Gomen-nasai! Gomen-nasai! This took so much longer than I thought it would! so sorry. But it's here now so hurray!

Before you read this Chapter please reread the last chapter if you have not done so already.I have made some changes/additions to it.

Clarity2199: Yes I realize that it went by fast that is why I made additons so go reread if you haven't already! As for the grammar and spelling I fized those that I could find. Spell checker and my eye sight aren't the best in the world so you'll just have to bare with me on some of those. Plus some of the bad grammar in the speaking was intended.
Flame Swordswoman: Of course we can't :p
mandapandabug: My god so many questions lol AllI can really say for future events is that you'll have to wait and see. If I say anything it may give it away and we can't have that now can we? Unfortunately the story is almost over. This chapter is kind of a filler but it has some important things going on in it.
Katherine: Now I'm tempted not to update lol

As always thank you to everyone for the reviews!

Reconcile

Seto

"Jounouchi!" I hear unison of voices ring out in a happy tone. "Are you okay? Where have you been? What happened?" I hear them ring again. I watch as they run up engulfing him in a protective caring circle with me on the outside. In a rush they push Jou in the school and he never looks back. I sigh and follow suit.

The day moves slowly and even more so as I watch the clock. I haven't seen Jounouchi since his friends snatched him up. My next class will be with him; although I know I won't be able to speak to him. The bell rings and everyone stands to file out of the room. All of them are chatting and bustling out down the halls, not one of them noticing me but at the same time being careful to avoid.

No one is in the classroom yet and I sit down silently. I pull out my book and lose myself in it until I can hear the laughter of Jounouchi. I look up to see him goofing around with his friends. He doesn't notice me but the others do. I glare at their curious stares and they turn abruptly from looking at me.

"Everyone take your seats please," my bitterly sweet teacher says as she enters the room. The kids all take seats, almost fighting to get one that isn't near me. Jounouchi plops down easily in the chair beside mine though. I can't help but smile to myself. It was such a simple and un-thought act but it felt just like a warm hug a mother gives her crying kid. Throughout the boring lectures I steal looks at Jounouchi just be sure he was still there. Since he returned home I have been uneasy to let him out of my sight. I can't have him running off again.

A loud ring tone echoes in the room when I realize it's my cell phone. Flipping my cell open I see who has called. I recognize the number. I stand and no one looks at me except Jou. His brown eyes ask who is it but I don't reply. Stepping out of the classroom I close the door behind me and dial the number. "Seto Kaiba, you called?" I say shortly into the phone the moment I hear someone pick up.

"Mr. Kaiba I'm afraid I have bad news," answers the voice of Roland. I sigh and lean against the wall. "The companies you had wanted to buy have declined our numerous proposals. They say their reasons are because you are too strict even for them."
"What was their proposal for me?" I ask already knowing.

"It's rather ridiculous Sir. They want you to prove you are not as what they have come to believe. I was going to turn them down but I-" I smirk and cut Roland off.

"Accept," I say flatly. Roland stutters on the end of the line surprised. "It would seem the Investigator was right about what they were looking for. Tell them I will at the conference."

"B-but Sir. what proof do you have that will satisfy them?" I know he is thinking of Mokuba but I already know using my own brother wouldn't mean anything.

"Katsuya Jounouchi. I have to go." I click the phone shut and look in the door window at the blonde boy. Suddenly a rush of guilt rolls through my body but I know I can't back out now, it's too important.

Katsuya

As I leave the classroom I look around for Seto. I start to walk toward him but Honda grabs me around the neck and pulls me in the group's direction. Seto only watches and almost looks angry. Someone walks in front of my sight and then he is gone. I let myself be pulled along with the group.

"So what was the gift he gave you? I'm rather surprised Kaiba can give anything," Anzu asks and remarks. "Well?" she taps her foot impatiently.

"Uh, a painting of the Red Eyes. He painted it himself although he'll deny it if you ask him," I reply. They all look at me shocked except Yugi who just smiles. "It's really awesome and the colors are so realistic," I continue beginning to grow excited. "Its tail and neck make a frame almost and its head is smack in the middle. I didn't tell Kaiba but I really do love that painting. It also makes me feel more like I belong there since Seto has a painting of Blue Eyes above his bed and Mokuba has his favorite monster above his head as well." They all look at me strangely. "What?" They look at each other timidly.

"It's nothing Jou, we're just glad you are happy," Yugi says reassuringly.

"Come on we have to get to class," Honda states. Together we head off and the rest of the day goes by fairly quick. I try and look for Kaiba every chance I get but he is nowhere to be seen. I meet up with the others outside the school and start to walk towards Yugi's. As the others chatter noisily I shiver. Someone is watching us, someone I know; where are they?

"Katsuya is there something the matter?" Yugi asks me. Then I see him over Yugi's head. He comes out of the alley towards me.

"Uh guys," Anzu says with fear lingering in her voice. Everyone looks up and around. We've been enclosed in a circle of thugs.

"We've been looking for ya blondie," he says to me. I stand strong and glare at him. He changes his sight from me to the others, "This ain't got nothing to do with any of you, get lost."

"We aren't going anywhere!" Honda says stepping forward next to me. I hold my arm up in front of Honda as he sneers.

"I wasn't looking for you Jaki so scram. I know what you're cable of but don't be stupid, the chances of witnesses are too high here and you know it." Jaki smirks at me that makes me want to spit. He walks up close to me and looks me right in the eyes.

"We'll find you again Jounouchi and when we do you'll be alone." I say nothing and only glare as I watch him pull out a cigarette light it then turn away. He disappears in the ally and the others fallow.

"What was that all about…?" Anzu asks turning to me. I shake my head and walk away toward home.

"I'll see you guys later," I say with a half wave. I can feel their eyes on me until a turn the corner. After all this time they show back up, why? Is it because of my father's death? Jaki always keeps his word, I know they'll find me again but what they might do is what scares me, what do they what they want?

"Hey Mutt," a low voice says from my side. I look and I see Kaiba peering out of a limousine. I hadn't heard it creep up beside me. "Want a lift?" I blink and then nod. He opens the door and slides to the other side of the car. I hop in and close the door; I've learned not to slam doors, the last time I did Kaiba had a conniption. He has the weirdest pet peeves. "Who were those men?" Alarmed I stare at Seto, was he fallowing me?

"I know you don't care for them but I had expected you to at least know who my friends are," I laugh. He doesn't say anything but only bores down on me with his deep blue eyes. I drop my head and look at my hands; they're pretty dirty I should wash them. "Part of my past." I look back up but he doesn't look at me.

"You still don't trust me," he states as a phrase and not a question. Does he think I will stop distrusting him after what he has done?

"You're unbelievable!" He looks at me with question in his expression. "You think just because I came back to live with you and a few nice words are going to make me believe you really give a shit?" I shake my head, "You may be book smart but you're a complete idiot when it comes to human emotions, Kaiba." He only looks at me, saying nothing. I feel a pang run through me, I feel guilty for saying what I did. He isn't showing me anything on the outside but for some reason I have the feeling what I said hurt him. We're quiet until we pull up in front of the house, nether one of us looking at the other. Seto steps out of the limo not looking back at me. I also step out and close the door and start to fallow him in when he turns to me.

"You've said words aren't enough Jounouchi but I'll say them anyway. You are important to me and I care about you. If you ever remember anything remember that," he says then turns away once again and heads inside.

I've hardly seen Seto for the past few days and spoken to him even less. Every time he would enter a room with me he'd just look me over carefully and than leave without a word or even a nod of acknowledgement. He's been on the phone a lot and hardly in school. I myself have been feeling like I have more than one shadow. My friends have been sticking to me like glue, more than likely because of what Jaki said. I'm walking home on my own tonight though. It just happened to work out that all of them had something else to tend to. I already know tonight Jaki will find me, more than likely he's had eyes on me since the encounter.

"Jounouchi." I turn to the rough voice of Jaki. "It's dangerous to be out alone," he sneers. I chuckle and put my hands in my pockets.

"There isn't anything in the world I'm afraid of anymore," I say narrowing my eyes. I can hear a scuffle from behind me and I dart my eyes side to side and I see the shadows of the other gang members.

"Is that so?" Jaki smirks as he tosses his head back to get his jet-black hair out of his face. "We have some business to discuss about that Jounouchi." I shake my head.

"Our business was done the day I walked away from your way of life." He comes closer to me.

"No I have a feeling we will be working together in the future." I tilt my head up and to the left. "Your old man is dead, I can't imagine why. So much for the 'I refuse to kill' act." I grunt.

"It wasn't an act, I didn't kill him." Some of the guys behind me nudge each other and laugh.

"Sure Jounouchi, I'm sure you didn't," he says with sarcasm clearly audible in every word. "Besides that we hear you have a in with Seto Kaiba. He's a rich man you know." That bastard, I understand now, he is trying to use me to get to Kaiba. "He has a lot of money and a lot of power. Do you have any idea what kind of street cred we'd get if we took that pompous ass out? We'd reward you, hell; you'd be the ringleader. What do you say Jounouchi?"

"What would I have to do?" I ask not being ready to turn him down right away. He half smiles pleased with the question.

"Just the blueprints of his home and Company and any little toys he might have lying around that could be useful," he answers nonchalantly.

"Will you kill him?" he shrugs.

"Only if he gets in the way. So what do you say?"

"Sorry but I'll pass. I'm quite comfortable with the life I'm in now." I watch as Jaki's disposition change and he snarls.

"You're rusty Jounouchi. When I ask for someone to do something they are to do it." I shake my head.

"I'm well aware of that fact. But like I told you, I've walked away from this shit a long time ago." I clench my fist preparing for a fight. I'm surprised he hasn't had them jump me already. Normally with one no you become mince meat.

"It isn't a choice, you do it or we erase you." I don't say anything. "I see," he says and nods at the guys around me. All at once I have several fists flying at me. I fight off them as best I can but there are more fists than I thought there was. There must have been more guys in the ally way. I've knocked a few of them flat but they seem so endless. Panting I slug another in the jaw and I'm met with a hard punch to the small of my back. It knocks the wind out of me and I cough. Unfortunately with a slight pause in my fist they overpower me, tackling me to the ground. I cover my head with my hands as I feel their bone crushing fists hit my back. I can hear them snarl and breathing. Will I die here?

"Arghh!" One yells in pain. I only clench my eyes closed tight as the beating continues. Suddenly I feel a release of pounding and then more also dissipates. I open my eyes and look up when the last fist hits my back.

"Jounouchi get up," a male voice says. In front of me is a hand, Kaiba's hand. Behind him I see one of Jaki's guys coming at him with a knife. Quickly Kaiba turns and hits the guy's wrist with the side of his hand, knocking the knife to the ground. Seto grabs the knife and jams it into the guy's thigh. I watch him fall to the ground gripping his leg sputtering cuss words. Three more guys come rushing toward Seto and one from behind me. I stick my leg out and swipe it under the guy's legs. He hits the ground and a loud crack is heard as his skull hits the pavement. Another guy rushes at me and I do my best to fight him off while tripping over fallen thugs.

Seto

I land a solid punch in a disgusting man's jaw. His head twists around and blood flies from his mouth. I turn to check on Jounouchi but my gaze hits a dark figure and the flash of the barrel of a gun. I fallow the line it's aimed at and I see the blonde boy in its way.

"KATSUYA!" I try to yell but it only comes out as a whisper. I bolt toward him and I tackle him to the ground as I hear the blast of the gun. I searing pain rips at my side and I cringe. On the ground I look at Jounouchi. "Are you okay?" He nods and looks at my blood stained side. Suddenly it seems to all click. He stands and glares at the man with the gun.

"Jaki!" he yells. I've never seen him look so angry with someone. I stand and grab onto Jou's wrist. He looks at me in protest but then he hears them as well. In the distance not far off there is the ring of sirens. The man Katsuya called Jaki slinks off into the ally, as do the few men of his that are able to walk.

"Come on we need to get out of here." To my surprise he takes my arm and puts it over his shoulders to help support me. I don't need the help but I allow him to and we walk down the street under the lamplights with me holding my side.

We don't speak until we reach the couch in the house. I sit and remove my coat. For the first time Jounouchi seems to see my wound. His eyes grow wide and he rushes down to my side. I watch his face turn to a scowl at the sight of the blood; I push him away.

"It's not that bad. Just leave it be," I say curtly trying to cover the wound up. He frowns and comes toward me again.

"I'm sorry this happened." He tries to expose it further but I stop him, "Stop it I have to see how bad it is." He tries to look again but I push him away. "Knock it off! I have to see!"

"And let you blame yourself for this?" he looks at me. We just stare at each other until I stand and lift my shirt. His mouth opens slightly in shock. "Happy?" I start to lower my shirt again but he stops me.

"You need to see a Doctor." I only snort at him. "It's my fault you were hurt like this let me bring you to the Hospital," he says in a sad regretful tone. I shake my head.

"I chose to get involved Jounouchi. I could have very easily let them hit you until there was nothing left but a red smear on the ground. The moment I stepped in it became a risk I knew I was taking. You did not inflict this." I can see the word 'But' floating behind his brown eyes. I don't understand his regret and concern for me when I know underneath he is angry and distrustful of me.

"I'm sorry," he says softly then stands and leaves the room. I frown then leave the room as well to get some water, a cloth, a clean shirt, and bandages. Returning to the room I sit and start to clean my bullet slice up. From the doorway I hear a noise and look up to see Jounouchi standing there staring at me.

"You know it's rude to stare," I say absently while rinsing the cloth in the water. Jou comes toward me and stops me from replacing the cloth on my wound. "What?"

"I'll do it," he answers as he takes the cloth from me. I let him clean out the wound. He is surprisingly gentle and his fingers are soft, although slightly callused. This feeling inside that I get when he touches me, it's strange. I don't know what to make of it because I've never felt something like this before. I watch the blonde boy work on me in silence; he never looks at me. As he finishes up the bandage he pauses. "Why did you do it?" I hear spoken softly. I reach down and put on a shirt.

"Do what?" I say without looking at him. I know perfectly well what he is asking but I'm not going to be so easy to talk.

"Why didn't you let them finish me?" I smirk, eyes closed with my head facing down. I turn to look at him.

"Don't ask questions you know the answer to," I answer softly. All in one motion I see his eyes blink and tears fly from his eyes and he stands to leave but I grab a hold of his wrist. I can't recall telling my arm to reach for him; it was instantaneous. His head is down in front of him and I can only see his back. I stand still holding his wrist.
"Jounouchi?" He doesn't move or say a word so I turn him around. He continues to stare at the floor. "The only thing I regret about it is not being there sooner." He looks up at me with glossy eyes.

"I hate you," he says and then throws his arms around me in an embrace. I'm startled but I calm and hold him against me. I turn my head and I get a face full of golden hair, I can't help but inhale. Suddenly I feel awkward and a pink hue runs over my nose.

"Ahem," I shift and Jounouchi almost throws me backwards as he pulls away. We can't look at each other directly for some time and we become more and more aware of the awkward silence. "You should go wash up, you have blood in your hair."

"Huh? Oh, ah, yes, err," he fumbles over his words and walks unsurely out the door. I smile as I watch him but as soon as he is out of my sight I frown. My body feels strange, almost tingling. Why do I feel this way?

Katsuya

It feels good to be able to wash the dirt and sweat from my skin after the fight. As I rinse the soap out of my hair I think about Seto sitting downstairs. He had been keeping an eye out for me, although I find it creepy that he has been watching me I am also reassured that he was worried. I know he cares about me even though I have my doubts. I just don't know if I can trust him fully. I've never seen him do anything that wasn't a benefit to him. Unless…I shake my head, what a stupid thought. As if Kaiba was like that, and even if he were, why would I care?

I turn the water off and step out of the shower grabbing a towel. I dry myself off and dress. Wondering out of my room with the towel on my head I walk towards Seto's room where I here a TV on. I push the door open. Seto turns his gaze to me and smirks. Blushing I remove the towel from my head and throw it over my shoulder. "Uh so anything on?" At first he looks as if he has no idea what I am talking about then almost startles into the realization that the TV is on. With clicker he pushes the off button and the voice in the box becomes silent. Place the clicker down he turns to me.

"They just had a special report on the mess we made. I guess they just found the ring leader and he is in custody." My face turns pale and my mouth drops slightly, they have Jaki? He could tell them anything, now they are going to come after me…and Seto.

"Shit, what am I going to do?" I start to crack my knuckles nervously, "Kaiba I can't apologize more for this, now you're involves…damn." Silently Seto comes over to me and he puts his hands over mine to stop me from cracking mine.

"Jounouchi, who do you think the police will believe? A murdering gang leader or Seto Kaiba, one of the most powerful men in the world?" He chuckles.

"…But me. What…I'm so screwed," I say starting to pull away.

"Don't worry mutt," he says while reaching out and putting his arm around my neck, "As long as you're with me I'll protect you," he ruffles my hair. Under his arm I smile and feel the warmth of his body. Even after all that exertion he still smells crisp and clean. I've come to feel comforted by his sent. I smile and look up at him.

"Hey Kaiba you can let go of me now." He does looking somewhat embarrassed. I stand upright and start to leave but I stop just before leaving the door. "Hey Seto?"

"Hmm?" he says looking up at me.

"Thanks." He smiles and nods. I smile as well and start to walk back to my room. He has a good heart; I wonder why I never saw it before.

Ah the end of the chapter on such a sweet note. I felt this chapter was needed just to work into their obvious affection for eachother.

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