Note: Mierun dakedo mienai mono desu. - Basicly "what can be seen that cannot be seen" It's the saying that stands for Yuugi and Jounouchi's friendship.

~chapter 17~

"Yuugi-kun!" Bakura waved at his friend as he and Kaiba emerged from the limo, face almost aglow. "I got a call from Otousan yesterday!" he exclaimed happily as he reached the boy. "His plane is coming in this afternoon!"

Yuugi smiled at him. "That's wonderful!"

"He's only here for a week, then he has to be back in Egypt again," Bakura smiled. "He's going to be speaking at he university that sponsored him this trip, and invited me to come along as his assistant!"

Yuugi hugged him. "We won't see you much this next week, will we?" he said with a sad smile.

"Gomen ne," Bakura smiled, hugging back. "Otousan likes to get in an entire months worth in the small time he's home, to make up for it. I'm sure you and Kaiba-kun will be fine without me."

"I understand. But I'll miss you," Yuugi admitted.

Bakura smiled again. "Come on, we'll be late..."
Yuugi sighed, looking at Bakura's seat. The week was going so slowly. He and Kaiba had time for some of their kinkier games that Bakura didn't know about it, and that had been exhilarating, but he missed his other boyfriend. He could tell that Kaiba did too, because the taller boy had both arms over the back of the couch and when he hugged Yuugi with one arm he kept going to do the same with his other arm.

"He'll be back soon, Kaiba-kun," he said softly, snuggling against the other boy's side. "I shouldn't be so happy that his father is leaving," he added shamefacedly.

Kaiba hushed him with a kiss. "Until then, let's make use of his absence," he said in a soft voice.

Understanding what he meant, Yuugi nodded enthusiastically, face alight.
Bakura gave a soft sigh as he packed his bag. The week had passed by so quickly...

He gave a small yawn and rubbed under one of his eyes. He had barely slept at all, trying to make every moment his father was home count. Each time always seemed shorter then the last, and it never really was enough time...

He paused, hearing a faint chuckle.

"Otousan...?" Bakura went to the door of his room, looking out into the hall. It was empty.

Giving a soft sigh, he returned to his packing. The lack of sleep was making him start to hear things....
The pale haired boy pushed open the door, carefully balancing his backpack and duffle bag. "Tadaimaa!" he called happily.

He suddenly found himself pinned to the floor as Yuugi kissed him senseless.

Bakura awkwardly wrapped his arms around the smaller boy, giving a smile when Yuugi finally pulled back. "I take it you missed me?" he quipped, eyes sparkling. "You're just lucky nothing I got from Otousan was breakable," he chided before hugging Yuugi.

Yuugi pulled Bakura into a sitting position, squirming in the taller boy's lap as he nuzzled against Bakura. "It wasn't as much fun without you here," he pouted.

"Sou?" Bakura smiled as he hugged the boy again. "Kaiba-kun isn't enough for you, hmmm?" he teased.

"Kaiba-kun isn't you," Yuugi said woefully.

There was a sudden press behind Bakura and Kaiba's arms wound around the boy's waist, pulling him back against Kaiba's chest.

Bakura looked up at the taller boy with a smile as he snuggled against his chest. "Konbanwa, Kaiba-kun," he smiled, pulling Yuugi closer again, happily sandwiched between the pair.

"Okaerinasai," [Welcome back] Kaiba breathed in the smaller boy's ear, nuzzling against his neck, while Yuugi melted against Bakura's chest.

Bakura's eyelids fluttered closed and he melted against Kaiba happily.

Kaiba's hands dipped underneath the pale boy's clothes as Yuugi engaged Bakura in a deep kiss.

Bakura gave a soft blissful sigh against Yuugi's lips, holding the boy close as he moved slightly to allow Kaiba easier access.

"Shall we take this upstairs?" Kaiba asked, blowing softly against Bakura's neck and ear.

The boy gave an almost incoherent reply, nodding.

Kaiba smirked at Yuugi from around Bakura. Shifting so that Yuugi fell off Bakura's lap, he picked up the pale boy, causing him to lose any hold he had left on his bags, and carried him upstairs, where they more or less resumed the positions they had been in.

Bakura's token protests of the treatment of his bags were effectively silenced by both Yuugi and Kaiba's attentions.
Bakura gave a soft sigh as he went limp in his lovers arms, utterly spent. "Yuugi-kun... Kaiba-kun..." he murmured, eyes drooping.

Kaiba held him possessively from behind, and Yuugi snuggled against his chest. "Okaeri," he said softly with a smile and a quick kiss.

Bakura gave a tired, but happy smile. "I missed you both so much," he said, eyes closing as he enjoyed being sandwiched.

"We missed you as well," Kaiba almost purred into Bakura's ear.

Bakura smiled, melting against the taller boy. "So tired..." he murmured, snuggling closer, holding Yuugi much like a teddy bear. "Otousan was still running on Egyptian time so we were up all night.... I don't think I got more then two hours sleep a day," he laughed softly.

"So sleep now," Yuugi said softly, resting his head on Bakura's shoulder.

The pale haired boy smiled briefly before swiftly falling asleep.
Bakura gave a yawn, shuffling down the hallway to the bathroom, tiredly rubbing under an eye.

"Finally awake," Kaiba commented with a small smile.

Bakura looked over at the boy with a tired smile. "'haiyo, Kaiba-kun," he said sleepily before yawning again.

"Konbanwa, you mean," Kaiba corrected. "Now go use the bathroom."

Bakura blinked, then resumed his shuffling to the bathroom.

"How long have I been asleep?" he asked when he had emerged again. "And have you seen my brush?"

"A day and a half, and your brush is probably still in your bag."

The boy blinked again. "That long...? You didn't wake me for school?" he asked. "and where is my bag? Still in the entry?"

"I had it brought up," Kaiba said, directing Bakura to his room. "And we tried to wake you for school."

"Oh..." Bakura yawned again. "Gomen...." He looked around the room before locating his bag and opening it. Pulling out his hairbrush, he sat on the edge of the bed and began attempting to calm the chaos that was his hopelessly mussed hair.

Kaiba shook his head and sat behind Bakura. "Brush," he demanded, holding his hand out for it.

Looking vaguely confused, the boy handed the brush over.

Kaiba began pulling it through Bakura's hair with a patience that was completely unexpected.

"Arigatou, Kaiba-kun," Bakura smiled softly before giving a soft sigh of contentment.

Once Kaiba was satisfied, he put down the brush and pulled Bakura back into his arms.

The boy melted into the embrace, smiling happily, enjoying the warmth of the taller boy. "No one else's ever brushed my hair for me since I was little," he said softly, tracing pattern on Kaiba's pantleg

"Considering your hair, you should be glad I know how," Kaiba replied, leaning his chin on Bakura's head.

"Because of Mokuba-kun?"

"Someone had to keep his hair near."

Bakura smiled. "It must be wonderful to have a brother," he said softly.

"I would do anything for him," Kaiba answered fiercely.

"Like how I'd do anything for you and Yuugi-kun." Bakura twined the bottom of Kaiba's shirt around his finger softly.

"Perhaps," Kaiba allowed.

There was a long quiet. "Otousan asked about you," Bakura said with a smile. "He wanted to know who botched up the reproduction with a non existent hieroglyphic."

Kaiba smirked. "What did you tell him?"

Bakura blushed slightly. "Just that it was from the friend I was staying with."

"Won't he have to find out some time?"

Bakura looked down. "He might not... Otousan's barely ever around," he said softly.

"Bakura," Kaiba said sternly. "Would you be happy keeping it from him?"

"I don't get to see him that often, Kaiba-kun..." The pale haired boy's voice was almost inaudible. "And what if he hates me for it? He's the only family I have, Kaiba-kun... and even though he's almost never around, I don't want to loose what we have...."

"It would be worse if he found out by accident," Kaiba pointed out.

Bakura shook his head. "He won't find out..."

"If you're sure...."

"He doesn't notice anything outside of his work anyway...." Bakura's voice was slightly depressed.

"That's why I'm here," Kaiba said with a smirk, nuzzling against Bakura's neck.

The boy smiled happily, moving to give Kaiba more access.
Kaiba was woken by movement outside his room. Getting up somewhat groggily, he opened the door to his room and looked out. "Bakura?" he asked in surprise. "What are you doing?"

The boy didn't reply, but kept walking, eyes glazed.

"Bakura," Kaiba said louder, grabbing the boy's arm.

The boy startled, giving a panicked cry and trying franticly to get out of Kaiba's grip.

Kaiba pulled him close, petting him calmingly.

The boy's whimpering slowly died down and he went limp, eyes closing.

Kaiba picked him up and carried him to bed. He shook his head. "What happened? You're not a sleepwalker," he asked.

The boy gave a small sigh in his sleep, curling close to the taller boy, hand loosely clinging to Kaiba's pajamas.

The brunette shook his head again and lay down next to him, one arm wrapped around the smaller boy.
Bakura's eyes opened slowly as the mornings light filtered through the curtains. "Kaiba-kun...?" he asked softly, seeing the taller boy in bed with him.

"Now are you ready to tell me what you were doing last night?"

The pale haired boy blinked. "Last night? I did my homework and went to bed...." he said, voice confused.

"After that," Kaiba prompted, eyes still shut.

"I was asleep after that, Kaiba-kun..."

"Then you were sleepwalking. Wonderful."

"Sleepwalking...?" Bakura repeated, blinking.

"I found you in the hall after midnight."

Bakura blinked again. "Gomen..." he apologized softly.

"And now you don't remember it. Why would you be sleepwalking, Bakura?"

"I don't think anyone remembers when they're sleepwalking, Kaiba-kun, no more then you remember what happens around you when you're asleep," Bakura's voice was still soft as he idly traced the line of the Millennium ring under his shirt. "And I don't know why I would be... I don't think I ever have before, but I've been living on my own a lot..."

Kaiba frowned. "You're not anymore," he said, giving Bakura a squeeze.

Bakura smiled happily, snuggling closer. "I just meant that I have no way to know if I've done it before, gomen." He gave a smile. "Maybe it's a full moon," he joked.

"I meant," Kaiba explained, "That you need never be alone again."

Bakura turned and hugged Kaiba tightly. "Kaiba-kun..."
"Aaa! Sugoi!"[So cool!] Bakura exclaimed as he and Mokuba watched the news while Yuugi and Kaiba worked. "The museum's hosting an exhibit from Egypt!"

"Niisama, can we go?" Mokuba asked, looking over. "It looks cool!"

Kaiba looked up and snorted. "I'm busy."

"Daijoubu, Mokuba-kun, I'll take you," Bakura smiled. "I wonder if any of the artifacts my father unearthed will be in it," he wondered. Suddenly his eyes widened. "Yuugi-kun!" he exclaimed, pointing to the screen. "Ko--kore....!"

Yuugi paused the scrolling program and looked at the screen. "Sen-nen item!"

"Doshite, kona onna no hito..."[why does that woman....] Bakura said, hand unconsciously moving to where the Ring was hidden under his shirt.

Mokuba looked at Yuugi, curious.

Yuugi explained simply. Kaiba snorted.

"Not this again. Don't tell me you still believe...." He was cut off by the phone ringing. He picked it up and listened for a time. He glanced at the TV and the woman on the screen. "Rare cards?" he said after a long moment. "No, Miss Ishtahl, I don't need information."

Yuugi looked up. "Yes you do!"

"Kaiba-kun, oneigai shimasu?" [Kaiba, please?] Bakura pleaded as Mokuba looked from the TV to the phone, eyes wide.

Looking between the three of them, Kaiba shook his head. "We will be at the museum shortly." He listened a moment and scowled. "No, I will not come alone. If you want to talk to me you will deal with my companions."

A short while later the limo pulled up outside the museum and the three boys stepped out, Kaiba taking the lead, Bakura and Yuugi following.

The woman from the interview was standing in the lobby, flanked by her own guards.

Kaiba approached. "Miss Ishtahl," he acknowledged, then looked at her guards with a sneer.

The woman gave a slight smile. "Forgive me if I seem rude, but the delicate nature of what I am to speak of requires a certain amount of security. You insisted on bringing along your own entourage," she gestured to the other boys.

Kaiba snorted. "If you don't wish to speak with us, we'll be on our way." He turned.

"Kaiba-kun, oneigai...?" Bakura asked softly, eyes begging.

Kaiba looked at him a moment and then swept into the building.

Isis nodded to her guards and turned to lead the trio down the hallway, telling them about how Pegasus had created Duel Monsters based on things he had seen in Egypt. Bakura's eyes were wide as he listened, Yuugi's expression near identical as the pair were rapt with attention, Kaiba looking rather unimpressed.

"These tablets are the origins of Duel Monsters," Isis said, gesturing for the trio to enter the room.

Yuugi ran over to look at the tablets closely. "Ah! Duel Monsters cards! They look neat!"

"Honto da!" Bakura exclaimed, eyes wide in amazement. "Sugoi yo...."

Isis continued her explanation as the boys marveled at the tablet. "Please look at this one now," she said, walking over to the next mural over. "I believe you'll find it rather interesting."

Yuugi started turning, then stopped, eyes wide. "Kore wa.... kore wa...."

Kaiba looked at him in concern, then turned to the second tablet. "Yuugi da," he exclaimed.

"And above him..." Bakura exclaimed, eyes wide. "The Black Magican!" He stared a moment more before noticing the 2nd figure on the tablet. "Soshite..."[and...] he whispered in shock. "Kaiba-kun!"

Kaiba looked away from the picture of Yuugi to the figure facing it. "Blue-eyes," he said softly, seeing the representation of his favorite card over the head of the figure.

"This is an etching of the Pharaoh and his high priest," Isis explained smoothly, indifferent to the trio's shock as she continued her explanation. "Even now, the battle between the Pharaoh and the Priest continues..."

"Chigau!"[That's diffrent] Yuugi exclaimed, tearing his eyes away from the tablet. "Kaiba-kun to... we're NOT fighting!"

"Can you say that for the spirit of the Pharaoh that lives in the Millennium Puzzle...?"

Yuugi blinked. "Mou hitori no boku?" he said in a small voice, cradling the Puzzle. "Mou hitori no boku doesn't hate Kaiba!"

"But he's still Kaiba-kun's rival and opponent...." Bakura said with comprehension, eyes still transfixed by the mural.

Yuugi bit his lip. "It's not the same!" he insisted.

"But they are still fighting..." Bakura turned to look at the two boys. "But it doesn't mean anything has to change!" he insisted, eyes full of concern.

Yuugi clung to Kaiba's arm. "Kaiba-kun...." he said, looking worried.

Kaiba tore his eyes from the Blue-eyes and put an arm around Yuugi. "I don't believe any of this superstitious nonsense. If there's nothing else, Miss Ishtahl, we'll leave."

"There is one more thing. I spoke to you on the phone about rare cards..."
Kaiba looked at the card in his hand triumphantly. "Kami no card...."

"Kaiba-kun... do you think this is a good idea?" Yuugi asked worriedly.

Kaiba looked up, smirking. "With this there's no question of the outcome. I will get the other god cards." He threw his head back and cackled.

Yuugi looked at Bakura in concern.

The pale haired boy was looking down, seeming lost in thought.

"Bakura-kun," Yuugi said in concern, putting his hand on the other boy's arm.

"Eh? Nan da?" the boy blinked, looking up.

"Daijoubu ka?"

"Un. Just thinking..."

"About what?"

"Egypt, god cards, the past..." Bakura shook his head slightly. "It's starting again..."

"Eh?" Yuugi asked, blinking.

"It's another tournament started by the owner of a Millennium item, with stakes that hint of something larger."

"Kaiba-kun doesn't have a sen-nen item," Yuugi said in confusion.

"Isis-san does," Bakura pointed out. "And she's the one who gave Kaiba-kun the idea.. and--" he hesitated a moment. "There was something about the Kaiba-kun in the mural...."

"But OUR Kaiba-kun isn't the one from the mural," Yuugi insisted unhappily.

Bakura was quiet, eyes contemplative.

Yuugi curled up slightly. 'Mou hitori no boku,' he called silently. 'Is it true?'

There was a long uncomfortable quiet before the spirit replied. 'I don't know...'

'But with all this going on.... That was you on that mural! And then the one that looked like Kaiba-kun....' His eyes clouded.

'Aibou... I don't have any memories from before you finished the puzzle. I don't know why and I don't know what it means. I'm sorry.'

Yuugi lowered his face to his knees. 'I don't want things to go wrong.....'
"Ne, Jounouchi-kun...." Yuugi said, looking up at him with a puppy dog expression like this:

"Eh? Nan da, Yuugi?" the blond asked, blinking.

"Can we talk?"

"Sure," Jounouchi nodded. "What's up?"

Yuugi fidgeted, looking down. "Mierun dakedo mienai mono desu...." he said softly. "You said... you said it was your most precious thing.... other than Shizuka, I mean...." He trailed off, biting his lip.

Jounouchi blinked, looking confused. "It is... why?"

"I-- I just.... Really?" Yuugi asked in a small voice.

"Of course!" Jounouchi insisted. "Now what's up? Something bothering you?"

"It's just.... You haven't been acting like you like me anymore...."

Jounouchi stared, eyes wide. "I--" he began, looking almost like he'd been punched in the gut.

"Because you're always angry about Kaiba-kun," Yuugi continued, eyes tearing a bit. "And you don't want to talk about anything else. So I thought you might not be my friend anymore...."

The blond stared a moment before swearing. "Shit, Yuugi, I'm sorry..." His voice was almost pained as he looked at the smaller boy. "I just... I get worried, ya know? Yer my best friend and all and when I see you and that--" he tensed slightly. "I mean, with how this all started, I just can't help that feel ya deserve better, ya know?"

"I like it...." Yuugi said softly, looking down as if ashamed. "Kaiba-kun treats me well. He really cares for me.... And-- and I...." He trailed off, then finished almost inaudibly. "I love him...."

Jounouchi looked at him a moment before looking down. "Gomen..." he said, voice miserable.

"I don't want you to hate me...."

"I don't!" the blond exclaimed, eyes wide. "Shit, Yuugi, I could never hate you!"

Yuugi looked up hopefully. "Really?"

Jounouchi nodded. "Yer my best friend," he said simply as if it explained everything.

Yuugi stepped closer, clinging to Jounouchi's shirt as he cried against him.

The taller boy's eyes went wide. "Yuugi...?" he asked, voice half confused and half afraid.

"It's all so complicated now and I was so afraid that you hated me...."

"Complicated...?" Jounouchi asked, awkwardly trying to comfort the boy.

"Kaiba-kun is so busy with the plans for Battle City that he barely has any time for me and Bakura-kun is acting weird and Isis-san said that Kaiba-kun and I were fighting and mou hitori no boku doesn't know what's going on or anything because he doesn't remember anything and I don't know what to do anymore...."

"Wha...? Battle City? Isis? The hell...?" Jou asked, utterly befuddled.

"Isis-san came with the museum Egypt exhibit," Yuugi explained. "She gave Kaiba-kun a god card and told him to have a tournament to get the other two. He's been acting weird since he got the card..... More like he was before....."

"God card...?" Jounouchi blinked, then paused. "He's holding a tournament?!" his face brightened. "All right! Tell me when and where and I'm there! I'll teach that ass to ignore you!"

"Jounouchi-kun...." Yuugi said with a sigh. "That wasn't what I meant...."

The boy grimaced. "Sorry. What do ya need then?"

"I'm just glad you don't hate me...."

"Course I don't hate you," Jounouchi smiled. "Not your fault you feel in love with that jerk,"

"Jounouchi-kun...." Yuugi sighed. "He's different when we're not in public...."

"So what, he's under a curse of something so he only has a soul when he's alone?"

"He just... doesn't know how to deal with people well. He knows me, so he doesn't have to try."

Jounouchi gave a shrug. "I'm not gonna try and understand him. If you say he's okay, I'll try and be civil. But not promises, okay?"

Yuugi nodded with a smile.