over look punishing you for…"

"Isn't it too late for that…?"

"Excuse me?"

"The alternative to loosing my home is to loose my will and choice in my life. Either way, I'm being punished for something…"

"Now see here…!"

"But you know the worse punishment of all? Finding out that…I'm nothing more than a possession to my parents…and if I don't turn out the way they want, they're willing to just let me go. I always wanted to be the perfect kid for you both, but how can I be the successful person you push me to be…if I can't make my own choices? Or be allowed to make mistakes to learn from? Part of me wishes I didn't feel this way…but yet after all this, I can't help but say…I love you and mum…but…I'm not sorry."

Without another word, Akio hung up the phone, and slide backwards down the wall he hadn't noticed he'd come to rest against.

What now?

No he didn't want to see his parent's faces right now, but that didn't mean he wanted to follow their little tradition of dropping all contact as soon as he lived on his own.

"I guess it was inevitable…" He whispered to no one, his eyes beginning to burn.

The sounds of the streets of the evening were a blur in his ears. He could barely distinguish as he heard footsteps coming closer. Was someone coming to him? To see why he was just sitting against a wall along the side way? Would they ask why hot tears were trailing down his face?

He couldn't have cared, let whatever happened happen…

"Perhaps you're not as pathetic as you first appeared."

That voice was like a call to attention, and he raised his eyes to see the owner.

"None the less, still pretty pathetic." Kaiba finished, crouching beside him.

"Se…uh…Kai…Kaiba?" Akio stuttered out, trying to shuffle around.

He felt a jolt as the CEO began looking through the box that sat at his side.

"Do you know what this is…?" He whispered low, as he held up the beautiful box the red head had swiped from his mother's room.

"I…I uh…" Akio stuttered out, unable to help feeling some sort of dread at his cousin's presence, but after a moment, it seemed to drain away, and he looked down, "All I know is…my mother came home with it one night when I was a kid, and she added it to her collection of jewellery boxes…"

"She put jewellery in this!"

Akio flinched and looked back around.

"Y…yes…"

Kaiba was staring at him very intensely, fury in his eyes. However, he rather suddenly turned his attention back to the cardboard box, and began searching through the items again.

"Uh…Kaiba…?" Akio began.

"How about this one?" He questioned, this time surprising Akio as he held out a cute, pudgy green dragon plushie that shrank away in the brunette's large hand.

"That? I've had that since…well, my parents brought it home the same night my mum brought home the box. I think they were planning to give it to the dog, so I grabbed it from the box when they weren't looking and kept it in my room. I don't know why, I just…"

He broke off as again, the fierce blue eyes glowed in rage.

"This…just happened to be Mokuba's favourite toy when he was a child." Kaiba whispered low, "He lost it just after our father died, and wasn't able to find it before we were carted off to that orphanage!"

Akio could feel his eyes widening in shock. Mokuba's favourite toy? And his parents had been planning to let it become a chew toy?

He looked down, knowing he shouldn't have felt the shame he was, but he couldn't help it.

"Kaiba? Why…why are you here?" He suddenly mumbled, glancing up slightly.

"I have direct link to the Kaiba corp. security cameras in my office, I can watch anywhere I want whenever I want. How could I not notice you yelling and screaming at the gates? It was seriously distracting."

Before Akio could answer, he held up the blue box again, with surprising delicateness the red head just now noticed.

"I was waiting for them to get you off the grounds, but I noticed this in your little stash, so I came to claim what's mine."

His voice was cold, but after a moment, Akio managed a very weak smile.

"Go ahead. I got everything I could figure out was yours, I'm sorry if anything is missing…and…I'm sorry about your inheritance. I'd offer to work to pay you back…but…I don't want to get under your skin anymore than I already have."

He pushed his heavy body back up, trying not to let his legs shake too much. He gave another weak smile.

"Sorry for all the fuss." He whispered, and began to walk past the CEO.

"And just where do you plan to go?"

Akio looked around in surprise at the question, but gave an innocent smile.

"Home of course."

"Which is where?" Came the quick answer.

Too quick...as if Kaiba hadn't believed him. Akio felt himself caught off guard, unsure what to say.

" I did happen to hear your little conversation just now. Just where exactly are you planning to go if this is the choice you made?"

Akio flinched, and looked away.

"Who knows? I'll be fine though. I just gotta get a job, and rent a cheap apartment, it'll be no swe..."

He was cut of by Kaiba grabbing the back of his shirt, and pushing him forward. He turned to face him, but found the box of items shoved into his arms before he could answer.

"If you think I'm going to have your pitiful ass leaving me indebt, then think again. Get in!" Kaiba growled, before shoving his cousin harshly over to where his limo was parked.

Akio found himself in the vehicle before he knew it. He glanced around as the taller boy got in after him, and ordered the driver to return home.

"He took me back to his place, and even introduced me to Mokuba. I'll never forget the way those great big grey eyes lit up when he saw that dragon plushie, I think he almost cried."

Yami couldn't help but smile at Akio's expression. The boy finally seemed to have hit the happy ending of the story.

"He let me stay there, the condition being that I didn't get under his feet, and he actually gave me a job in the kaiba corp. cafeteria. Sure, it doesn't sound all that pleasant, but the people there were actually pretty nice, and although it was the first time I'd ever had a real job, I didn't actually mind the work, in fact there were times I enjoyed it, dirty dishes and all."

"Did Kaiba make you repay his inheritance like you suggested?" Yami asked.

"Heck no. If I even hinted at bringing the topic up he gave me the scariest look ever! No, I just worked there until I could afford to do an apprenticeship in hospitality. Once I did that, I worked at a couple of restaurants, until I wound up at 'Pandora's Secret'. Oh, I should mention I went through a few apartments in there, until I finally found the one I liked."

He stood and stretched, throwing his already empty can in the bin.

"And so that's my life story…did I succeed in boring you to sleep?" He teased.

"I'm afraid not." Yami chuckled back, and also stood, placing his own drink down.

"Darn, guess I should have added all the lame stuff about school as well." Akio joked, shrugging as he opened the door, "Since you're here, care to join us?"

Yami froze at the sudden unexpected request.

"Oh…uhh…no, thankyou…that's fine."

A sly grin suddenly appeared on the red head's face.

"Another one shy about his personal likes hey? Come on, I already saw the expression on your face when you walked into the club."

Before the past life pharaoh could say anything, he felt himself being dragged out of the room, and back to where everyone was dancing. He tensed fiercely as he watched them. Yes his body begged to join them, to just let loose to the music.

But…he hadn't danced in ages, not since that incident in the tent at the carnival…any time he'd tried had only reminded him of that.

"Hey."

He glanced around at the quiet whisper.

"I know you two are probably still pretty much on the first level with each other, but…you'll take care of Seto…right?"

"Akio…" Yami whispered, unsure if he'd heard right.

"And you won't mention to him that I just spilled out our history to you right?" He added in a much louder, more casual voice, his big grin back on his face, as if he'd had a sudden personality swap.

Yami watched as he practically bounded over to the other dancers, stating loudly that they better not have had too much fun without him, one of his friends replying that it was his own fault if they had.

He couldn't help chuckling, not simply at the playful taunting of the group of friends, but also at how completely different Akio was to Seto, and yet they were cousins. Akio had been so brave, and Yami knew more than anything…that courage was what Seto had seen. He hadn't finally accepted Akio because they were related by blood, but because he had seen Akio's defiance…his strength in standing against his parents and loosing everything he had for what he believed to be right.

Actually…perhaps the two weren't quite as different as they clearly believed.

"You have my word." He quietly promised the boy, happy he could finally say with all honesty that he was grateful to have met him.

"Hey honey, you wanna come join?"

He looked around as a girl twirled over to him, and suddenly grabbed his arm. He tried to protest, but only ended up stumbling as she pulled him over to the dance floor. She giggled and danced around him, before continuing with her friends. Yami felt absolutely lost, and unsure what to do.

"Come on Yami, just let go!" Akio called from where he was dancing, "Our motto here is freedom, so drop the weight your holding onto!"

The words stayed with the ruby eyed teen as he watched everyone dance around him.

'Freedom…'

He could feel his body swaying, the rhythm subtly working its magic.

He remembered all the times he'd waited until both Yugi and his grandpa had gone out, before he locked himself in his room, put on a video with Latin dancing, and danced along with it. He would try to learn whatever he was able to, but more than anything, he had just enjoyed how it had always made him forget whatever had been bothering him, allowing him a short period of time in blissful serenity.

"Whoot! Yeah Yami! Go for it!"

All at once his body dropped the chains, and he found himself spinning around the other dancers. The girl who had pulled him out before laughed, and moved in closer to him, taking his hands, causing a faint blush to appear on his face.

"What's wrong? This your first time with a partner?" She asked with a wink.

"Yes…actually…" Yami replied, glancing away, deciding it better not to mention that wasn't the only reason for him feeling awkward.

"Hey…give him some space, let the guy show us what he can do for now." Akio spoke up, gently placing his hand on the girl's shoulder and easing her away.

Yami felt eternally grateful to Akio, who obviously understood, before he continued to dance. The music, the laughing, and the cheering from everyone embraced him, and he gladly embraced back, astounded by just how much he enjoyed having others dancing and enjoying themselves around him, considering how he'd always tried so hard to keep it a secret even from Yugi, though he still didn't know just why he did so.

How he wished this place was back in Domino City, he could come here all the time and feel the freedom Akio had spoken of. He could even laugh at the memory of the incident at the carnival. Marriku couldn't get him here, and he could dance as much as he wa…

"Ouch!"

"Ah!"

"Yami you ok! What happened!"

Yami sat up from where he'd tumbled over right on top of two of the other dancers, but he barely heard their words, his attention turning straight to the entrance, his eyes wide with shock.

"Hey, are you alright? You were doing great…" Akio spoke, crouching next to Yami, "What made you sto…"

The red head followed Yami's gaze to the door.

"Oh boy…"

'What are you doing here? This place…why would you be here?'

"Is it just me, or is that actually Seto Kaiba standing in our doorway?" One of the dancers spoke out loud.

Rubies followed as said CEO made his way into the room. Kaiba didn't act as if he even noticed Yami was there.

"Can I help you sir?" Akio spoke politely as someone turned the music off.

"Spare me the lame act Akio." Seto answered bluntly.

He gave a swift nod to the side, and walked off. Akio gave his friends an apologetic grin, before following the CEO. Yami watched in confusion as the two spoke in private, though all he could hear was his own heart drumming in his chest.

'Not even Yugi knows…not even Yugi has seen…'

He snapped out of it as he saw Akio coming back over, a more serious expression carefully hidden under a calm, relaxed one. Kaiba on the other hand was heading back out the door. Yami wasn't sure how to feel, Kaiba wasn't blind, so why was he acting like he hadn't noticed him?

"Akio…" He spoke as he quickly stood, "Thankyou…but…I think it's time I go."

Akio looked slightly caught off guard, but then gave an understanding nod.

"Right. Take care, maybe see ya around?"

"Hopefully." Yami answered honestly, before turning and sprinting back out the door.

"Kaiba!" He called once he was back out on the streets.

He caught up quickly to the CEO who took his time in stopping.

"Kaiba, what did you go in there for?"

"That's not your concern!" The brunette answered harshly, making Yami flinch in surprise.

"Kaiba, I just asked a simple question, I wasn't intending to pry…"

"Do you intend anything you do!" Kaiba interrupted, glaring around at him.

Yami was silent, not sure how to answer that outburst. The CEO turned and cupped his face in his hand, like he had a headache, making Yami forget the offence he felt for a moment, instead feeling concern.

'It was a long trip here, and he was driving…he must be exhausted, but there's no way he'll actually say it.'

"Listen Kaiba, I'm not sure if it's me or Akio your angry at, but if it's Akio, then don't be. He had no idea the excursion had been postponed…"

"I'm aware of that."

"But, then…" Yami began, before he sighed heavily, "…does that mean it's me your angry with?"

There was no answer, as the CEO just walked away once again.

"Kaiba, can I at least know why you're angry at me!" He yelled, now beginning to feel angry himself.

"You WANT a reason for me to be angry at you!" Kaiba suddenly yelled around at him, "Cause I'm sure I can think of a few things."

"Why do you always have to…!" Yami began as his own anger flared, before it suddenly blew out as something in Kaiba's words clicked in his mind, "…I can't tell how you're feeling…are you angry at me or not?" he asked a bit calmer.

Kaiba gritted his teeth, but turned his gaze away before Yami could catch anything else.

"As I said…is there something you want me to be angry about?" He said quietly, and for a moment, it almost sounded like an honest question.

But Yami could see as the solid shield around Kaiba returned to it's full, unforgivable force. Sometimes it seemed like he had an invisible fortress around him. Dangerous to approach, and seemingly impenetrable…

But Yami had never once believe that school yard rumour.

'All shields have an opening, it's just a question of if you can see it or not.'

"I looked for you at the hotel. Did something happen along the way? I didn't see your car or anything before I came out." He asked, trying to change to a calmer conversation.

"I purposely arrived late so I wouldn't have to listen to those ridiculous instructions we get every time we go anywhere. It's basic knowledge and somehow they don't think we learn it the first time." Kaiba answered plainly.

Yami managed a tiny smile at the brunette's typical attitude, though it only lasted a short time.

"I suppose it's because there are some who do actually need reminding."

Kaiba just shifted a bit, so Yami tried another approach.

"There's still some time before we have to go back. Would you like to go get a drink?"

He knew the question was pretty cliché, but it was an honest request. They may still not have learnt to relax around each other completely, but he really enjoyed the time he spent around Kaiba, and he didn't need to be taken to a big five star restaurant to be happy. He'd been hoping for a chance to spend some time with his…his…boyfriend…

Why did that word sound so foreign? Was it really ok to use it yet?

They were officially dating yes…but did that mean it was ok to refer to the blue eyed beauty in that way?

'Why am I so afraid of a word? No…it's not being able to predict Seto's reaction to the title that makes me anxious.'

"Not right now."

Yami felt a small stab at the sharp reply, but only let his eyebrows bend slightly in response.

"As you wish." He replied, sighing heavily.

Deciding he'd had enough exploring, Yami began to head back to the hotel, no longer in the mood for much.

He felt a familiar grip on his arm, and glanced over his shoulder.

"I didn't…" Kaiba began.

But for the second time Yami could count, the CEO cut off very sharply in his sentence, as if he'd been about to speak something forbidden.

The grip on his arm was tense, to a degree, painful, though Yami didn't notice that as much as he noticed the way Seto had frozen. Outwardly it looked like anger, but Yami knew there was something more to it.

However, he couldn't help but feel his own stab of frustration at the brunette right now, and unfortunately, he allowed it to win.

"When you're ready to face me Kaiba." He growled, and pulled his arm away.

Without even looking around, he walked off, not flinching or hesitating in his stride. It wasn't his style, but he felt like giving Kaiba a taste of his own medicine. Wether it was out of frustration, anger, fear, Yami didn't care…if he wasn't going to just come out and say what he intended, then the ruby eyed teen didn't to listen.

'That's a lie.'

Yami gritted his teeth, ignoring the sentimental feelings within him for now. He may have known how to shelf his pride a whole lot better than Kaiba, but that didn't mean he was going to do so willingly all the time.

No, Kaiba was like a child who refused to take his medicine, but this time Yami wouldn't accept it. The CEO would just have to endure the sour taste like he himself had had to do numerous times since this whole relationship/rivalry had started.

He was careful not to let his eyes glance back as he crossed the road, and made his way towards the hilltop hotel, clearly visible from practically anywhere in the town.


"Go fish!"

"We're playing duel monsters…how does it even cross your mind to say that?"

Jou grinned sheepishly at Otogi's sarcastic response. The two of them, plus Honda and Malik were having a tag team game of duel monsters on the floor. They'd previously been attempting to have a four way duel, which naturally only ended in a mass of confusion and arguments. Their individual personalities were also making them clash quite a bit in this attempt at a tag team, but at least the game was going somewhere…slow or not.

Ryou and Yugi were both cheering and trying to referee, constantly peeking at what cards each player had, their faces giving an amusing show of expressions each time they saw a card and calculated in their own minds what it could be used for.

Bakura on the other hand, was sitting on one of the bunks, staring at the opposite wall, looking more bored than Yami during a lecture in class.

If Yami didn't share that boredom, he'd find it funny that it was even possible to be THAT bored!

'Poor Bakura, he really needs to find something he can enjoy besides just duelling.'

He glanced to Rishid leaning against the wall, watching the duel. His expression showed he felt a little out of place, but at the same time, was enjoying watching his little brother having fun. His light smile spread to Yami. Rishid was a nice guy, but they didn't see much of him. According to Malik, he helped out at the museum now with Isis.

"How do you think the girl's are going?" Malik suddenly asked.

"Probably a lot better without us there." Otogi replied half like he meant it, half like it was a joke.

"Who cares?" Jou put in, "They're probably having a typical girl's sleep over…doing their hair…painting their nails…showing off their fancy clothes, and…I'll get it!"

Jou's sudden change of topic was in response to a loud knocking on the door. He stood and disappeared around the small corner the door was behind. Everyone glanced around out of curiousity, before quickly going back to their previous activity.

"And I'll place Cyber Commander face down…WAIT! I didn't just say what it was!"

"Honda…" Malik sighed, looking to his team mate.

"That's it! Both you and Jounichi are losing the plot…I think that's a clear indication that it's time to either change games or go to bed!" Otogi grumbled loudly.

"I didn't come to speak to you!"

Yami raised his hand quickly to stop himself hitting his head on the bunk above the one he'd been laying on, as he sat up faster than he should have. He tried to ignore the blood rush as everyone else looked to the door, no one mistaking that voice.

Jou looked back around the corner, wearing a very sour expression, before raising his hand to his ear, and making a pretend phone with his fingers.

"Excuse me Mr. Yami Mutou, there is a rich smart ass outside wishing to speak to you, would you like me to tell him your schedule is full?"

"No Jounichi, I have an opening, tell him I'll see him now." Yami replied with a sigh at his friend's actions.

He stood and wandered past the others, not looking to any of them, even though he could feel Yugi's concerned eyes upon him.

"Rich smart ass? Is he talking about Kaiba?" Otogi muttered.

"Do we know anyone else who fits that description?" Honda replied.

Yami walked around the corner, and sure enough, Kaiba was standing outside the door, looking away, though his gaze turned once he saw Yami. His look was as cold and firm as always, but Yami just returned that gaze, not feeling anything that would make it weaker or stronger. Neither spoke for a moment. It was a very strange case of deja vu, the situation was the same, but the roles were switched.

"Would you come outside?" Kaiba suddenly spoke.

His tone was coated in restraint, but Yami could catch it…the hidden note that signalled an honest request. It was so quiet that a part of him wondered if maybe he was imagining it, since he was certain no one else would hear it.

No…whilst he didn't pretend to understand Kaiba as much as he wished, he knew Kaiba was an expert at hiding any sign of weakness even when doing something that perhaps went against pride.

And he also knew, that he himself had begun learning to hear or see these silent, invisible signals.

'No…they're not silent…or invisible…just extremely well camouflaged.'

"And why would he want to do that now Kaiba?"

Yami glanced around. He'd almost forgotten that Jounichi was still standing there holding open the door, looking grumpy at the CEO's presence. His mind drifted back to that situation at school before they'd left that morning, but he still couldn't make sense of it…

"Thankyou Jounichi. I'll take this meeting in private thankyou."

Jou looked caught off guard by the firmness in his friend's tone.

"You sure Yami?"

"Yes." Yami answered shortly, his eyes narrowed as he felt his defences rise.

Maybe he wasn't happy at Kaiba right now, and he had no clue what Jounichi's problem was other than his usual dislike for the CEO, but as far as he was concerned, this was between him and Kaiba.

Taking the door handle, he pulled it free from Jou's grip, and pulled it shut behind him as he walked out the room. Looking to the brunette, he nodded to the side, indicating for them to go elsewhere.

Kaiba followed him as he led the way, and when they'd reached a more secluded area, Yami turned to face him sternly, his arms crossed.

"What did you want to say Kaiba?" He asked patiently, though like Kaiba had done many times before, in a way to show he wasn't there to waste time.

Kaiba closed his eyes for a moment, and sighed very lightly. Yami's heart ached as he felt something in Kaiba's aura again…the same nervousness he'd felt when he'd had to stand there strong in front of the CEO, and say what he'd wanted.

'Come on Seto…please…stand strong…I don't want to have to walk away on you…'

"Out in the town today…" Kaiba began.

He hesitated for a slight moment, but then Yami's heart leaped as he finally saw the strength return to the sharp sapphires in a rush, though he was careful not to let it show.

"When you asked me if I wanted to get a drink, I never said I didn't want to. I just said not right then."

Yami shifted a bit to show he was listening, but remained silent, knowing the other boy wasn't finished, and kept his ruby eyes upon him.

"I didn't want to go at that particular time. Look…tomorrow afternoon, during free time…"

Yami was sure his heart paused with his breath. How it wasn't noticeable was beyond him.

"Would you still like to go for a drink?"

It took every ounce of Yami's will power not to let a smile of pure relief spread over his face. He felt like his whole body was swelling in joy and would explode, but by some miracle, he managed to keep his features calm and collected. However, he allowed himself to relax a bit, and was about to answer, when footsteps caught his attention.

"What are you students doing out of your rooms! You know the rules! Everyone in bed by nine thirty, and its nearly ten, lights out time!" The teacher scolded firmly.

"We were just discussing some private business Kuroki sensei, we'll go back as soon as we're finished." Yami answered, realising a bit late that his tone too firm for addressing a teacher…though at that point of time, he found he didn't really care.

"Mutou san, I hope you're not talking back to me! I'm sure whatever business your discussing can wait until tomorrow, now both of you get back to…"

The teacher…quite well known around the school for his sternness, stopped in his sentence as Kaiba suddenly turned to face him.

Yami had heard plenty of stories about how Kaiba intimidated even the teachers, but this was the first time he'd ever actually seen it.

And he had to say, he could completely understand!

Kuroki was no midget, but Seto still towered over him, staring down with that lethally cold gaze of his. There was clear anger behind the ice, ready to strike like a guard dog waiting to be let off the lease. It was well controlled, but only took one little slip up to be released.

"Is this really an issue? Kuroki sensei?"

Yami would have shivered at the venomous tone…had he not had to concentrate on forcing down a laughing fit at the way Kuroki was shaking despite keeping his stern expression.

"I suppose I'll let this slip one time, providing you both get back to your rooms the moment you're done." He finally answered, turning away slightly, and Yami couldn't help but imagine him running away screaming if he didn't have his dignity to think about, "Now be fast about it!"

The clearly terrified teacher walked off, trying to keep it together, but not fooling anyone about it.

Next to him, Yami heard Seto grumble in frustration, and caught movement out of the corner of his eye. Instinctively, he reached out and caught the CEO's arm.

'You did all that I asked of you Seto…I'm not letting you run away and make your efforts go to waste…'

"I would like that very much Kaiba." He spoke honestly.

He felt the sapphires turn down to him, and his raised his eyes, this time, allowing a genuine smile to stay on his face. No smirks, no frowns, but an honest smile.

"I accept you're invitation for a drink tomorrow."

He released Seto's arm, knowing he'd probably just put the CEO through hell right now, and he felt guilty about that, but Seto had always emphasised about Yami's strength and lack of fear against him. Even if it hurt his pride, it's what Seto would have wanted from him…not immediate forgiveness and compliance, but to force him to show the same strength he demanded of Yami.

If Seto couldn't show the same strength, then he'd only be hurting his own pride.

Yami didn't think that way, but he could tell that's how the brunette would feel.

"Then tomorrow at the bottom of the hill, once we're given free time for the afternoon." Kaiba stated a little flatly, making Yami feel just a little worse about it, but not enough that he regretted it.

"Sounds good." He answered, and turned a bit.

Hoping to stop some of the sting he'd caused, he smirked lightly.

"Now, since you just happened to call me out of my room just before lights out, would you be descent enough to walk me back? I'm not afraid of those teachers, but unfortunately I lack one of your key features in making them back off."

His own smirk grew as he saw Kaiba's face twitch, as if trying to resist smirking at the remark about his rival's shortness, and Yami felt the air around him relax somewhat.

Unable to resist that small, cheeky spark that occasionally lit up inside him, he gently brushed past the taller male as he began walking, half smiling half smirking as he heard him begin to follow.


Malik leant right back until he was laying on the floor just so he could look around the corner when he heard the door open.

"Pharaoh's back! Everyone on your best behaviour!" He joked loudly, sitting back up.

"Quick! Hide the smokes!" Jounichi joined in, smirking widely.

"You shouldn't yell those kind of things, there's teachers roaming around." Yami answered calmly as he shut the door and walked in.

In the short time he'd been gone, Ryou and Yugi had replaced Honda and Otogi, and Malik and Jounichi had teamed up against them. A quick look to the duel mats showed both teams to be doing fairly well. Honda remained watching them, whilst Otogi had retreated to his bunk, looking ready to sleep. Bakura was still on his bunk, but was focused on a note book, writing something, though he occasionally glanced up to see how the duel was going.

"So what did Kaiba want?" Honda asked Yami as the teen sat back on his own bunk.

"Just to discuss another duel." Yami answered casually.

He'd had that excuse at the ready, though it hadn't exactly been a hard excuse to come up with.

"Is that all he wanted?" Jounichi spoke up, looking around to him.

Yami just gave Jou a politely confused look.

"What else would he want?" He answered with a shrug, patting himself on the back for how convincing it sounded.

At least it seemed to be good enough for everyone else, Yugi being kind enough to avoid eye contact with his dark half, and thus preventing himself from grinning and giving anything away.

Jounichi still looked grouchy, but didn't get another chance to speak up.

"Lights out in there!" The teacher's voice followed after the knock on the door.

"Finally!" Otogi sighed.

"Lights out doesn't promise sleep." Yami chuckled to him as he removed the thick choker from around his neck.

"A guy can dream right?" Otogi yawned, clearly already aware of what Yami was saying.

He pulled the band out of his hair, and removed his head band, vest, and the various trinkets upon his arms and around his neck, but didn't seem bothered to change to his pyjamas.

After more commotion than there should have been, and the teacher having to warn them twice to be quiet, the room was silent and dark, minus the moonlight shining in through the window.

Ryou was already sleeping and looking as adorable as any child, whilst Bakura appeared to be sleeping, but it was never really possible to tell with him.

Jou and Honda were both already snoring, Jou having not even made it a full hour before he was partly hanging off his bed. Otogi and Malik occasionally shifted in their sleep, but didn't open their eyes, whilst Rishid was as still as Bakura, and just as impossible to tell if he was awake or asleep.

Yami smiled as he watched his friends, all very different, and yet all connected. Friendship was a strange thing, who would have thought he could be such good friends with a couple of goofy characters like Jounichi and Honda, and…as he glanced back to Bakura…past enemies.

He wondered if deeper feelings could follow the same odd path, and still end up just as well.

Rubies shifted upwards as there was movement above him, and he smirked as Yugi peered down from the bunk above, grinning widely. Yami just waved his finger in a scolding way, and Yugi suppressed a giggle, winking at him.

"Good night Yami." The smaller boy whispered, before his face disappeared as he laid back down.

"Good night Hikari." Yami answered fondly, and laid back down on his back.

He waited for awhile, until he could hear Yugi's light, steady breathing that signalled he was asleep, and reached under his pillow, pulling out a cassette player and head phones.

He was tired, but eager to listen to the calming music Mokuba had given him awhile back.

Sighing in contentment, he put the headphones on and pressed play. He let his eyes drift closed as the music filled his ears…

Brighter than the sun up high…

More than the stars in the sky.

No greater light have I seen…

Than that which I saw,

When you opened your eyes.


Yay! another chapter down!

I really hope is was alright? I didn't realise that explanation was going to come out so long o.o'...sorry if it got boring or anything...

thanks again!

Reviews will be loved! ^^