Thank you for the nice reviews. Well, maybe my next update will take some time because this chapter took a complete different direction while I was writing. So, I have to rethink the next developments in this story.

"Yes, that might be true" was Joey's flat answer to Kaiba's comment. Both of them were now standing in the kitchen. "Well, normally we meet during a duel. And it is not a good strategy to scream private information across the battlefield", Joey continued. Kaiba smiled. "Like I said, controlling yourself helps you to stay out of trouble."

"There are different levels of this "controlling". And I still believe your way is unhealthy and will lead you into more trouble one day. Even I think now you are not the cold-blooded bastard I used to see."

"Thank you. And maybe you are not..."

"Ah, stop it. I don't want to hear what you are thinking about me", Joey interrupted by holding his hand on Kaiba's mouth.

Kaiba pulled a face. "That is not fair. Calling me a bastard just to say I am maybe a half one. But unwilling to hear my statement."

Joey chuckled and threw an innocent look at him. "Who told you, I would be fair?" More seriously he added, "Honestly, I would prefer not to hear."

"Why?" Kaiba asked.

"Hm, call it a defence mechanism."

"Against what?"

"You are an annoying person. Your way treating people is terrible. I was not very pleased to have you in my apartment but your nightmare softened the way I am looking at you. But I also see that you doesn't want to change your behaviour. So I guess when you are going home we will fall back to our old scheme. We can't tell others what happened here. But right now I am close to like you. Anything nice from you would make our situation worse. Outside."

Kaiba was a bit shaken by this. "Wow, this is very harsh, isn't it? Because you are worried about your inner balance I am not allowed to say something. What about me? Do you think I am not confused by this?"

"I didn't mean it to sound like that. I just meant I am afraid...", Joey stopped and sighed. "Oh fuck, I don't know. I really don't want to hurt you."

"Me too. Believe it or not I understand you. So I am keeping quiet."

"Are you angry now?"

"I don't know. Maybe I am relieved not to tell."

Keep controlled, Kaiba thought. Joey is right. Everything is getting worse if he would confess that he was not only close to liking him. His heart was beating fast and he felt dizzy again. He caught Joey's eye and looked away.

Suddenly Joey pulled him into his arms. "I am sorry. I was egoistic", he murmured "Tell me if you like."

Kaiba returned the embrace. "No, I cannot ", he whispered helplessly and nestled his head to Joey's neck. He had to leave as soon as possible. The stay here was the worst idea he ever had. But to be that close to Joey was the best he could image.

"I guess your plan to solve problems or taking a break of them is not working. Maybe we are causing more", said Joey sadly.

Heat was running through Kaiba's body and abruptly he pulled Joey's face into his hands. Their eyes met for a second and Kaiba said with a hoarse voice "This is causing trouble." And he kissed Joey on his mouth.

I have no idea about Joey's reaction. So, it will be a surprise for all of us:)