This is it! The final chapter. I hope you have all enjoyed this slight departure from my usual peachshipping stories.

Forgive any typos, as this is a bit hot off the press. I usually write up the chapters and then edit, but it was so hot this week and I was so busy, that I just did not get around to doing it, until today!

A big reminder that I do not, and never will own Yugioh. But if I did...? Oh, the possibilities!

Chapter 25.

Coming to Terms.

It had taken nearly thirty minutes to walk from Kaiba's mansion to Yugi's place, but at last Kame Game was in sight. Thank goodness, because his feet were in agony.

Jonouchi rummaged in his girls bag for the cheap phone that Katsu had purchased for her own identity. Finding it, he scowled at the pink 'princess' case she had put it in – really?!

He wanted to dump the phone, handbag and its contents, the dress and shoes in the trash.

But, Anzu had loaned Katsu the bag, and the shoes and the dress had been lent to her by Mai. They would probably want them back.

Tapping on Yugi's name, he messaged his little spiky haired pal.

::::::::::::

Yugi was sitting in his pyjamas, playing cards at the dining table with his grandfather, when his phone buzzed with a message from Katsu. Or... wait! It wasn't from her.

Yugi's eyes went wide and he gasped. "Jonouchi!" He stood up from the table so quickly he saw stars.

His grandfather was looking at him with concern. "I thought you said he was staying with his mother. Has something happened?"

Shaking his head, Yugi hastily replied. "Not quite. I'm not sure. She... He's outside." He ran out of the kitchen and rushed down the stairs to unlock the door.

Looking around outside, he spotted Jonouchi coming towards him. He was hobbling across the road, clutching what looked like a bundle of clothing and a handbag. "Jonouchi!" Yugi called out, running towards him. "Are you okay?" He tentatively looked him up and down. He certainly did not look happy, but at least he was Jonouchi.

"I'll fucking kill Kaiba next time I see him," the blonde boy grumbled in response.

Yugi's chin dropped in horror. Had Kaiba hurt Katsu once he had found out the truth of who she was? "What did he do to you? You're limping! He didn't do something, did he..?" Yugi's voice was so shaky and full of worry, that Jonouchi thought he was overreacting. But then he wondered if Yugi was worried that Jonouchi might have returned while Katsu and Kaiba were having sex.

The thought of that made him feel ill. "What the fuck are you assuming Yugi! We weren't doing that! We were playing tennis on an old Atari when I changed back. We had a bit of an argument and he gave me these fucking silly clothes to wear and stupid shoes that kill my feet. Look!" He lifted one foot to show Yugi his heel, all red raw and bleeding.

Yugi was relieved he had not found himself in Kaiba's bed when he changed back, but he was still concerned for his friend. "You had better come inside and get those feet cleaned up," he frowned.

Nodding, Jonouchi leant on his friend and Yugi helped him hobble towards the house. As soon as they were inside, Jonouchi pulled off the offending shoes.

"Why didn't you take them off before and walk barefoot?" Yugi enquired.

Jonouchi felt stupid. He hadn't thought of that! "Cuz I have sensitive feet, and didn't want to step on a stone or any glass," he scowled. That was no lie.

Neither of them gave a second thought to the fact that Jonouchi was still wearing make-up – all be it smudged – and ill fitting, unfamiliar style clothing.

Walking into the kitchen, Yugi asked his grandfather for the first aid kit. However, Sugoroku was looking at Jonouchi with a somewhat bemused expression.

"Is that make-up you are wearing my lad?"

"What?!" Jonouchi rubbed his hand over his face and groaned when foundation, mascara and blue eyeshadow rubbed off onto it. "Crap! I forgot I had this stuff on."

"And, are those Seto Kaiba's clothes?" He raised an eyebrow.

Jonouchi squirmed and so did Yugi. The two boys grimaced at each other,

"How'd you know that Gramps?!" Jonouchi whined. He was screwed, for sure. Yugi's grandfather was smirking at him like he knew some sort of dirty little secret.

Sugoroku winked at him. "It's okay my boy. Your secret is safe with me." He scratched his beard, thoughtfully. "Although, I have to say, I am very surprised. Is that ladies clothing in your arms? You did not strike me as being a transvestite."

At his grandfather's observations, Yugi's chin hit the floor, while Jonouchi went red in the face, and threw the bundle of ladies attire onto the floor like it had burned him.

"I'm not!" He screamed, desperately.

"How do you even know that Jonouchi is wearing Kaiba's clothes, Grandpa?" Yugi was keen to find out.

Meanwhile, Jonouchi had slumped onto a chair, despairingly.

"Well," Sugoroku continued. "It's not hard to tell. Firstly, they are too long in the limb on you. Secondly, I don't know of anyone else who wears such expensive designer clothing. And thirdly, the shirt has SK embroidered on the collar."

Sneering in disgust, Jonouchi pulled the collar of the shirt outwards so that he could peer down at the embroidering. He glanced up at Yugi, who shrugged and looked sheepish.

"I didn't notice," Yugi admitted.

Sugoroku chuckled. "I am willing to bet those clothes are from Sartoria Ciccio too."

Yugi was impressed. "Wow! How'd you know that Grandpa?"

Sugoroku grinned at him smugly. "I have seen Seto Kaiba coming out of their shop on more than one occasion. The shop is opposite the bank I use to pay in the takings."

Jonouchi rolled the waistband of the trousers over so that he could peer at the label. Sure enough, they were indeed made by Sartoria Ciccio. "Kaiba doesn't want them back. Told me to burn them."

Sugoroku laughed. "If I were you, I would sell them. Pardon the pun, but clothes like that cost an arm and a leg! They still look to be in perfect condition too."

"Dunno if I can be bothered," Jonouchi sighed so despondently that Sugoroku shot his grandson a concerned look. "Would either of you like to tell me what has actually been going on?" The boys were hiding something, he could tell, and he intended to get to the bottom of whatever it was.

Yugi did not know how to respond. He knew his grandfather was going to want to know everything. But it was not up to him to disclose that for the past month, Jonouchi had been Katsu. "I think I will go and get the first aid kit for you Jonouchi," he quickly said, scurrying off to the bathroom.

Jonouchi cringed. Yugi had bailed and the old man was waiting on him for some sort of explanation. And he had not wanted anyone outside his close circle of friends to ever find out about it. "Do I have to?"

"Well, if you don't want me to think that you and Kaiba have been playing out some sort of bizarre sexual fantasy, then yes," he smirked.

"You really think.." Jonouchi went bright red and started spluttering, "-me and kaiba...are playing sex games?!"

Yugi was returning with the first aid kit and was just outside in the hall. All he heard was "-me and Kaiba are playing sex games." He let out a shriek of disgust and dropped the first aid kit all over the floor. Had Katsu and Jonouchi been lying about what had really been happening with Kaiba? He felt betrayed by his friend. He felt sick. "Jonouchi! Why?"

"Huh!" Jonouchi looked up in surprised at him standing in the doorway. Why had Yugi just thrown the contents of the first aid kit all over the hallway floor? And why was he glaring like that? "What's up Yuug?"

"Are you okay Yugi?" Sugoroku got up to help Yugi gather everything off, but Yugi waved him away.

"It's okay Grandpa! You will hurt your back again." He welcomed the distraction, and hastily began gathering up the medical contents he had dropped.

Jonouchi got up and went to help him. "You seem annoyed about something."

Yugi sighed and sat back on his haunches. "I heard what you just told Grandpa: something about you and Kaiba playing..." he cringed slightly, "-dirty games."

Jonouchi face planted and groaned. "Geez Yugi! Way to get the wrong idea! I was telling your Grandpa that we weren't doing any of that stuff!"

"Then what were you you doing with him?" Suguroku pressed.

"Nothing!" Jonouchi squeaked.

"Well, in that case," said Sugoroku, assertively. "How did you end up in his clothing, wearing make-up and carrying women's clothing? We will not judge you, but it will be easier for us to understand what you are going through, if you tell us."

"Grandpa!" Said Yugi, irritably. "It's embarrassing enough for Jonouchi as it is! Why can't you just leave him alone?"

Jonouchi sighed. "It's okay Yugi. I don't want Gramps to think I am gay or anything, so I might as well tell the truth." He looked at Sugoroku. "Can I trust you to never breathe a word of what I tell you to anyone?"

"Of course!" Sugoroku raised his hand in a salute. "Scouts honour!"

"Okay, well it all began when we went to Bakura's for his birthday, about a month ago. The evil spirit that lives in that ring he wears, put a spell on me. He changed me into a girl." There was stunned silence while Sugoroku took in what he had just been told.

But he did not laugh as Jonouchi had expected him to. Instead, he looked thoughtful and gave an understanding nod. "Nothing surprises me after what Pegasus did in order to obtain Yugi's item. When they fall into the wrong hands, the Millennium Items can be dangerous. And legend states that the Millennium Ring is the the most dangerous. But I still don't understand why you would choose to get close to Seto Kaiba after some of the things he has done?"

"Because I didn't have a choice!" Said Jonouchi, becoming animated.

Yugi gave him a severe look. "We did try to tell you it was not a good idea to date Kaiba, Jonouchi."

"Yeah, I know you did Yugi, and I should a listened. But I thought it would be fun to string him along and get him to spend money on me. Trouble was, I started to get pushed into the back of my mind more often, until I ended up shut away in what looked like my old bedroom from when I was a kid. When I eventually broke out, I was wearing that dress and was with Kaiba."

"But you weren't doing anything with Kaiba, right?" Yugi was still suspicious that Jonouchi was not telling him everything.

"No! I promise Yugi. Although, you should have seen Moneybags face when he thought he had been kissing Me." He had not wanted to let that slip!

"Kissing you?!" Yugi shrieked.

"I... Forget I said! I wasn't me! He was kissing Katsu, right before I changed back." He was so embarrassed that he started laughing. The truth was out, so he might as well play it like it was a joke.

"It is not funny," Sugoroku scowled. "Have you no shame? What if he decides to sue you?"

"Nah way! He wouldn't dare," said Jonouchi, his resolve crumbling. "You have to understand, it wasn't me he was kissing. I wasn't even aware what was happening because I was shut in my soul prison. But when I found a way out and changed back into me, Kaiba was so mortified that he was kissing a female version of me, that he went ape-shit and ordered me to never breathe a word to anyone. Which suits me just fine. The quicker I forget about it, the better." He still needed to rinse Kaiba's taste from his mouth.

Yugi was surprised that Jonouchi did not appear more traumatised by recent events. In fact, Yugi was sure that he was feeling worse than his friend! Maybe it was because Jonouchi just had not been aware of most of what had happened. He probably had no idea that Katsu and Honda had a massive falling out at the zoo, either!

Maybe it would be better if it stayed that way.

"I will let Anzu know you're back," said Yugi, grabbing his phone. "She will be worried when Katsu doesn't come home."

When his grandfather looked a bit confused, Yugi explained that Katsu had been staying with Anzu because there was no way she could go back to Jonouchi and his father's apartment.

"I see." Sugoroku scratched at his beard. "I must admit, I do feel a little hurt that I did not get to meet... Oh! I did meet her, didn't I?!" He looked at Jonouhci with a stunned expression. "My word, you came to the shop! I remember thinking what a very attractive young lady you are. You even made my heart race faster. I can see why Kaiba would want to date you."

"Grandpa!" Yugi blushed with embarrassment at his grandfather's admission. But then, hadn't he found Katsu attractive too? He hoped that Jonouchi would not remember it.

If he did, he didn't say anything, and instead focussed on Sugoroku's admission.

"Ha! Thanks a lot Gramps! I bet you all wish she was still here instead of me, don't ya?" Jonouchi tried to sound like he was teasing, but a hint of insecurity laced his voice. What if they did prefer Katsu?

"No!" Yugi quickly responded. "We would never wish that. I'm pleased you're back Jonouchi."

"Yeah, well, whatever." Pretending not to care, Jonouchi shrugged.

Yugi looked at him. He saw through the bravado but chose not to pursue it. "We should tell Honda and Mai. Maybe Bakura too," he said, changing the subject.

"Can you let me deal with Honda?" Although Jonouchi was asking, it was more of a statement than a request. "Only... I know he had problems with me being a girl."

Nodding, Yugi readily agreed.

::::::::::::

Anzu was stunned when Yugi told her that Jonouchi had returned. But thinking about it, she knew she should not really be all that surprised, because a month was now almost up.

"How is he doing?" Her main worry was that Jonouchi might be traumatised by the whole experience.

"He seems pretty much okay," Yugi replied, still slightly bemused by his pal's attitude. "I don't think he really remembers anything after the first week."

"Oh! Well, that's good, I suppose. Where is he staying tonight? I don't think he can come back here now he's...male again." She felt a bit mean. It implied that Jonouchi was unwelcome, but the truth was; her parents would not allow a boy they did not know, to sleep in their house.

Luckily, Yugi had the answer. "He's going to stay here tonight. We can all meet up here at nine thirty tomorrow morning if that's okay with everyone?"

"Yes, I would like that Yugi. Do you want me to call Mai and let her know? What about Honda and Bakura?"

"If you let Mai know and we will call Bakura and Honda."

Anzu chuckled. "Good luck with those two. I hope Honda is pleased, and that the bad Bakura doesn't take it out on our Bakura."

"Don't worry. I can handle them." The confidence in his voice made Anzu feel warm and tingly.

::::::::::::

Bakura was silent for a moment before responding. When he spoke it was with his usual politeness, and he sounded genuinely relieved.

Still thinking about Anzu's concerns, Yugi found himself worrying that the spirit would not be as pleased that Jonouchi was back as everyone else was, and would take his anger out on Ryou.

However, Ryou was quick to point out that the spirit probably did not care enough to do anything more than he already had. The whole thing had only been done as a joke and as a way to try and provoke a response from the spirit inside Yugi's Puzzle. He had achieved that, and Ryou admitted to Yugi that he now sensed that the Ring was now biding it's time.

Yugi was not sure what he meant by that, but the call was not really about dealing with Bakura next time the Ring decided to do something. It was merely to inform Bakura that Jonouchi was back, and apart from a couple of blisters on his heels, was unharmed.

"We're all meeting up here at the game shop, at nine thirty tomorrow morning, if you would like to come?" Yugi put out the invite to Ryou, but the teen often did not mix very well. He might also feel too embarrassed about facing Jonouchi again. But Yugi hoped he would come.

"Oh! Well... thank you Yugi." There was a hesitancy in his voice. "I will see if I wake up in time. Only, I tend not to sleep too well lately and can't always wake up in the mornings."

"Okay," Yugi nearly let out an exasperated sigh. He could feel his other Self listening to the conversation and he knew the spirit was finding his frustration with Bakura amusing. "Well, if it helps at all, Jonoucchi is not mad at you Bakura. He wants you to know that. So, if you can make it tomorrow, it would be great."

"Thank you Yugi. I might see you tomorrow. Goodbye." The tiredness in his voice was evident and Yugi took that as a hint that the conversation was over. He said goodbye and hoped that Bakura would get a good night, and did not have to deal with any grief the Ring might give him.

"You dealt with that well Aibou," Yami Yugi spoke through their mind link, once the call was ended.

"Yeah, thanks Other Me." Yugi replied through their link. " I hope he's going to be alright. He always sounds so lonely and depressed. It's like he's being drained of all his energy."

"Yes, I sense that there is a great evil inside the Ring. But I do not yet understand what it is."

"Hmm.." Yugi hummed thoughtfully, gaining the attention of his grandfather. "Oh!" He laughed. "I was just thinking about something." His attention quickly turned to Jonouchi, who had finished scrubbing his face in the kitchen sink and was now walking back to the dining table, face all red from where he had been rubbing.

He picked up his pink phone and grimaced at it. "Don't you dare laugh at my phone! But I'm not wasting the credit it still has on it."

Up until that moment, Sugoroku had not really noticed, but now he did. He chuckled. "I think it suits you," he teased.

Grumbling, Jonouchi called Honda and waited for him to answer. It went to voicemail. "Crap!" Jonouchi snapped, not realising it was recording. "Meh, stupid asshole! Answer your phone will ya?" He hit end call. "What?!" He looked at Yugi and Sugoroku with a bemused expression.

"I think you just left that as a message on his voicemail," Yugi informed him.

Jonouchi looked a bit shocked and then snickered. "Serves the idiot right, for not answering."

"I will make us some tea, while you sort out those blisters," Sugoroku suggested.

::::::::::::

Honda was busy cleaning his motorcycle when he heard his phone ring. His hands were too oily, so he scowled at it and let it ring until it stopped ringing and went to voicemail.

Grabbing a rag, he wiped his hands and went over to the bench to see who the missed call was from.

He huffed when he saw it was from Katsu. What did she want? She appeared to have left a voicemail message.

Not wishing to have any further disagreements with her, he decided to listen to the voicemail message

When he heard the familiar voice of his best friend, he nearly choked on his tonsils. "Jonouchi?!" Did that mean his old buddy was back?

With shaky hands, he dialled.

Jonouchi was still soaking his feet in a small bowl when his phone rang. It was the first time he had actually heard the ring tone that Katsu had chosen. It sounded like fairies singing! Jonouchi glared at it momentarily.

Although he had heard the ringtone previously, Yugi could not contain his snicker. His friend's face was a picture.

Growling, Jonouchi snatched it up and quickly answered. "Yo! Where ya been buddy?"

"Where have I been?!" Came Honda's shocked reply. "I should be asking you that! Are you okay?"

"Yeah... Been a rough month, but I'm good thanks."

"Where are you? When did you return?" Honda had hundreds of questions he wanted to ask, but stopped at two. He did not want to overload Jonouchi's tiny brain.

"I'm at Yugi's. I returned earlier this evening. It was a bit awkward," he snickered at the thought of Kaiba's horrified reaction. "But worth it cuz I really pissed off Moneybags."

"That's not funny! You could have ended up in serious trouble if things got out of control."

"But it didn't, and now here I am. Good as New!"

"Yeah, right... I'm coming over to Yugi's"

"No need! It's getting late and I think Yugi and Gramps need their beds. I'm staying here tonight, so you can come over at nine thirty tomorrow."

Honda grunted, and agreed. He just hoped that his friend had not suffered any permanent after-effects following his month as a girl.

::::::::::::

Jonouchi slept fitfully on the futon Yugi had put out for him, but he woke up early. It felt good to be back in his proper body. But as he lay on his back, protectively cupping his hands over his manhood, and gazed up at the darkened ceiling, he found himself thinking of Katsu. He remembered nothing of the last week and a half, and the week before was patchy. He tried to think when Katsu had started to emerge from his soul and take over, and if he had ever even been aware of her being a separate person from himself.

He could not recall her as such, but it was possible she had always existed as a tiny part of his soul; so minute, that he was not even aware of her. Maybe she had now gone back to that tiny place inside his soul. But somehow, he felt that her tiny place was now slightly larger than it had been before he was turned into her, because he was feeling more empathy towards girls than he once did. It was as though he understood girls better and understood what it was they needed from a man.

He smiled to himself. That could only mean one thing: he would be an awesome lover!

The End

Thank you all so much for reading and supporting my work. Without my readers giving such lovely and constructive feedback, I would have given up writing long ago. You inspire me!