Happy New Year, everyone. I hope this brand new year will bring to you whatever the previous year didn't. Most of all, I wish you health, love, and joy! I'm really sorry for not updating for a whole month. I was doing quite well until I wasn't. I think I got burnt out during November with all the extra teaching, the edits and Nanowrimo. The first weeks of December I felt quite reluctant to sit in front of the computer more hours than teaching online and grading papers required and then the holidays came and I was so behind in everything so I had to prioritize some other things.

I hope this year I'll do better. I'd like to finish this story this year. I'll do my best!

As always, I want to thank everyone who's still reading this story, and my trio of readers, Julia, Kathy and my Bakura. Especially, I want to thank my Bakura because she's my biggest supporter. She keeps reminding me I need to give her a new chapter and she leaves me these amazing comments both in the draft and in fanfiction that I always end up smiling and blushing so much. If no one else but her read this story, I'd still write it for her!

I hope you enjoy this new chapter, and know I am not giving up on the story!

Chapter 18

The room was full of a moving mist that smelled like lavender. It was like a suffocating cloud of heat. No sound was heard but the occasional rhythmical song of a single drop touching the surface of a body of water. Slowly, it would leave its place to be part of something greater, something vast. Drip drop. Drip drop. One after the other, the drops joined the water that filled the bathtub, not disturbing the boy lying in it. Yuugi Mutou was so lost in his thoughts that he hadn't noticed that the water would soon turn cold or that the mist would dissipate leaving behind nothing but blurred mirrors and wet surfaces.

Slowly, he moved his right hand out of the water and took in the way the water drops slide from the top of his hand all the way across his fingers, lingering at the edge of his fingertips, before diving into the pool of water collected in the bathtub. Carefully, he allowed his hand to fall down and break the surface of the water once again. He repeated the action with his left hand, feeling the soft tickling sensation the water drops left behind before disappearing. He felt he could do that for hours.

A knock on the bathroom door brought him back to the present. "Yug', are you okay in there?"

A soft sigh escaped the boy's lips as he pulled his head underwater, closing his eyes. His nostrils filled with water before he managed to make himself breathe. Beneath the water, he could feel the soft pressure clearing his mind. The silence was comforting, the water's embrace welcoming. But he had to go back. He broke the surface taking a loud breath and wiping back his tri-color hair.

"I'll be out in a moment." He called out, slowly standing up and allowing the water to run down his body. The room was too hot but the mist was slowly dissipating allowing him to see around. He grabbed a towel and wrapped it around his body, relaxing in its soft embrace. It was so soft. He delicately rubbed his hair with another towel, drying it, and opened the door. The steam escaped through the open space as the young boy walked into his assigned bedroom.

"Is your bathroom also a sauna? That's too much steam, Yug'. You were in there forever." Joey wanted to be playful, but he was worried and it showed. He wasn't sure if that was the right time to joke about things but he still tried for a softer approach than pure worry. The blonde ran a hand through his also wet hair, trying to look cool.

"I forgot to turn on the ventilator." Yuugi shrugged and sat on the edge of his bed, looking at his brother. "How is your back? Does it hurt?"

The blonde sat by his side, brushing a lock of hair out of his brother's eyes. "Don't worry, Yug'. I'll be honest with you. A year ago, what this guy did would have hurt like hell. But my training is paying off. It's fine."

Yuugi shook his head. It wasn't fine. Nothing was fine. How could things be fine after what had happened a couple of hours ago? They had been attacked in their own apartment. How could life have turned so complicated in such a sort time? He slowly felt the relaxing effect of his bath sipping through his fingers.

"You should get some more sleep." Yuugi whispered, slowly moving closer to his brother. "It's so early."

It felt like it was months ago when he had agreed to meet Marik in Makoto's café. It wasn't, though. It was only yesterday. His eyes took in the alarm clock by the bed. It wasn't even eight in the morning. Why was Joey up so early? He knew for a fact his brother had got himself some days off until they could figure out their next move.

"I could say the same about you." Joey felt his brother's warmth as the boy's shoulder touched his. It was so relaxing. All tension seemed to leave his muscles. "You've been pushing yourself too much." He felt as if he was pulling words from a deep well. Yuugi had no idea what he was doing to him but Joey wasn't against it. "You need to think of yourself more. You need rest and quiet."

The boy was always like that. He offered comfort in so many different forms and he didn't even know he was doing it. Joey was really curious about it but he could never ask his brother about it without sounding crazy. And now he could say nothing because he would reveal more than he was willing to. He could live without never satisfying his curiosity if it meant that his brother would remain oblivious to the finest points of that story.

"I want to talk to Kaiba before he leaves to work." Yuugi's voice broke through his misty head, and Joey felt as if someone had just pulled the blanket off him. "Don't give me this look."

The blonde didn't want to know what look he was giving his brother. He clearly disapproved. Seto Kaiba was high in his list of people that needed to stay away from his brother. Even if he and his grandfather currently worked together with Kaiba, Joey wouldn't so easily forget what the CEO had put his brother through some years ago. The ice prince could have handle things better.

"There's no stopping you, but be careful." Was all that Joey said.

No matter how much he wanted to protect his brother, there were things that the younger boy had to take care of by himself. Yuugi wasn't a fragile creature. He was strong and he could think for himself. He was more than capable of dealing with Seto Kaiba. Actually, if the blonde wanted to be honest with himself, Kaiba should be the one worried. Dealing with his brother could leave a person bewildered in so many ways. Kaiba was no exception.

"Or maybe he should be careful." He added as an afterthought, smirking.

Yuugi rewarded him with a giggle. Then, the boy picked up the hairdryer from the bathroom and started drying his brother's hair. His fingers smoothly ran through the blond locks straightening and untangling them as his brother sighed softly, once again feeling all the tension leaving his body. It was in those simple soft ministrations of the tricolor-haired boy that Joey could see all the ways Yuugi loved him. It was in all those small gestures that Joey could see his brother was kind, too kind, and had to be protected. It was nothing supernatural. It was just Yuugi.

"I could fall asleep this way." The blonde murmured, feeling his eyes closing.

"You should return to your room then." Yuugi softly said, feeling equally relaxed. Maybe he should stay there with Joey and get some more sleep.

"Nah. Too far away." His room was only some doors away but it suddenly felt miles away to walk there. "I'll wait for you. Don't take too long."

Yuugi smiled and nodded. He had to see Seto that morning. He quickly dried his hair and then put the blow dryer back to its place. Humming a soft tune that worked as a lullaby for Joey, the tricolor haired boy got dressed choosing a soft sweater and a pair of fainted blue pants. He slipped his slippers back on and turned to his brother. Joey gave him a thumbs up and Yuugi smiled.

"I won't take long." He promised and Joey mumbled back something that sounded like a threat to Kaiba.

Chuckling, the boy closed the door behind him as he exited the room. As he walked through the corridor, his steps muffled by the soft carpet, he wondered if his sleep-deprived self was ready to face the dragon prince once again. He knew that Seto would have to leave soon; he was the boss but that was no excuse to be late at work. However, he felt he needed to talk to the young man even if it was for some minutes. They could discuss the finest parts of what had happened between them later but if they were going to coexist for some time, there were some things that needed to be addressed.

Yuugi took a breath to steady himself and knocked on the study's door; his best bet on where Seto would be. Silence greeted him and the boy wondered if maybe Kaiba had decided to take the day off. He probably had slept less than Yuugi. He could definitely use a day off. He was actually about to leave when he heard the soft beep of the electronic lock. The door was open. He slowly opened the door and slipped inside, softly closing it behind him. The study was lit mostly by a lamp on the big desk and the natural light coming from the windows which wasn't really much.

"Yuugi." His name was all the encouragement the boy needed to walk further into the room. With slow steps, he approached the desk and sat on one of the chairs. "I thought you were sleeping."

He didn't ask why the younger boy wasn't sleeping but the question was there, hidden behind the words he used.

"Could I have a bit of your time?" Yuugi asked politely. Seto didn't need to know Yuugi couldn't sleep. He didn't need to know that when he came to he was covered in sweat from nightmares he couldn't remember. He didn't need to know his heart beat in an irregular way every time he remembered what had happened last night.

The brown haired guy turned off his computer and intertwined his fingers allowing his chin to rest on them; his attention at the younger boy.

"I wanted to thank you for all you've done so far, and for letting us all stay here." The tricolor haired boy started, "I guess it wasn't that smart returning home." he added sheepishly.

"Actually, it was. After the attack, you all had a good enough reason to leave both the shop and the apartment. They forced your hand." The brunette reluctantly admitted earning a surprised look by the other boy. "You left the scene before the police was involved. Don't worry about the details. We have a good network. Everything is covered. "

"Seto," Yuugi worried his lower lip not sure how to continue. He straightened his back and looked the other boy straight in the eyes. "Have you slept at all?"

Concern. It was clear that Yuugi was concerned about his health. "I'm alright, Yuugi." It wasn't the answer the boy wanted. Silence followed his words and Seto struggled to find how to break it. "Mokuba missed you." He wouldn't admit he had also missed the tricolor-haired boy. He hoped his actions were enough to show it but he couldn't bring himself to say the words. "He was pretty mad at me when you left. He'd barely talk to me for a while."

The younger Kaiba had locked himself in his room for the rest of the day after Yuugi left the mansion for the last time years ago and it took weeks for Mokuba to talk to his brother with the same warmth again. Mokuba could be quite stubborn. He had hit it off with Yuugi since day one and when the tricolor-haired boy was forced to leave, Mokuba felt betrayed by his own brother. It was pretty clear Yuugi didn't wish to leave.

"I missed Moki, too." Yuugi hesitated for a moment but then he allowed himself a moment of vulnerability. "I missed you, too."

Seto shouldn't have been surprised by the other boy's words. Yuugi was never afraid of verbalizing his feelings, or if he was, he always overcame that fear. Still, after all those years, to so easily tell him he missed him… But Yuugi wasn't done.

"It's an open wound. I thought it'd closed but these games…. The way Atem and Marik approached me… made me realize that some feelings still linger." It was as if the boy was talking to himself. "A great part of it has to do with my own insecurities, I guess, but since you're here, let me ask you…" Amethyst eyes found the ice blue ones that were only focused on him. "Was it real?"

His question was loaded. It was full of pain and hope, and Seto knew that no matter what he answered, Yuugi would accept it and ask for no more. He wouldn't push for more.

"Yes. Since the very beginning." The truth. Seto wanted the other boy to know the truth. He needed it. They both needed it. He instantly noticed how Yuugi's shoulders relaxed as if a great weight had left them. A beautiful smile bloomed on his face and Seto had a hard time controlling his breathing.

"That's enough for now." He heard the boy whispering. "I should let you get ready. I know you hate being late."

Seto felt his lips twitching. He wouldn't smile. "There's something more I want to discuss with you since you're here." That was a lie. He wanted to discuss so much more with the boy but now wasn't the time. Not to mention Yuugi really needed some hours of uninterrupted sleep. "After you rest," his voice was stern here, "you can find Hinata and he'll take you to Ryou Bakura's house. Your grandfather called him not to open the shop today but it's better if for some time he stays with us, too."

Seto didn't need to say aloud that this was the first time since he inherited the mansion that so many people stayed there at the same time. It'd be troublesome but his place was the safest option for now.

"Ryou?" Yuugi's eyes lit up but there was also a frown on his face. "Are you sure it's wise to have Ryou here?" The younger boy worried his lip contemplating the situation. "Ryou…" he said the boy's name again, suddenly feeling wary. "Malik…" his other friend's name soon followed. "They both look so much like Bakura and Marik." Such a resemblance and yet they were so different. Why? Why? "Are they involved in this?" He gestured around with his hands, his expression guarded; pained.

Kaiba looked away for a moment, not sure if he should tell the boy the truth or not. But lies and hiding had teared them apart and Yuugi was way too smart for his own good.

"Yes," he finally answered, "they are."

"Do they know?"

"They know some things. Not everything." Seto was really reluctant to share this information with the boy. How would he react to knowing his friends were also part of the life everyone kept a secret from him? Would he feel betrayed? Would he pull away from them? Yuugi hated lies. But surely he could understand the necessity of secrets, right?

"If he knows, why are you telling me to go get him?" Yuugi asked focusing on a question that was innocent enough to ask but would still give him enough information to add to the ones he'd already collected.

"You went with Hinata because you know him. The others followed you because they trusted you. Would you trust just anyone? Ryou won't follow my men just because they tell him I sent them exactly because he knows some things. He'll trust you, though. He'll follow you anywhere."

Seto was right. Contrary to general opinion, Yuugi wasn't that trusty to just enter anyone's car. However, he could just call Ryou and explain the situation to him; he could tell him someone would pick him up. Ryou would trust him. It was suspicious that Seto was willing to let Yuugi leave the mansion after what had happened last night. Hinata and his team would surely protect him but there had to be more to that story.

"Ryou doesn't trust you. You want me to go with Hinata and show him I'm fine and am staying with you because I want to." Yuugi wanted to laugh at Seto's sour expression. "You think he holds what happened between us against you."

Despite himself, Yuugi started giggling. Seto wanted to tell him to stop but he was so reluctant to have the melodic sound stop. No one ever laughed or giggled in that office. It was such a foreign sound, unique to the boy in front of him. He almost frowned when it actually stopped. Yuugi wiped tears of mirth from his eyes and stood up. Immediately, Seto mimicked him.

"There is no way Ryou talked to you about that. He's the kindest and most soft-spoken person I know." There was a mischievous smile on Yuugi's face. "So, I guess it was Malik that made you be so… careful." He said the last word in a teasing tone.

"Yuugi Muto, get out of my office and get some sleep. Maybe then your mind will reset to its factory settings."

There was no real anger in Kaiba's voice and Yuugi knew it as he moved towards the door. "I'll go with Hinata after I rest." The younger boy answered as he opened it. "You should sleep from times to times, too,…Seto."

His name sounded like the promise it was. Yuugi was willing to let Seto back in. It would take time and effort but Seto Kaiba was a man who never gave up on what he wanted. He would get Yuugi back. So, he allowed the boy to leave, hoping he would rest, and continued with his day. He had a company to run after all.

And that was really Yuugi's plan; to go straight to his room and sleep for some hours. However, it seemed it wasn't meant to be. A certain boy seemed to be waiting for him outside Seto's office. His hair was a bit messy as if he hadn't bothered running a brush through them after leaving his bed. His crimson eyes were unfocused, and Yuugi didn't need to think hard to deduct the other boy hadn't slept much either.

"Atem." He acknowledged the other's presence, stopping right in front of him. "What are you doing here?" He titled his head to the side, showing he didn't mean to be rude by asking that but rather was genuinely curious.

"I saw you coming this way…" Atem started but stopped as soon as he understood how his words would be perceived. "I couldn't sleep. I was walking around and was about to back to my room when I saw you."

He had followed Yuugi only to see him entering Seto's office. The door locked behind him. He was pretty sure his cousin was aware of the fact he had been the one trying to enter his office after Yuugi but he wouldn't mention it. After all, the door unlocked as soon as Atem stepped away from it. It was a clear taunt from his dear cousin.

"So everyone will be sleep deprived today." Amethyst eyes shone with amusement but there was a hint of sadness in the boy's voice. "I'm going back to my room. Walk with me?"

Atem smiled. The walk to Yuugi's room was a short one but it didn't matter. It was the invitation that mattered the most. "Alright."

Yuugi matched Atem's smile. He took a step but then stopped when he heard the soft click of a door unlocking, and Seto Kaiba walked out of his office holding a stack of papers. His eyes took in Atem's tense form at his appearance, and a lazy grin appeared on his face.

"I thought I sent you to bed, Yuugi." The CEO's tone was mildly scolding but the grin never left his face, enjoying Atem's guarded stance. "Do I have to personally escort you there?"

Yuugi sighed theatrically. "I was about to. Don't worry. I've already found myself an escort." Matching Seto's grin, Yuugi grabbed Atem's hand and started hurriedly walking towards his room. "Have a good day, Seto."

Atem threw a victorious smile towards his cousin before following the other boy who was tugging him along with little force. Once again, Atem couldn't but marvel how warm Yuugi's hand felt. Just holding hands made the crimson eyed boy's heart do flips. He shook his head trying to clear his mind as they walked down the corridor and towards the guest rooms.

"Was that wise?" Atem asked aloud, as Yuugi slowed down. "He may be mad at you."

Yuugi giggled and kept walking, releasing Atem's hand. "He'll be fine." The boy moved his hand, dismissively. "He may pout a bit, though. When no one sees him."

Another fit of giggles followed that statement and Atem found himself laughing along. It felt nice. "You're a true enigma, Yuugi Mutou."

The younger boy stopped walking once again. They had reached his room. He slowly turned to face the other boy. "It takes one to know one." There were so many emotions reflected in those deep amethyst eyes. Yuugi took a step back, his hand touching the doorknob. "Sleep well, Atem."

Quickly, he slipped into his room and closed the door behind him. He still had enough time to hear Atem's response. "Sweet dreams, Yuugi."

Yuugi placed his hand on his chest, feeling his heart beating fast. Running a hand through his hair, he took a deep breath and looked around. He smiled gently when he noticed that his brother was sleeping in his bed. Shrugging, he kicked his slippers off and squeezed himself in bed, too. It was a spacious one but Joey had managed to roll himself in the center of it. When he sensed Yuugi's body, he turned and pulled the younger boy close as if he needed to make sure his brother wouldn't escape.

"I'm sorry I always worry you, Joey." Yuugi whispered as he let himself be lulled by his brother's breathing pattern. "But I'll be always coming back to you."

This was quite a peaceful chapter. I know. After some chapters of excitement, we need something calm. Maybe today was the perfect day for this to be posted since I also had a relaxing day. I really enjoy writing Joey and Yuugi scenes. I've always wanted an older brother that would protect and love me and writing Joey reminds me of my friend Kirsten who is an amazing person.

I promise I'll update sooner this time. I'll get back to writing as soon as I am done with some things that need to be done these following days. Until then, stay safe and thank you for staying with me through this long journey!