Chapter 57

Disclaimer: I don't own Yugioh

A/N: hello everyone and no I'm not dead. Just been really busy and to be honest this story can be absolutely exhausting to work on. To the point I actually need a word document to keep track of who does and does not know what so I can keep the characters reactions in line with their own knowledge and level of understanding. This chapter although a bit on the shorter side does begin to set some things up. And in case you guys are wondering I am determined to finish this story eventually. I've worked on it for too long to walk away from it. As always please read and review. I work hard on this and I like getting feedback of what you think about my approach to the different characters. My goal is to keep everyone real. And real people feel fear, jealousy, anger, frustration etc. They don't always act like they do in the anime because in this story they are dealing with a lot more stuff than just a card game.

With Akefia

Akefia sighed as he looked at his computer screen. First things first before he could get too far in planning his epic date with Pharaoh he needed to pay his entrance fee. And more importantly he had to figure out how the hell he was going to get a hold of said item.

Sounds pretty straightforward to me. You sneak in while he's sleeping and hack it off. Then get the hell out of there.

Akefia sighed, "Its not that I don't get that Zorc, I do. But first I have to figure out where the hell he even is. Then scope the place out. Find out how to break in. THEN accomplish the whole break in thing.

Are you suggesting Pharaoh isn't worth the price?

Akefia shook his head while he turned his attention onto removing the horrendous background from his website. Gods above what was I thinking when I plastered my wallpaper with hearts. Ugh. Akefia mused before he returned his website to the way it was.

"That's not what I said at all Zorc. I just said that fulfilling his demand is going to be quite a bit more challenging than just breaking into the anatomy lab. For starters how the hell am I supposed to figure out where he even is? Its not like his location is readily available online." Akefia pointed out.

Zorce was quiet for a moment as he pondered Akeifas point before he nodded. You are correct. However, the only way I see forward is if you contact Pharaoh once again. If he is truly as serious about this request as he claims to be then he should be able to at least provide you with the targets location.

Akefia nodded. Zorc did have a point. Besides, any reason for him to contact Pharaoh was going to be a plus. Akefia frowned his eyes focused on his recently updated website. "Pharaoh isn't the only one I need to contact." Akefia muttered.

Oh?

"I need to email my reader and let them know that they did in fact win, since I was able to confirm their information was accurate. So, I need to set up that meeting." Akefia said.

Zorc nodded. That would be good. Especially since without our readers assistance we never would have been able to locate Pharaoh to begin with.

Akefia snorted, "I woulnd't go that far Zorc. We would have figured out his identify eventually. Even if I had to scare the shit out of the shrimp to get it." Akefia replied as he pulled up the member list and clicked on his contest winner's message before hitting reply.

Dear WhiteMagician13,

This message is to officially inform you that you have, in fact, won my contest. The information you were able to provide me enabled me to successfully make contact with Pharaoh and for that I thank you. (As do the rest of the readers of this website because I was finally able to get rid of that god awful wallpaper). Now, in regards to your prize. You were offered the chance for us to meet up face to face. So, I guess the first thing I need to ask would be what city are you in (although given the quality of the information provided I would guess that you were located in Domino City).

Assuming I am correct please provide me a date and time that would be convenient for you to meet up. We can discuss the location as well once I get official confirmation of which city you yourself are located in.

-DungeonMasterZorc

Akefia read back through the message once, checking for typos, before he finally hit send. He would just have to work whatever recon he needed to do for Pharaoh in around his meetup with WhiteMagician13.

Now, onto a much more important message. Contact Pharaoh so we can find out how to complete our mission.

Akefia pulled out his cellphone and looked at the contact he had saved for Pharaoh. Hmmm, to text or to call? Akefia mused before he pressed the call button on the phone. He wasn't going to pass up an opportunity to speak to Pharaoh or even meet up with him.

The phone rang twice before Pharaoh answered: "What?"

Akefia grinned, "Well good morning to you too beloved?"

"What do you want? Its 6 am in case its escaped your notice. I told you what was needed from you in order for us to have further contact. Now, unless your calling to tell me you succeeded then I'm hanging up."

"Not so fast Pharaoh, now I have in fact accepted your mission and I am relishing planning out how precisely to deliver this gift to you. However, there is something I need from you. Well, two things really." Akefia said.

"And what would that be?"

"First I need you to meet me. We need to discuss a down payment because your mission is certainly one that I'm not going to risk being stiffed on. And two while we are meeting up I need to go over with you some details regarding my target." Akefia said.

Pharaoh was quiet for several seconds before he replied, "Meeting up might not be that easy. I'm going to be pretty tied up for probably the next week if not longer." Pharaoh replied.

Akefia rolled his eyes, a predatory smirk still plastered on his face, "So, then you are okay with delaying my mission until you are no longer tied up?" Akefia said before adding, "Because I'm afraid that I cannot proceed without meeting up with you."

"Fine. Meet me in thirty minutes by the clocktower. I'll throw on some track pants and tell my guardians I'm going for a jog. But I will emphasize that this will be a very QUICK meeting and only because I do not want to delay your progress."

Akefia's grin broadened, "I'll be there Pharaoh."

Atemu however, did not reply and instead the call was disconnected. Akefia rose to his feet and stretched before he made his way to his closet. He had a date with the Pharaoh. One didn't show up to such a date without having the proper attire on.

With Atemu

Atemu hung up his phone before he slowly climbed out of bed. He hadn't slept a wink the entire night and truly felt bone tired. A part of him was relieved that Yami had in fact been able to finally drift off.

Even if he didn't truly fall asleep and stay asleep until probably 3 am. One thing he did know for sure was that he wasn't going to be going to school today. Neither him or Yami were for that matter. And if Aknamkanon had a problem with that, well tough shit.

Atemu grabbed a pair of track pants off the floor at the back of his closet before he tugged them on, deciding to leave his black tank top on as well and slipping his cellphone into his pocket and grabbing his sneakers. With any luck this whole meeting thing would be over and done with soon enough and then he could get back to what he really needed to be focusing on, which was taking care of his brother.

"Ate?"

Atemu glanced up from tying his shoes to see Yami had opened his eyes. He looked as exhausted as Atemu felt.

"Yes Yami?" Atemu asked.

"Where are you going?" Yami asked as he slowly sat up in bed idly swiping his hand across his face in what was no doubt a vane attempt to wake himself up more.

Atemu sighed, "I'm just going for a quick jog. I figured some fresh air would help to wake me up." Atemu said before quickly adding, "I mean it Yami, I'll be quick. I'll be gone an hour. Maybe. And I'll have my phone with me the entire time." Atemu said, slipping his hand into his pocket and pulling out his cellphone to show Yami that he did in fact have it with him.

Yami bit his lip, "Ate, since when do you go for a jog?" Yami asked.

Atemu shrugged once more, "I don't know. With everything going on I figured it wouldn't hurt for me to try and clear my head. Between trying to be here with you and to somehow keep my temper in check with Mr. Sennen, I heard that jogging can help. So, I figured I'd give that a try." Atemu said.

Yami slowly stood up, "Do you mind if I go with you?" Yami asked.

Atemu gave Yami a pointed look, "Do you honestly want to go for a jog?" Atemu asked.

Yami sighed, "What I don't want is to be left alone right now." Yami said.

Atemu sighed but nodded, "I understand that Yami, I do. And I promise I'll be right back. I'll be careful and I won't be gone long." Atemu said.

Yami sighed once more but nodded, "Fine. But if you aren't back in an hour I'm going to go looking for you." Yami said.

Atemu shook his head, "To be honest I'd really rather you didn't. But as I said I promise I WILL be back. I'd really prefer it if you'd try and get some more rest while I'm gone. You look exhausted Yami." Atemu said.

Yami gave his brother a wane smile, "Oh? And you don't Ate?"

Atemu chuckled, "Never said I wasn't exhausted."

Yami rolled his eyes but he did lay back down. "Just...be careful Ate." Yami whispered.

"I will be. I promise." Atemu said before he headed out of the room, pulling the door firmly closed behind him and making his way down the stairs heading straight for the door. If he was able to avoid Mr. Sennen all together then Atemu would consider that a victory.

Sadly, as seemed to be Atemu's luck lately he was suffering more defeats than victories. Mr. Sennen looked up from the newspaper he had been reading when he saw Atemu come down the stairs.

"Good morning Atemu. Hows Yami?" Aknamkanon asked.

Atemu shrugged as he continued on his way to the door, "Don't know. He was asleep when I got up." Atemu said stiffly.

Aknamkanon frowned, "Where are you going?" Aknamkanon asked.

"For a quick jog." Atemu said as he grabbed the doorknob.

"That doesn't answer my question of where you are actually going." Aknamkanon called back, the beginnings of a temper creeping into his voice. Atemu would never admit it out loud because that would be admitting weakness and he couldn't be weak, especially not now. But he was starting to genuinely be afraid of Aknamkanon.

"As I said. Just a quick jog. I'll be back in less than an hour." Atemu said, mentally congratulating himself on not letting on that Aknamkanon was actually making him nervous.

"Atemu!" Aknamkanon growled.

"Just to the clocktower and back." Atemu snapped out before he turned and sprinted out the door mentally berating himself for being such a coward. He was the one who stood his ground and fought. Aknamkanon was no different than any of the other monsters that Atemu had dealt with over the course of his life.

So, then why was Aknamkanon beginning to get to Atemu in a way that no one had since him and Yami had still lived with their actual parents?

Atemu briskly jogged down the drive and into Domino in order to meet up with the thief. To be perfectly honest a part of him truly wondered what the hell he was doing? But when that thought crossed his mind all that he had to think about was his terrified brother and the fact that that monster had gotten free. And if his and Yami's luck held true that bastard was going to end up getting off scotch free.

And at least if Atemu went through with this then that monster wouldn't be able to hurt Yami again. Atemu could live with that.

Atemu saw the clock tower up ahead and picked up his pace. He could already see that the thief was lounging casually against the clock tower. The thief straightened up once he had seen Atemu arrive. Atemu regarded the thief warily as he came to a stop, his arms crossed over his chest as he starred the thief down.

"I'm here. Now, what was it that you needed to know?" Atemu asked.

"Quite simple really, where would I find the target? Kind of helps to know where I need to go so I can do what I need to." Akefia replied.

Atemu nodded, "Right. He's staying in the hotel at the edge of town. No idea what room but he's in that hotel." Atemu said.

Akefia nodded, "Its certainly enough information that I can at least start with it. Now, as for my down payment."

Atemu gave Akefia a pointed look, "And what down payment are you looking for from me? Make it quick since I do need to be getting back." Atemu said.

Akefia's smirk broadened. "Nothing major. Just a small taste to keep me going until our own date." Akefia purred.

Atemu quirked a brow, "As I said, cut to the chase because I would like to be heading back home." Atemu said.

"A kiss." Akefia purred once more, the sound honestly making Atemu's skin crawl. You're doing this for Yami. Remember that. Atemu mentally chided himself.

"Fine." Atemu said, nodding once before he quickly strode forward so that he was now within touching distance of the thief. The thief however did manage to keep things from getting to awkward by not making Atemu essentially make the first move. Which was a good thing. Atemu had only ever kissed two people and both of them were for drastically different reasons than this.

Quick as a striking snake the thief had reached out and snaked his arm firmly around Atemu's waist, pulling Atemu's body flush against the thief's hard body. Atemu swallowed thickly as he noted the hard muscles of the thief while he pushed down the growing sense of discomfort and, to his shame, actual fear. He felt trapped but he knew better than to say a word about that. This was a down payment to protect his brother. What was a little discomfort when compared against that?

The thief lightly stroked the side of Atemu's face before his hand slipped up under Atemu's chin forcing him to look up into the thief's narrow brown eyes. "My pretty little Pharaoh." The thief purred before he leaned down, Atemu repressing a shudder at the feeling of the thief's breath ghosting over his face.

He was a coffee drinker, Atemu mentally noted, since he was met with the overwhelming scent of coffee on the thief's breath. Thief wasted no time in closing the distance between him and Atemu, pressing his lips firmly, if not outright aggressively against Atemu's own.

Atemu grunted at the unexpectedly aggressive kiss as the thief jammed his tongue in through Atemu's hardly parted lips. Atemu could feel the back of head digging slightly into the clock tower as he forced himself to press his lips against the thief's in return.

The kiss lasted far longer than Atemu wanted it to and unlike the kiss he had shared with Yugi on the top of the Game Shop there was nothing tender or enjoyable about the kiss. It truly felt like the thief was trying to claim ownership of him through this one kiss. And Atemu felt like he had to let him. If this was what it took...then Atemu would follow it through until the bitter end.

However, much to Atemu's great relief the kiss did come to an end. Atemu narrowed his eyes as the glared at the thief, "Satisfied?" Atemu snarled.

The thief chuckled, his hand once again stroking down the side of Atemu's face. "For now." The thief purred.

And with that Atemu truly had had it and with adrenaline fueling him he shoved the thief as far away from him as he could manage. It might not have been much but Atemu was relieved to finally have enough space where he at least felt like he could breath.

"Remember our deal. Deliver me what I demanded or I never see or hear from you again thief." Atemu growled making himself sound as angry as he could manage in order to try and mask his own fear and discomfort with the situation he had landed himself in.

The thief nodded and Atemu took that as his signal that he could leave so without another word Atemu turned and began to sprint back towards the Manor. Striving to put the whole meeting behind him. Yami was his priority. That and finding a way to navigate this ever evolving mess with Mr. Sennen.

With Yami

Yami was sitting up against the headboard, his eyes locked on the phone. It was 642 am and Atemu was not yet back from his impromptu jog. Yami sighed he wasn't being unreasonable. Something easily could happen to Atemu even if he was only going for a quick jog. And then it would be a literal case of every millisecond counts.

Yami was dead serious. If Atemu wasn't back by one hour on the dot then he was going to go out and look for him.

Yami's head snapped up off his phone when he heard a light knocking sound before he heard a key turn in the lock of his bedroom door.

"Ate? You're back already." Yami called out as the door swung open to reveal Aknamkanon.

Aknamkanon frowned, "Sorry, I was just coming to check up on you. Atemu had told me you were asleep when he headed out." Aknamkanon said.

Yami shook his head, his gaze once more drifting down to rest on his phone. "No, I woke up before Atemu left. He promised he'd only be gone an hour. I'm keeping track of the time so that if he's gone longer than an hour I'll go and look for him." Yami said.

Aknamkanon nodded before he slowly made his way deeper into the room, sinking down onto the edge of the, clearly unslept in, bed. "So, how are you doing Yami?" Aknamkanon asked.

Yami shrugged, his gaze drifting down to rest on his phone once more. It was now 647. "I'm fine." Yami said.

And for the most part he was. He was dirty. Broken. Worthless piece of trash. But other than that he was fine.

Aknamkanon just sat there in silence and Yami continued to stare at his phone as he slowly watched the minutes tick by.

At 658 Atemu came jogging back into his room, only to freeze when his eyes locked on Aknamkanon. "What are YOU doing in here?" Atemu growled.

Yami frowned as he slowly stood up. "He was just checking up on me Ate, that's all. Did you have a nice jog?" Yami asked, the niggling feeling that something serious was going on between Atemu and their dad was strong. But, he had no idea WHAT precisely was going on. He just hoped that they would be able to fix it.

Aknamkanon fixed Atemu with a pointed look, "Mind telling me why you lied to me Atemu?" Aknamkanon growled.

Atemu straightened his posture, crossing his arms firmly across the front of his body. Yami's frown deepened as he watched his brother square off against Aknamkanon. He was clearly trying to portray himself as unconcerned. But Yami knew his brother too well. The way Atemu was standing he was almost...protecting himself. His arms were folded in just the right way that his middle by was being protected. His shoulders were ever so slightly hunched.

Yami'd seen his brother take that posture many times. But it had never happened here. It wouldn't happen here.

It had happened back when they were living with their abusive parents. Whenever their father came upstairs with the intent of wailing on them Atemu would face up to him exactly as he was with Aknamkanon. Same thing with their third foster brother...the one who tormented Atemu. Atemu was afraid. He may not be willing to admit it, but he was.

What did I miss? Yami thought to himself, his mind racing for when this had changed. When did his brother end up so tense? When did Atemu start being afraid of Aknamkanon? And most importantly of all WHY was Atemu afraid of Aknamkanon?

"I didn't lie to you." Atemu stated tensely. His posture rigid.

He's bracing himself. Yami observed.

"You told me that your brother was asleep when you left. I came upstairs to check on him and he was awake and according to Yami he woke up before you left. So, want to tell me why you lied to me?" Aknamkanon elaborated.

Atemu's eyes narrowed, "If you knew my brother was asleep you shouldn't have come up here in the first place." Atemu hissed. He looked like there was more on the tip of his tongue but that Atemu stopped himself from finishing his thought. He doesn't honestly think Aknamkanon is going to hit him, does he? Yami mused.

Aknamkanon stood up his eyes locked on Atemu. Atemu's gaze locked with Aknamkanon's but Yami's eyes noticed the slightest glint of fear in his brother's eyes as he stared their father down. And Yami couldn't take it.

"Atemu didn't lie to you." Yami blurted out.

Aknamkanon turned and gave Yami a questioning look, "But you said..."

Yami shook his head, "It was a misunderstanding. I woke up just as Atemu was heading out. I told him that I was going to just try and go back to sleep. So, as far as Atemu knew when he left I was asleep. He didn't lie to you. He couldn't have known that I would still be awake." Yami said.

Aknamkanon sighed before giving Atemu one more pointed look, "Fine. I apologize for accusing you of lying to me. Now, Atemu you need to start getting ready for school. Given what happened yesterday Yami can stay home if he chooses."

"I'll go with Atemu." Yami immediately replied before his brother could attempt to argue with Aknamkanon. But, more than anything Yami wanted to ask Atemu what the hell was going on.

Aknamkanon nodded giving Yami a tight smile. "Thank you Yami for being so mature." Aknamkanon said before he turned back to Atemu, "You know you really could learn a lot from your brother. Maybe then you wouldn't be so much trouble." Aknamkanon said before he turned and swept from the room.

Yami watched their father leave before turning his attention back onto his brother who had moodily headed to the closet. He had the door open but he was just standing there.

Yami walked up to him and lightly rested his hand on Atemu's shoulder, his eyes noting the flinch even though Atemu no doubt tried to suppress it. "What happened Atemu?" Yami whispered.

Atemu shrugged. "Nothing. Nothing happened Yami. Things are exactly as they are apparently meant to be." Atemu replied before he reached inside and tugged one of his school uniforms off the hanger. His voice, however was different. There was...what almost sounded like resigned defeat in Atemu's tone.

And that truly scared Yami. Atemu would never admit defeat.

He desperately needed to figure out what was going on with his brother before something awful happened. Atemu may have always seen it as his duty to protect him but now it was Yami's turn. And since Akunadin had been arrested and wasn't a threat right now Yami could truly focus on taking care of his brother.

He owed him that much after everything Atemu had done for him.

With Yugi

Yugi was happy to be back at school, something to be honest he never really thought he'd ever say. But the fact that the whole stress of dealing with the looming court date combined with the fact that he and Atemu did have an official date scheduled meant that things were finally looking up.

And being able to see all of his friends and to see Atemu as well meant that it was worth dealing with whatever evils his teachers decided to inflict upon him today.

Yugi sank down beneath what he fondly liked to think of as their tree. The tree he and his friends had claimed at the beginning of their freshman year and had clung to it ever since. It was the perfect meeting spot.

Yugi waved as he saw Honda making his way onto Domino grounds from the student parking lot, followed by Otogi. Both teens were fortunate enough to be able to drive themselves to school whereas Yugi etiher walked or took the bus depending on the weather.

Honda waved back as the pair began to make a beeline for Yugi. Honda plopped down on the ground beside Yugi while Otogi moodily stood with his hands still buried deeply in his pockets. To be honest in Yugi's opinon he didn't look like he'd slept the greatest.

"What happened?" Yugi asked Honda, his gaze briefly flicking in Otogi's direction.

Honda shrugged, "No clue other than the fact that Otogi apparently got dumped. And when I asked Anzu to find out why she decided to kick him in the balls. So, whatever Otogi did was pretty bad even though he hasn't told me how precisely he fucked things up with Mana." Honda said.

Otogi scowled, "Can we just drop the whole thing already?" Otogi muttered darkly.

Honda snorted although his face split into a wide grin before he got back to his feet waving at the newly arrived Kisara. "Hey, Kisara. Over here babe!" Honda called out.

Otogi rolled his eyes before he turned and started heading for the school, "I'd rather not watch the lovebirds." Otogi muttered as he walked away.

Kisara jogged over to the tree and Yugi glanced away with a slight blush as he watched Honda greet his girlfriend with a kiss.

I wonder if I'll ever be able to greet Atemu like that? Yugi wondered. It would be amazing. Him and Atemu sitting under this very tree next year. Yugi leaning against Atemu's shoulder as Atemu had his arm wrapped around Yugi's slender waist.

Yugi shook his head to keep the thought from lingering. He and Atemu had a LONG way to go before they were a happy couple. First they had to get to being a couple at all. But, as his grandfather once told him anything truly worth having was worth putting in the work to get. And Yugi promised that he would work for Atemu's heart.

Next to arrive were Joey and Anzu. The two walked onto the school grounds together hand in hand. Yugi grinned as he waved at the pair although the idea of those two being a couple was still quite new Yugi was determined to get used to it. Both Joey and Anzu had been Yugi's best friend at one point or another. And thinking back he could certainly see how those two had been getting closer over the last six or so months.

So, if they wanted to give dating a try who was Yugi to object?

Anzu and Joey finally reached the tree before sinking down to the ground beside the open space by Yugi that Honda had vacated in his rush to go and greet Kisara.

Joey turned to Yugi, lightly nudging him with his elbow, "So, how much ova task masta was gramps?" Joey asked.

Yugi chuckled, "It actually wasn't too terrible. The shop wasn't super busy. I spent the majority of my time stuck doing inventory. But, it needed to be done and to be honest I'd rather be the one climbing up and down ladders than having my grandfather do it. I'm worried one of these days I'm going to come home and find that my grandfather has fallen off a ladder in the stock room." Yugi said.

Joey snorted, "Don't let your gramps hear ya say dat Yug...otherwise you'll be doin da inventory every month." Joey said.

Yugi just shook his head, his eyes once more drifting to the front gate. Joey nudged Yugi once more before leaning over to whisper, "Lookin fer yer boyfriend?" Joey whispered.

Yugi blushed as he shook his head before he hissed back, "No, I don't think he'll be at school today. I may not know all the details about what was going on yesterday but I got enough of a gist to know that something major was. And I have a feeling that whatever it was neither of the Sennens are going to be at school today." Yugi said flatly.

He was disappointed but he recognized that that was more than likely the reality. Perhaps one day him and Atemu would get to a point in their relationship where he would be willing to share with him things that are going on in his life. But, as of right now the only person who had that honor was his brother.

Joey snorted, "Den why does it look like dats him gettin outta da fancy limo?" Joey said.

Yugi's head snapped over to the right and sure enough walking onto the school grounds, side by side were the Sennen brothers. Yugi quickly got to his feet before he started to sprint across the school grounds, the sound of Joey's laughter echoing in his ears.

Yugi skidded to a halt about a half dozen steps away from the Sennen brothers. He may not know either of them particularly well but even he could tell that something was seriously wrong. Yami was actually holding tightly onto Atemu's arm as they walked. His eyes darting left and right like a frightened animal expecting to be attacked at a moment's notice. Atemu's face was tense as was his posture. He also was looking around quite a bit in an almost paranoid sense. All in all it was quite disturbing to see.

"Hey Atemu. Yami." Yugi greeted with a small wave and a tight smile, he tried his best to curb his enthusiasm for seeing Atemu, given whatever it was that was going on. But, damn it all to hell he was happy to see him. Especially since he wasn't expecting to see him today at all.

Atemu grunted, nodding brisking in Yugi's direction as he continued to lead is brother into the school. Yugi nibbled on his lip for a second before he turned on his heel and followed Atemu and Yami into the building.

No matter what was going on he would be there for Atemu if he needed it.

With Kaiba

Kaiba climbed out of his own limo shortly after watching as the Sennen's had exited. And as much as he tried to swallow it a part of him was truly pained to see the way Yami was clinging to his brother. One of these days Yami was finally going to figure out that Atemu was JUST his brother, not his lover.

Kaiba's eyes also briefly rested on Yugi who it appeared had decided to follow the Sennen's into the building. That worked out perfectly for him. The shrimp could drag Atemu off and allow him and Yami a chance to talk.

Kaiba briskly walked after the pair, easily managing to catch up to them. He cleared his throat, "Yami." Kaiba greeted.

Both Sennens came to a stop. Yami briefly glanced over his shoulder to lock eyes with Kaiba. Kaiba frowned. Something was seriously not right with that look. Yami looked like he'd seen a freaking ghost or something. He certainly wasn't looking at Kaiba the way you look at your boyfriend.

What now? Kaiba mentally groaned. It seemed like for every minuscule step forward he and Yami managed to take they would then end up having a massive jump back. Why couldn't things ever be simple? Why couldn't Atemu learn to let go?

"Kaiba." Yami greeted, his tone like his posture was tense.

Kaiba however, forced himself to ignore it and press on. Hopefully whatever was eating at Yami would go away if Kaiba didn't do anything to draw attention to it. "I missed seeing you yesterday. Your brother said you were going to be here. I take it you changed your mind." Kaiba said lightly.

Yami's gaze drifted down to rest on the ground. Kaiba watched as Atemu squeezed Yami's arm, in what Kaiba guessed was some sort of comforting gesture.

"Its none of your damn business Kaiba." Atemu hissed.

Kaiba frowned, "You know Sennen I'm really beginning to get sick and tired of your attitude." Kaiba snapped back.

Yami it seemed curled in slightly more against his brother at the raised voices. And that motion combined with Atemu's attitude was almost like waving a red flag in front of a raging bull. Atemu had come in between his relationship with Yami for the last fucking time.

Kaiba took a step towards the Sennen brothers with every intention of shoving Atemu away from Yami. However, the shrimp decided to interfere at the worst possible second.

"Hey Kaiba, so glad I saw you. Any chance you manged to get the homework from math? Me, Atemu, Yami and Joey all missed it yesterday." Yugi piped up.

Kaiba shot a glare in Yugi's direction, "Can't you see we're having a private conversation here shrimp. Mind your own business. I'm sure one of your other loser friends copied down the homework for you." Kaiba hissed.

Yugi however was not for being deterred and actual came to stand directly between Kaiba and the Sennen's. "I'm sure Anzu might have copied it down but I didn't get a chance to ask her. I am asking you." Yugi said.

Kaiba almost felt like shouting in sheer frustration. That frustration mounted further by any chance of finishing his conversation with the Sennen's getting snatched away by the sound of the school bell ringing.

The Sennen's quickly took the opportunity to dart down the hallway away from Kaiba. Yugi watched them go for a moment before he turned to follow.

"I thought you needed the homework shrimp!" Kaiba called out.

Yugi paused briefly before shooting Kaiba a look that almost came across as a triumphant smirk, "Oh, I already had it. My grandfather made me get all my work before I missed yesterday so I wouldn't fall behind."

Kaiba had never felt more like cursing in his entire life.

Although one thought did drift rebelliously through his head. There was one sure fire way to get the Sennen brothers separated...