Title: Incurable

Chapter Three: Last Minute Preparations

Summary: They had a chance, one night to put their differences aside and embrace the past to ensure a happy future. But pride got in the way. Now years later a second chance is given in the most unlikely of places.

Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh.

They'd originally intended for the party to be held in a spacious dance studio, where Tea was a good friend of the owner. But as finals set in and things became hectic with late night study sessions and college entrance exams, they'd run out of time to set everything in order with the owner before he'd had to leave for his own daughters graduation.

They'd been at a loss as to where the party could be held, knowing that the Kaiba Mansion was out of the question if their plan was to work and the Kame Game Shop wouldn't be right, space or mood wise. If everyone were crowded about.

They'd been having one of their regular party planning meetings - about to give up - when out of the blue, Yami had brought up a dream he'd had as he made small talk with Tea and Mai. "I was in this beautiful garden, it seemed much like the one at the place all those years ago. The flowers were in bloom and the most tantalizing scent drifted about. I remember seeing everyone there, dressed in present day clothing. It seemed like a big celebration but sadly I awoke before I learned the cause." He'd shared the dream with Yugi during breakfast that morning, but as he heard it for a second time the young light seemed to have an epiphany.

They should have their party at the park.

Tea and Mai shared a look as they supervised the last of the decorations. All in all the park had ended up being just the place to host their party. With just the right lighting and decorations, it had gone from quiet and somewhat scared, at night, to romantic and colorful. Duke had called in a few favors, getting a permit from the mayor's office to host the party on public property and hired help and waiters, as well as a band to play a live concert.

"This will be great!" Tea said, hooking her arm with Mai's as they sat down on a park bench near a pebble path. "Everything's going according to plan."

Mai nodded her agree, "Sure is, sugar…No matter what happens, tonight will be a night to remember, that's for sure."

"Bakura, come on!" Jounouchi whined for what seemed like the thousandth time in the last hour. He ran a hand over the silky smooth, crimson bed comforter before taking a seat on the bed and giving a few comforting bounces. "Do I really have to?"

"You made a bet, and you lost. Now suck it up." Bakura said as he entered the room, a small rectangular box held carefully against his chest with one hand as the other held the beginnings of a clothes hanger leading to what Jounouchi new was his "outfit" for tonight.

'More like costume,' he thought dryly.

He kept a wary eye on the would-be thief king as he swung his hidden costume over his shoulder and set the bag out on the bed. "Alright, Blondie, get your ass over here before I change my mind and make you wear something even more - revealing."

Jounouchi's eyes widened, and started to water as he gave Bakura his take of pleading puppy dog. But his efforts went to waste as Bakura merely crossed his arms and stared at him in a way that said he was ready to battle it out if need be. Jounouchi gave a small whimper, crawling across the bed to where Bakura stood and sitting on the edge like an obedient pup with no escape.

Lost in his self-pity, Jounouchi missed the small smile that graced the thief-kings lips. Resisting the urge to pat the blondes head, Bakura reached for the covered costume and began his work. 'You'll thank me for this later, Blondie…'

Tristan cleared his throat, awkwardly reaching to untie the bowtie he'd had to wear for the last three hours. Duke had been invited to one of his business partners sisters' sons birthday party, or something of the like, and he'd lassoed Tristan into coming along.

"I'm glad that's over with…" He muttered to himself as he undressed.

After taking a quick shower, and clad in only a towel, he headed to his closet to choose what to wear. Yugi hadn't been too specific about the dress code, instead choosing that the theme should be to express yourself. Most of their class mates and friends had agreed to come, and it was sure to be a memorable night. "I just hope Jou isn't too mad about setting him up…"